Who I am
Werner is a seasoned guitarist and dedicated guitar teacher with over 30 years of experience. Since picking up the guitar in 1992, he has become a versatile musician, mastering all genres of music and performing on stages across South Africa, England, and the Netherlands. As a session musician since 2005, he has contributed to numerous projects, lending his expertise to a variety of artists. His work has been featured on platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, as well as on physical records.
A graduate of the prestigious Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, England, Werner has honed his skills and understanding of music at one of the leading institutions for contemporary musicians. Additionally, he holds a Level 6 Teaching Diploma from RSL Awards, further solidifying his professional standing in music education.
Since 2005, he has been teaching guitar formally, guiding students of all levels—from beginners to advanced players. He has taught at three schools in South Africa, where he worked as a formal music teacher and curriculum advisor, imparting his knowledge to young, aspiring musicians. In addition, he has taught music therapists, composers, professional guitarists, and visually impaired students, showcasing his ability to adapt his teaching to meet the diverse needs and goals of each individual.
As a pioneer of graded guitar exams in the Netherlands, he played a key role in formalizing guitar education in the country, setting high standards for aspiring guitarists and introducing a structured approach to guitar learning. This contribution has had a lasting impact on the local music community, ensuring that students can pursue their musical education with recognized qualifications.
Werner’s compositions have also been featured in television advertisements, further showcasing his musical versatility and the recognition of his work in the commercial sector.
As the founder and leader of the Haarlem Guitar Club, he fosters a supportive community of guitar enthusiasts, providing a platform for players of all levels to connect, collaborate, and grow musically. This initiative reflects his commitment to building a deeper, more meaningful musical culture beyond the superficial trends often seen in the entertainment industry.
A core philosophy of his teaching is to help students develop a true appreciation and understanding of music—not just the shortcuts and “quick fixes” often promoted by social media. He believes in cultivating a deep, authentic connection to music, encouraging students to engage with their craft thoughtfully, rather than falling for the superficialities that dominate the online space.
His holistic teaching philosophy exposes students to all aspects of the guitar, from technical proficiency to understanding theory, rhythm, and improvisation along with building repertoire. By covering a wide range of genres and techniques, he ensures that each student receives a well-rounded and comprehensive musical education.
Werner’s dedication to fostering musical growth has helped many students achieve their goals, whether they are pursuing music professionally or simply developing their skills for personal enjoyment. With a rich background as both a performer and educator, he continues to inspire and develop the next generation of guitarists.