Five new faculty members join Codarts Classical Music

09/10/2025

In the 2025/2026 academic year, Codarts Classical Music welcomes five new teachers. With their broad experience and expertise, they enrich the programme and inspire the next generation of musicians.

Five new faculty members join Codarts Classical Music

This year, five new faculty members join Codarts Classical Music. Each brings a unique background and specialization – from music history to organ improvisation, and from tuba to bass trombone.

Aaron Ormaza Vera | Vocal accompanist

Ecuadorian pianist Aaron Ormaza Vera is active as a soloist, accompanist and prize-winner at international competitions. He studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and performed in venues such as the Concertgebouw, TivoliVredenburg and Muziekgebouw Amsterdam. With his versatile experience as a collaborative pianist, he will guide vocal students at Codarts in their artistic development.

Geerten Liefting | Teacher Organ Improvisation

Organist, composer and conductor Geerten Liefting is internationally recognized for his improvisational skills. He won the prestigious international organ improvisation competition in Haarlem and has been organist-conductor of the Bonaventurakerk in Woerden since 2007. His broad expertise makes him an inspiring addition to Codarts.

Harm Langenkamp | Teacher Music History

Musicologist and cultural historian dr. Harm Langenkamp researches how music shapes meaning in society and culture. He has previously taught at Utrecht University, Radboud University and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. At Codarts, he will introduce students to the rich connections between music and history.

Martijn van Rijswijk | Teacher Tuba

Young tubist Martijn van Rijswijk has been a member of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra since 2025, and has also performed with the Belgian National Orchestra. As a soloist, he appears with orchestras and ensembles and combines brass band traditions with orchestral practice. At Codarts, he will inspire a new generation of tuba players.

Steven Verhelst | Teacher Bass Trombone

Belgian bass trombonist and composer Steven Verhelst studied in Rotterdam and has built an international reputation as both performer and composer. His works, including World concerto and Devil’s waltz, are performed worldwide. With his dual expertise as performer and composer, he enriches the brass education at Codarts.

With these five new teachers, Codarts classical music brings in a wealth of talent and experience, offering students an even richer learning environment to grow into versatile and inspiring musicians.

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