About Muzketier

Since 2009, Benno Spieker, as Muzketier, has been inspiring people through a myriad of musical activities.

Initially, these activities focused on musical team-building (Strijdlied and Inspiratielied) and providing musical accompaniment to corporate events such as symposiums, conferences, and study days (TweetSerenades). During the latter, a song was spontaneously composed based on social media posts sent by participants at these events. The song or parts of it were performed at various points in the program, serving as a house band for the occasion.

Benno was a drummer in the Dutch band BUSTED, which won the audience prize at the national band competition De Grote Prijs van NL in 2002, performing at various venues and festivals in the Netherlands and abroad. He also composed original music for this band and initiated school concerts. Additionally, he played in other bands (such as KGB and SLY).

As Muzketier, Benno has composed, arranged, recorded, and produced music for clients in music education and beyond. Furthermore, he has collaborated extensively with amateur groups (choirs, bands, orchestras, and music theater), serving as a musical director and composer/arranger.

“In my work, I am a connector. Not only do I swiftly identify opportunities to bring people together, but I also enjoy creating cross-overs, as seen in the music I compose. I strive to bridge the gap between challenges in music education and the potential offered by digital, interactive technology.”

The focus has recently shifted towards activities and consultancy at the intersection of music, education, interactive technology, and innovation. Currently, Benno is conducting his doctoral research on the application of interactive technology in music education at the universities of Twente and Ghent.

One example of these activities includes professional development initiatives, training, and consultancy aimed at integrating technology into music education programs. Benno increasingly conducts workshops and lectures on technology-enriched music education.

An example of Muzketier’s consultancy work is supporting the Méér Muziek in de Klas foundation in striving towards structural music education for all primary school students, as well as promoting more arts and culture in schools and communities for students in primary and secondary education who may have limited exposure to them.