Nick Woud
Nick Woud began his percussion studies at the age of eight at the Zaandam Music School. Playing in local drum and wind bands, he was able to fulfil his dream of playing the timpani starting at the age of twelve. While still at school, he became a member of the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands and was quickly appointed timpanist.
After leaving school, he studied timpani and percussion at the Conservatorium of Amsterdam with Jan Labordus and – later – Jan Pustjens of the Concertgebouworkest. During that time, he subbed frequently as a percussionist with the Concertgebouworkest, the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra (as timpanist) and all other major Dutch orchestras. Obtaining his conservatory diploma in four years’ time (in 1977), he was appointed percussionist/timpanist with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and was named principal timpanist six years later.
In 2003, after being a member of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra for twenty-five years, Woud was appointed principal timpanist of the Concertgebouworkest.
Nick's Adams Gear
Nick Woud taught at the conservatories of Hilversum and Utrecht and has been affiliated since 1996 as head timpani teacher at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. He was head of studies with the National Youth Orchestra and has been a coach of the European Union Youth Orchestra for several years. Nick Woud is also a highly sought-after teacher for international percussion courses and symposia. He has given masterclasses at the Royal College of Music in London and at conservatories and universities in Boston, Washington, Lausanne, Tokyo, Seoul, Oslo, San Sebastian, Saragossa and Valencia.
Nick Woud has published three timpani methods, which are used worldwide.
Nick Woud is also a composer. He has written music for radio and television, chamber music works and, in recent years, works for symphonic ensemble.
