Having been born into a family with musical traditions, it only seemed natural that Peter should follow in his father’s footsteps and so, started his musical career by joining the academy schools for music in Wervik and, later on, in Menen.
Under the tutorship of Willy Debaele in music theory, Filip Verhegge in concert flute, Jacques Lecluyze in music history and music harmony, and Yf Bourry in chamber music, Peter obtained the highest honours in all those categories.
Peter was then also an active member of two fine harmonies, "De Grote Harmonie" in Wervik, and "De Plicht" in Menen.
In 1987, after obtaining first place in the heats in Kortrijk, Peter went on to receive an honorary certificate for his second place in the national competition for young soloists in Waregem.
A year later Peter was also to receive the state medal for concert flute, and the city medal for chamber music.
After completing his academic lessons in the local schools, Peter studied for a year in the musical academy in Brussels.
It was after meeting Filip and Ivan from the band "The Swigshift" in 1989, that Peter discovered his roots lay in the Celtic music. He felt as if he was born to be Irish.
Peter feels at home on stage, and due to his ability in mastering instruments such as, tin whistle, flute, uilleann pipes and bodhràn, he has established himself as the corner stone in the bands “The Swigshift”.
Peter can also be heard with his folk friends at small events in duet or trio formations .
Thanks to his ability in reading and improvisation, Peter has frequently joined artists such as Stef Boss, Will Tura, Micha Marah,… for sessions. Sometimes Peter forms part of the Johan Verminnen band.
He has also been invited on several occasions as studio musician, and can be heard, not only on various Flemish and Dutch Cd’s, but also on the Cd’s built around the musicals "Kuifje" and "Robin Hood", and on the sound tracks of the successful
Belgium television series "Stille Waters".
Peter has also helped in projects such as "The peace concerts in Passendale", in theatre productions in Zwevegem, and on "Platform" in Wervik.
Peter has recently established his own home studio, where all artists are welcome to make recordings.
As a “trainee composer” in Sabam (protection of artists and writers), Peter can put music to texts and arrange melodies to anyone’s satisfaction. Please make your appointment by mail.
Last, but not least, Peter tutors any students interested in learning uilleann pipes, flute or whistle.
