An early education in music and piano matured into adolescent years shared between my two horses, my piano/composition teachers and the cheap thrills of live performances with their various backstage rituals.

I remember thinking that classical music proved to be much more exciting than a “nerdy discipline” - as most of the “cool guys” seemed to perceive it.

Despite sensing that the classical world’s conservative ways could lack flexibility, my destiny was (temporarily) decided and led to my admission for a master-degree in piano performance at the Brussels Royal Conservatory.

I was taught invaluable skills and knowledge, yet something fundamental remained missing: creativity and individual aesthetic were disregarded in favor of scholarly obedience.

For years to come, I would have to keep my creative voice on hold while touring the world as a pianist for the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Ballet, daunted by the same familiar feeling.

Fortunately, life after the Conservatory was about to take me for a dive in waters of all kinds.