About

Meet Damian de Muijnck, a dedicated Dutch jazz drummer whose musical journey began under the guidance of Friso van Wijck at the Zeeuwse Muziekschool before continuing his studies at the Utrecht Conservatory, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Active across a wide range of projects, Damian has become a familiar face in the Dutch jazz scene, performing with acclaimed musicians such as Zack Lober, Jasper Blom, Marios Charalampous, Gijs Idema, Kika Sprangers, Clemens van der Feen, and Bert van den Brink, among many other great musicians. In addition to these collaborations, he is also part of several long-standing ensembles, including the SeptNoir Trio, the Yannic Forster Trio, and the Bram van de Glind Quartet, among others. Besides his work within the Netherlands, Damian also collaborates with international artists including Seamus Blake, Toms Rudzinskis, and Karlis Vanags, further expanding his musical horizons and international profile.

Under the mentorship of esteemed drummers like Friso van Wijck, Joost Kesselaar, Andre Groen, Jamie Peet, and Haye Jellema, Damian has honed his craft and developed a distinctive musical voice. His dedication to learning from the best has led him to study with renowned drummers such as Mark Guiliana, Kenny Washington, and Dan Weiss, further enriching his musical palette.

In December 2025, Damian released his latest album Standards With Friends, featuring Bram van de Glind, Zack Lober, and Marios Charalampous. While Damian is primarily known for his work in modern jazz contexts, the album was conceived as a personal ode to his deep love for the jazz tradition. By revisiting classic repertoire, he deliberately sought to merge that tradition with his own contemporary musical language. The result is a record that balances respect for the past with a forward-looking sound. The album received strong critical acclaim; Jazzenzo (Cyriel Pluimakers) praised it as:

“‘Standards With Friends’ is one of the strongest Dutch jazz productions of 2025 and forms a musical statement that convincingly proves that the emperor does not always need to wear new clothes.”

In addition to his performances, Damian shares his passion for drumming by teaching at Kunstenhuis Idea, where he inspires and mentors aspiring musicians. He also hosts a monthly jam session at Café Tilt in Utrecht, creating a vibrant space for local talent to connect, collaborate, and grow within the city’s lively jazz community.

With his various projects, Damian has graced the stages of major music venues both in and outside the Netherlands, leaving a lasting impression with his dynamic performances and infectious energy.

As a proud Dutch musician, Damian remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his artistry, exploring new musical horizons, and sharing his love for jazz with audiences worldwide.