Jonathan Haessler was born on 6 June 1985 in Colmar (France). At the age of 5, he showed a marked interest in rhythm, and started to study with Benoît MOERLEN, (a respected percussionist who has worked with Mike Oldfield, Gong, and Gongzilla amongst others) and who subsequently introduced a group of young pupils to percussive music, which encouraged Jonathan to take up drumming. Jonathan has the opportunity to see of great drummers such as Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Robin DiMaggio, Billy Cobham and André Ceccarelli, and he considers a drum kit to be an independently-functioning pure musical instrument, which he makes ‘sing’ in its own fashion. Furthermore, Benoît Moerlen tailored his course of study to the needs of his pupil, which included encouraging him to improvise in order to enrich and further his studies.
At the age of 9, Jonathan joined his first practical musical group, which gave him the opportunity to come to the notice of his listeners and to put into practice the basic techniques he had already learned. At the age of 12, he became the drummer of the Kaméléon Big Band.
At the age of 13, Benoit Moerlen suggested that Jonathan should join the Colmar National Music School to give him more opportunities to extend his technique, and play other percussion instruments (cymbals, timpani,...) with a new teacher Norbert Jensen. After 3 years’ study, culminating in an examination, the teachers of the National Music Conservatory of Strasbourg invited him to take part in the entrance competition for further study at the NMSC, which would enable him to follow his desired career, that of a professional musician...
After passing his Baccalaureate examination, he devoted his time to practical instrumental study, following the courses offered by Denis RIEDINGER (Timpani), Emmanuel SEJOURNE (Keyboard), Stephan FOUGEROUX (Drums and multiple percussion instruments) and Thomas VANDEVENNE (Jazz), yet still remaining faithful to his first love – drumming.
Jonathan Haessler is a teacher of percussion in many regional Music Schools, and is available to advise and teach both individuals or ensembles who wish to get in touch with him.
"As regards group music-making, the term "group" has for far too long been considered as musicians plus a drummer. The percussion section of a group comprises marvellous instruments which add a rich dimension to the music being performed. If your instrument is not considered to be a melody instrument playing a "sing-able" line, then you are considered to be no more than a rhythm machine ! The drummer has to listen to and interpret the music being played by others in the group and to adapt his techniques to their requirements. The other members of the group must also listen to the percussion/drums. Thus they too discover that the percussion can also express itself to match all moods, from tenderness to violence, and from love to hatred. The drummer must work continually on his technique with the goal of leaving the purely physical techniques behind him and concentrating solely on using them instinctively to interpret the mood of the music to its fullest extent." Jonathan Haessler
