Through my tenacity and desire for what I wanted to achieve in music, I mastered the instrument. I reached the world’s top: soloist trumpeter of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (known for special concerts in the world’s most beautiful concert halls) and member of the Netherlands Wind Ensemble (with several state visits by the Royal Family). I still regularly give masterclasses and I am a guest teacher at the Rotterdam Conservatory Codarts.
My life story is special. It’s the reason I have been asked regularly to tell it as a keynote speaker, both nationally and internationally. For several years now, at summits and corporate events I share my story, accompanied by my trumpet. Demonstrating vulnerability and enthusiasm, in combination with my powerful music, audiences are repeatedly challenged to stand on their own podium.
A few years ago, when I began to notice a pattern in my work, I realized that my role went beyond simply playing the right notes on the trumpet. I started to develop as a tone master. I discovered that by combining pauses and silence with the right tone, vulnerability becomes visible, and intrinsic motivation emerges to make a meaningful impact. This applies to everyone, regardless of the stage or playing field they operate on daily.
Today, I bring these insights not only to music but also to my work as owner of &HEUVELMAN Executive Search (andheuvelman.com), where we work with scale-ups, mid-sized companies, and private equity firms seeking leaders with character, direction, and long-term impact. My role as a tone master is to help people break free from their fixed frameworks, encourage them to take a clear stance, and choose a new direction. I help them discern more clearly what truly matters and what doesn’t. By discovering their authentic tone, they can create meaningful impact—in their leadership and in the world around them.
‘I really learned something from your keynote for PWC on Vlieland. Namely that you don’t have to fill 100% of the space because there has to be room for the other person as well. I found that beautiful. And very apt. I’m sure we’ll be in touch in the years to come, I liked your performance then.’
‘With great commitment, dedication and creativity André creates beautiful events and performances. André will stay in your head and heart long after the event is over!’
‘I look back at the management summit with a very good feeling and have received many positive reactions to your performance. This has touched people and made them think.’
‘André contributes to an important essence in life. By finding stillness and the balance of being. He inspires, just as in his music, he touches you. An open invitation to look at matters in a different way, with music and reflection. An important essence, in the ever changing world we live in as human beings.’
‘In the silence between the tones, self-awareness, connection and inner strength emerge, creating space for growth. In addition to being a master of tone and language, André is above all a beautiful and creative human being and of inestimable value in the leadership programs that we design and guide together.’
‘André is an inspiring artist. Someone who conveys his passion, heart and soul, with verve to his audience.
We have had André on stage as a guest speaker at various Blauwhoed events. The musical sounds from his trumpet support his (life) story.
André inspires, connects and touches you. He knows how to add a personal touch (literally and figuratively) to your meeting or event.’
‘The enormous impact Andre has with his music is hard to describe. Neither is his boundless energy, humor and creativity: play on my friend!’
‘André is what touching souls in organizations is for. Creating movement. Of the people whose world he temporarily enters. To feel the heart under the ratio that we use so generously. To be allowed to fall silent in it afterwards. And to feel the core of what exactly is needed there. That is why I love working with André, The Soul-toucher.’
