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Jaap Zwart grew up in a musical family and as such became involved with music at an early stage in his life. He received his basic musical training from his own father, Jaap Zwart senior, who directed him all the way to the Conservatory. At the Amsterdam Sweelinck Conservatory he took up studies with Jan Kruyt (main subject piano) and with Simon C. Jansen (main subject organ). In Amsterdam he equally attended classes in contemporary music with well-known Dutch composer Ton de Leeuw. At The Hague’s Royal Conservatory he completed his studies, graduating in Music Theory as his main subject with Jan van Dijk, Ruud Koumans, Diederik Haakma Wagenaar and Ineke Kien.

Jaap Zwart started his career as a professor at the Duch Carillon School in Amersfoort. Later he taught at the Utrecht Conservatory as a theory professor, a post which he held until 2010. At the moment Jaap Zwart is connected to the Amsterdam Conservatory, teaching the subjects Theory, Improvising and Analytical Studying. At the same time he is connected to the discipline for main subject Theory.

Apart from his activities as a professor, Jaap Zwart plays an active role both as a concert organist and a church organist. Year round he gives many concerts throughout Holland, during which he proves to be able to perform a wide scala of composition: ranging from old music to romantic repertoire. As a church organist Jaap Zwart is connected to the Grote or Andreaskerk in Hattem and to the Grote Kerk in Harderwijk.

Moreover, Jaap Zwart is a sought-after accompanist, now and then directing choirs and active as a pianist. Among other things, at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, he performed Beethoven’s choir fantasy on the piano.