In our latest blog interview, we sit down with Philipp Hasse, a German composer, pianist, and drummer.
In this interview, he reflects on his journey from classical piano lessons to drumming in rock bands, and eventually, to finding his voice in neoclassical composition. Philipp shares how his background in drums has shaped his piano playing (and vice versa), and why he believes it’s valuable for drummers to explore melody-based instruments. We also talk about his new EP ‘Circles’, out on May 30.
I grew up in a household where music was always present. My parents both played instruments and listened to music a lot, so I was surrounded by it from an early age. When I was twelve, I began taking classical piano lessons. That was my first formal step into music—learning to read sheet music, practicing different pieces, and diving into the basics of music theory.
During those first few years, I wasn’t creating my own music yet or have a specific taste for what I like. I mostly followed what my teacher showed me. But around the age of 16, I discovered a real passion for a particular style: rock music. I was fascinated by its energy—especially in live performances. There was something very powerful about seeing a rock band on stage.
The only challenge was that piano didn’t play a central role in the guitar-, bass-, and drum-driven music I was drawn to. That’s what inspired me to pick up the drums and that opened the door to working with others in bands and various musical projects. Eventually, that led me to the decision to study music and become a full-time musician afterwards.
Before I started taking lessons, I had already seen other people—especially kids at school—playing the piano, and I thought it would be really cool to be able to play like that myself. We had an upright piano at home, and I used to try playing simple melodies by ear on it. My parents noticed my interest and arranged a piano teacher for me.
In 2012, I came across a short TV segment about the pianist Chilly Gonzales. Out of curiosity, I looked up his music and discovered his neoclassical albums Solo Piano I and II. I had never heard anything quite like it before. The pieces were short and seemingly simple, yet they were full of emotion and musicality. I could clearly hear that the composer had a deep musical background, but he managed to express it with just a few carefully chosen notes.
Since then, I’ve listened to and loved the genre of neoclassical music, and its concept still inspires and fascinates me to this day. It taught me that it’s not so much what you play, it’s how you play it.
Piano and drums might seem very different in how they look and sound. But in the end, they’re both instruments—and you can approach them with the same musical mindset. Drums, like the piano, have higher and lower tones, and the physical movement involved feels surprisingly similar. The use of arms and wrists—what I’d describe as a kind of “hitting motion”—feels familiar between both instruments.
That said, I have to admit that in the beginning, I approached the drums very differently than the piano. My playing was quite mathematical and robotic, focused more on precision than expression. But during my music studies, one of my drum teachers told me something that changed my perspective: “Play the drums like you play the piano.” That simple sentence had a big impact.
I began to realize that drumming could also be expressive, full of dynamic contrast and musical phrasing. I discovered that each individual stroke can be part of a larger phrase—just like a melody on the piano.
Definitely. When I play the piano, I always feel an inner pulse or beat that keeps me grounded. It helps me stay steady throughout a piece and gives me a sense of stability. I also love working with rhythmic patterns, like in my song October
Sometimes, I even catch myself accenting certain notes in a way that reminds me of a snare drum backbeat in a drum groove. So overall, I’d say that playing drums gave me a strong rhythmic foundation, which now allows me to move more freely and confidently on the piano.
I’ve always spent a lot of time reflecting on myself and my surroundings, trying to find joy and meaning in everyday life. This helps me improve things, but I also tend to overthink and can become quite melancholic at times. All of that naturally flows into my compositions. Some pieces are shaped by specific emotions like sadness or happiness, while others are inspired by simple moments that bring me peace, like sitting on a bench in the park on a sunny day, just enjoying the moment and feeling calm.
It’s definitely worth learning a melody-based instrument like the piano alongside the drums. It gives you a deeper understanding of musical phrasing, dynamics, and structure—things you can adapt and apply directly to your drumming.
You might be surprised by how much you can transfer between the two instruments. For example, thinking melodically can influence how you shape drum fills or grooves, making your playing more expressive and musical.
I truly believe that learning an instrument like the piano helps you become a more well-rounded drummer. It gives you a broader perspective and allows you to approach rhythm with more sensitivity and creativity.
In the first place, I want people to enjoy listening to the songs of the EP. Of course, there are different stories, emotions, and thoughts I had while writing and playing them, but I still like that music is something subjective, and everyone can choose for themselves what they feel when listening to my songs. Nevertheless, the core idea of ‘Circles’ is the fact that not everything can always be good. Difficult moments are part of life—and perhaps even necessary—in order to experience brighter times again. In those low moments, I try to be patient, to accept them, and to trust that things will get better. If I can give strength to others through this message, that would be wonderful.
Listen to Philipp Hasse’s new EP, ‘Circles’
Philipp Hasse’s Andante Piano Session:
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At Andante Piano, we believe in the transformative power of piano music to offer comfort and a respite from the demands of modern life. Inspired by the rich traditions of our home city, Amsterdam, we collaborate with pianists from around the world to compose and release pieces that blend the timeless elegance of the piano with a modern twist. Wherever you are and whatever the time of day, our music aims to create a tranquil space for you to find inner peace.
