Jonas Grätzer – Biography

Jonas Grätzer (1994) is a jazz drummer based in Hamburg whose musical journey began at the age of six. He took his first steps at the Rheinische Musikschule in Cologne, where he laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to rhythm and sound.

 

His drumming is shaped by a broad spectrum of influences—from groove pioneers like Jeff Porcaro, Chad Smith, Simon Phillips, and Stewart Copeland to jazz legends such as Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Brian Blade, Jack DeJohnette, and Dave King. This wide-ranging inspiration continues to inform his experimental, genre-blending, and improvisation-driven approach to the drum set.

 

After graduating from high school, Jonas studied jazz drums at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen under the guidance of Thomas Alkier, Sperie Karas, and Bodek Janke. As part of the Erasmus+ program, he spent a year at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, where he studied with Ralph Salmins, Trevor Tomkins, and James Maddren. He is currently continuing his artistic development in the Dr. Langner Jazzmaster program at the Hamburg University of Music and Theatre (HfMT), where he also worked with Holger Nell and participated in masterclasses with Billy Hart.

 

Jonas’s musical work is fueled by a deep curiosity for sonic exploration, interaction, and freedom. With his current band project—featuring Will Pethick (trombone), Will Rees-Jones (saxophone), Julian Eingang (bass), Moritz Schöwing (piano), and guest guitarist Kalle Kalima—he explores modern European jazz infused with elements from rock, classical, and free improvisation. His compositions range from impressionistic textures to energetic, polyrhythmic structures, always placing communication, spontaneity, and intensity at the center of the music.

 

In addition to his own projects, Jonas has performed with artists and ensembles such as Ryan Carniaux, Hugo Read, Thomas Hufschmidt, the Blue Shroud Orchestra, the NDR Bigband, Fritz Hauser, and Mel Maroon. His performances—whether as a soloist or ensemble player—are marked by emotional depth, dynamic precision, and an openness to the unknown.

 

Beyond the stage, Jonas is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of teaching experience. His students appreciate his ability to make complex ideas clear and actionable, always with a focus on individual development, creativity, and musical expression. His teaching bridges technique and artistry, helping drummers of all levels to find their voice on the instrument.

 

Jonas Grätzer stands for an artistic practice that embraces intensity, transformation, and dialogue—between styles, people, and sound itself.