Walter Mertens (b. 1965) began his musical studies at the Academy for Music in Mol, Belgium. He won a First Prize Percussion at the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, where he studied with Mr. Louis Caubergs. He obtained the Higher Degree at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven with Mr. Leo Ouderits as his tutor and mentor. To complete his musical studies, Walter Mertens obtained a Master’s Degree at the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, also guided by Mr. Leo Ouderits.

Walter Mertens currently teaches percussion, percussion ensemble and instrumental ensemble. He is also coordinator at the Academy for Music in Schoten. Additionally, Walter regularly participates in workshops, offers artistic support, and is frequently asked as a jury member for solo and ensemble in Belgium and abroad, including Vlamo, Belfius Classics, Belgian Percussion Days 2011 and 2012, APC (Antwerp Prcussion Competition), Perculliria (Spain), Bumfest, Temsig Competition (Slovenia), and Waubonsie Valley High School (Chicago, IL).

Together with three other professional percussionists, Walter Mertens forms the group 4Pk.This renowned quartet arose from the former Mol Percussion Orchestra and plays its own creations at home and abroad. As a composer, Walter Mertens focuses on teaching methods as well as compositions for percussion solo, duo, ensemble, symphonic orchestra, musical theatre, wind instruments, jazz combo, piano, chamber music, and choir.

Several of his compositions have won prizes in different competitions or were required pieces in national and international contests, such as WVMC in Kerkrade (Nl), Temsig-Slovenian Music Competition for youth (SLO), EMJ Neerpelt (B), and Vlamo (B). The works of Walter Mertens are well-known far beyond the boundaries of Belgium and can be found worldwide.