Meiko is a graduated drummer/percussionist (AmsterdamConservatory, Hilversum Conservatory, UM/DM). Working as a freelance musician / workshop leader in education, business, the private market and music festivals. In addition, regularly working as a teacher with various samba groups in the Netherlands and Germany. Makes regular study trips to Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia (including in 2008/2009, 6 months, drummed and learned at GRES Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Rio Maracatu, Monobloco).

In 1987 Thomas saw the Escola de Samba Baden under the direction of Thomas Köhler and Adolf Pfau at the Jazzkeller in Bonn. It hit him like a bolt of lightning and he knew exactly what he wanted to do in his life. Thomas, Adolf and the whole Escola de Samba were his very first school and supported him very much. Many and long stays in Brazil and Cuba followed to study music, country and people. Then later 3 years of Latin percussion studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory. Until 2015 self-employed as performing musician (percussionist) in shows, bands, corporate events. Thomas is self-employed as a music educator in percussion for about 35 years. Workshops at institutions, schools and for companies.