Jan Koetsier was born in Amsterdam in 1911 and did his musical studies in Berlin. After having learned his profession in several positions, he was engaged as head conductor of the Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. In 1950 he assumed the same position with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra in Munich.
In 1966 he was named tenured professor at the Staatliche Musikhochschule in Munich. Since his retirement he devoted himself exclusively to the composition. His many works for brass have enjoyed great success throughout the world.
Jan Koetsier died in April 2006 in Munich.