After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Kees undertook post-graduate studies at the Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam, and performed for two years with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam under conductors such as Haitink, Dorati, Harnoncourt, Chailly and Giulini. Returning to Australia, Kees performed as Principal Bass with the State Orchestra of Victoria and the Australian Chamber Orchestra before joining the Sydney Symphony. Kees tutors young musicians and lectures in Double Bass at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He has also performed as a soloist and guest Principal with ensembles which have included the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and guest performer with period ensembles such as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Pinchgut Opera.