Rens van der Zalm is a musician of multiple talents: he is not only a skilled guitarist, but is equally accomplished on the fiddle, mandolin, accordion and whistle. Rens' instrumental skills are combined with an ability to apply to a wide variety of musical styles. Born in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Rens was classically trained in violin and piano from an early age and later studied guitar at the Rotterdam Conservatory of Music. His professional career  was forged in the folk clubs of the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. As a member of the acclaimed Dutch folk bands Fungus and Wolverlei, Rens toured throughout Europe.

With his versatility of musicianship, Rens has played as a guest artist with many bands, covering  a wide range of repertoire from folk, to Jazz to rock. In 2002 Andy Irvine drafted Rens as one among his favourite musicians, to join him in his "dream band" MOZAIK, together with Donal Lunny, Nikola Parov and Bruce Molsky. With Mozaik Rens toured in Australia (twice), the USA, Japan, Ireland, England and Italy. Also Rens has toured all over the world with Andy Irvine for the last 15 years. In the meantime in the Netherlands, Rens has toured the theatres with various Dutch artists such as Youp van 't Hek and Frank Boeijen.