Since the 1970's Bart has worked with various jazz ensembles and big bands, including the Mel Lewis - Joe Haider Big Band, The Slide Hampton Trombone Quartet and Peter Herbolzheimer's Big Band. Bart has been a member of the Skymasters since 1975, he also performs as first trombone player and solist with the Metropole Orchestra.

Together with his brother, Erik van Lier, he has participated in "International Trombone Association" workshops in the U.S.A. (Nashville 1987) and England (Eton 1989). In 1997 Bart was soloist at the North Sea Jazz Festival with the Highlight Jazz Orchestra and one year later he was together with saxophonist Leo Janssen guest soloist for a LIVE TROS radio program, also backed by the Highlight Jazz Orchestra.