Handpan Voices

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Alexander Mercks — handpan player, musician, teacher and creator of Handpan Pal. Our conversation centres around Alex’s new album, The Ordinary Epic, a deeply personal and cinematic project shaped with handpan, piano, strings, voice, electronics and percussion. Alex talks openly about the process of creating the album, how it differs from his earlie...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Peter Wallace, also known as The Simple Scotsman, for a wide-ranging conversation about handpan, sound healing, community, creativity, and stepping into the light as a musician. Peter shares his journey from piano, bass, guitar, didgeridoo and percussion into the world of handpan, including the moment he first discovered the instrument through Danie...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Lyndon Forster for a thoughtful conversation about music, care, creativity, and the deeper role the handpan can play in people’s lives. Lyndon shares his journey from growing up surrounded by rhythm in Africa, to discovering djembe, finding the handpan, and eventually using music in schools, hospices, retreats, and mental health settings. We talk ab...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Ricky Hillson for a wide-ranging conversation about teaching, songwriting, RAV instruments, and the changing future of the handpan community. Ricky shares his journey from high school English teacher to full-time music teacher and performer, and reflects on how his background in guitar and songwriting shaped the way he approaches both the handpan an...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, Phil speaks with Dan Mulqueen, one of the most respected players, teachers, and performers in the handpan world. Dan talks about his upcoming double album, his creative recording process, the challenges of mixing and mastering everything himself, and how he keeps his sound evolving. He also reflects on memorable festival moments across the world, including Greece...

In this short bonus clip from the next episode of Handpan Voices , world-renowned player and teacher Dan Mulqueen shares one of the most overlooked lessons for beginners: body position . Dan explains why your elbows, shoulders, and posture play such an important role in comfort, control, and sound — and how small adjustments can make a big difference in your playing. If you’re learning handpan, th...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, we meet Sarah Paz Hyde, a handpan player, singer, and community-builder from the U.S., whose story is rooted in ancestry, healing, and a profound connection to sound. Sarah shares how a 2016 super bloom in Death Valley became the moment she first discovered the handpan—an experience that later inspired the name of her women’s gathering, Super Bloom. From her Fili...

In this heartfelt Village episode of Handpan Voices, Phil chats with rising player  @louis_handpan  Louis Awode about his inspiring musical journey — from buying his first handpan on Amazon to collaborating with Sound-Sculpture and earning praise from seasoned pros. 🎶 Topics covered: • How a random Instagram scroll reignited Louis’s love for music • The role of Master the Handpan in his developme...

In this episode of Handpan Voices , Werner Kriebaum shares how one unforgettable concert in Vienna sparked a quiet obsession with the handpan — long before he even knew its name. From discovering the hung in the early 2000s to reconnecting with the instrument during the pandemic, Werner’s journey spans decades, detours, and deep personal growth. He talks about starting with a Rav Vast, learning th...

In this inspiring episode of Handpan Voices, Phil speaks with James Hunter Crossley — known to many as “Hunter” from the hit 90s TV show Gladiators. From bodybuilding at 12 to becoming a world record–holding strongman, James shares the powerful turning points that led him to the world of sound healing, gong baths, and handpans. We explore: • How a wrist injury ended his strength career but opened...

In this deeply heartfelt episode of Handpan Voices, I sit down with Nancy — a vibrant member of the Master the Handpan community — to explore her musical journey from Native American flutes to falling in love with handpans. Nancy shares how discovering the handpan in 2021 through Amy Naylor’s course completely transformed her musical path. What started as a background instrument for flute improvis...

In this heartwarming episode of Handpan Voices, I connect with the incredibly expressive Mar Loi — a handpan artist known for playing with deep emotion, passion, and joy. 🌊✨We explore her journey from the Canary Islands to Barcelona, from busking on the streets to performing on international stages. Mar opens up about the emotional connection she feels when she plays, how vulnerability became a...

🎤 In this special episode of Handpan Voices, Lyndon shares the heartfelt journey of his C# Ysha Savita handpan, a deeply personal instrument crafted with love and generosity. His story takes us back to 2018, when a chance opportunity to work with Daryl of PanAmor Handpans in Devon led to the creation of this meaningful instrument. 🛠️🥁🎶 But this is more than just a handpan story—it’s a story of...

When Carina Trott first heard the handpan in Erfurt, she had no idea what it was—but she knew she had to find out.! After years of searching, she finally discovered the instrument and has since immersed herself in learning, performing, and connecting with the global handpan community. A huge part of her journey has been shaped by Master the Handpan, where monthly challenges have pushed her creativ...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, I sit down with Jim Lo Presti, a musician whose journey started with the accordion and led him to the world of handpans and sound baths. Jim shares his musical roots growing up in an Italian-American community, his transition from drums to handpans, and how discovering tongue drums led him to his first handpan. We also discuss: 🎵 His first encounter with the han...

In this special episode of Handpan Voices, Amy Naylor shares the remarkable story behind her Desert Rose handpan, crafted by Elaia Handpans. Amy takes us on a journey from the moment she first encountered the instrument during her travels in Italy to the years of evolution that led to her receiving a custom-built version. Along the way, she recounts chance encounters, deep friendships within the h...

✨ In this episode of Handpan Voices, I chat with Lawanda Hardy, a beginner handpan player whose journey to discovering this unique instrument is heartfelt and inspiring. 🎥 Lawanda shares how a video of Malte Marten playing on the beach introduced her to the handpan and sparked her interest. A key moment in her story came after being rear-ended on the freeway—a life event that shifted her mindset...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, we delve into the inspiring journey of Lennert De Schrijver, who transitioned from an 80-hour-a-week career as a doctor to embracing a simpler, more fulfilling life as a yoga teacher, organic gardener, and handpan enthusiast. Join us as Lennert discusses: 🎸 Teaching himself electric guitar in high school. 🩺 Balancing the demands of a medical career with persona...

In this episode of Handpan Voices, we sit down with Anne Marie to explore her inspiring journey through music, from her early days playing flute and piano to her passion for percussion and DJing. Anne Marie shares her challenges with MS, her rediscovery of music through the handpan, and how she’s reconnecting with her creative roots by combining handpan playing with electronic music production. Hi...

In this episode, I connect with Julia, better known as changeofcolours, to explore her unique approach to the handpan. Julia shares the story behind her name, how nature inspires her music, and what it feels like to play from the soul. From her experience collaborating with Kabecao to her recommendations for handpan artists like Konstantin Rossler, this interview is filled with insight and inspira...

In this captivating conversation, I sit down with Marc Pfäffli, a passionate handpan player and long-time member of the handpan community. Marc shares his journey with the handpan, from his first encounter with the Hang in Paris over two decades ago to how it has become an integral part of his daily life today. 🎶 Topics We Cover: • Marc’s first impressions of the handpan and how it resonated deep...

Discover the inspiring story of  @AmyNaylorMusic  a globally respected handpan teacher, artist, and creator of modern mantras. In this exclusive interview, Amy opens up about her unique musical journey, creative philosophy, and the experiences that have shaped her as both a performer and educator. We discuss: • Her passion for free education and empowering others through her YouTube channel. • The...

In this episode of handpan voices , I have the privilege of interviewing the incredibly talented percussionist and handpan teacher, Rosie Bergonzi! Rosie recently made history as the world’s first handpan soloist to perform in front of a full orchestra for a concerto written specifically for the handpan. We dive into the story behind this groundbreaking performance, the challenges of preparing for...

Welcome to the first episode of Handpan Voices! Join Phil Begnett, a passionate beginner handpan player from the UK, as he embarks on a journey to share inspiring stories from the handpan community. In this introductory episode, discover the goals of Handpan Voices, the types of episodes to expect, and the unique blend of interviews with well-known players, makers, and community members. Explore t...