Who are we?
Handpan Academy Bristol is a place for handpan players and enthusiasts of all levels and experiences to share the joy of music and sound exploration together.
We opened our doors in 2020 and since then we have offered a range of courses and lessons for those who want to learn and advance their handpan playing skills and explore this beautiful instrument in the very place where it is made. Our studio is nestled in the Meridian Handpans HQ and we are proud and grateful to be using their beautiful instruments during our lessons and courses.
What to expect?
Our aim is to help people (re)connect to music and explore the handpan with joy and ease in an intuitive, yet structured way. We create a relaxed and nourishing environment for learning and keep our groups small (up to 8 people) to ensure everyone receives the guidance they need.
All handpans are provided by us and everyone in a group session uses the same scale which means we can easily create music and jam together in harmony! During our courses, we also allow time to explore different scales and sizes of handpans, which is a great way to find the one that is right for you. We also offer the opportunity to have a sneak peek into the making process of the handpan when Duncan, the maker of Meridian Handpans gives a tour around the workshop to all of our beginner students.
Last, but not least, all of our teachers are world renowned performing musicians with lots of recorded music available on all streaming platforms to inspire you!
Our Teachers
Learn from experienced handpan musicians and performers who find their passion in sharing their talents and music with others. We are so proud to have a fantastic team of teachers who are an essential part of the international handpan community. You can listen to their music on all streaming platforms.
Marketa
Founder & Handpan teacher
After years as a classically trained pianist, Marketa began her journey with the handpan in 2016, finding a new approach to music with this instrument. She began teaching hardpan workshops and lessons in 2018, before starting up The Handpan Academy Bristol in 2020. Marketa performs both solo and as part of the handpan duo MEA. Her love for the handpan comes from the freedom to create your own melodies and rhythms and her classes guide students to express themselves through this unique instrument, connecting to music in a different way.
Amy Naylor
Handpan teacher
Amy began playing handpan in 2014 and was first recognised by her unique style and use of loops to reimagine popular songs. Since then she has grown and developed a strong voice in the handpan community, singing modern mantras and songs of her own weaving. Her playing is a subtle blend of intricate patterns and simple, soothing sounds that weave and flow with her voice and lyrics. In her teaching, Amy explores a holistic approach to music making with the handpan at its core.
Rosie Bergonzi
Handpan teacher
Rosie is a classically trained percussionist, graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2016 as a Master of Music. She is a performer, musician, educator and workshop leader. She met the handpan in 2014, which turned out to be an instant love affair, as Rosie combined the techniques learned in various forms of hand percussion into something unique for the handpan.
Get In Touch
handpanacademybristol@gmail.com
Unit A Meridian Studios, Queen Victoria Street, BS50JU Bristol
07796834067
