David Charrier is a French multi-instrumentalist driven by a lifelong passion for rhythm and melody. Self-taught, he first picked up the guitar before turning to percussion (djembe, udu, cajón…), quickly developing a style often described as “non-conventional.” In 2004, he discovered the Hang – the ancestor of the handpan – a percussive and melodic instrument invented in Bern in 2001. It was a revelation. From that moment on, David devoted himself to exploring its possibilities, guided by curiosity, creativity, and inspiring encounters.
His music soon led him to travel and perform worldwide, gaining international recognition within the handpan community. His videos now gather millions of views. Driven by the desire to share his passion and make the instrument accessible to all, he founded MasterTheHandpan in 2016 – an online school that today brings together more than 40,000 students around the world.
Today, he continues his journey through concerts, collaborations, and original compositions. Some listeners are captivated by his mastery of the instrument, while others are moved by the emotions his music evokes. One thing is certain: through his handpans, David invites audiences on a unique musical journey, blending rhythmic intensity with sonic poetry.
He has just released his new album SHEMA, a cinematic and enchanting blend of handpan, textures, pads, subtle rhythms, and evocative melodies.
