Discover The Hanpan - Beginners Handpan Workshop | Cambridge
About this Event
Discover the Handpan - Cambridge’s First Handpan Workshop
Introduction to the Handpan for Beginners • No Experience Needed
Join the first handpan workshop of its kind in Cambridge and experience one of the world’s most unique and captivating instruments in a beautiful riverside setting at Café Foy.
Set beside the River Cam and overlooking one of Cambridge’s most iconic locations, this special 2-hour beginner workshop is designed to introduce you to the handpan in a relaxed, welcoming and inspiring environment.
No musical experience is needed - just curiosity.
What to Expect
During this immersive introduction, you’ll discover the foundations of handpan playing through the three core pillars of music:
• Rhythm - finding flow, groove and pulse
• Melody - creating beautiful musical phrases intuitively
• Harmony - understanding how notes interact and create emotion
You’ll also:
✓ Learn the story and origins of the handpan
✓ Explore intuitive ways of playing without needing traditional music training
✓ Discover how the handpan is used today in music, wellbeing, yoga, meditation and modern performance spaces
✓ Experience simple exercises designed to help you connect with the instrument naturally
✓ Learn techniques that allow you to continue progressing after the workshop
This is not a formal music lesson — it’s an invitation into a new musical experience.
Who Is This For?
This workshop is perfect if:
• You’ve always wanted to try a handpan
• You’re curious about music but don’t play an instrument
• You already play music and want a new creative outlet
• You enjoy mindfulness, yoga, wellbeing or meditation
• You simply want to spend an inspiring evening by the river
About Your Workshop Leader
The workshop is led by Seraphim Zlatev, handpan performer, composer and educator.
Originally from Sofia and now based in Cambridge, Seraphim has spent the last several years performing and teaching across the UK.
For the past two years he has been helping lead workshops in London through the London Handpan Academy, working alongside James Crossley and developing accessible methods of teaching that make the instrument approachable for complete beginners.
Alongside education, Seraphim performs professionally across festivals, private events, weddings and wellbeing spaces, combining live performance with a strong focus on musical expression and connection.
This Cambridge event brings that experience into a more intimate local setting for the very first time.
Continue Your Journey
After the workshop, participants who wish to continue will have the opportunity to:
• Book one-to-one lessons
• Explore handpan rental options before committing to buying
• Receive guidance on choosing an instrument
• Access future workshops and community events
Handpans will also be available to try and discuss for those interested in owning one in the future.
Event Details
📍 Café Foy - 2 Quayside, Cambridge, CB5 8AB
📅 Wednesday 24th June
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
👥 Limited to 5 participants
Cancellation Policy
Tickets may be cancelled for a full refund up to 7 days before the event.
Cancellations made within 7 days of the workshop are non-refundable, as places are limited and preparation is done in advance.
If you can no longer attend, please contact us - where possible, we will try to:
- transfer your ticket to a future workshop, or
- help you transfer your place to another person.
If the event is cancelled or rescheduled by the organiser, attendees will be offered either:
- a full refund, or
- a transfer to a future date.
Please arrive on time. Late arrivals may miss part of the introduction and timing cannot be extended.
All instruments are provided during the workshop and should be treated respectfully.
Workshop Journey
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:10 PM
Welcome & Introduction (10 min)
Info: Meet the group, settle into the space at Café Foy and discover the story and origins of the handpan.
🕑: 06:10 PM - 06:30 PM
First Contact with the Instrument (20 min)
Info: Learn how to approach the handpan and begin making sound naturally - no experience required.
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Rhythm: The Foundation of the Handpan (30 min)
Info: Discover pulse, groove and timing through simple guided exercises and begin creating music together.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:05 PM
Short Break (5 min)
Info: Time to stretch, use the facilities, chat and reset before the second half of the workshop.
🕑: 07:05 PM - 07:30 PM
Melody: Finding Your Voice (25 min)
Info: Explore how melodies are created on the handpan and learn intuitive ways to express emotion through sound.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 07:50 PM
Harmony: Creating Flow & Musical Connection (20 min)
Info: Learn how notes interact, discover the calming quality of harmony and experience how the handpan is used in music, wellbeing and meditation.
🕑: 07:50 PM
Questions, Next Steps & Instrument Exploration (10 min)
Info: Ask questions, learn about one-to-one lessons, handpan rental and instrument options for continuing your journey.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 59.00
