Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on May 8, 2026
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Have you heard one of the songs by handpan artist Gabriele Pollina? Want to learn more about this globally recognized musician? How did he come to specialize in the hang drum? What are his albums and projects built around this percussion instrument?
I discovered Gabriele Pollina fairly recently, when he released âNowhere I Belongâ in 2023. I really loved the album, so I naturally wanted to learn more about him. I also started following him on social media to keep up with his regular musical activity. Thatâs why Iâm now able to share a detailed look at Gabriele Pollinaâs career.
By reading this article, you will learn:
- How this artist became passionate about the hang drum
- His journey in the music world
- His discography
Youâll come away with a much clearer picture of Gabriele Pollina, and youâll inevitably feel closer to this talented percussionist.
Now, letâs dive into Gabriele Pollinaâs career.
How did Gabriele Pollina discover the handpan?
Born in Parma, Italy, into a family of musicians, Gabriele Pollina was immersed in music from an early age. At the age of six, he received his first drum kit to help channel his budding musical energy. This early introduction to percussion allowed him to develop a strong sense of rhythm: by age 11, he formed his first band and was already performing on stage. Throughout his teenage years, he built experience in the music world by playing in several bands and groups, always as a drummer. That path sharpened his skills, but it also sparked a desire to explore beyond the classic drum kit. That artistic curiosity led him to a major discovery in his life as a musician: the handpan.
In 2013, Gabriele Pollina discovered the handpan, a percussion instrument invented in the early 2000s and still relatively uncommon at the time. He was immediately captivated by its fresh sound, so different from the drums he had been playing for years. From then on, he quickly made the instrument his own, drawing on everything heâd learned as a drummer. The style he developed was precise, fast, and deeply percussive. His progress was meteoric: still in 2013, just six months after starting handpan, he won first prize in a handpan competition in Milan. That unexpected success, in front of a gathering of handpan players, became a real springboard. Buoyed by that win, Gabriele Pollina fully committed to a career dedicated to this still little-known instrument, with the ambition of introducing it to as many people as possible. In 2013, he created his YouTube channel, where he posted compositions such as this one from 2014:
Bolstered by his breakthrough in Milan, Gabriele Pollina embarked on an extensive musical journey to refine his art. In 2015, he traveled through Australia, Asia, and then Europe, exploring new cultures and forging countless musical connections. Along the way, he expanded his sonic palette through contact with traditional and contemporary musicians from a wide range of backgrounds. Playing alongside artists from different cultures allowed him to weave in influences from world music, ambient textures, and even meditative touches, all while staying grounded in his innate sense of rhythm. A demanding instrument, the handpan requires a combination of delicate touch and rhythmic precisionâqualities he continues to sharpen day after day through outdoor improvisations and jam sessions around the world.
What was the next step in this handpan player's career?
After his travels, Gabriele Pollina chose to settle in London, a cosmopolitan metropolis with a thriving music scene. He spent five formative years there, performing regularly as a busker, like Daniel Waples and Sam Maher, in the streets and parks of the British capital. These outdoor performances, in front of passers-by, shaped his stage presence and his ability to captivate listeners through the sheer magic of his music. He has also pointed out that busking taught him how to stay independent in any musical setting, while strengthening both his technique and his creativity.
His live performances quickly attracted attention, and he was invited to play at prestigious events and venues across the city. Highlights include:
- Sofar Sounds: intimate concerts organized in London and around the world, where he charms audiences with his soaring tunes
- TEDxLambeth: a TEDx conference where his musical performance showcases new ways of blending rhythm and melody for an attentive audience
- Natural History Museum, London: where his handpan tones resonated in a spectacular setting
- Shakespeare's Globe Theatre: the famous Elizabethan theater, where he brought a touch of modern musical expression into a historic venue
These appearances helped establish his reputation in the handpan world and beyond. During his stay in London, he also took part in various music festivals and international events. One distinctive feature of his playing is what he does with his feet. Gabriele Pollina often places pedals under his right and left feet, triggering them as he plays to add a unique edge to his compositions. In other words, he can perform as a âone-man bandâ: while his hands play melodic patterns and chords on the handpan, his feet lay down an accompanying groove via electronic pads or a digital cajĂłn. A great example of this skill can be found in his song âOumuamua,â performed live in the video below (youâll notice the two pedals under his feet right at the beginning):
Gabriele Pollina is also committed to sharing his knowledge. He offers masterclasses and workshops, both in person (at festivals or specialized intensives) and online. For example, he has designed a masterclass entitled âRhythms & Stylesâ where he teaches his playing techniques. Very active on social media, he regularly posts excerpts from festival performances, street sessions, and unreleased compositions. His Instagram account has over 33,000 followers, a community of fans from around the world who follow his musical adventures on a daily basis.
What albums and tracks has this percussionist produced?
In 2015, Gabriele Pollina released his first album, entitled âHandpan Improvisation.â It features melodies entirely improvised on the handpan, with âHeartbeatâ as one of the standout pieces. Eight years later, in 2023, the artist released a new album called âNowhere I Belong.â It consists of 12 original tracks and brings together every facet of his musical style. Gabriele Pollina himself has emphasized that itâs his first truly complete solo album, shaped by years of experience. Alongside his original work, he also enjoys covering well-known songs like âBella Ciaoâ and Radioheadâs âCreep.â These videos, posted on his YouTube channel, have built real momentum, with the most popular reaching tens of thousands of views.
Compose thousands of melodies with a handpan, just like Gabriele Pollina
Gabriele Pollinaâs career illustrates the rise of the handpan on the global music scene. In just a few years, this enthusiast, who started out playing drums as a child, has become one of the ambassadors of this mysterious instrument. After reading this article, you now know a lot more about Gabriele Pollinaâs musical career.
Of course, this percussionist is able to express himself so powerfully thanks in part to the high-quality handpans heâs played over the years. If youâd like to start your own handpan journey and work toward performances like his, I recommend choosing a model from Instruments du Monde. Youâll have access to dozens of outstanding instruments with rich acoustics and beautiful resonance, like this classic, timeless, and incredibly effective model.
Treat yourself to this wonderful handpan by clicking on the image below:
Staying in Italy, set off on a new sonic journey with Valerio Menon, a former handpan player now based in Switzerland who became a luthier of this percussion instrument, so he could keep living through his passion for music.
