Handpan Retreat - the Magic of the Handpan 🎶

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Exploring the Magic of the Handpan — Retreat Edition 🎶
October 13 – 15, 2026 · De Tinusboom, Almkerk
In collaboration with the Handpan School

𓎟 A midweek full of sound, peace, and connection
Almost three days immersed in the magic of the handpan, at an atmospheric, rural location in Almkerk: De Tinusboom. Playing together, eating together, being silent together. A place where you can land for a moment, beyond your head and into your feelings.
We are deliberately holding this retreat during the week — a quieter time to dive into this instrument with focus, without the hustle and bustle of the weekend.

I am organizing this retreat as part of the Handpan School, the school I am affiliated with as a teacher. During the retreat, I will be your guide — the collaboration with the Handpan School lies in the shared methodology and the broader context in which this retreat takes place. In a small group of up to 12 participants, we create space for focus, fun, and personal growth — whether you are just starting out with the handpan or have been playing for a while. All levels are welcome.

𓎟 Meet the Teacher
Timo is a multi-instrumentalist who plays mystical instruments such as the handpan, didgeridoo, and bansuri. His strength lies in playing through improvisation, allowing his sounds to be attuned to the energy of the moment and the group. Music found him and changed his life; he now shares his musicality with others with passion.
Over the past few years, he has developed into an increasingly experienced teacher at the Handpan Studio Amsterdam, and he graduated under none other than handpan grandmaster Malte Marten. The latter's free and intuitive way of playing and teaching inspires him deeply — and it is from that same freedom that he plays and teaches.
Timo has previously led four handpan retreats in the Netherlands, and this fifth retreat builds upon everything learned there.

𓎟 About the Handpan School
The Handpan School offers workshops and lessons throughout the Netherlands — on location, online, and in its own studio. I am one of the teachers affiliated with the school. Personally, I work using the Malte Marten Method: a playful, accessible, and structured way to learn the handpan, with an eye for authentic expression and a holistic approach to playing.

𓎟 Program Content
We have a total of four workshops of up to three hours (usually around 2.5 hours): two on Wednesday, two on Thursday (one in the morning, one in the afternoon). Additionally, there is a sound journey on Wednesday evening — a quiet opening to the evening to tune in with one another.
The workshops cover:
– Basics of the instrument: structure, sound, and resonance
– Technique: striking notes and chords
– Rhythm, melody, and ensemble playing
– Harmony, dissonance, and chord progressions
– Playing freely and intuitively from feeling
– Making music together in a handpan circle
– Practical tips for further development at home
Because not everyone is at the same level, we offer space within the workshops for personal attention and differentiated playing. Beginners receive a gentle build-up; experienced players are given space to deepen their understanding.
The sound journey on Wednesday evening:
– Tuning in with each other in a quiet, relaxed setting
– Seeking out the depth and silence of the location
– Live sound with handpan, didgeridoo, bansuri, and singing bowls

𓎟 About the Location — De Tinusboom
De Tinusboom is an atmospheric, rural spot in Almkerk, with a beautiful garden and an unobstructed view of the adjacent estate. The pond in the garden is directly connected to the small river Alm. At the back of the garden — the former pasture of farmer Tinus — stands an immense tree, the namesake of the place. An ode to farmer Tinus and to the roots that support this place.
What the location offers:

Zaal Zon — our workshop space, also where the sound journey takes place
An atmospheric dining room and open kitchen with a spacious kitchen island and all the amenities
Loungekamer Maan — an atmospheric living room for sitting, reading, or catching up
Four bedrooms, all shared (see below for details)
A garden with surprising nooks, seating areas, a pond, and a campfire spot
Optional to book separately: a jacuzzi for extra comfort

Bedrooms (12 spots in total, shared rooms):

Aarde — 3-person room, shower, toilet, and sink
Vuur — 2-person room, shower, toilet, sink, and sauna
Water — 3-person room, with bath and sink (shares toilet with room Wind)
Wind — 2-person room, shower and sink (shares toilet with room Water)

All rooms are equipped with pillows, duvets, and box-spring beds. We do our best to take preferences into account when assigning rooms — please let us know when registering.
In addition to the shared rooms, camping is also possible on the grounds.

𓎟 Program (rough outline)
Tuesday, October 13

17:00 — arrival and check-in
19:00 – 19:30 — communal dinner (prepared by a chef)
Evening — free time to settle in, get acquainted, take a short walk, or sit by the fire

Wednesday, October 14

Morning — breakfast (bring your own, together in the kitchen)
Workshop 1 (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours)
Lunch (bring your own)
Workshop 2 (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours)
Dinner (prepared by a chef)
Evening — sound journey

Thursday, October 15

Morning — breakfast (bring your own)
Workshop 3 (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours)
Lunch (bring your own)
Workshop 4 (approx. 2.5 – 3 hours) with closing
17:00 — departure

This is an indicative schedule. We leave space to sense what the group needs — more silence, more play, a walk outside — and adjust where useful.

𓎟 What's Included

Two nights' stay (Tuesday and Wednesday) in a shared bedroom — or camping on the grounds
Two cook-prepared dinners (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Basic drinks: tea, coffee, and water, available throughout the day
Four workshops (± 10 hours of guided teaching) and the sound journey on Wednesday evening
Use of Zaal Zon (workshop space), the dining room, lounge, and all shared spaces
Use of Ayasa handpans during the group sessions (see below)
Guidance from Timo throughout the entire retreat

Not included: breakfast and lunch (see below), travel to and from Almkerk, alcoholic or soft drinks, the jacuzzi (bookable separately), and personal expenses.
Breakfast and lunch — bring your own: for breakfast and lunch, everyone brings what they like. People have different preferences and dietary needs, and this way each person gets exactly what works for them. The kitchen is fully equipped, so you'll have everything you need to prepare your own meals there. If you'd like to bring something nice to share: please do!

𓎟 About the Handpans
In the group sessions we play only with handpans in the D Kurd scale — a warm, meditative scale that plays well at every level. We use Ayasa handpans: among the best handpans in the world, renowned for their crystal clear, warm sound and excellent playability.
Have your own handpan? Bring it along for free moments and personal practice. In the group workshops, however, we work in D Kurd only, so if yours is in a different tuning, it's good to know that ahead of time.
Thinking about buying your first handpan, or curious about scales, quality, or what to watch out for? Get in touch — I'm happy to help you think it through.

𓎟 Investment

Early bird (limited number of tickets): € 550 p.p.
Standard price afterwards: € 590 p.p.

The price includes: the stay (two nights), two cook-prepared dinners, tea/coffee/water, all workshops, the sound journey, use of the Ayasa handpans, and use of the workshop space and all shared spaces. Breakfast and lunch are brought by participants themselves.
By choosing this format — mid-week, and bringing our own breakfast and lunch — we can offer the retreat at a fair price without cutting back on the quality of teaching, venue, or instruments.

𓎟 Practical Information
DatesTuesday October 13, 17:00 — Thursday October 15, 17:00 (2026)VenueDe Tinusboom, Almkerk, The NetherlandsGroup sizeup to 12 participantsLevelall levels welcome — from absolute beginner to advancedPrice€ 550 early bird / € 590 standardSleepingshared bedrooms or camping on the groundsLanguageDutch and English (we adapt to the group)
What to bring: your own breakfast and lunch for both days (and optionally something to share), comfortable clothes, a water bottle, maybe a notebook, something to walk outside in, and your own handpan if you have one (not required — Ayasa D Kurd handpans are available). Toiletries, slippers if you like. For those camping: don't forget your tent, mat, and sleeping bag.

𓎟 Sign-up & Questions
Any questions, unsure if this is the right fit for you, or want to reserve a spot? Let me know. I'm happy to tell you more and to think it through with you.
Together we discover the magic of the handpan —
a midweek full of sound, creativity, and connection.