TEACHER PROFILE
Berno van der Wal
ZWOLLE/NETHERLAND
Hi, I’m Berno van der Wal (1979) — a musician, handpan teacher, and sound artist based in Zwolle, the Netherlands.
Music has been a guiding force throughout my life, helping me navigate challenges and express what words could not convey. I’ve been playing musical instruments since childhood and started performing in bands when I was fourteen. Today, I create instrumental ambient music under the name BERW, where the handpan has become an increasingly integral part of my sound.
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The handpan has brought me closer to myself, and as a teacher, my mission is to help others experience that same connection through this beautiful instrument that resonates so deeply in my life. In 2025, I founded Handpan School, offering in-person lessons in our studio, workshops across the country, and online classes in both English and Dutch.
In our studio, you’ll also find a selection of Ayasa and Yatao handpans available to try out — and if you find the one that resonates with you, you can take it home right away.
As a teacher, I value authenticity — I encourage you to let your own story speak through the music you play. I often work intuitively, tuning in to what’s needed in each moment.
I’d love to help you find your inner rhythm — and I hope to meet you soon, whether in a workshop, a lesson, or online.
TAGS: 1:1 private lessons, Workshops, Retreats, Online, In-person, For beginner-level players, For intermediate-level players