David Kuckhermann (born 1979 in Münster, Germany) is a Grammy‑nominated percussionist and internationally renowned handpan and frame drum specialist based in Berlin. After formal study in world percussion at institutions in Rotterdam and New York and mentorship under masters like Glen Velez, Behnam Samani, Ramesh Shotham and Ustad Fayaz Khan, he cultivated a singular fusion style by drawing on traditions from India, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Europe and Africa. 2012, he released his solo album "The Path of the Metal Turtle" and has served as soloist and touring percussionist with Dead Can Dance. He’s also the founder of the Handpan Dojo and World Percussion Academy.

David's website: worldpercussion.net
David on Bandcamp

Melody meets rhythm

David's playing blends rhythmic depth with melodic openness. He seamlessly integrates the melodic resonance of the handpan with traditional frame‑drum and finger‑drum techniques, creating richly textured grooves that feel both meditative and grounded. Drawing on rhythmic vocabularies from Middle Eastern, South Asian, African and European traditions, his artistic approach combines improvisation, looped layers and subtle dynamics to evoke emotional landscapes and ritual‑like transcendent spaces.