My Path

Hi, my name is Tamas, and I create handmade shaman drums and shamanic percussion instruments using traditional techniques and materials passed down from ancient generations.

Not many years ago, my life was your typical model of our journey through the modern world — receiving an education, finding a good job, and going on to live in the common way of seeking fulfillment amidst the comforts of the world around us. After studying economics and marketing at a prestigious school in my home country of Hungary, I began my professional work firstly at a newspaper and then with a large construction and real estate development company where I spent many years paving the way to a rewarding career. 

For all intents and purposes, my life was a success, were it not for the one thing that seemed to be getting in the way of my contentment — myself. I was unhappy. The workplace was a dull, soul-numbing experience that left little to imagine or be excited about besides the chance of an early retirement some 20 or 30 years down the road. I was grateful for the opportunities I was given, but that didn’t change the fact that I expected so much more from my experience here on an amazing world full of mystery and wonder. As time passed, I became more resolved to change my life in a way that would gratify these unexplainable feelings and connect me to a deeper understanding of meaning and happiness.

As I grappled with the possibilities, I began spending more and more time in the forest, where the peace, quiet and balance gave me the power to look deeper into myself in search of answers to questions I did not know I was asking. My thoughts and feelings began to focus on creativity, as I would suddenly feel a strong urge and desire to create something, only I did not know what.

One day, a happy accident brought me in contact with a man famous for making music and shamanic frame drums in Hungary. His benign expression, carefree manner and creative spirit became a source of inspiration for me during this transitional stage of my life. By now, I had already decided to quit my job, and with the savings I had earned and desire for change in my heart, I began to discover the sacred landscapes of my country and learn of a surprising and mystical history all around me. The civilizations, empires and cultures that settled the country over the course of thousands of years had left deep roots just waiting to be treasured by people of future generations. I learned of a connection with life and the world I had never imagined. Spiritual practices of my ancestors spoke of inner and outer worlds that transcend the physical realm and take you on a journey of self-discovery, balance and fulfillment.

For the first time in my life, things were beginning to make sense. I was mesmerized by the wonder of spirituality and wanted to make it a bigger part of my life. I became an apprentice of shaman drum making and learned of the amazing detail and power that goes into making each of these unique works of art. Every shamanic drum is a special experience for both maker and drummer, as they have been used as tools for spiritual journeys and spiritual therapy since ancient times. It took me years of developing the techniques of handworker and woodcrafter until I was able to consider myself a shaman instrument maker. Before that happened, my patience and dedication were tested in the face of many failures. Becoming so involved with the details of shaman drum making gave me a great respect for music as a whole and the practice of creating instruments. Being part of the process of creation from the first piece of material to the sound that it makes when it’s finished was the sense of achievement I had been searching for.

Life has taken on a new meaning for me, and today I host shaman drum making workshops and create unique shaman instruments such as drums, shamanic shakers, ocean drum rattles and other percussions. When I am not making instruments. I like to celebrate the experience of life through shamanic drumming and spiritual journeys with fellow human beings from all over the world.

Now, that you learned about me

Handmade Shamanic Instruments