Meet the team
Jenny Robinson
Founder/ Builder/ Tuner
Everyday I am committed to this vision; To connect people to instruments that they truly love. I founded Isthmus Instruments, LLC in 2013 after years of building and research, as the world’s first women-owned and operated handpan company, located in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. I have professional training in science & machining and a lifelong and abiding love for playing and appreciating music. These qualities help me build high-quality instruments with precision and passion.
APRIL MONCRIEF
Master Tuner
I've been building and tuning steel pans for the last 20 years. In 1999 while taking steel drum classes at WVU, I learned of an apprenticeship program founded by the Father of the Modern Steel Drum, Dr. Ellie Mannette. I immediately inquired on how I could become a part of the team, and was hired as an apprentice in the year 2000. Ellie and the Mannette team became like a family to me over the years, and patiently passed on their knowledge. I learned to build and tune all of the instruments, from spiderweb lead to basses. In 2013 I began applying my years of building and tuning experience to hand pans. I was intrigued by these instruments and I feel truly blessed to be able to collaborate with Jenny, who's drive and passion for the art form matches my own.
Chris Watral
Tuner & Building Team
I have been an apprentice and tuner with Isthmus Instruments since 2021, where I craft, tune, and work towards mastering handpan creation. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from James Madison University. After graduating, I spent time performing as a percussionist on the east coast. My first interaction with handpans was back in 2012 when I found a YouTube video of Daniel Waples, and I fell in love with the sound and instrument. I spent many years trying to get my hands on one but never could. During the pandemic, I needed to change paths, so I researched building handpans and decided to pursue an apprenticeship as a tuner with Isthmus Instruments. I’ve been learning how to make and tune handpans since then, and continue to deepen my passion for these instruments each day.
Robert Rockman
Customer Service & Building Team
I began my relationship with the handpan at age 8 after finding a video of this mesmerizing instrument on YouTube. Unable to find one to purchase at that time, it wouldn’t be until eight years later that I would finally get my hands on one as Jenny began selling her first instruments. We kept in touch as I was going through high school and then college as I studied percussion at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Now I can proudly say that I am now part of the Isthmus Instruments team and I can’t wait to help you find your perfect handpan.
Joe Kost
Shop Hand, Events & Social Coordinator
I first encountered the handpan in 2008 through a YouTube video, and it was a transformative moment that sparked my desire to make music my career. I earned dual Bachelor's degrees: one in Music Theory and Composition, and another in Music History and Literature from Ohio Northern University. After college, I had the privilege of teaching several drumlines and a year of 6-12 band classes, further deepening my connection to music and education. In August 2024, I joined the Isthmus Team, where I continue to blend my passion for music, human connection, and the handpan, working alongside others who share the same love for this unique instrument.
Maxwell Edison
Video Projects & Musical Extraordinaire
After Discovering the handpan back in 2013, I knew that it was going to be a massive part of my life. By the fall of that same year, I was back enrolled in college and I went on to finish my Undergrad degree in Music business at Southern Illinois University. Handpan music was my drive throughout it all, and I would take my knowledge learned in classes to find ways to implement them on handpan, and creative ways to utilize them in my music. While I have been longtime friends of Isthmus, I began working at the shop in February 2021, and enjoy both building and working on special projects with the team!
