Multi-Instrumentalist & World Music Artist
Aharon
Wheels
Bolsta
From the West Coast to West Africa — an unforgettable musical experience
About
A Life Lived in Music Across Five Continents
Aharon Wheels Bolsta is a multi-instrumentalist whose musical style and influences span the continents — from the West Coast of the USA, to the plains of India, the hills of Bali, the bazaars of Istanbul and Essouira, the coasts of Portugal and Brazil, the pubs of Ireland and Spain, and the sands and rivers of West Africa.
Aharon has played as a regular member with at least twenty music ensembles and solo artist projects since 1997, and has recorded with over thirty projects.
What I Play & Teach
Instruments
A rare breadth of world percussion, string, and wind instruments
Featured Recording
Dual Kalimbas in Three Parts
Recorded in 2013 as part of an application to graduate school — this is the kalimba solo. Other recordings add calabash, bansuri, jaw harps, and talking drum. Aharon never did go back for that degree.
Visit My Kalimba PageHandpan
Handpan Awesomeness
An excerpt from a lesson in 2016 using Konakul — the rhythmic language of South India — to play the handpan (Hang, Bell, Saraz, Halo). This approach bridges musical traditions in a way rarely heard.
Study With Aharon
Three Ways to Learn
From private instruction to free content — find what works for you
Private Lessons
Beginning to advanced students, in-person or online. Handpan, tabla, kalimba, jaw harp and more. See reviews on the teaching pages.
Book a LessonOnline Courses
Instructional video series for handpan, kalimba, and body percussion. Membership tiers from ~$10/month with live group sessions at higher levels.
View CoursesFree Content
YouTube tutorials and SoundCloud recordings available to all. Explore body percussion, handpan technique, and world rhythm — no subscription needed.
Explore Free SamplesFeatured Recording
Percussion Trio
Tabla, Bendir, and Riqq in Varanasi — recorded 2007 with Liron Peled and friends