From rural Moldova to global markets: Artisan scales workshop
Mihail Nazarco, a craftsman from the village of Ciolacu Nou in northern Moldova, builds professional musical instruments that are shipped as far as Australia.
His journey began two decades ago when he turned a boyhood fascination with sound into a full-scale artisan enterprise. Today, Nazarco manages a dedicated workshop team of five fellow villagers.
From a fallen log to acoustic precision
Nazarco discovered African drums and tambourines at age 15 while accompanying his older brothers to music festivals and fire shows. Driven by a desire for his own instrument, he decided to craft one from scratch.
"I went into the forest, found a dry log, brought it home, and hollowed it out," Nazarco recalled. "I fashioned a crude shell, traveled to Chișinău to stretch the skin, and produced my very first drum. I drew inspiration from seasoned makers, learning through hands-on practice and constant experimentation."
Over time, he refined his technique, testing new materials, shapes, and acoustic profiles. His home workshop now yields a wide range of instruments, including ocean drums designed to mirror the soothing rush of waves.
Serving international meditation markets
"We do not craft souvenirs; we build functional musical instruments," Nazarco said. "Acoustic precision comes first, followed by visual design. Most of our clients organize meditation sessions, and our instruments stand out on the market for their rich sound quality."
Nazarco has built an international clientele spanning the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. As order volumes grew, he expanded his facility, creating skilled jobs for local residents.
Recognized among Moldova's top 25 exporters, Nazarco's workshop sells instruments ranging from €138 (approx. 2,700 MDL) to €275 (approx. 5,400 MDL), depending on the model.
