Handri Loots studied flute with John Hinch at the University of Pretoria where she obtained the degree B.Mus (Performing Arts) and B Mus Hons cum laude. She studied in England under Trevor Wye, Jonathan Booty and Andrew Nicholson. In Finland she studied under the French flutist Emma Tessier.

 She is laureate of the SA National Flute Competition presented by the FLUFSA. Handri was a prize winner at several competitions, including the ATKV Prelude competition, the National Youth Music competition in Port Elizabeth, Oude Meester Foundation’s competition for Winds, Jim Joël Scholarship competition, SASOL Music Competition, and the Unisa Licentiate Competition. She was selected by the SA Society of Music Teachers to attend the prestigious International Bottineau Music Camp for Woodwinds in the USA at the age of seventeen.

Ms Loots was principal flutist of the SA National Youth orchestra from 1991 to 1995. In this capacity she participated in the International Youth Festival in Aberdeen, Scotland during 1994. She has held the position of principal piccolo in the PACT orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra in Johannesburg and is a founder member of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Loots gave extensive recitals and masterclasses in England and Finland. Towards the end of March 2013 Handri had a successful concert tour in the UK with South African organist Willie Steyn .