Find Handpan teachers

What is the handpan and what makes It special?

The handpan is a captivating and melodic percussion instrument and has gained popularity for its enchanting sound and unique design. Crafted from steel, the handpan resembles a concave metal disc with carefully placed indentations, creating a series of notes that produce ethereal and resonant tones.

What sets the handpan apart is its intuitive playability, it can be enjoyed by both beginners and seasoned musicians alike. The instrument's design encourages a tactile and hands-on approach to music-making, allowing players to explore a range of harmonies and rhythms. The handpan's distinct tone and its ability to evoke emotions make it special, creating a connection between the player, the instrument, and the listeners.

The origins of the handpan as an instrument

The handpan has a relatively recent origin compared to many traditional instruments. The first handpan, known as the "Hang," was created in the early 21st century by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt, a Swiss instrument-building company. Inspired by instruments from around the world, particularly the steelpan from Trinidad and Tobago, the creators sought to design an instrument that combined the versatility of a percussion instrument with the expressive qualities of a melodic instrument.

The evolution of the handpan continued with various makers and innovators globally, each contributing to the instrument's development and diversity. Today, there are numerous handpan makers, each crafting instruments with unique scales, designs, and characteristics. The global community of handpan enthusiasts has grown, fostering a collaborative spirit in sharing playing techniques, compositions, and the sheer joy of creating music with this extraordinary instrument.

Types of music that you can perform with a handpan

The handpan's versatility lends itself to a broad spectrum of musical genres and styles. While its origins may be rooted in world music and ambient genres, contemporary musicians have explored and incorporated the handpan into diverse musical contexts.

The soothing and meditative qualities of the handpan make it a perfect instrument for creating ambient soundscapes. Its resonant tones can evoke a sense of calm and introspection, making it a popular choice for meditation and relaxation music.

The handpan's unique sound has a global appeal, allowing musicians to incorporate it into world music and ethnic fusion compositions. Its ability to mimic sounds from various cultures adds a rich layer to collaborative projects and global music explorations.

The instrument has also found its way into contemporary and popular music, breaking away from its traditional and ambient roots. Musicians have integrated the handpan into genres such as pop, jazz, and even electronic music, showcasing its adaptability and versatility.

The handpan lends itself well to solo performances, allowing players to showcase their improvisational skills. Its intuitive layout encourages spontaneous and expressive playing, making it an excellent instrument for live performances.

How helpful will classes be for your progress with the handpan?

While the handpan is approachable for beginners, by taking classes near you, you can significantly accelerate your progress and deepen your understanding of the instrument. Classes provide a structured learning environment where you can grasp fundamental playing techniques. Instructors guide you on hand placement, striking techniques, and the nuances of producing different tones.

Understanding music theory and scales is essential for creating melodies and harmonies. Your classes often cover the basics of music theory, helping you navigate the instrument with a foundational knowledge of scales and musical structures.

Instructors can guide you in developing expressive playing techniques. The handpan responds to subtle variations in touch, and classes offer insights into how to infuse emotion and dynamics into your playing.

Handpan classes introduce you to a variety of musical genres and repertoire. Learning diverse pieces not only expands your musical repertoire but also exposes you to different playing styles and techniques.

In a class setting, instructors can provide personalised feedback tailored to your specific needs and challenges. This feedback is invaluable for refining your technique, addressing playing habits, and overcoming obstacles in your musical journey.