If you’ve spent more than five minutes researching handpans, you probably encountered the D Kurd handpan scale. It’s the scale beginners are pointed toward most often, the one that dominates YouTube performances, and the one nearly every handpan school uses for group classes. The question is: why? This article covers everything you need to know, […]
The size of a handpan determines its sound and also influences who it is best suited for and for what purpose. Below, you can learn everything about four popular handpan sizes, along with guidance to help you choose the right one. Handpan sizes Handpan sizes are typically specified by diameter. In some cases, the measurement […]
What is the cajón, who is it recommended for, and how do you play it? And why has it become so popular in almost every style and genre of music around the world? Get to know this simple yet remarkably rich-sounding drum in depth! What is a cajón? The cajón is a simple yet highly […]
Everything you need to know about the handpan shell: how it’s made, what materials it is crafted from, and how these factors influence its sound and overall quality. Discover all the details in this article! The foundation of handpan making: the handpan shell A handpan is created by joining two lens-shaped steel shells together. For […]
The steel tongue drum is an easy-to-learn musical instrument that is both portable and enjoyable. It is perfect for beginners who want to try playing music and learn simple melodies. This article will teach you how to play the steel tongue drum. But first, let’s get to know the tongue drum! What are tongue drums? […]
Handpan types can be differentiated according to scale, tuning, size or material. All of these characteristics influence the sound and handling of the instrument, so it is worth considering them carefully before buying. Which handpan type suits you best? By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of which handpan type […]
8-note handpan vs. 17-note handpan: what’s the difference? which is recommended for whom? In this article, you’ll learn how the number of notes affects handpan selection for beginners, intermediates, and experienced musicians alike. Handpan scales and notes Handpan scales are known as partial musical scales, which means they do not contain all 7 diatonic notes […]
Following its invention, the handpan quickly became incredibly popular among musicians and began to be used in sound healing (sound therapy) due to its relaxing, enchanting sound and healing frequencies. In this article, you’ll discover its therapeutic and relaxing effects and get tips on how to use the handpan for meditation and breathing exercises! Sound […]
Handpan composition and songwriting basics for beginner composers and tips for advanced musicians. Learn musical structures and motifs and start writing your first song today. Below, we provide a practical guide primarily for instrumental songwriting. Learning songwriting Songwriting and composition can be both spontaneous and deliberate, but if you’ve never tried it before, it’s worth […]
In ancient cultures, music was used for healing and rituals, and certain instruments were specifically crafted for deep contemplation and meditation. In modern life, we can also use these instruments to relax and relieve stress, helping to create inner peace in our everyday lives, which can improve our mood and even extend our lives. In […]
Music and culture are inseparable from each other, and they are essential to our existence. Music is indispensable in our everyday life and celebrations. The language of music is understood by both city dwellers and nomadic peoples on the steppes, by the elderly and infants alike. The connection between music and culture is so deeply […]
The purpose of handpan maintenance is to preserve its beautiful appearance, and to extend its lifespan, making it a task worth taking seriously. In this article, we provide a detailed guide on the steps for caring for a handpan and the considerations for its storage. We will explain what materials, substances, and methods are best […]
There are as many handpans as there are handpan scales, each offering a unique mood. At first, it may seem confusing, so we’ve created a list of 10 to help you find the scale and sound that best suits you! For each handpan scale, you’ll find a video link so you can listen to them […]
How much does an affordable handpan that sounds beautiful cost? In this article, you’ll find many useful tips on how to recognize an affordable handpan that still sounds delightful. You will also get advice on what to do if your budget is limited. Let’s get started! Why are quality handpans so expensive? They are handmade […]
The steel tongue drum is one of the most beginner-friendly and versatile instruments you can own. Equally at home in a meditation session, a music therapy practice, or simply on your living room floor on a quiet evening. Its bell-like tones are immediately soothing, it requires no musical training to start playing, and it comes […]
Here’s what makes a good beginner handpan! In this article, we help you navigate through ideal tunings, scales, and materials. We provide practical advice and recommendations for choosing your first instrument, based on 9 key factors. Choosing a good beginner handpan: 1. Quality should come first Quality, while often repeated, is the most essential factor […]
The process, methods, and techniques of handpan crafting: general and specific aspects in the MAG Manufactory What is premium, world-class handpan making and how does it differ from the mass-produced, lower quality handpans? What parameters can help you choose the best handpans? In this article, you’ll learn everything essential about handpan crafting, and we’ll give […]
How to benefit the community through music, and what role can you play as a musician? Music creates connections among people in any community, regardless of age, financial, or social status. In this article, we provide 9 ideas on how you can contribute to the life of your community through music! The role of music […]
Fundamental polyrhythm exercises for handpan players and general music learners to help make your playing more dynamic. We’ve collected a few practical examples and video tutorials to help you enhance your rhythmic skills. What is a polyrhythm? In Western music, rhythms are usually well-defined and straightforward, such as 4/4, 6/8, etc. These denote the number […]
How to play the handpan (well) as a beginner? In this article, you’ll learn 4 essential striking techniques, complete with clear and precise instructions. Additionally, we’ll provide practical tips to make your learning and practice sessions even more effective. Follow these tips, and you too can enjoy creating beautiful music on the handpan! The structure […]
Based on the following criteria, you’ll be able to decide which handpan is the best for you. There’s no universally applicable wisdom on what the best handpan is, as it depends on many factors. The only requirement is that the chosen instrument meets the minimum expected quality, meaning it should sound beautiful and not be […]
Which is the best handpan material? Nitrided steel vs stainless steel? Or perhaps ember steel? Before you choose the handpan that’s right for you, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the properties of the materials. This is because the material greatly influences the instrument’s sound, quality, and durability. Let’s take a look at the materials […]
The handpan is an incredibly rich-sounding modern percussion instrument. It’s possible to play both rhythm and melody on it, and anyone can confidently start playing without any musical training. Its sound is extraordinarily soothing, captivating, and unmistakable. Discover this wonderful instrument through our article, where you’ll learn almost everything about it and, undoubtedly, feel inspired […]
