Can I learn to play handpan?
As mentioned, you can play the handpan intuitively, but it is also certainly possible to learn techniques that will allow you to apply different playing styles and become a more ‘complete’ player. From reenacting handpan music, and well-known songs, to composing your own pieces or melodies. You can keep expanding your pallet of possibilities.
Class options
You can find lots of free information online – take YouTube, for example. There are also paid online handpan courses (with a free trial period) on offer, such as those run by our own session leaders Sjaak van Dam and Ralf Silvius. Also Anna Liem and Cora Krotz (DE) offer online handpan lessons. This means you can take lessons whenever it suits you.
Sjaak van Dam
Sjaak is the place to go for accessible and easy-to-follow online handpan lessons. Courses are available for both beginners and advanced players.
The well-crafted teaching videos are high-quality sound and shot from multiple camera positions. The videos are supported by a provided e-book. You can also contact him online for tailor-made private lessons. Would you like to try the online courses first? Then start your free trial period of 14 days.
Live handpan lesson
Ralf Silvius
Ralf helps you get to grips with the handpan step by step. In his lessons, you’ll work on rhythm, technique, timing and musicality, with practical exercises that you can apply straight away to your own playing. Within this clear structure, there’s plenty of scope to experiment and develop a playing style that suits you. This way, you’ll not only learn what you can play, but also how to continue exploring and developing your skills on the instrument.
Would you like to find out more about his teaching style? Then ask for the free online mini-course on.
Ruloff Manuputty
In-house staff member Ruloff also gives live handpan lessons. He approaches the handpan not only as a musical instrument, but also as a tool to help you become more aware of tension and relaxation. During his sessions, you’ll discover how sound, mindfulness and playing come together. You don’t need any musical experience or your own handpan. In an accessible and relaxed way, you’ll develop both your playing and your sense of rhythm, sound and presence.
Handpan book
With Cora Krötz, you can take online classes based on a physical textbook she wrote herself. Her German-language courses cover a broad spectrum of knowledge and techniques. She offers courses for both beginners and advanced handpan players.
Handpan lesson
By taking an (online) lesson every now and then, you can make a big leap in terms of development. A handpan teacher can tutor you technically and teach you tips and tricks.
If you get excited then you could visit handpan festivals or attend workshops by well-known players.
When you take classes, you will learn things like:
- Attack
- Keeping pace
- Percussive playing
- Improvising and composing
- Playing chords
- Special techniques such as bends, flams and rolls
