Have you been exploring the world of the handpan but have yet to take the leap into buying your first handpan? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument or are looking for a new form of creative expression? Regardless of the reason you’re here, today I want to give you my top five reasons you should consider learning how to play handpan! To say this instrument has changed my life would be an understatement and if you’ve been looking for change in your own life then the handpan is your one-way ticket!
Reason #1 - It’s fun!
While this might seem a bit obvious, you can take it from me when I say that playing the handpan is a whole lot of fun! Very few other musical instruments can match the low-pressure, intuition driven experience of playing the handpan. Plus, as a diatonic instrument (it only plays in one key) its easy to start making great sounding music right away. Whether you’re looking to create head bobbing percussive grooves, rich overtone filled harmonies, or simple lovely melodies the handpan is the instrument for you.
Reason #2 - Express yourself!
As an artist I LOVE creating, and while I have never had much luck with painting, acting, or writing poetry, music has always been my refuge and creative release. There’s something deeply cathartic, relaxing, and fulfilling about expressing yourself through a musical instrument—bringing your ideas, thoughts, and emotions to life in a way that words can’t. If you value creative expression and are looking for a new way to bring your emotions to life then the handpan might be the perfect thing.
Reason #3 - Make new friends!
After more than a decade of playing the handpan I can say without hesitation that the best thing it has given me is the myriad friendships of handpan players from around the world! I remember almost immediately after I began playing it was as if the flood gates were opened and a whole community of people who were just as crazy about this instrument as I was all came pouring into my life. Seemingly overnight I was thrust into a community of people both in my own state as well as handpan players from far-flung corners of the world who I would never have met if it weren't for this incredible little instrument. Needless to say the handpan has given me many nights of tear filled laughter, some very tight hugs, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Reason #4 - Travel the World!
Oh the places you’ll go as a handpan player! In addition to the friendships you’ll make be ready for many invites to visit your newly formed acquaintances and plenty of flight miles accumulated on your trips to the world’s handpan gatherings! Over a 10+ year journey playing the handpan I have been blessed to visit places like China, Russia, much of Europe, and the majority of the United States (I write this currently on a plane en route to the Pan Marco handpan gathering in Florida!). So, if you’ve got an itch for travel, or are just looking for an excuse to see a new part of the world, then be prepared to buy a good quality flight case and maybe staple some extra pages into your passport!
Reason #5 - Unplug!
If you’re anything like me then you probably spend more time with your face to a screen than is healthy! Whether it’s checking emails on my laptop, coordinating with my students on my smartphone, or editing the latest Planet Handpan Academy videos on in my studio it is very easy for me burn out on screen time! If this sound familiar, ask yourself, how would it feel to unplug? How would it feel to not only step away from your devices and tune out distractions but also spend your time reducing stress, building new skills, and exercising both your brain and body? The portable and acoustic nature of the handpan only amplifies these effects, take your handpan on a hike out to your favorite spot in nature or find a peaceful lake or riverbed to serenade with your new skill. You’ll be feeling centered in no time!
Well I don’t know about you but playing the handpan sounds like a pretty sweet gig to me, in fact I know it is! So, if you’ve been looking for a new experience and a new life to go along with it then the handpan community is waiting for you with open arms, join us!
Looking to buy your first handpan?
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