Reasons for Playing the Handpan: Understanding the Appeal

Do you know why people play the handpan and how it has become popular?

Created in the early 2000s, the handpan has had a significant impact in just two decades with its enchanting and therapeutic sounds. At Sound Artist Handpan School, you can explore a top-notch collection of handpans and learn innovative techniques to elevate your skills.

In this blog, we'll explore how playing the handpan can transform your creative journey and why it's worth learning. Let’s get started!

Why Do People Play the Handpan for a Self-Expression and Therapeutic Experience?

Handpan is popular among many individuals for its unique and mesmerizing instrument, which has gained popularity for its relaxing and therapeutic qualities. Its soothing sounds and calming vibrations make it an instrument for promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. 

Here are some key points about the relaxing and therapeutic aspects of the handpan.

Accessibility for Self-Expression

The handpan's design makes it an inviting instrument for everyone, regardless of musical background. Its intuitive layout allows players to easily create beautiful sounds, providing an accessible means for self-expression and serving as a valuable emotional outlet.

Yoga and Relaxation

The handpan's gentle, resonant tones are often associated with yoga and relaxation practices. Its melodic sounds create a serene atmosphere that can help individuals meditate and experience deep relaxation. Many yoga instructors include handpan music in their classes to enhance the calming effects of the practice.

Positive Health Benefits

Similar to Tibetan singing bowls, the handpan is believed to have positive health benefits due to its unique sound frequencies and vibrations. Sound therapy research suggests that the handpan's harmonious tones can help regulate brain signals, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and aid in treating mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Stress Reduction and Relaxation

The instrument's gentle vibrations and soothing tones can help calm the mind and body, allowing individuals to let go of daily worries and tensions. The hardpan's calming effects can be particularly beneficial for those seeking a natural way to manage stress and improve overall well-being.

By including the handpan in relaxation and meditation practices, individuals can experience the instrument's therapeutic benefits. Whether used in a group setting or as part of a personal practice, the handpan offers a unique and effective way to achieve a state of deep relaxation and inner peace.

At Sound Artist Handpan School, you can join the community that will help you to search for your creative self in a supportive environment.

Along with the relaxing and therapeutic experience, the handpan is perfect for open-air creativity. Unlike most instruments that limit outdoor expression, the handpan allows players to perform outdoors easily and flexibly.

Why Do People Play the Handpan for Outdoor Settings?

The handpan's versatility extends beyond indoor settings, making it an ideal instrument for outdoor performances and gatherings. Its compact size and lightweight design allow for easy transportation, enabling musicians to bring their handpans to various outdoor locations and share their music with a wider audience. 

Here are some key points about the handpan's outdoor versatility.

Convenient for Outdoor Settings

One of the main advantages of the handpan is its suitability for outdoor performances. Unlike larger instruments, the handpan can be easily carried and played in various settings, such as parks, streets, and public spaces. 

Easy to Transport

The compact size and lightweight construction of the handpan make it easy to transport, even without a vehicle. It is particularly beneficial for musicians who enjoy busking or performing at outdoor events, as they can easily carry their handpans to different locations without needing elaborate setup or equipment.

Ease of Use

Players of all skill levels can easily create soothing melodies, making it an inviting option for spontaneous jam sessions or relaxing moments in nature. This accessibility allows musicians and newcomers to express themselves freely without the burden of complicated techniques, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.

Suitable for Travel

The handpan's compact size and ease of transport make it an excellent choice for musicians who enjoy traveling. Whether embarking on a road trip, a backpacking adventure, or a flight to a distant destination, the handpan can be easily packed and brought along. It allows musicians to share their talents with new audiences.

By making music more accessible and engaging in outdoor settings, the handpan fosters a sense of community and appreciation for the art of music, inspiring others to explore and appreciate this unique and captivating instrument.

Many musicians also shared that learning handpan has helped them grow their community and enhance social connections. We will discuss this in the next session.

Why Do People Play the Handpan to Improve Social Connection?

The handpan is a musical instrument and a powerful tool for creating social connections and community. Its unique sound and captivating design draw attention, making it an excellent medium for engaging with others. 

Here are some key points about how the handpan promotes social connection.

Unique Sound and Shape

The handpan's distinctive shape and enchanting sound naturally attract curiosity and attention from passersby. Its visually striking appearance and the ethereal tones often prompt people to stop and listen. This intrigue can lead to spontaneous gatherings where musicians share their skills and audiences experience the joy of live music.

Meeting New People 

The universal language of music transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, making the handpan an ideal instrument for connecting with others. Whether in a park, at a festival, or during a spontaneous jam session, the handpan creates opportunities for musicians and listeners to come together, share experiences, and form friendships. 

Encouraging Interaction and Conversation

Playing the handpan often encourages interaction among those nearby, serving as a natural conversation starter. People are drawn to its soothing sounds, leading them to approach the musician to ask questions or share their thoughts about the music. 

The handpan enhances social connection by attracting attention with its unique sound and shape, breaking down language barriers through the universal language of music, and encouraging interaction among individuals. 

Apart from forming new social connections and outdoor versatility, handpans are also popular for their ease of maintenance.

Why Do People Play the Handpan for Easy Maintenance?

Easy maintenance stands out as a significant factor among the many reasons people are drawn to the handpan. Unlike some instruments that require meticulous care for optimal performance, the handpan is appreciated for its simplicity in maintenance. 

The ease of upkeep makes it an appealing choice for musicians of all levels, allowing them to focus more on playing and enjoying the instrument rather than being concerned with extensive maintenance.

Here are some key points about the easy maintenance of the handpan.

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

The handpan requires minimal maintenance to keep it in optimal condition. One of the primary tasks is applying a special oil designed for metal instruments once a month. This oil helps protect the surface from moisture and oxidation, ensuring the handpan remains in excellent shape without requiring frequent attention.

Simple Cleaning Process

Cleaning the handpan is simple and can be done quickly after each use. Musicians can simply wipe off any sweat or moisture from their hands to prevent buildup on the instrument's surface. Players can easily maintain the handpan's appearance and sound quality using a soft microfiber cloth without needing elaborate cleaning routines.

Infrequent Tuning Needs

Unlike many other musical instruments, handpans do not require frequent tuning. Most handpans maintain tuning stability for years, with specialist tuning needed only after extended periods of use or if the instrument has been subjected to significant temperature changes or physical stress. 

The easy maintenance of the handpan, such as simple cleaning processes and infrequent tuning requirements, makes it an attractive choice for musicians seeking a beautiful instrument that allows them to focus on their musical journey rather than extensive care routines.

Final Note!

Hopefully, this blog has provided some insightful answers to the most common question, “Why do people play the handpan?”

If you're interested in purchasing a handpan or enrolling in handpan sessions, Sound Artist Handpan School is the perfect place for you. We offer an incredible collection of high-quality handpans and exceptional mentorship to make your learning experience enjoyable.