What is the Best Way to Learn Handpan?

If you just brought home your first handpan or you’re spending your nights watching handpan videos on YouTube, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What is the best way to learn handpan?”

The short answer? There isn’t one.

The longer answer is that the “best” way is whichever way keeps you coming back to the instrument. Not everyone learns the same way. For some, a fixed practice schedule can feel more like a burden than something enjoyable. For others, a lack of structure feels like aimlessly hitting a piece of steel.

The goal isn't to reach some finish line of “Mastery.” It’s to have fun. Here is how I recommend you approach your first steps when you start to learn handpan.

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Let the Handpan Teach You

I’ve been teaching percussion and handpan for many years and I’ll be the first to tell you: you probably shouldn't hire a teacher or buy a course on day one.

I think I’m a pretty good teacher, but I will never be as good a teacher as the handpan itself. Give yourself permission to just dive in without knowing what you’re doing. Make mistakes, make “bad” music, learn along the way, chart your own path and discover your own way of doing things. Above all, just have fun.

Sometimes the best way to learn handpan is just by understanding all the ways things don’t work first.

Remember, handpan is a brand-new instrument and there is no set curriculum and no formalized established technique, so find your own techniques and do things your own way, unapologetically. (Of course, this process is a lot easier when you start with a quality instrument that actually resonates properly and stays in tune while you explore!)

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Build Your Toolkit Through Inspiration

Once you’ve started to find your own way, be curious.

Listen to different players, watch videos and just soak it all in. This is where your handpan learning journey starts to grow naturally. You’ll pick up rhythms, patterns and ideas without even realizing it.

Good artists borrow; great artists steal. This is the stage where connecting with other players to see how they approach the pan or finding a bit of structure through something like the Planet Handpan Academy can be a great way to gather new ideas. Enrolling in a course, working with a teacher, or attending handpan gatherings and workshops are all fantastic ideas once you've started to find your own voice.

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Prioritize Creating Over Replicating

In an era where everything is instant and requires zero effort, the act of creation is incredibly liberating. To me, that is the ultimate goal of any art form.

Don't just copy what other people are doing. Use tools that foster your own ideas rather than just dictating notes. I love using the Groove Engine for this because it provides a rhythmic and harmonic foundation for me to jam over, encouraging you to explore your own melodies rather than just following a note-for-note tutorial. It’s a great way to find your own voice.

Jam, write, play with other handpan players and musicians, put on your own shows and play for your friends and family, maybe even play on the street! The moment you start creating something original, you stop being a "student" and start being a musician.

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It’s a Relationship, Not a Milestone

Be careful with anyone promising a shortcut or a “mastery” formula. The handpan is something you grow with rather than something you finish learning. Your playing will change with time, just like you do.

Many beginners ask how long does it take to learn handpan but there isn't a fixed duration of time. Every time you sit down to play, you will continue to learn something new.

So keep it simple. Keep it fun. And most importantly - just keep playing.

At Planet Handpan, you’ll find everything you need to start and grow your journey - from choosing the right instrument to learning and creating your own music.

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FAQs:

What is the easiest way to learn handpan as a beginner?

The easiest way is to just start playing and not overthink it. Sit with your handpan, explore different sounds and rhythms & enjoy it before jumping into lessons.

Do I need a teacher to learn handpan?

Nope! Many players start by self-learning and experimenting. When you want to improve your skills or learn new methods in the future, a teacher or online course can be helpful.

How long should I practice handpan daily?

Even if you play for just 10–20 minutes a day, that’s enough as long as you stay consistent. Playing regularly matters more than long practice sessions.

Is handpan hard to learn?

The handpan is a very approachable instrument and is a great starting point for people who have never played music before. Since the handpan only plays in one scale it can be a great instrument for beginners since you can make good-sounding music right away.

Where is the best place to learn handpan online?

Right here at Planet Handpan! Join the Planet Handpan Academy to start learning with courses from the world's best players and practice tools to make your learning fun!