Have Other Questions? Contact Us »
Just Percussion, Newstead
For more info, please see this fantastic resource which David Charrier (Master The Handpan) has put together on his website - click HERE
Here in Brisbane, Lachlan is supporting the work of Tim Thomas at Celestial Sound (Victoria) and encourages new players to make the investment in purchasing a Celestial handpan - due to the quality and sustainable craftsmanship but additionally due to the wonderful customer service, convenient retuning services (no need to send overseas for expensive and delayed retuning)- and ultimately - to the support this artform and its makers in Australia.
The “Hang” was originally created by a company called PanArt in Switzerland around the year 2001. They are no longer being created. However, the term “handpan” is given to the instruments that have since been created by makers who were inspired by the work of PanArt and wanted to really push the envelope of what was possible for this instrument and for a global audience.
Absolutely not! Lachlan understands that many students who are curious about the handpan will be wanting to experience an instrument up close and get a feel before they decide to make the substantial investment of purchasing a handpan.
Lachlan provides at least two handpans for each lesson and can introduce you to many other variations of the handpan including the popular RAV Vast tongue drum, which is a similar size to the handpan but features a distinctly difference tone and resonance.
From 2o23 - with support from Celestial Sound - Lachlan will be able to offer two identical handpans for optimal learning and for couples and families to learn during the one session.
Yes, handpan lessons can be delivered online (via Skype/Zoom/FaceTime); however, it is recommended that you personally have access to a handpan for these sessions.
The handpan is a very personal instrument and one which Lachlan encourages you to explore on your own own as much as possible. Lachlan’s teaching style is open-minded and honest, and always comes back to mastering the fundamentals and your comfort zones.
Handpan lessons cover touch, technique, patterns, improvisation, music theory, songwriting and all topics in between!
Yes! If you feel drawn to explore the handpan and feel a sense of connection with the sound of the instrument, you are absolutely ready to play. No musical background is required to become a handpan player.
The fundamentals of striking the instrument, playing with a good tone and understanding the note layout of your instrument will take a little time but it will be a very rewarding and fulfilling journey.
Please see David Charrier’s insightful article from his website Master the Handpan - click HERE
The best place to further connect with like-minded Aussie handpan players is via the PanOz Festival webpage and Facebook group - as well as the Brisbane Handpan Community page (organised by Lachlan).
PanOz is an annual handpan festival that is organised by master handpan artist Adrian Portia, multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Diffey and Aussie’s premiere handpan maker Tim Thomas at Celestial Sound.