Handpan in Education
The handpan is the perfect instrument for children to start playing music on. Each handpan is made in a musical key so all the notes sound good together. Students can easily tap around and feel like they are making music because all the notes fit together. This allows the child to freely explore their musical creativity without having to play a certain melody, which is empowering. Anyone can express their emotions musically through the handpan regardless of their musical experience. Handpans also sound great with other instruments and would complement school bands or orchestras.
“The handpan is the instrument of the future. Not just because it looks like a UFO, but because it allows anyone to express their emotions musically regardless of their musical experience.”
Entering Education
In 2021, Dan started visiting schools to share the handpan and didgeridoo with students.
In 2022, Dan joined Arts Partners and began offering handpan workshops in local schools.
Handpan for Special Needs Students
In 2022, Dan visited Heartspring, a specialized school for students with autism and developmental disabilities.
In 2023, Heartspring received a handpan donation, the first school in the Wichita area to have one.
In 2026, Dan began offering monthly music sessions for autistic adults.
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Effortless to play, students just tap the notes
All the notes go together, reducing anxiety of hitting wrong notes
Approachable instrument for children
Promotes creativity
May help foster collaboration
May help build confidence
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Students enjoy the look and sound of the handpan
Students learn about music from other cultures
Kids enjoy that the handpan sounds like video game music
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Students enjoy the ease of playing handpan
Students feel calm after listening to the handpan
Students may fall asleep to the soothing tones
Handpan may help with emotional regulation