Teachers' Guide
The handpan is a unique percussive-melodic instrument that is increasingly finding its place not only in concert halls but also in schools, preschools, and educational centers. Its natural, soothing sound and ease of play make it ideal for working with children and young people, even those without prior musical training.
In this guide, we will show you how to use a handpan in lessons, what benefits its presence in schools brings, and what to look for when planning to buy an instrument for an educational institution.
Why is handpan useful in school?
The handpan is an intuitive instrument. Students quickly discover that it's impossible to play it incorrectly. A carefully chosen scale ensures that each note fits in with the others.
This is a huge advantage in school education, where:
- in one group there are students with very different musical levels,
- it is important to quickly activate the entire class,
- the teacher often has limited time to explain a complex technique.
The most important advantages of handpan in education:
- no sharp, unpleasant sounds,
- ability to play with your fingers-without batons and additional equipment,
- quickly engage even shy students,
- very good work in the group.
What lessons can I use handpan for?
Music lessons
Handpan is perfect during:
- study of rhythm and pulse,
- simple improvisations,
- exercises with dynamics and articulation,
- creating an accompaniment for singing.
Students can play individual themes, respond rhythmically to the teacher's cues, or create simple musical structures in groups.
Classes that develop creativity and emotions
Handpan supports very well:
- art classes,
- circle of interests,
- creative workshop,
- integration classes.
The sound of the instrument promotes calmness and concentration, so it is often used as part of working with emotions and mindfulness.
Therapeutic and recalidation sessions
In many educational institutions, handpan can become a support in:
- educational therapy,
- classes for children on the autism spectrum,
- working with students with concentration difficulties,
- correctional and compensatory classes.
The simple form of the game reduces the pressure to "do it right", which creates a sense of security and self-confidence.
How does handpan work in a class?
Most often, teachers use very simple forms:
- take turns playing-student by student,
- simple pulse co-op game,
- music dialogue teacher-class,
- free improvisation for a story, text or image.
Handpan can also accompany:
- reading excerpts from books,
- relaxation exercises,
- short breaks between classes.
How do I choose a handpan for my school?
If you're wondering which one to choose first good handpan for a school or educational institution, see the how-to guide: the first Good handpan.
For educational institutions, the criteria are somewhat different than when choosing an instrument for one musician.
Key Features of handpana for school
- stable tuning,,
- resistance to heavy use,
- convenient number of sounds (usually 9-10),
- universal scale,
- ease of play for beginners.
In practice, premium stainless steel tools work best, which are more resistant to moisture and frequent use.
One school – one instrument or several?
To get started, just one handpan is enough, which is:
- circling between students,
- it is used in different classes,
- this may be part of a joint music project.
In music schools, community centers, and educational centers, sets of multiple instruments on the same scale work very well, making real team play possible.
Should a teacher be able to play handpan?
No.
This is one of the biggest advantages of this tool. The teacher can:
- conduct rhythmic classes,
- initialize simple themes,
- create a space for improvisation,
without knowledge of advanced technology.
A basic orientation in how to extract sound and how to respond to what students are playing is sufficient.
Handpan as a class Relationship building tool
Cooperative play is very fast:
- overcomes barriers,
- unites students,
- this encourages collaboration, not competition.
The tool does not divide children into" capable "and"less capable"categories. Each participant contributes to the overall sound.
Handpan at School-a solution also for B2B institutions
More and more schools, kindergartens, foundations, and therapy centers are choosing to buy handpana as permanent room equipment.
Especially important for the institution:
- ability to order tools for specific needs,
- advising on the choice of scale,
- durability and build quality,
- post-purchase support.
Resume
Handpan at school is not just a musical curiosity. This is a viable support tool:
- developing musical sensitivity,
- creativity,
- group integration,
- work with emotions and concentration.
Thanks to its simplicity, beautiful sound and versatility, handpan fits perfectly into the modern approach to education-both in music lessons, as well as during additional, therapeutic or inclusive classes.
If your school or educational institution is considering implementing handpan for working with students, you should rely on a tool designed to meet the intensive use and real needs of teachers.
