Cours en anglais

Level 1 - Beginner

David Kuckhermann's beginner course teaches you all the basics in a fun and playful way. Build a solid technical foundation and learn lots of compositions.

Enroll nowTry for free
For beginner players

Intended for new players who want to built the perfect foundation for their handpan journey

64+ exclusive video lessons

Learn fast and have fun with step-by-step lessons in a progressive curriculum

639 reviews
Trusted by 38,000 players

Students give MasterTheHandpan's courses an average rating of 5/5.

Build a rock-solid foundation for your handpan journey

At last, you own a beautiful handpan. But you’re not sure how to get a good sound, how to keep to a beat, how to create new patterns, how to switch seamlessly between them, how to compose your first melody. You’re frustrated and feel like you’ll never grasp this wonderful instrument... Sound familiar? This course is for you!

Enroll nowTry for free
See every note

Immersive videos with clear views

Ever tried to learn a tune with only the front view of a handpan? Quite the challenge, right? All our lessons are shot from above. This means when David uses his left hand, it aligns with your left, and the same for the right.

Mirror David's hand movements on the handpan with ease

Say goodbye to the brain-bending task of reverse thinking

Break down every pattern gradually

Smile while you learn

A notation system that's fun & innovative

Dive into a world of symbols, colors, and numbers. Designed to help you get the most out of the tutorials, our intuitive hand notation system simplifies things. Simply follow along & let those grooves flow.

Easy to understand notation system

Learn and remember any pattern

No music theory required

E-book included

Your offline guide

Essentials offers a notation booklet packed with exercises. Print it out, take it to your favorite spot, and enjoy the freedom to practice offline, anytime, anywhere.

Understand and master patterns faster

Print and download e-book for easy access

Learn offline on your schedule

100%

Play, pause, thrive

Progress at your pace

Dive into lessons anytime and rewatch as often as you like to fit your schedule and lifestyle. No matter where you pause, it's a breeze to pick up right where you left off.

Clear path with step-by-step learning

Easy-to-follow video lesson

Track your progress

This site has lots of great handpan tutorials and beautiful music. It is super easy to navigate, and a foolproof way to learn the handpan, no matter what level player you are.
Diane Cashwell Petteway

Diane Cashwell Petteway

Tons of useful material and presented with attention to detail and love.
Rhi Indi Ana

Rhi Indi Ana

It’s crazy, but it feel’s very analog although it’s an online course. Thank you for creating this great school for Handpan.
Annette Mönsters

Annette Mönsters

Amazing course for all levels.
Maui Sztioffstojewski

Maui Sztioffstojewski

Very easy way to learn how to play.
Panos Kontis

Panos Kontis

Great teachers. Great platform. Love it 😊
Fabian Lica

Fabian Lica

I simply can't imagine NOT having this online course available! So thankful for it. We all know that local lessons are in short supply or non-existent. And honestly, this is better!
Wyler Hecht

Wyler Hecht

Great structure, easy and clear to follow. I am still a beginner but I already love it!
Marcos Bellettati Fernandes

Marcos Bellettati Fernandes

The way of teaching is very easy and comfortable. I really enjoy it !
Tomoko Lebas Takahashi

Tomoko Lebas Takahashi

Sign up for the free trial, and you'll get hooked 🤙
Thierry Hardy

Thierry Hardy

38,000 players have joined us and they seem to love what we do

The feeling is mutual 😘
Check out these real, verified testimonials. Read more

Say hello to rapid progress!

Learn everything you need to take your rhythmic and melodic skills to the next level.

Speed
Finger Warming
Grooves
Pattern Building
Composition
Fingertricks
Speed
Finger Warming
Grooves
Pattern Building
Composition
Fingertricks
Arpeggio
Hand Coordination
Chord Playing
Rhythm Structuring
Music Theory
3/4 Rhythms
Arpeggio
Hand Coordination
Chord Playing
Rhythm Structuring
Music Theory
3/4 Rhythms
4/4 Rhythms
Fingerstyle Techniques
Polyrhythms
Hand Independence
Chords
Warm-ups
4/4 Rhythms
Fingerstyle Techniques
Polyrhythms
Hand Independence
Chords
Warm-ups
Warm-ups
Improvisation
Scales and Modes
Ear Training
Dexterity
12/8 Rhythms
Warm-ups
Improvisation
Scales and Modes
Ear Training
Dexterity
12/8 Rhythms

Meet your teacher, David

David Kuckhermann is a Grammy nominated and world renowned handpan player and percussionist based in Berlin, Germany. His musical teaching methods are based on more than 20+ years of playing and professional teaching experience.

He has taught more than 10,000 students from all around the world as the founder of online instrument education schools: Handpan Dojo and World Percussion Academy.

His Youtube channel has more than 10 million views and features a wide selection of performances and educational videos. He has performed his solo repertoire in famous concert halls including the Royal Albert Hall in London England, the Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley in California and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

He currently tours the world as freelancer, soloist and band-member of Dead Can Dance as well as teaching masterclasses for handpan players and percussionists.

Your step-by-step
roadmap to mastery

The Level 1 course will teach you everything you need to elevate your rhythmic and melodic talents. By the end of the course, you'll have mastered cool grooves and catchy tunes, and you'll possess the skills to craft endless variations as your fingers desire.

Course Curriculum
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Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
1:06
Introduction
Notation, Website Features and Practice Tracks
Notation, Website Features and Practice Tracks
Notation Key and Course Booklet
2:31
Notation Key and Course Booklet
How to Use the Handpan Dojo Website
3:20
How to Use the Handpan Dojo Website
1. Basic Technique
1. Basic Technique
1.1 Find your playing position
1:25
1.1 Find your playing position
1.2 Basic Sounds of the Handpan
4:41
1.2 Basic Sounds of the Handpan
1.3 Playing with the Thumbs
3:04
1.3 Playing with the Thumbs
1.4 The Tak
1:03
1.4 The Tak
2. First Composition
2. First Composition
Introduction
0:29
Introduction
2.1 Let's to play some music!
1:25
2.1 Let's to play some music!
2.2 Adding Melody
5:26
2.2 Adding Melody
2.3 Putting the Piece Together
2:19
2.3 Putting the Piece Together
2.4 Adding Another Layer !Challenge!
6:12
2.4 Adding Another Layer !Challenge!
2.5 Practice Video 1
5:36
2.5 Practice Video 1
2.6 Practice Video 2
4:18
2.6 Practice Video 2
3. Composition in 6 Beats
3. Composition in 6 Beats
Introduction
0:24
Introduction
3.1 A Different Rhythm
4:45
3.1 A Different Rhythm
3.2 Going Up and Coming Down
2:46
3.2 Going Up and Coming Down
3.3 Bringing the Piece Together
2:35
3.3 Bringing the Piece Together
4. Arpeggios
4. Arpeggios
4.1 Let's Focus on Melodies
3:07
4.1 Let's Focus on Melodies
4.2 Going Up for the B Part
1:54
4.2 Going Up for the B Part
4.3 Our C Part Features a Bassline
2:47
4.3 Our C Part Features a Bassline
4.4 Putting Things Together
2:28
4.4 Putting Things Together
5. Steady Beat Composition
5. Steady Beat Composition
Introduction
0:34
Introduction
5.1 Four on the Floor!
3:56
5.1 Four on the Floor!
5.2 Finishing Touches
3:10
5.2 Finishing Touches
5.3 Practice Video
3:57
5.3 Practice Video
6. 3 against 2
6. 3 against 2
Introduction
0:42
Introduction
6.1 What does that actually mean?
2:54
6.1 What does that actually mean?
6.2 Working with a chord sequence
2:51
6.2 Working with a chord sequence
6.3 First composition
2:50
6.3 First composition
6.4 Another piece - !Challenge!
3:09
6.4 Another piece - !Challenge!
6.5 B part for our 2nd piece - !Challenge!
2:39
6.5 B part for our 2nd piece - !Challenge!
6.6 Second composition - !Challenge!
2:16
6.6 Second composition - !Challenge!
6.7 Practice Video
4:55
6.7 Practice Video
Interlude 1 - Interactive Handpan Duet
Interlude 1 - Interactive Handpan Duet
Interactive Handpan Duet [requires D Kurd 9 scale]
14:45
Interactive Handpan Duet [requires D Kurd 9 scale]
7. Ghostnotes
7. Ghostnotes
Introduction
1:11
Introduction
7.1 Getting ed with Ghostnotes
4:00
7.1 Getting ed with Ghostnotes
7.2 Free the right hand to play melodies
2:01
7.2 Free the right hand to play melodies
7.3 The left hand makes things groovy
3:56
7.3 The left hand makes things groovy
7.4 More Melodies - !Challenge!
3:25
7.4 More Melodies - !Challenge!
7.5 Rhythmical Variations
0:54
7.5 Rhythmical Variations
7.6 Practice Video
5:05
7.6 Practice Video
8. Exercises for 6/8 Ghostnotes
8. Exercises for 6/8 Ghostnotes
Introduction
0:17
Introduction
8.1 A Different Rhythmical Feel
2:39
8.1 A Different Rhythmical Feel
8.2 Turning the Exercise into Music
1:44
8.2 Turning the Exercise into Music
8.3 Practice Video
4:14
8.3 Practice Video
Interlude 2 - Hand-2-Hand playing and Ghost Note Practice
Interlude 2 - Hand-2-Hand playing and Ghost Note Practice
Additional Ghost Note Practice - !Challenge!
10:55
Additional Ghost Note Practice - !Challenge!
9. Maqsoum
9. Maqsoum
Introduction
0:34
Introduction
9.1 A popular Middle-Eastern Dance Rhythm
2:04
9.1 A popular Middle-Eastern Dance Rhythm
9.2 Turning Rhythm into Melody
2:31
9.2 Turning Rhythm into Melody
9.3 Finding a Musical Structure
4:15
9.3 Finding a Musical Structure
9.4 Another Interpretation of the Groove
5:43
9.4 Another Interpretation of the Groove
9.5 Playing our 2nd Maqsoum Piece
2:32
9.5 Playing our 2nd Maqsoum Piece
9.6 Hijaz Composition
1:44
9.6 Hijaz Composition
9.7 Kurd 9 Composition - Same Piece, Different Scale
1:33
9.7 Kurd 9 Composition - Same Piece, Different Scale
10. Percussive Sounds
10. Percussive Sounds
Introduction
0:24
Introduction
10.1 Introducing the Slap
6:06
10.1 Introducing the Slap
10.2 Left Hand Slaps are awesome!
1:49
10.2 Left Hand Slaps are awesome!
10.3 Fist Bass
4:37
10.3 Fist Bass
11. Backbeat Groove
11. Backbeat Groove
Introduction
0:33
Introduction
11.1 Getting Groovy with Percussive Sounds
4:22
11.1 Getting Groovy with Percussive Sounds
11.2 Adding Melody
2:57
11.2 Adding Melody
11.3 So Many Options to add Melodies!
7:30
11.3 So Many Options to add Melodies!
11.4 Adapting the Pattern to other Scales
2:13
11.4 Adapting the Pattern to other Scales
11.5 Backbeat Sequence on the Hijaz Scale
1:29
11.5 Backbeat Sequence on the Hijaz Scale
11.6 Practice Video 1
4:26
11.6 Practice Video 1
11.7 Practice Video 2
4:33
11.7 Practice Video 2
11.8 Practice Video 3
4:38
11.8 Practice Video 3
Interlude 3 - 4 Ways to Use the Slap
Interlude 3 - 4 Ways to Use the Slap
4 Ways to Use the Slap - !Challenge!
11:09
4 Ways to Use the Slap - !Challenge!
12. 4/4 Chiftetelli
12. 4/4 Chiftetelli
Introduction
0:20
Introduction
12.1 Tension and Relaxation
6:04
12.1 Tension and Relaxation
12.2 Rhythmic Ornamentation
1:22
12.2 Rhythmic Ornamentation
12.3 Syncopated Melodies !Challenge!
4:40
12.3 Syncopated Melodies !Challenge!
13. 8/4 Chiftetelli
13. 8/4 Chiftetelli
Introduction
0:19
Introduction
13.1 Half-time feel Chiftetelli
5:28
13.1 Half-time feel Chiftetelli
13.2 Completing the Chiftetelli piece
2:57
13.2 Completing the Chiftetelli piece
Congratulations, you made it! 😁
Congratulations, you made it! 😁
Final Words
1:08
Final Words

3 reasons to love this course

Learn the handpan with joy by mastering essential techniques and playful compositions.
Build a rock-solid foundation while developing good habits for a lifelong handpan journey.
Explore diverse rhythms and create a repertoire that will impress yourself and others.

This isn’t a stuffy online school

We've got you covered

Happy student guarantee

Wondering if online lessons are right for you, if you'll use them enough, or if they even work? (Hint: they do). We get it; it's natural. We've got your back with our 14-day, 100% Money Back Guarantee. If you're not happy, we'll handle the refund, no questions asked.

No installation or download required

Just connect and navigate our intuitive, user-friendly platform to start learning

Access friendly support when needed

Whatever your question, you’re never alone. We'll do everything we can to help you.

On your schedule
Learn Anywhere, Anytime

Whether you're at home or on the go, our courses adapt seamlessly to all your devices.

Fits your handpan

Compatible with your handpan

Got a central note on top and notes around it? Perfect! This course is 100% compatible with your handpan. Watch Explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with this course?

When you enroll in Level 1 - Beginners, we've got everything ready for you to access:

- 
Immediate and unlimited access to 64 exclusive video lessons
- 
A downloadable e-book (PDF) with all the exercises from course

If you choose our MasterTheHandpan Academy membership (undoubtedly the best value), you'll get everything from the course, plus so much more :
‍- Unlimited access to all our courses —including the new ones we introduce (3-4 each year)
- Exclusive entry into our vibrant private community

Review the detailed offerings at the bottom of this page

What's the difference between the single course and the all-access pass?

Let's clear this up so you know exactly what you're getting into:

  • Single course: It's a one-time purchase. Buy the course once, and it's yours with lifetime access.
  • All-access pass: MasterTheHandpan Academy offers a membership with unlimited access to all our courses, including 3-4 new ones introduced each year. Your access continues uninterrupted as long as you maintain your membership. Plus, you'll join our private community, where you can participate in Q&A live sessions, workshops, challenges and much more.

For the most comprehensive experience, MasterTheHandpan Academy offers superior value.

How much does the course cost?

- Level 1 for handpan beginners is priced at 

$149

.

It's a one-time purchase. Buy the course once, and it's yours with lifetime access.

- The MasterTheHandpan Academy membership at $29 per month.

This membership not only includes this course but also gives you access to all our other courses, any new courses we add, plus entry into our vibrant community.

Do I need to be tech-savvy to learn through your platform?

Not at all! MasterTheHandpan is designed to be user-friendly. You can easily navigate through the platform, and if you ever encounter any issues, our support team is here to help.

Is my instrument compatible with this course?

Have a central note with surrounding notes? Perfect! Every single one of our courses is designed to be 100% compatible with instruments like the Handpan and the tongue drum. Different scales, note counts, colors? We've got you covered. Here is a 3-video series to clear everything up.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We've got you covered for most payment methods! You can use all the major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard, and for quick checkouts, Google Pay and Apple Pay are ready to go.

If you're paying in euros, you're in luck — we also accept Giropay, iDEAL, and SEPA transfers for your convenience.

Prefer PayPal?
We can make that happen too! Simply contact us, and we'll take care of the details for you.

Can I access the courses on multiple devices?

Yes, you can access our courses on multiple devices. Whether you prefer to learn on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, you'll have full access to all course materials.

How does your 100% Money Back Guarantee work?

Our aim is to ensure the best learning experience for you. If MasterTheHandpan isn't meeting your expectations, just let us know within 14 days of your purchase. We'll provide a 100% Money Back Guarantee, with no questions asked.

Need More Help?

If you still have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Our friendly customer care team is here to help and would be thrilled to have a chat with you.

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