Best Seller

Essentials for handpan beginners

The all-in-one, step-by-step handpan course for beginners. Learn fast and have fun, guided by David Charrier.

Intended for beginner players

You just got your first handpan or have been playing for less than 2 years.

79+ exclusive video lessons

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

Trusted by 21,000 players

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

Your clear, frustration-free guide to playing the handpan

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!

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, numbers, and friendly ghosts (booooo). 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

Very easy way to learn how to play.
Panos Kontis

Panos Kontis

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

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

Marcos Bellettati Fernandes

Having these teachings with visuals, explanations, printouts, etc. is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. How grateful I am that you've created this learning tool!
Jody McQueen

Jody McQueen

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

I did a lot of courses and tutorials before and with master the handpan you wont miss the details for fast progress in independence in your learning process.
Frank Delp

Frank Delp

The website is easy to follow. Love it! Best music course I have taken!
Luis Omar Perez

Luis Omar Perez

Super fun course, even if your English is not very good, you can follow it very well!
Daniëlla Cristantielli

Daniëlla Cristantielli

Clear and fun lessons, straight to the point and clearly designed for quick progress built on solid foundations.
Rachel Bibby

Rachel Bibby

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

21,000 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

Teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it's about igniting passion. With each lesson, I aim to bring the handpan to life for you, making every note more intuitive and personal. My method is more than just a technique; it's a journey into the heart of the music, helping you shape melodies that genuinely resonate.

There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a student not just learn, but truly connect with their handpan.

Witnessing my students grow, evolve, and find their rhythm is truly the heart and soul of what I do.

David Charrier

Your step-by-step
roadmap to mastery

Essentials will teach you all you need to elevate your rhythmic and melodic talents. By the course's end, you'll master cool grooves and catchy tunes, and possess the skills to craft endless variations as your fingers desire.

Course Curriculum
Introduction to the course
0
Introduction to the course
Welcome on board!
6:58
Welcome on board!
Grasping the big picture
6:22
Grasping the big picture
How to navigate through the course
8:17
How to navigate through the course
How to track your progress (and why it's important)
2:45
How to track your progress (and why it's important)
Get plugged in to our family
4:37
Get plugged in to our family
E-book
E-book
Download all the training sheets
0
Download all the training sheets
Section 1: Foundational Skills
0
Section 1: Foundational Skills
Getting your posture right
6:02
Getting your posture right
All the sounds you can make with your handpan
12:54
All the sounds you can make with your handpan
Positioning your handpan
2:53
Positioning your handpan
Striking techniques
6:44
Striking techniques
Understanding the symbols
14:07
Understanding the symbols
Section 2: Warm-ups
0
Section 2: Warm-ups
Introduction to the Warm-ups
4:17
Introduction to the Warm-ups
Warm-up #1
6:57
Warm-up #1
Warm-up #2
8:11
Warm-up #2
Warm-up #3
6:39
Warm-up #3
Warm-up #4: Make it your own
4:24
Warm-up #4: Make it your own
Warm-up #5: Strengthening your right hand
2:32
Warm-up #5: Strengthening your right hand
Warm-up #6: Strengthening your left hand
2:55
Warm-up #6: Strengthening your left hand
Warm-up #7: The distribution exercise #1
8:45
Warm-up #7: The distribution exercise #1
Warm-up #8: The distribution exercise #2
4:08
Warm-up #8: The distribution exercise #2
Warm-up #9: Alternating distribution
4:01
Warm-up #9: Alternating distribution
Warm-up #10: Dynamic variations
4:56
Warm-up #10: Dynamic variations
Section 3: Discovering Binary Grooves
0
Section 3: Discovering Binary Grooves
Introduction to the Grooves
1:23
Introduction to the Grooves
Groove #1: My first melodic and rhythmic groove
14:46
Groove #1: My first melodic and rhythmic groove
Groove #2
7:50
Groove #2
Groove #3
6:56
Groove #3
Groove #4
10:27
Groove #4
Groove #5
7:54
Groove #5
Groove #6
7:14
Groove #6
Next steps: creating your own grooves
3:03
Next steps: creating your own grooves
Section 4: Coordination and Hand Independence
0
Section 4: Coordination and Hand Independence
Introduction to Coordination and Hand Independence
2:50
Introduction to Coordination and Hand Independence
Exercise #1: Breaking habits
7:43
Exercise #1: Breaking habits
Exercise #2
6:57
Exercise #2
Exercise #3: Exploration and composition
9:12
Exercise #3: Exploration and composition
Exercice #4: Paradiddle
6:27
Exercice #4: Paradiddle
Exercice #5: Adding crazy accents
7:10
Exercice #5: Adding crazy accents
Exercice #6: Paradiddle Exploration
5:51
Exercice #6: Paradiddle Exploration
Exercice #7: Coordination Medley
6:33
Exercice #7: Coordination Medley
Section 5: Coordination and Polyrhythms
0
Section 5: Coordination and Polyrhythms
Introduction to Coordination and Polyrhythms
0:59
Introduction to Coordination and Polyrhythms
Pattern #1: The Sandman
9:15
Pattern #1: The Sandman
Pattern #2: The Dreamer
7:18
Pattern #2: The Dreamer
Pattern #3: The Milky Way
10:41
Pattern #3: The Milky Way
Pattern #4: The Wanderer
6:05
Pattern #4: The Wanderer
Pattern #5
0
Pattern #5
Pattern #5
0
Pattern #5
Section 6: Discovering Ternary Grooves
0
Section 6: Discovering Ternary Grooves
Introduction to the Ternary Grooves
1:56
Introduction to the Ternary Grooves
Exercise #1: 3/4 Groove
4:28
Exercise #1: 3/4 Groove
Exercise #2: 3/4 Groove + Notes
8:41
Exercise #2: 3/4 Groove + Notes
Exercise #3: The Galactic Pattern
7:47
Exercise #3: The Galactic Pattern
Exercise #4: Irish Pattern in 12/8
7:05
Exercise #4: Irish Pattern in 12/8
Exercise #5: Irish Pattern in 12/8 + Melody A
5:12
Exercise #5: Irish Pattern in 12/8 + Melody A
Exercise #6: Irish Pattern in 12/8 + Melody B
6:43
Exercise #6: Irish Pattern in 12/8 + Melody B
Exercise #7: Irish Pattern in 12/8 + Melody C
6:48
Exercise #7: Irish Pattern in 12/8 + Melody C
Section 7: Arpeggios and Melodies
0
Section 7: Arpeggios and Melodies
Introduction to the Arpeggios
1:24
Introduction to the Arpeggios
Exercise #1: Arpeggio #1
8:45
Exercise #1: Arpeggio #1
Exercise #2: Arpeggio #1 + Melodic Exploration
8:13
Exercise #2: Arpeggio #1 + Melodic Exploration
Exercise #3: Arpeggio #1 + Variations/Transitions
10:09
Exercise #3: Arpeggio #1 + Variations/Transitions
Exercise #4: Arpeggio #2
6:23
Exercise #4: Arpeggio #2
Exercise #5: Arpeggio #2 Grooved up
11:09
Exercise #5: Arpeggio #2 Grooved up
Exercise #6: Arpeggio #3
11:34
Exercise #6: Arpeggio #3
Section 8: Ear Training
0
Section 8: Ear Training
Introduction to Ear Training
0:56
Introduction to Ear Training
Exercise #1: Basic Groove
5:32
Exercise #1: Basic Groove
Exercise #2: Radio Groove
4:23
Exercise #2: Radio Groove
Exercise #3: Drummer Groove
4:10
Exercise #3: Drummer Groove
Exercise #4: Spotify Groove
5:45
Exercise #4: Spotify Groove
Section 9: Fat Grooves
0
Section 9: Fat Grooves
Introduction to the Fat Grooves
2:04
Introduction to the Fat Grooves
Exercise #1: Helicopter Groove
10:17
Exercise #1: Helicopter Groove
Exercise #2: Helicopter Groove + Notes
10:54
Exercise #2: Helicopter Groove + Notes
Exercise #3: Helicopter groove + Variation 1
5:40
Exercise #3: Helicopter groove + Variation 1
Exercise #4: Helicopter Groove + Variation 2
11:38
Exercise #4: Helicopter Groove + Variation 2
Exercise #5 : Hip-Hop Groove
7:16
Exercise #5 : Hip-Hop Groove
Exercise #6: Hip-Hop Groove + Notes
8:46
Exercise #6: Hip-Hop Groove + Notes
Exercise #7: Hip-Hop Groove + Variation 1 (Baseline)
5:58
Exercise #7: Hip-Hop Groove + Variation 1 (Baseline)
Exercise #8: 12/8 Groove
4:49
Exercise #8: 12/8 Groove
Exercise #9: 12/8 Groove + Notes
4:53
Exercise #9: 12/8 Groove + Notes
Exercise #10: 12/8 Groove + Chord Noodling
5:07
Exercise #10: 12/8 Groove + Chord Noodling
Exercise #11: Complex Groove
7:59
Exercise #11: Complex Groove
Exercise #12: Complex Groove + Notes
5:42
Exercise #12: Complex Groove + Notes
Exercise #13: Complex Groove + Variation 1
4:05
Exercise #13: Complex Groove + Variation 1
Exercise #14: Complex Groove Exploration
7:33
Exercise #14: Complex Groove Exploration
Conclusion
0
Conclusion
Where to go from here (your next step)
4:22
Where to go from here (your next step)

3 reasons to love this course

Get unstuck in your playing and learn how to play some awesome grooves & patterns
Be creative with your music, learn how to compose and express yourself
Boost your confidence: Play boldly for friends and family, sharing the handpan magic

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 Essentials, we've got everything ready for you to access:

Immediate and unlimited access to 79 exclusive video lessons
A downloadable e-book (PDF) with all the exercises from course
Bonus: a digital copy of David Charrier's album ‘Keona’ (value: $10)

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?

- Essentials 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.