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Essentials for tongue drums beginners

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

Enroll nowTry for free
Intended for beginner players

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

75+ 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.

Your clear, frustration-free guide to playing the tongue drum

At last, you own a beautiful RAV. 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, 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

The tutorials are logical, interesting, challenging but not frustrating and give useful personal observations on how to best progress.
William Settle

William Settle

Extremely effective learning course. Structured, easy to follow, inspiring. After finalizing it I have the basics to create my own stuff.
Wojciech Jary

Wojciech Jary

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

Rhi Indi Ana

Great online course for learning handpan! Easy too access, clear, step-by-step instructions.
Gwen Tenney

Gwen Tenney

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

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

Rachel Bibby

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

Great teachers. Great platform. Love it 😊
Fabian Lica

Fabian Lica

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

Tomoko Lebas Takahashi

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

Teaching isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it's about igniting passion. With each lesson, I aim to bring the tongue drum 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 instrument.

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
Enroll NowTry for free
Your RAV Vast er kit!
0
Your RAV Vast er kit!
Introduction to the course : A word from your teacher
3:07
Introduction to the course : A word from your teacher
My approach to learning : The house and the light
2:48
My approach to learning : The house and the light
How to get the best sound out of your RAV?
6:04
How to get the best sound out of your RAV?
Striking techniques and sounds textures
9:36
Striking techniques and sounds textures
Get to know the symbols
11:30
Get to know the symbols
Download your E-book Training Sheets
Download your E-book Training Sheets
Warmups & Exercises
0
Warmups & Exercises
Introduction to the section
1:46
Introduction to the section
Warmup Ex#1
7:09
Warmup Ex#1
Warmup Ex#2
4:18
Warmup Ex#2
Warmup Ex#3
3:39
Warmup Ex#3
Warmup Ex#4
5:28
Warmup Ex#4
Warmup Ex#5
5:45
Warmup Ex#5
Warmup Ex#6
7:11
Warmup Ex#6
Warmup Ex#7
4:51
Warmup Ex#7
Go further with the warmups
10:03
Go further with the warmups
Binary Rhythms
0
Binary Rhythms
Introduction to the section
1:37
Introduction to the section
Understanding those 4/4 Rhythms
7:04
Understanding those 4/4 Rhythms
Groove# 1
4:55
Groove# 1
Groove#2
5:42
Groove#2
Groove#3
6:36
Groove#3
Groove#4
7:30
Groove#4
Groove#5
5:12
Groove#5
Groove#6
3:50
Groove#6
Take it a step further!
2:46
Take it a step further!
Coordination, hand independence & compositions
0
Coordination, hand independence & compositions
Introduction to the section
2:06
Introduction to the section
Ex#1 RRL
6:35
Ex#1 RRL
Ex#2 Adding accents
7:34
Ex#2 Adding accents
Ex#3 Adding groove
8:40
Ex#3 Adding groove
Ex#4 Adding Melodies
6:03
Ex#4 Adding Melodies
Ex#5 Paradiddle
9:07
Ex#5 Paradiddle
Ex#6 Paradiddle changing accents
5:26
Ex#6 Paradiddle changing accents
Ex#7 Paradiddle Adding groove & Melodies
7:55
Ex#7 Paradiddle Adding groove & Melodies
Ex#8 Coordination + Composition
8:39
Ex#8 Coordination + Composition
Ex#9 Coordination + Composition
6:17
Ex#9 Coordination + Composition
Ex#10 Coordination + Composition
4:09
Ex#10 Coordination + Composition
Ex#11 Coordination + Composition
9:50
Ex#11 Coordination + Composition
Ternary Rhythms
0
Ternary Rhythms
Introduction to the section
1:01
Introduction to the section
Rhythm#1
5:49
Rhythm#1
Rhythm#1 + Melody A
5:57
Rhythm#1 + Melody A
Rhythm#1 + Melody B
6:22
Rhythm#1 + Melody B
Exploration & composition#1
8:17
Exploration & composition#1
Exploration & composition#2
4:42
Exploration & composition#2
Rhythm#2
8:26
Rhythm#2
Rhythm#2 + Melody A
3:52
Rhythm#2 + Melody A
Rhythm#2 + Melody B
4:53
Rhythm#2 + Melody B
Rhythm#2 + Melody C
3:54
Rhythm#2 + Melody C
Arpeggios, Chords & Melodies
0
Arpeggios, Chords & Melodies
Introduction to the course
0:36
Introduction to the course
Arpeggio#1
9:52
Arpeggio#1
Arpeggio#1 Melodic variation 1
5:12
Arpeggio#1 Melodic variation 1
Arpeggio#1 Melodic variation 2
6:39
Arpeggio#1 Melodic variation 2
Arpeggio#2
7:03
Arpeggio#2
Arpeggio#2 Melodic variation
3:18
Arpeggio#2 Melodic variation
Arpeggio#2 Rhythmic variation
11:20
Arpeggio#2 Rhythmic variation
A great method to train your ear
0
A great method to train your ear
Introduction to the section
0:53
Introduction to the section
Ear training Groove#A
5:04
Ear training Groove#A
Ear training Groove#B
3:10
Ear training Groove#B
Ear training Groove#C
5:29
Ear training Groove#C
Ear training Groove#D
5:17
Ear training Groove#D
Take it a step further!
2:22
Take it a step further!
Grooves, patterns, build-up, variations, compositions
0
Grooves, patterns, build-up, variations, compositions
Introduction to the section
1:00
Introduction to the section
Groove#1
9:51
Groove#1
Groove#1 + Melodies
8:12
Groove#1 + Melodies
Groove#1 + Variation 1
7:23
Groove#1 + Variation 1
Groove#1 + Advanced Variation 2
7:15
Groove#1 + Advanced Variation 2
Groove#2
5:59
Groove#2
Groove#2 + Melodies
5:59
Groove#2 + Melodies
Groove#2 + Variation 1
5:28
Groove#2 + Variation 1
Groove#2 + Advanced variation 2
7:24
Groove#2 + Advanced variation 2
Groove#3
8:24
Groove#3
Groove#3 + Melodies
5:16
Groove#3 + Melodies
Groove#3 + Bass line
3:27
Groove#3 + Bass line
Groove#3 + Variation 1
5:18
Groove#3 + Variation 1
Groove#3 + Advanced variation 2
5:17
Groove#3 + Advanced variation 2
Groove#4
7:18
Groove#4
Groove#4 + Melodies
7:45
Groove#4 + Melodies
Groove#4 + Advanced variations 1
5:23
Groove#4 + Advanced variations 1
Groove#4 Summary
3:35
Groove#4 Summary
Groove#4 + Advanced variations 2
10:49
Groove#4 + Advanced variations 2

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 instrument

Compatible with your tongue drum

Got a central note on top and notes around it? Perfect! This course is 100% compatible with your instrument. 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 75 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 tongue drum 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 your tongue drum. Different scales, note counts, colors? We've got you covered. Here is a 3-video series to clear everything up.

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.

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.

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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