Applied Music Theory for Handpan

Hello dear handpan players and enthusiasts,

Last year, I got invited to create a new online course for the Handpan Dojo, one of the leading global handpan education platforms. Since then, we have been working hard in the background, developing new and inspiring material for handpan players and I am glad to announce that the course is finally ready✨

Applied Music Theory for Handpan

Handpan is a very intuitive and beginner friendly instrument which is one of the reasons why so many of us get attracted to it. On the one hand, this allows people to start creating beautiful melodies and songs in a relatively short amount of time and give the freedom to express their creativity on the instrument. On the other hand, people can also get stuck in playing similar patterns and melodies and over time it may get difficult to break free of these limitations.

This course is designed to empower players by equipping them with essential music theory knowledge and demonstrating creative ways to apply them on the handpan so they can expand their melodic vocabulary and become better musicians, composers and story tellers... With the help of this course, players will:

- Learn fundamentals of music theory and build a strong foundation for composition.

- Learn to play different melodies, chords and chord progressions on the instrument that may not be easily discovered otherwise.

- Be better informed of the instrument's melodic potential, get a lot more variations and push it to its limits.

- Extend and alter the scale of their handpans to incorporate playing with multiple instruments.

We have included three of the most common handpan scales: D Kurd, E Amara (Celtic) and F Pygmy and will be adding other commonly used scales over the summer. For the first two weeks of the launch of the course, we are offering 15% off with the promo code BARAN15.

I believe that this material will become one of the essential toolkits in your musical library and genuinely hope that it will serve you well throughout your handpan journeys.

I would like to acknowledge my dear friends and collaborators: Ange Maloney, Tim Tom (Celestial Sound) and David Kuckhermann as without their help and support, this course wouldn't have been possible🙏

 Testimonials

Over the last few years, I have attended several workshops and one on one lessons with Baran and they are always enjoyable, informative and inspiring. He has a broad and deep knowledge of music theory, percussion and handpan and is always willing to adapt lessons and workshops to the needs and skills of those who are participating. Baran is a very patient, kind and supportive teacher, and my handpan playing has progressed immensely as a result of his tuition. I highly recommend Baran as a handpan teacher, and if you are considering attending lessons or a workshop, I am certain you will benefit greatly from Baran’s expertise and support.

Alaine C. (Goulburn, NSW)

I am delighted to share my experience learning from Baran. From our very first lesson, his passion for the handpan and dedication to his students were evident. Baran has a unique ability to make complex techniques feel approachable and fun. His patient and encouraging teaching style fostered a positive learning environment that helped me progress at my own pace. One of the things I appreciate most is how Baran tailors each lesson to my interests, allowing me to explore different styles and techniques while still building a solid foundation. He provides valuable feedback and always inspires me to push my boundaries.Since starting lessons with Baran, my confidence in playing has grown immensely. I’m grateful for his guidance and the joy he brings to every session. I highly recommend him to anyone interested in learning the handpan, regardless of their skill level. Thank you, Baran, for your wonderful teaching!

Tahnee B. (Sydney, NSW)

I have been Baran’s Handpan student for nine months. He is patient, engaging and encouraging. Baran creates an atmosphere of positive creativity and has expanded my understanding of Handpan musicology by employing his experience and professionalism. He makes inciteful suggestions that are tailor-made for me. As a classically trained musician, Baran exhibits all the wonderful qualities of a great artist who keenly imparts his knowledge to his students. I am honoured to know this wonderful man and be his student.

Nic C. (Goulburn, NSW)

Baran’s handpan workshop was such a great first hand pan experience!! Baran and all other participants were all so welcoming and lovely and I found it really easy to understand Baran’s teaching. I also loved the instructional handpan videos he provided and I look forward to watching them again. I woke up the next day really wishing I had a hand pan to play on. I'm looking forward to receiving my handpan and joining into a future workshop session and meeting up with other players.

Ioana L. (Sydney, NSW)

I have done a few of Baran’s workshops now and have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of learning this amazing instrument. Baran’s teaching method is really easy to follow and he had us all playing in no time. Because he is so passionate and talented with this instrument, it makes the workshops loads of fun. Highly recommend and thanks Baran 

Alex S. (Northern Rivers, NSW)

Baran’s handpan workshops were a huge help for me; showing new ways to explore my instrument, bringing new feelings and intentions to my playing and helping me to grow in my musicality and creativity. He holds incredible musical talent and knowledge, deep understanding of handpans, as well as a kind gentle compassionate teaching style with crystal clear communication. I highly recommend Baran’s workshops.

Nicholas S. (Mullumbimby, NSW)

I was fortunate to have Baran as my handpan teacher. Baran combines knowledge of music theory and practical skills in his classes. He is patient and adapts his teaching style based on student needs. I highly recommend Baran if you want to learn how to play music.

Jay M. (Paddington, NSW)

Baran , hearing you play moved something in me , a feeling of calm , excitement and a desperate need to learn to play . I know I haven’t been the fastest learner but you have been the most patient teacher that has allowed me to learn at my own pace . Thank you for keeping it simple yet exciting , for pushing me but not scaring me away . It’s been a dream of mine to learn a musical instrument  and you’ve given me the courage to do that  . It’s been such a pleasure , thank you

 Sue C. (Bondi, NSW)