We are really, really happy that there are enthusiastic and forward-looking teachers and youthworkers out there who actually write projects, fundraise and aim to make music FUN and INTERESTING for their students. Having access to different musical instruments changes the attitude towards music and provides kids with opportunities to create, not just consume. The world is moving away from “one-kind-fits-all” type of education towards flexible, democratic and child-lead options. Creating a rich and abundant atmosphere for learning it crucial. We are honoured to be part of this change.
We’ve had the luck of making handpans for some schools and youth centres in Estonia and we recently visited Are youth centre to jam with the children and give a simple workshop together with Aile Alveus-Krautmann. Check out the inspiring pictures from Ott Rõngas!
Handpan and music workshop in Are Youth Centre, Estonia; lead by us and the magical Aile Alveus-Krautmann.
A huge advantage to handpans is that they are EASY TO LEARN! It takes half an hour max to master the basic technique and the child can start improvising from day one. (Reaching the impro stage with other instruments can take years of every-day practicing). Boys who “never take part in any activities” (according to the youth worker) stayed til the end of the workshop and found it to be an engaging and positive challenge! WIN!
THE SOUND IS BEAUTIFUL no matter what. Handpans never make random noise, everything that you create is pretty and soothing. And that’s why it’s easy to start CO-CREATING music also with other instruments and other people. 2 children can either play on one handpan and learn to be mindful of each other, keep the rhythm and allow the other to go for the melody or you can add tongue-drums, kalimbas, strings, pianos or other instruments to the equation. All in all, it’s a seamless, fun and practical way to learn cooperation and later expand this skill also to other fields of life.
It’s not only children who have fun with the handpans, grown-ups are also discovering their inner child! Learning a balanced way to play requires the relaxation of the body and mind. Learning to relax some muscles while using the others builds body-awareness and is a prerequisite to balance and flexibility on the phycial, mental and emotional plane. Mastering this, in turn, leads to CONFIDENCE!
Interested in buying a handpan for your school or youth centre or for the kids at home no matter their age? Feel free to contact us, together we can find the custom made solution to fit your other instruments or even your crazy dreams!