Handpans for healing

The handpan is the instrument of our Millennia, with the original creation arriving in 2001 in Switzerland. Since then it is one of, if not the, fastest growing new instruments of our time. With its roots in the Caribbean steel drum, it expands upon the concept by introducing a steel alloy that allows very resonant expression with beautiful overtones and layers of sound. And it is playable with hands alone.
Furthermore the handpan is typically designed within a self-contained scale, so that all the notes are coherent with each other, giving a very intuitive experience and accessible learning curve. It’s the perfect instrument for beginners yet it stretches into advanced and expert playing techniques.

The handpan is often associated with healing music, because its serene and mysterious sound calms and soothes both the player and the listener. It is used in trauma therapy, healing sessions and generally to create a calm atmosphere.

However the handpan can also take a very upbeat and rhythmical role, feeling almost like a drum with notes. It is an awe-inspiring invention and has enchanted millions of people across the world with its unique and penetrating sound. It is also an expensive and hand-built instrument, and often there is long waiting times for high end models.

Songs of Tomorrow is working together with Sew Handpan, to design and bring their mesmerizing sound sculptures for chosen communities. In order to be chosen for a handpan donation, a community needs to have the necessary facilities to both handle and maintain valuable instruments, as well as provide playing opportunities to its children and youth. Our ambition is to provide these communities with the possibility to include the magic of the handpan in their culture and music, so that it is not only an instrument for the privileged and wealthy people of the world.

Once a location and community has been approved by our board for a handpan donation, together with Sew Handpan we will coordinate and design an instrument specifically for their cultural music scales. Then we will send a delegate who will personally bring the instrument(s) and spend time in the community to teach and share.