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Handpan Voices: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Phil Begnett
Handpan Voices is a podcast dedicated to exploring the vibrant stories and experiences of handpan players from all around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, these inspiring conversations celebrate the power of music, community, and creativity. From beginners to renowned artists, Handpan Voices shines a light on the unique journeys of those who have fallen in love with the handpan, sharing tips, insights, and heartfelt moments. Join us as we discover the voices behind the music.
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- 2 weeks ago30 min
PanParadise: Handpan Event Spotlight
In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Hannah from PanParadise, a six-day handpan event in Germany that brings together players, teachers, artists, workshops, concerts, food, community, and space to properly connect.Hannah shares how she first discovered the handpan through Wild Naya and how the instrument helped her reconnect with music in a very personal way. We talk about why the handpan can feel so welcoming for beginners, the emotional side of playing, and how sound, movement, yoga, rhythm, singing, and community all come together at PanParadise.This conversation explores what makes PanParadise different from a typical festival. Hannah talks about the accommodation, vegetarian food, alcohol-free environment, daily handpan lessons, guided jam sessions, evening concerts, one-to-one lessons, raffles, and the international community that travels to be part of the event.We also talk about the wider programme beyond the handpan, including yoga, breathwork, sound baths, movement, circle singing, indigenous flutes, songwriting, TaKeTiNa, and other workshops designed to give people a fuller creative and personal experience during the week.There is also a strong focus on creating a safe and welcoming space, supporting female handpan artists and teachers, and giving players of all levels the chance to learn from a wide range of approaches.Whether you are new to the handpan, already deep into your playing, or simply curious about what a handpan event like PanParadise feels like, this episode gives a warm insight into the people, atmosphere, and intention behind it.Find out more about PanParadise:https://www.panparadise.de/#handpan #panparadise #handpanvoices #handpanevent #handpancommunity #handpanmusic
- 3 weeks ago1h 0m
Alexander Mercks: The Ordinary Epic and the Flow of Creativity
In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Alexander Mercks — handpan player, musician, teacher and creator of Handpan Pal.Our conversation centres around Alex’s new album, The Ordinary Epic, a deeply personal and cinematic project shaped with handpan, piano, strings, voice, electronics and percussion.Alex talks openly about the process of creating the album, how it differs from his earlier improvised work, and why this music feels like a more honest reflection of what he wants to create now. We talk about composition, improvisation, sadness, emotional connection, and the long process of shaping simple musical ideas into finished pieces.We also explore Handpan Pal, Alex’s play-along learning platform designed to help handpan players move beyond patterns, understand chords more clearly, and find more flow in their playing.This is a conversation about music, creativity, feeling stuck, finding your own voice, and the strange journey from improvising alone with a handpan to building something much bigger.#Handpan #HandpanVoices #AlexanderMercksFind Alexander Mercks:The Ordinary Epic:https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/alexandermercks/the-ordinary-epicHandpan Pal:https://www.handpanpal.com/Alexander’s website:https://alexander-mercks.com/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@UC4P-5N6FH52w54_W8s8Nhsg Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alexander.mercks/Handpan Voices is a podcast sharing conversations with players, makers, teachers and organisers from across the handpan world.Hosted by Phil Begnett.
- Jun 7, 20261h 5m
Peter Wallace - Handpan Healing and Stepping Into the Light
In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Peter Wallace, also known as The Simple Scotsman, for a wide-ranging conversation about handpan, sound healing, community, creativity, and stepping into the light as a musician.Peter shares his journey from piano, bass, guitar, didgeridoo and percussion into the world of handpan, including the moment he first discovered the instrument through Daniel Waples. We talk about what it means to stop trying too hard, play with more space, and allow the handpan to breathe.A major part of this conversation explores Peter’s work with sound healing. He explains how different handpan scales can shape a session, why he thinks of a sound bath almost like a full-course meal, and how the instrument can be used to calm, ground and support people in different environments.We also talk about the personal side of playing: self-doubt, failure, vulnerability, open mics, community, and the importance of being gentle with yourself as you grow. Peter shares how asking the question “how can I serve?” changed the way he approached music, performance and opportunities.Later in the episode, we discuss the Neotone, digital handpans, recording, live setups, teaching, and how technology can help players explore more scales and ideas. Peter also talks about building the Kentucky / Cincinnati handpan community, organising local gatherings, and his upcoming Celtic-inspired album Highlander.A thoughtful and generous conversation about handpan as an instrument, a healing tool, and a way of connecting with others.Topics include:Peter’s musical background before handpanDiscovering the handpan through Daniel WaplesLearning to slow down and play with spaceHandpan and sound healingChoosing scales for sound bathsPlaying background music and open micsStepping into the light as a musicianFailure, patience and being gentle with yourselfNeotone, digital handpans and recording ideasBuilding the Kentucky handpan communityPeter’s Celtic-inspired album HighlanderGuest links:Peter Wallace / The Simple ScotsmanWebsite: https://www.assurancesessions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplescotsman/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AssuranceSessionsBandcamp / Highlander album: https://assurancesessions.bandcamp.com/album/highlanderHandpan Voices is a podcast exploring the people, stories and culture around the handpan world.#Handpan #HandpanVoices #SoundHealing #PeterWallace #TheSimpleScotsman #Neotone #HandpanMusic #HandpanPodcast
- Apr 18, 20261h 2m
Lyndon Forster - When Music Helps People
In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Lyndon Forster for a thoughtful conversation about music, care, creativity, and the deeper role the handpan can play in people’s lives.Lyndon shares his journey from growing up surrounded by rhythm in Africa, to discovering djembe, finding the handpan, and eventually using music in schools, hospices, retreats, and mental health settings. We talk about his work through We Need Music and Pankind, the calming and connective power of the instrument, and why handpan can become much more than performance.We also explore improvisation, composition, electronic influences, collaboration, teaching, community, and the people who helped shape Lyndon’s path along the way.This is a rich and inspiring conversation about handpan, but even more than that, it’s about music that helps people.If you enjoy the episode, please like, comment and subscribe.For more information about Lyndon and his music, please visit the following links:https://lyndonforster.bandcamp.com/musichttps://lyndonforster.bandcamp.com/album/expressions-of-eremos-demo-1st-live-recordingWe need music CIC : https://www.weneedmusic.org/
- Mar 24, 20261h 11m
Ricky Hillson on Teaching, RAVs & the Changing Handpan World
In this episode of Handpan Voices, I’m joined by Ricky Hillson for a wide-ranging conversation about teaching, songwriting, RAV instruments, and the changing future of the handpan community.Ricky shares his journey from high school English teacher to full-time music teacher and performer, and reflects on how his background in guitar and songwriting shaped the way he approaches both the handpan and the RAV Vast. We talk about the balance between playing for joy and practising with purpose, how melodies become full compositions, and why structure does not have to kill creativity.We also explore Ricky’s long connection with Rav Labs and discuss three of their instruments in particular: the Rav Vast, the Rav Moon, and the newer chord-based Rav Anima. Ricky shares how these instruments differ in feel, sustain, and musical application, and why they have opened up different creative possibilities for players coming from both melodic and meditative backgrounds.A major part of this discussion also focuses on the changing handpan world itself — including affordability, Chinese-made instruments, online gatekeeping, and why inclusivity matters if the community is going to grow in a healthy way.If you care about where the handpan world is heading, and how we can keep it welcoming while it expands, this is a conversation worth hearing.
- Oct 30, 202552 min
Dan Mulqueen on New Music, Touring, and Finding His Sound
In this episode of Handpan Voices, Phil speaks with Dan Mulqueen, one of the most respected players, teachers, and performers in the handpan world. Dan talks about his upcoming double album, his creative recording process, the challenges of mixing and mastering everything himself, and how he keeps his sound evolving.He also reflects on memorable festival moments across the world, including Greece and Germany, and shares what made his earlier visit to Japan such a powerful experience — even though he didn’t make the return trip this year.Towards the end, Dan offers valuable insight for players of all levels, explaining why body position and finger strength can make such a difference in your playing.Topics include:• Upcoming projects and recording workflow• Touring and festival highlights• The creative balance between percussion and melody• Japan’s influence and connection to his music• Teaching, technique, and staying inspiredIf you enjoy these conversations, like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring voices from the handpan world.#DanMulqueen #HandpanVoicesPodcast #Handpan #HandpanMusic #Percussion #HandpanCommunity
- Oct 26, 20254 min
Bonus: Beginner Handpan Tip – Why Body Position Matters (with Dan Mulqueen)
In this short bonus clip from the next episode of Handpan Voices, world-renowned player and teacher Dan Mulqueen shares one of the most overlooked lessons for beginners: body position.Dan explains why your elbows, shoulders, and posture play such an important role in comfort, control, and sound — and how small adjustments can make a big difference in your playing.If you’re learning handpan, this is a simple but essential tip that can help you build better habits from the start.🎶 Stay tuned for the full interview with Dan Mulqueen — coming soon on Handpan Voices.
- Aug 26, 20251h 14m
Sarah Paz Hyde – Super Bloom of Sound, Ancestry, Voice and Handpan
In this episode of Handpan Voices, we meet Sarah Paz Hyde, a handpan player, singer, and community-builder from the U.S., whose story is rooted in ancestry, healing, and a profound connection to sound.Sarah shares how a 2016 super bloom in Death Valley became the moment she first discovered the handpan—an experience that later inspired the name of her women’s gathering, Super Bloom. From her Filipino and European roots to her early training on violin, she explores how music, breath, and voice can help us face fear, reclaim life, and create space for transformation.We talk about: • Growing up with violin as a grounding force. • Ancestry, identity, and channeling voice as medicine. • Discovering the handpan in the desert and saying “yes” to its call. • Practical tips on improvisation and remembering compositions. • Reclaim Life workshops and why laughter yoga is breathwork in disguise. • Sound meditations, toning, and the healing power of vibration. • Building community through Super Bloom and Heartland Hangout. • Her 19-note E Kurd TacTa handpan from Brazil and the role of voice in shaping her music.A conversation full of warmth, honesty, and the reminder that music is more than notes—it’s breath, ancestry, and a way of returning home.Handpan Voices – Inspiring Voices of the Handpan World.
About Handpan Voices
Handpan Voices is a podcast dedicated to exploring the vibrant stories and experiences of handpan players from all around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, these inspiring conversations celebrate the power of music, community, and creativity. From beginners to renowned artists, Handpan Voices shines a light on the unique journeys of those who have fallen in love with the handpan, sharing tips, insights, and heartfelt moments. Join us as we discover the voices behind the music.
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