Learn to Play the Handpan

A Complete & Honest Guide for Beginners

“Where can I learn handpan in India?”

Unlike guitar or piano, there are no widespread music schools, standard syllabi, or fixed examination paths for handpan. Learning happens through a combination of listening, touch, rhythm, and guided exploration. The good news is that India now has a growing community of experienced players, handpan classes and teachers who offer meaningful ways to learn — both online and in person.

This page is a practical, unbiased guide to learning the handpan in India: what options exist, where to start, and how to choose what’s right for you.

Chirp Handpan Academy

We are proud to be the India’s only handpan maker who also provides classes for beginners. Join structured handpan classes for beginners and players. Start your journey with this beautiful instrument. 

At CHIRP Handpan Academy, we help you build a genuine relationship with the instrument: understanding its notes, developing your rhythm, learning to play with both hands, and gradually finding your own musical voice.

Whether you are picking up a handpan for the first time or already have experience playing, our classes are designed to help you progress with the right technique, musical understanding and confidence.

Our centres are located across Bangalore. We conduct online classes too! Our teachers are trained and certified musicians who teach handpan with passion and deep knowledge.

Start from the beginning

Never played an instrument before? That’s perfectly fine.

Our beginner classes introduce you to the handpan step by step. You’ll learn:

• How to hold and position the handpan
• Basic hand techniques and strokes
• Understanding the notes and scale
• Simple rhythms and playing patterns
• Coordinating both hands
• Building your first melodies
• Playing simple compositions
• Improvising and developing your own ideas

As you become comfortable with the instrument, we move beyond exercises and patterns towards musicality, expression and improvisation.

Understanding How the Handpan Is Learned

Before listing teachers or platforms, it helps to understand how the handpan is typically learned.

The handpan is:

• Played with bare hands

• Highly responsive to touch and dynamics

• Rooted in rhythm, listening, and feel rather than notation

Most players learn through:

• Guided listening and imitation

• Structured rhythm exercises

• Exploration within a scale

• Gradual development of flow and musical phrasing

Online Handpan Learning (Best for Getting Started)

Chirp Handpan Academy

We conduct online classes for those would like to learn from the comfort of their homes! Our teachers conduct one – on – one and group online classes for players across all skills from beginners to percussionists. Call us at +91-996 446 5544 for handpan classes.

🎥 Video Tutorials – Amy Naylor

Ideal for beginners starting at home. A well-structured collection of video tutorials covering:

• • Basic technique

• • Hand position and touch

• • Rhythm, flow, and musicality

🌐 Video Tutorials – Master The Handpan

Best for structured, long-term learning.. A comprehensive online learning platform with:

• • Progressive lessons

• • Exercises and compositions

• • Guidance for different skill levels

In-Person Classes (India)

Our Associated Partners

• • Ojas Yoga Academy
    Instructor: Yogabandhu Prashant @ +91 9538681408
    Focus on meditative playing, rhythm, and musical depth.

• • Studio Beat Roots
    Instructor: Ganesh @
    Contemporary rhythm-based approach and group sessions.

📍 Rishikesh

• • Kutani Handpan Academy
    By the renowned Baba Kutani. Known for immersive learning rooted in flow, listening, and improvisation.

📍 Goa

• • Muki Sablania

• • Navakanu by the world famous instrumentalist Sina Siav

📍 Pune

• • OM Sai Handpan Institute by Alwin Garuda