June 20, 2025 | VOL 15
MALTE MARTEN
the HANDPAN CHANGED MY LIFE
words Onur Basturk
Every time I hear the sound of a handpan, I feel my energy shift and a deep sense of calm wash over me. There’s something almost otherworldly about its resonance—soothing yet powerful. Thanks to Malte Marten, one of the world’s most recognized handpan artists, I’ve become completely hooked on this instrument.
Even as a child, Malte knew he wanted to be a musician and share his music with the world. In his early years, he put his work online, but it never quite found an audience—until he discovered the handpan in 2014. Unlike anything he had played before, this instrument pushed him beyond his comfort zone, shifting his music from carefully composed pieces to raw, improvised expression. Learning to play on the streets of Berlin, he realized how deeply his music connected with those who listened. For some, it was uplifting; for others, meditative. Many found it transformative.
Today, Malte continues to share his passion, bringing people together through the power of sound.
THE SOUND WAS UNLİKE ANYTHING I HAD EVER HEARD —ORGANIC, WARM, AND DEEPLY EMOTIONAL
When and how did you first discover the handpan? What drew you to this instrument? And what was your life like before—what were you doing at the time?
I discovered the handpan when I was 19, during a time of major change in my life. I had just quit school, my girlfriend was pregnant, and I was standing at the edge of adulthood, trying to figure out who I was and what kind of life I wanted to build. The moment I heard the handpan, something clicked inside me. The sound was unlike anything I had ever heard—organic, warm, and deeply emotional. It resonated with me in a way that felt almost familiar, as if it was speaking a language my heart already knew.
Before that, my life was pretty undefined. I didn’t have a clear plan or a strong sense of direction. But when I found the handpan, it gave me purpose. It wasn’t just an instrument; it became a way to process my emotions, express myself without words, and create something meaningful at a time when everything around me was shifting.
How has the handpan changed your life, both professionally and personally?
The handpan completely transformed my life. Professionally, it opened doors I never even knew existed. I went from playing on the streets of Berlin to performing on stages around the world, collaborating with artists I deeply admire, and even building my own online teaching platform. I never imagined that an instrument could lead to touring, recording albums, and connecting with people from every corner of the globe.
On a personal level, the handpan taught me resilience and trust. It showed me that you don’t need to follow a traditional path to build a meaningful life. It gave me the confidence to trust myself, even when others had doubts. But perhaps the biggest transformation was within—I learned patience, presence, and the importance of following my passion, no matter how uncertain the road ahead seemed.
Every time I listen to your music, I feel a sense of calm and naturally slip into a meditative state. What do you experience when you play?
That’s beautiful to hear—thank you for sharing that. When I play, I often enter a state of flow where time feels different, as if it stretches or disappears altogether. It’s hard to describe because it’s not just about the notes or rhythms; it’s about the space between them, the pauses, the breath within the music.
Sometimes, I feel deeply connected to my emotions—joy, sadness, longing, peace—all flowing through my hands into the instrument. Other times, I’m not thinking or feeling anything specific; I’m just fully present, letting the music unfold naturally. I think that’s why people experience a meditative quality in the sound—because it comes from a place of pure presence, without expectations or judgment.
IT HAS A MEDITATIVE, ALMOST HYPNOTIC QUALITY BECAUSE OF ITS RICH HARMONICS AND RESONANT TONES.
Is the handpan mainly a meditative instrument, or does it have a deeper purpose beyond relaxation and sound healing?
I believe the handpan is all of that and more. Yes, it has a meditative, almost hypnotic quality because of its rich harmonics and resonant tones, but it’s not limited to that. For me, it’s a tool for expression. It can be soothing and grounding, but it can also be playful, rhythmic, and dynamic.
The handpan has the power to create deep emotional landscapes—it can comfort, inspire, and even challenge you. I’ve seen people moved to tears, not out of sadness, but because it touches something raw and authentic within them. While it’s often used in meditation or sound healing, it’s also an incredibly versatile instrument that speaks to the heart in many different ways.
I believe that in a few years, the handpan will be in every other living room. It will be taught in primary schools and integrated into both popular and classical music. Every day, I receive more collaboration requests from major artists. Recently, I released an album with Timbaland, which reassures me that this vision is closer than ever.
ONE OF THE MOST BEATIFUL THINGS ABOUT THE HANDPAN IS ITS ACCESSIBILITY
You’re the world’s first handpan teacher, offering online courses with your own unique method. How easy is it to learn? How long does it typically take to feel confident playing?
One of the most beautiful things about the handpan is its accessibility. You don’t need years of musical training to create something that sounds beautiful. The layout of the notes and the intuitive nature of the instrument make it easy for beginners to start playing and finding joy in it right away.
That said, like any instrument, mastering it takes time, patience, and practice. My method focuses on building a strong foundation while encouraging creative exploration. Some students feel confident within weeks, while others take more time—it really depends on how much time and love you put into it. But the key is this: it’s not about how fast you learn; it’s about enjoying the process.
What do you think is driving the growing interest in the handpan? Is it part of a larger shift toward mindfulness, or is it simply the magic of its sound?
I think it’s a combination of both. The sound of the handpan is naturally captivating—rich, warm, and resonant, with a quality that feels both ancient and futuristic. People hear it for the first time and are immediately drawn in, often without knowing why. It speaks directly to the heart, bypassing the analytical mind.
At the same time, we live in a fast-paced, often disconnected world. Many people are searching for ways to slow down, to reconnect with themselves and something deeper. The handpan offers that—a simple, tactile way to be present, to create without pressure, and to find moments of peace.
I do believe its rise in popularity is part of a broader shift in consciousness. People are craving authenticity, connection, and experiences that feel real. The handpan is more than just an instrument—it’s a reminder that beauty lies in simplicity, that music is for everyone, and that sometimes, the most powerful sounds are the ones that come from the heart.
