MY STORY
When I look back on my journey with the handpan, I feel nothing but gratitude. From playing on the streets of Berlin to reaching over a hundred million yearly streams, I never imagined that this instrument would shape my life in such profound ways.
It all started in 2014, when I stumbled upon a video of the legendary duo “Hang Massive.” Their sound struck a chord deep within me. At that moment, I knew I had to find a way to play this incredible instrument myself. I sold all of my music equipment—everything I owned as a beatmaker and DJ - just to buy my first handpan. That decision changed my life forever.
Between 2015 and 2020, I toured with my former duo, Yatao, sharing our music from a place of authenticity and vulnerability. Those years taught me more than just the language of music; they taught me how to connect deeply with my emotions and express them through sound. The handpan has been more than an instrument - it’s been a teacher, guiding me toward self-discovery and a deeper understanding of connection.
In 2021, I began devoting all my energy to my solo project. I would never have guessed how much it would resonate with people. Over the past few years, my music has reached millions around the world, with viral videos on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. What moves me most is hearing from listeners who say my music isn’t just background sound—it’s helped them through personal challenges, brought them clarity, and reconnected them with their inner selves.
Along the way, I co-founded the YataoShop, a place where anyone can take their first steps into the world of handpan. My goal has always been to create a welcoming and supportive environment for those who feel drawn to this beautiful instrument, just as I once was.
I also created the Malte Marten Method, born out of my desire to share everything I’ve learned about playing and teaching the handpan. Over 5,000 students have already benefited from this approach, which goes far beyond playing notes. It’s about accessing your deepest feelings and finding ways to express them musically.
Now it’s been more than 10 years since I first picked up the handpan. Those years have been filled with countless hours of playing, intense personal growth, and an ongoing dialogue with audiences around the world. Looking ahead, I’m excited for what’s to come: the launch of the world’s first handpan teacher training, worldwide concert tours, new Handpan Houses, and other projects close to my heart.
Every step of this journey has been guided by love, dedication, and an incredible community.
For that, I am endlessly thankful.
LONG STORY SHORT - MY JOURNEY IN A NUTSHELL
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Got my first handpan & founded Yatao
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becoming a full-time street musician, first video uploads on YouTube
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first concert tours, festivals and more street music
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bigger tours, bigger concerts. all our concerts back then were donation based
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first workshops, more concerts, slowly stopping to play on the streets
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first retreat and more workshops. teaching became a passion and we were obsessed with it
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covid stopped our concerts. giving retreats saved us. we founded YataoShop and sold our first handpans online
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we stopped the musical project “Yatao” and I started my solo journey. successfully crowdfunding my first solo studio album.
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first viral videos, gaining international recognition by big artists like Chris Brown, Timbaland and more
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great success with first online masterclass, the idea of the teacher training emerged
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massive success on social media, release of my own online learning platform and the worlds first handpan teacher training
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EXPERIENCE ME AT MY LIVE PERFORMANCES
You can find all concert and tour dates at the following link