MY VISION
ARTIST RESIDENCY
Each year we organize at least one Artist Residency to connect new and upcoming handpan players.
HANDPAN HOUSE
In the heart of the Black Forest in Germany, we’ve created our first Handpan House.
HANDPAN LAWSUIT
A threatening subject that needs our all attention. Get all infos and help the handpan survive.
I see a world full of handpans. A world in which children in kindergarten playfully get to know this wonderful instrument and develop an intuitive approach to music.
I see a world in which the handpan can be heard as a classical musical instrument in concert halls as well as in arenas at major pop concerts. I see a healthy world where the handpan is part of the change and helps people to communicate authentically and honestly.
For me, the handpan is so much more than just a musical instrument. It has helped me personally, but also thousands of my students and listeners to get to know, feel and express themselves better. This is where I see the great power of the handpan. It can serve as a channel for the many emotions and feelings that we feel as human beings. In my eyes its uniqueness lies not in this characteristic, but in the access that people find to it. Its simple structure makes it possible for everyone to discover their own musicality and find creative expression.
The connection that develops between people who play this instrument is also particularly striking. It is an encounter from heart to heart. An encounter at eye level and in transparency with what is there.
I am grateful to be able to observe the development of the handpan and am excited to see where it takes us.
Below are some topics and projects that are either still in the future, or will highly influence the evolution of the handpan.
THE ARTIST RESIDENCY
Once a year I organize something truly special that’s very close to my heart: the Artist Residency. I invite talented handpan players from around the world to join us for an inspiring and creative experience. It’s a space where musicians come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with the handpan. We welcome advanced players, experienced artists, and emerging talents who are ready to explore the endless possibilities of this extraordinary instrument.
Inspiration in nature
The Residency always takes place in breathtaking locations surrounded by nature. These peaceful settings are far away from the distractions of everyday life, creating the perfect environment to focus, collaborate, and let creativity flow. We take care of all the practical details so participants can fully immerse themselves in their music and the connections they build with others. The natural surroundings create an inspiring and calming atmosphere that makes this experience truly unique.
Community and growth
At its core, the Residency is all about community. It’s a space where musicians from different backgrounds meet, inspire each other, and grow together. Experienced players and fresh talents work side by side, sharing their passion and pushing one another to new heights.
The program focuses on:
Creative exchange: Musicians share their music, techniques, and ideas, working together to explore new concepts and approaches.
Personal growth: Deep conversations and collaborations lead to innovative ways of playing and teaching, making the handpan more versatile and exciting.
Networking and community: Many connections made during the Residency evolve into long-lasting creative partnerships.
What makes the Artist Residency so special is that it’s about more than just playing music. Together, we explore new ways of teaching, fresh ideas for playing, and exciting projects that help bring the handpan to a wider audience. It’s a space where creativity, connection, and vision come alive.
Each Residency is unique, shaped by the diversity of the artists who join and the ideas they bring. For me, it’s one of the most beautiful and meaningful moments of the year – and a key part of my mission to make the handpan more widely known and accessible.
Be part of the journey
My goal is that every participant will leave the Residency with fresh inspiration, new ideas, and the feeling of being part of something bigger – a movement that’s shaping the future of handpan music. If you’re an advanced player and this vision resonates with you, maybe one day an invitation will find its way to you.
THE HANDPAN HOUSE
The first handpan house in the Black Forest – a home for the handpan
With the opening of the first handpan house in the Black Forest, we have created a unique space dedicated entirely to the handpan and its community. This remarkable project represents the first step in a larger vision: to establish a platform that unites music, creativity, and community, inspiring people around the world to discover, experience, and fall in love with this extraordinary instrument.
A place where music, people and inspiration come together
Nestled in the serene natural beauty of the Black Forest, with breathtaking views over the valley and surrounding woodlands, the handpan house offers an atmosphere that fosters both tranquility and creativity. It is not just a place for relaxation but a vibrant hub where beginners and experienced musicians alike come together to share ideas, learn from each other, and bring creative projects to life.
What already happens here:
A professional music studio: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the studio enables high-quality recordings, creative productions, and innovative projects.
Musical collaborations: Handpan players from all over the world are frequently visiting to crate beautiful music that is shared with my online audience.
Workations: Our team regularly gathers at the handpan house to collaborate on new ideas and develop creative content.
Content creation: Educational materials and multimedia content are produced on-site to make the handpan accessible to a broader audience.
An exclusive handpan collection: High-quality instruments are available for both solo and group sessions, opening up new musical possibilities
Nature and creativity in perfect harmony
The peaceful and picturesque surroundings of the Black Forest make the handpan house a unique place where nature and creativity blend seamlessly. The pristine forests, fresh air, and tranquil silence provide the perfect setting to unwind, recharge, and open your mind to new ideas. This harmonious combination of relaxation and inspiration makes the handpan house a truly special destination.
Our vision – a center for events, education and creativity
The handpan house is more than just a retreat; it is envisioned as an international center for the handpan community, combining education, art, and connection. It already hosts a wide variety of activities and events, including:
Retreats and workshops: Immersive learning experiences and collaborative music-making in an inspiring environment.
Festivals and concerts: Celebrations that bring the handpan world together and create unforgettable memories.
Artist residencies: A dedicated space for musicians to focus on their craft and develop new projects.
Teacher training and masterclasses: Supporting and nurturing the next generation of handpan teachers.
Exhibitions: A unique collection of rare and historic handpan instruments, providing insights into the evolution and history of this remarkable instrument.
Our partnership with Ayasa Instruments
Through our close collaboration with Ayasa Instruments, one of the world’s leading handpan makers, we have access to an unparalleled variety of instruments. This partnership paves the way for entirely new methods of group learning and playing, with the versatility of scales playing a pivotal role. By fostering this collaboration, we not only encourage creative exchange but also set new standards in the world of handpan music.
A growing project with global ambition
The handpan house in the Black Forest is just the beginning. It is part of a broader vision to establish a network of handpan houses worldwide. These spaces are envisioned as cultural hubs where people from all walks of life can come together to discover, play, teach, and collectively shape the future of this unique instrument.
With passion and dedication, we have laid the foundation in the Black Forest – a project that continues to grow, strengthening and inspiring the handpan community in extraordinary ways.
If our vision excites you and you have impulses on how we can further bring our vision to life, we warmly invite people to support us - especially investors who share our vision and want to contribute. Feel free to email us at: hello@maltemarten.com
THE HANDPAN LAWSUIT
For over two decades, the handpan has enriched countless lives and fostered a global community. This unique instrument has become a symbol of creativity, connection, and harmony.
Unfortunately, a long history of legal disputes between PANArt, the creators of the Hang®, and various handpan makers has cast a shadow over this community. Most recently, a copyright claim has been made, arguing that handpans with a similar shape to the Hang® are illegal copies. If upheld, this claim could have serious consequences for the future of handpan fabrication, availability, and innovation.
In response, I want to contribute personally to ensure that this wonderful instrument remains accessible to all of us and can continue to grow freely.
Coming soon: Our blog will provide regular updates (weekly or bi-weekly) on the ongoing lawsuit, offering insights into this critical issue for the community.