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Lesson 72: Performing Piece 16 – Playing and Constructing Melodic Structures Using Chords

Lesson description and learning notes

 

One of the most effective and widely used methods of handpan (hang drum) composition is arranging a sequence of chords and gradually expanding or developing them to create rich melodic textures. This technique allows players to construct compelling musical pieces while exploring harmony, rhythm, and expression on the handpan

The melodic structure of this piece is built from a sequence and repetition of several defined chord cycles. At first, these chords are played simply with precise counting, helping you internalize timing and coordination. Once comfortable, the chord sequences are transformed into arpeggios, allowing you to perform the melodic line with greater fluidity and musicality

By adding a touch of creativity, such as substituting lower notes with other notes within the arpeggio, you can discover richer melodic possibilities and craft unique variations. Incorporating the slap technique adds another layer of rhythmic complexity, utilizing the handpan’s full percussive potential and expanding the overall sonic palette of your performance

The slap technique is just one of hundreds of rhythmic patterns available for handpan players. Through consistent practice, you can combine slaps, arpeggios, and chord progressions to create dynamic and expressive handpan arrangements

In this session, it is essential to pay careful attention to hand placement and finger technique, especially as the slap technique alters the way notes are struck. Practice slowly at first, maintaining precise timing and clean execution, and gradually increase tempo to match the melodic and rhythmic flow of the piece

By using your prior knowledge from previous lessons—note reading, rhythmic patterns, hand positioning, and finger exercises—you can expand your composition skills and explore a wide range of musical forms and textures on the handpan. This method not only enhances musical creativity but also strengthens hand coordination, timing, and overall control over the instrument

Through this comprehensive approach, students can develop a deeper understanding of handpan music theory, improve their technical skills, and enjoy a more expressive and versatile handpan playing experience

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Common Sessions
Course Introduction 1. Course Introduction Erfan Ghavighalb, Amirali Rahmani, Iman Shabkhiz, Arash Taremi · 00:08:14 Free Completed Correct Playing Posture for Handpan 2. Correct Playing Posture for Handpan Erfan Ghavighalb · 00:03:25 Free Completed How to Play Handpan Notes Correctly? 3. How to Play Handpan Notes Correctly? Erfan Ghavighalb, Amirali Rahmani, Iman Shabkhiz · 00:05:10 Plan required Completed Handpan Symbols 4. Handpan Symbols Erfan Ghavighalb · 00:02:18 Plan required Completed Breathing and Mindfulness – Session 1: Diaphragmatic Breathing 5. Breathing and Mindfulness – Session 1: Diaphragmatic Breathing Zack · 00:04:39 Free Completed Breathing and Mindfulness – Session 2: Oceanic Breathing 6. Breathing and Mindfulness – Session 2: Oceanic Breathing Zack · 00:02:58 Plan required Completed Warm-Up and Corrective Exercises – Session 1 7. Warm-Up and Corrective Exercises – Session 1 Zack · 00:07:21 Plan required Completed Warm-Up and Corrective Exercises – Session 2 8. Warm-Up and Corrective Exercises – Session 2 Zack · 00:08:51 Plan required Completed warm-Up and Corrective Exercises – Session 3 9. warm-Up and Corrective Exercises – Session 3 Zack · 00:09:22 Plan required Completed Handpan Warm-Up & Breathing 10. Handpan Warm-Up & Breathing Erfan Ghavighalb · 00:02:26 Free Completed
Level 3 Sessions
Lesson 57: Performing Piece No. 8 11. Lesson 57: Performing Piece No. 8 Iman Shabkhiz · 00:04:20 Plan required Completed Lesson 58, performing piece No. 9: practicing the rhythmic pattern and playing the melody line over the pattern. 12. Lesson 58, performing piece No. 9: practicing the rhythmic pattern and playing the melody line over the pattern. Erfan Ghavighalb · 00:03:07 Plan required Completed Lesson 59 and Performance of Piece No. 10 – Playing and Introduction to Arpeggios on the Handpan. 13. Lesson 59 and Performance of Piece No. 10 – Playing and Introduction to Arpeggios on the Handpan. Amirali Rahmani, Arash Taremi · 00:02:38 Plan required Completed Lesson 60: Performing Piece 11 – Combining Eight-Note Rhythmic Patterns with Melody 14. Lesson 60: Performing Piece 11 – Combining Eight-Note Rhythmic Patterns with Melody Amirali Rahmani · 00:02:16 Plan required Completed Lesson 61: Practicing a Section of the Rotation Melody on Handpan 15. Lesson 61: Practicing a Section of the Rotation Melody on Handpan Erfan Ghavighalb, Iman Shabkhiz, Arash Taremi · 00:03:36 Free Completed Lessons 62 to 65: Practicing Piece 12 – First Rhythmic Pattern of Rotation 16. Lessons 62 to 65: Practicing Piece 12 – First Rhythmic Pattern of Rotation Erfan Ghavighalb · 00:04:07 Plan required Completed Lessons 66 & 67: Practicing Piece 13 – Second Rhythmic Pattern of Rotation 17. Lessons 66 & 67: Practicing Piece 13 – Second Rhythmic Pattern of Rotation Erfan Ghavighalb, Arash Taremi · 00:02:44 Plan required Completed Lessons 68 & 69: Practicing the third rhythmic pattern of Rotation, performing Piece 14 18. Lessons 68 & 69: Practicing the third rhythmic pattern of Rotation, performing Piece 14 Arash Taremi · 00:02:56 Plan required Completed Lessons 70 & 71: Performing Piece 15 – The Fourth Rhythmic Pattern of Rotation 19. Lessons 70 & 71: Performing Piece 15 – The Fourth Rhythmic Pattern of Rotation Erfan Ghavighalb, Amirali Rahmani, Arash Taremi · 00:03:11 Plan required Completed Lesson 72: Performing Piece 16 – Playing and Constructing Melodic Structures Using Chords 20. Lesson 72: Performing Piece 16 – Playing and Constructing Melodic Structures Using Chords Iman Shabkhiz · 00:08:08 Now playing Plan required Completed Lesson 73 & 74: Preparatory Exercises for Performing Passages 21. Lesson 73 & 74: Preparatory Exercises for Performing Passages Erfan Ghavighalb · 00:01:21 Plan required Completed Lesson 75: Learning and Performing Triplet Notes, Whole Notes, and Half Notes 22. Lesson 75: Learning and Performing Triplet Notes, Whole Notes, and Half Notes Erfan Ghavighalb, Arash Taremi · 00:03:11 Plan required Completed Lessons 76, 77, 78: Practicing Single Strokes and Accents on the Handpan 23. Lessons 76, 77, 78: Practicing Single Strokes and Accents on the Handpan Erfan Ghavighalb, Iman Shabkhiz · 00:03:10 Plan required Completed Lessons 79 to 84: Practicing Double Strokes and Paradiddle Strokes on the Handpan 24. Lessons 79 to 84: Practicing Double Strokes and Paradiddle Strokes on the Handpan Erfan Ghavighalb, Iman Shabkhiz · 00:03:53 Plan required Completed Lessons 85 to 93: Exploring Time Signatures and Ghost Note Execution on the Handpan 25. Lessons 85 to 93: Exploring Time Signatures and Ghost Note Execution on the Handpan iman Shabkhiz, Arash Taremi · 00:06:54 Plan required Completed Lesson 94 – Learning and Performing Piece No 17 in 6/8 Time Signature on the Handpan 26. Lesson 94 – Learning and Performing Piece No 17 in 6/8 Time Signature on the Handpan iman Shabkhiz · 00:05:29 Plan required Completed