How did you improve your groove/rhythm and push your skills to next level?
Hey everyone 👋
I wanted to ask for some advice from more experienced handpan players here.
I currently have a Yatao D Kurd handpan, and I started learning through Malte Marten’s beginner course. It was honestly such a great way to begin. I have absolutely no musical background at all — this is my first instrument ever — and I’m enjoying it a lot!
Over the past months I’ve learned some patterns and exercises from the course, YouTube videos, etc.
But lately I’ve started feeling a bit stuck.
When I improvise, I notice that I almost always fall back into the same patterns and habits. Sometimes it feels difficult to move beyond what I already know and play more freely or creatively.
One thing I really want to improve is rhythm and groove. I’d love to be able to hold a strong rhythm while also playing melodies naturally on top of it.
My goal is to continue progressing seriously and eventually become an advanced handpan player.
So I wanted to ask:
- What helped you move beyond repeating patterns?
- How did you improve your rhythm/groove?
- Did practicing with a metronome help a lot? How?
- Are there specific exercises, approaches, or mindsets that unlocked improvisation/grooving for you?
- Any courses, teachers, YouTube channels, books, communities, or other resources you’d strongly recommend for the “next level”?
I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and what helped you progress 🙏