Handpan in Healthcare
It’s like the handpan was made for healthcare. The soothing tones are gentle on the ears and peaceful for the mind. Patients describe how the handpan is easier to listen to than other instruments and does not aggravate tinnitus. The melodic sound and warm overtones are reminiscent of a harp, but richer and more full sounding. Handpan music can transport the mind to natural landscapes, which is beneficial for those who are unable to travel. Patients sometimes drift to sleep, indicating they’ve reached the maximum state of relaxation.
Entering Healthcare
In early 2020, Dan started volunteering at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center to play handpan for Veterans in hospice.
In 2021, Dan started playing handpan therapeutically for memory care and assisted/independent living communities around Wichita.
In 2022, Dan started transposing familiar songs from piano to handpan for memory care and assisted/independent living residents.
In 2023, Dan started playing handpan for cancer treatment and expanded his reach outside the Wichita metro.
In 2024, Dan started using lyric books for residents to sing along. Dan has learned over 100 cover songs for residents to enjoy.
900+ hours visiting healthcare
80+ healthcare communities served
Therapeutic Tones Instill Peace
The handpan produces therapeutic tones that relax the body and mind. Handpan music can reduce stress and anxiety for patients, family, and staff. The peaceful sound soothes the soul while encouraging us to slow down and take a breath. Handpan music can aid residents who have trouble sleeping at night, while also providing a break for staff or family to relax or complete other tasks.
Memory Care
Dan started learning cover songs for memory care residents because it reduces anxiety. Playing familiar music is beneficial for memory care as residents feel more comfortable listening to songs they grew up with. The rich sound of the handpan brings new life to old songs while enhancing the well-being of residents. Some of the most fulfilling moments are when memory care residents sing along.
“I envision a future where hospitals have handpans playing in the lobbies to reduce stress for patients, visitors, and staff.”
Hospice
The soft sounds of the handpan are especially therapeutic for hospice. The gentle tones are reminiscent of water drops or chimes. Comforting melodies offer a peaceful respite for patients, family, and staff. Handpan music provides a therapeutic break for immobile patients, describing how it allows them to close their eyes and feel transported to a calming sea or tranquil forest.
Handpan in Independent Living
Early in 2023, Dan visited an independent living community where a resident fell in love with the soothing sounds of the handpan.
Later that year, she purchased her first handpan and enjoys sharing it with others. Her independent living community is the first healthcare facility to have a handpan in Wichita.
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Soothing tones are ideal for healthcare
Relaxing music reduces stress and anxiety
Peaceful melodies transport the mind to calming landscapes
Enhances well-being for patients, family, and staff
Handpan brings new life to old songs
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Handpans produce comforting sounds similar to water or chimes
Soft tones do not aggravate tinnitus
Patients describe it as similar to a harp, but richer sounding
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Tapping is easy and the notes are large, requiring less precision than other instruments
All the notes go together, reducing anxiety of hitting a wrong note
Easy to transport to different rooms or across facilities