Handpan lessons · Chiang Mai
One-to-one and small-group handpan lessons in San Sai, ten minutes north of the old city. No experience needed, and you don't need your own instrument.
A lesson here is a workshop, not a fixed class slot. We start where you are — often with nothing more than your hands and one note — and build from there. Most people are playing something that sounds like music within the first hour, because the handpan is tuned so there are no wrong notes. Sessions run by appointment, so we can take the time the day needs rather than watching a clock.
Learn the handpan in person, by appointment — a workshop, not a fixed class time. Suitable for beginners, rhythm training, improvisation, sound healing, and stress relief & relaxation.
We begin with posture, hand shape and touch — the three things that decide whether a handpan sings or thuds. Then simple rhythms around the ding, and your first melody. You'll leave the first session able to play something whole, and knowing how to practise it.
For returning players we work on independence between the hands, ghost notes and dynamics, moving between scales, and improvising without falling into the same three patterns. If you play for sound healing or in ceremony, we can shape the sessions around holding space rather than performing.
Handpan lessons · Chiang Mai
Prices in Thai baht, by appointment. Blocks of five or ten hours can be used across as many visits as you like — there's no expiry.
Instruments are provided during every lesson. If you'd like to practise between sessions, you can rent a handpan by the day, week or month and take it home with you.
See handpan rentalsRiley Zhang teaches handpan alongside sound healing, yin yoga and Ayurvedic practice — so lessons tend to be as much about listening and breath as about technique.
About RileyAt the studio in San Sai Noi, just north of Chiang Mai city. It's a quiet room built for sound, which matters more than it sounds like it should — a handpan in a live room is a different instrument.
How to find usHandpan lessons · Chiang Mai
No. The handpan is tuned to a single scale, so every note you play belongs. It's one of the few instruments where a complete beginner can make something beautiful in the first session — that's most of why people fall for it.
No, instruments are provided for the lesson. If you want to practise at home between sessions you can rent one by the day, week or month.
Private one-to-one lessons start at ฿1,300 an hour, and semi-private lessons for two start at ฿2,000 an hour. Blocks of five and ten hours work out cheaper and don't expire.
Most people play a recognisable phrase in the first hour and a full simple piece within three or four. Getting expressive — dynamics, ghost notes, real improvisation — is the part that keeps going for years.
Yes. Semi-private lessons are for two people sharing the session. For larger groups, or for a retreat or team day, message us and we'll put something together.
The studio is in San Sai Noi, San Sai District — about twenty minutes from the old city. Sessions are by appointment only, so please message before coming.
Message us on WhatsApp with a rough idea of when suits you. There's no obligation, and if you're not sure whether it's for you, a single hour is the honest way to find out.