The We Play Well Together collective, featuring instruments like monochords, tongue drums, handpans, kalimbas, and hanging chimes, has found a significant place in music therapy across various settings and conditions. Music Therapist Katie Down has outlined the instruments' clinical uses, which range from hospice care bedside support to assisting individuals with special needs, and from facilitating early childhood development to enhancing therapeutic group work. These instruments are instrumental in techniques such as clinical improvisation, songwriting, and self-soothing methods, supporting vocal exploration, breath work, and more.

A special highlight video has been crafted to offer music therapists a glimpse into the potential applications of these instruments, showcasing creations by Hokema Kalimbas, feeltone, and Metal Sounds. Notably, feeltone instruments can be treated for disinfection, aligning with current health protocols, ensuring they remain a safe choice for therapeutic environments.

Further resources for music therapists interested in integrating these instruments into their practice are available, including profiles and methods by professionals like Christine Stevens and Joanne Loewy from the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine. These resources demonstrate the broad spectrum of therapeutic possibilities these instruments can offer.

For an opportunity to explore these instruments and their uses in music therapy further, We Play Well Together will be present at the American Music Therapy Association 2021 Conference from October 14th to 17th, inviting professionals to connect and learn more about these transformative tools.

Metal Sounds:

Handpans Handmade in France

 

SPACEDRUM®, the intuitive handpan, is a metal melodic instrument inspired by the original steel drum (aka the steelpan) and by the Hang® invented by PANArt® in 2000. Metal Sounds' handpans have been designed and handcrafted since 2006, and were the first handpan producer in France.

As requirements, tastes, and desires vary, Metal Sounds offers two different lines of handpans:

Diving into the craftsmanship behind Metal Sounds' handpans and Zenko tongue drums in the South of France, this video offers a peek behind the curtain of meticulous care, artistry, and technical precision. It showcases the process from hammering and laser-cutting to tuning, capturing the essence of Metal Sounds' commitment to passion, integrity, and quality.

Featured are captivating performances, including contributions from the eclectic Canadian band Walk off the Earth, demonstrating the Spacedrum's versatility in various musical settings, from solo acts to classical ensembles. The video is a testament to the creative potential of Metal Sounds instruments in the hands of artists, inviting viewers into a world where music transcends boundaries.

This 30-minute showcase is a journey through the workshop's inner workings to the global stage, illustrating the Spacedrum's role in pioneering compositions and artistic projects. It's an invitation to explore the possibilities of adding a Spacedrum to your collection, with Metal Sounds offering a range of tunings to match any musical inclination.

"This particular handpan by Metal Sounds is one of the most beautiful that I've personally played before!" - Todd Boston, January 2021

Want to know how to record a handpan?

 

Todd Boston, demonstrates the difference between a spacedrum Nitro and a spacedrum Evolution.