San Francisco-based sound practitioner Lydia Hwang recently graced our Monochord Monday Meetup Zoom group with an exceptional demonstration, integrating Monolina Monochords with Klangfarben Hanging Chimes. Following her autoimmune disease diagnosis, Lydia embarked on a profound journey into sound therapy, studying under the guidance of Fabien Maman at the Tama-Do Academy and later collaborating with master chime builder Wolfgang Dienert to perfect her craft. In 2016, she expanded her expertise as a certified Aura-Soma practitioner, blending sound and color therapies into her unique "Color Soul" intuitive readings. Lydiaβs work spans private sessions, workshops, retreats, and musical performances with Savasana Sound.
Klangfarben, founded by Wolfgang Deinert in 1989, specializes in meticulously handcrafted Bell chimes and tubular gongs, known for their precise tuning and quality brass construction. WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER proudly distributes Klangfarben in North America, offering a selection of pre-tuned chime sets and custom creations tailored to individual preferences.
We're honored to collaborate with the music composers Β Matt Levine, who recently incorporated the Hokema Kalimba Sansula Deluxe into his vast collection. Matt has shared a tutorial video on his approach to the Sansula, demonstrating its immediate musicality and likening the playing of its two rows of metal tines to the rhythmic "inhale and exhale" of breathing. His demonstration includes a tango rhythm on the Sansula, tuned to A minor, showcasing how its limited 9 notes form a musical structure that allows for endless melodic and rhythmic exploration.
Matt Levine, based in San Francisco, balances his time between teaching at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and creating sound immersion applications. His diverse work spans composing for video games, films, TV, and more, showcasing his versatility across genres and his innovative technical skills. Founder of Uncle Vectorβs Audio Lab LLC and with a history of significant roles in the music industry, including Beatnik Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), Matt's recent venture is Tone Pool, a sound immersion app for iOS and Android.
Dive into Matt's video to explore the Sansula's potential yourself and share your experience with us!
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, feeltone is renowned for its high-quality wooden instruments, expertly crafted in Northern Germany. These instruments, including the versatile Monolina and Monolini monochords, are beloved by sound therapists and musicians worldwide for their ability to induce deep relaxation through harmonious vibrations. Founded by Ingo BΓΆhme, feeltone's mission is to make intuitive music-making accessible to all, transcending traditional musical barriers.
Feeltone's unique offerings, such as Sound Furniture, enhance therapeutic practices by allowing direct physical interaction with sound. Collaborations, with Martina GlΓ€ser, have led to specialized Monochord trainings that deepen the understanding and application of sound massage.
Through a partnership with We Play Well Together, led by Gabriele Schwibach, feeltone has significantly impacted the North American music therapy and sound healing scenes. As we honor feeltone's legacy, we also celebrate the community and connections forged through the universal language of sound.
Discover the exquisite line of Metal Sounds' steel percussion instruments, skillfully crafted in Southern France and now available in the American market through WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER. This includes the Zenko Drum, a top-tier tongue drum likened to the "Porsche" of tongue-drums for its refined sound and elegant design, and the Spacedrum, available in both Evolution and Nitro versions, offering unique sounds suited to various musical and therapeutic applications.
The Zenko Drum, with its variety of tunings, and the Spacedrum, with its chromatic range and responsive qualities, exemplify innovation in musical instrument design. Metal Sounds, established from a collaboration between Philip Maignaut and the Djoliba Music Store, prides itself on quality and integrity, handcrafting instruments that resonate with musicians, therapists, and enthusiasts alike.
As the exclusive North American distributor for Metal Sounds, WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER ensures a seamless experience for customers, from expert advice to after-service support. This partnership not only brings these unique instruments closer to the American handpan community but also fosters a global network of players united by the joy of music.
Discover the enchanting world of Hokema Kalimbas, meticulously crafted in a solar-powered, family-operated factory in Germany, and now available in the American market through WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER. This introduction into the interconnected community of kalimba enthusiasts underscores the instruments' accessibility and appeal to music makers of all levels.
The Kalimba, with origins in sub-Saharan Africa, offers a warm, soft sound that encourages relaxation and integrates well with other instruments. The Sansula, a unique development by Hokema, amplifies the kalimba's vibrations through a drum head, producing a prolonged, overtone-rich sound. For the more technologically inclined, the "Elektro" Kalimba features a built-in pickup for easy amplification, ideal for live performances and digital streaming.
Founded by Peter Hokema, who was captivated by traditional African plucked instruments, Hokema has evolved under the leadership of his son Hugo, maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. Their instruments are crafted from American cherry wood, avoiding tropical woods, and the factory runs on renewable energy.
Hokema's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation has made its kalimbas beloved by a diverse array of users, from professional musicians to wellness practitioners. As the exclusive North American distributor, WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER, led by Gabriele Schwibach, supports this tradition, offering a platform for these beautiful instruments to resonate within a global community.
Join us next month at SUPER BLOOM: a Womenβs Handpan GatheringΒ taking place May 13th-15th located at Peace Temple in the Catskills Mountains near Hancock, New York.
βWe aim to bring women handpan players and enthusiasts together for a relaxing weekend in the woods. Steeped in nature, with the handpan as our guide, we invite women looking to awaken, explore and expand their divine inner-compass. We are grateful for this opportunity to Super Bloom inner abundance into life β¦ together.β
πΈ
WE PLAY WELL TOGETHER will be providingΒ Metal SoundsΒ SpacedrumsΒ to try out and weβll be giving away a Zenko Drum, Hokema Kalimba Sansula and other goodies to some lucky participants. We're looking forward to getting to know our handpan community up-close and personal at this gorgeous location for their inaugural gathering! (And wow, this is theΒ first in-person eventΒ we'll be attending in 2 years! It's been a looong pandemic...)Β
Last week,Β We Play Well Together'sΒ Joule L'Adara hosted an Instagram Live session with the creative team behind Super Bloom.Β The women share why they were drawn to work with the handpan, how this gathering came into being, and why time in nature with music and sisterhood is so nourishing and especially needed at this time.Β Β You can check outΒ the YouTube version ofΒ this long-form IG interview onΒ our channel...
Blow the trumpets! Strum the monochords! Bang on handpans, tongue-drums and Tinka Tongs! Send in choirs singing songs of joy while plucking on kalimbas! We have a new look:
We're heartbroken by the brutal, devastating violence that has taken place in Ukraine over the past two weeks. While this (any)Β war has layersΒ of complexity stemming from centuries of history, it's difficult to deny that a great many people are suffering right now. We can choose to look away, allow ourselves to become overwhelmed, or instead choose to carry out some small act that might relieve the suffering even a little.Β
Beyond donating to relief organizations, we received a tip for a brilliantΒ way to support artists - an act ofΒ simplicity and beauty.Β Β
Curious about the enchanting world of handpans and tongue drums? If you've ever pondered the unique tonal qualities of these instruments or how to integrate them into your musical or therapeutic practice, including singing alongside these melodious percussions, then you're in for a treat.
We're thrilled to feature an insightful interview with Kalani Das of the World Drum Club, a celebrated YouTube channel with over 200K followers that delves into percussion instruments through tutorials and reviews. In this detailed discussion, Kalani explores Metal Sounds' Spacedrum Evolution and Zenko Drum, offering a captivating demonstration that highlights the harmony between these instruments.
Kalani's expertise shines as he employs live looping techniques to blend the distinct sounds of the Spacedrum Evolution and Zenko Drum, illustrating the seamless interaction possible even for solo performers. This interview is a testament to the synergy of We Play Well Together's curated instrument selection.
Highlights from the interview include: - The distinctions between handpans and tongue drums and their unique applications. - The Zenko drum's exceptional quality, likened to the "sportscar" of tongue drums for its refined sound. - The Spacedrum Evolution's notable sustain, making it a standout choice among handpans. - Tips on using live looping for creating layered soundscapes. - The importance of investing in the highest quality instrument possible. - The dynamic duo of singing with pitched percussion for an enriched musical experience.
Deciding between a handpan and a tongue drum is significant, with many opting to dream about and list these instruments as coveted additions to their musical repertoire. Metal Sounds' handcrafted instruments from France demand patience, often requiring weeks to perfect, but the result is an unparalleled sound companion worth the wait. Explore our collection of Spacedrum and Zenko Drums to find the one that resonates with you.
I am new to the Monolina world but have been around stringed instruments all my life. I'm so excited about its possibilities as a solo instrument for use in Reiki, as well as in an ensemble setting. It helps me to meditate as well.
We have a full set of crystal bowls, and the low C monochord adds a wonderful depth to their sounding. I also find myself humming/singing over the low C drone in a quite natural way. Very happy with my new instrument.
I've wanted to purchase a Sansula ever since I first heard one, two years ago. I finally purchased one and upon receiving it was disappointed in it's sound. Customer service was extremely helpful and promptly replaced it. Couldn't have been a better experience. I highly recommend the instrument and the company is top notch.