Malte Marten – Handpan Artist, Teacher & Yatao Co-Founder
Some people discover the handpan through a video. Others pick up the instrument for the very first time and instantly feel that there is something special about it. Malte's journey began with exactly such a moment. In 2014, he consciously heard the sound of a handpan for the first time and simply followed that feeling, one step at a time.
For us at YataoShop, Malte's story is so important because it has also become part of our own. YataoShop wasn't born from the idea of creating another online store or simply selling instruments. It grew naturally out of many years of making music, playing on the streets, meeting people, teaching workshops, answering students' questions, and, above all, from the desire to guide people into the world of the handpan with honesty, care, and genuine experience.
A sound that changed everything
Before Malte discovered the handpan, music had already been an important part of his life. But the moment he heard the sound of this instrument, something new began. The handpan didn't simply feel like another instrument to learn. It felt like a doorway to expression, stillness, and connection. There was something about its sound that resonated deeply within him and opened up an entirely new way of experiencing music.
When Malte chose his first handpan, he consciously stepped onto a new path. It wasn't the result of a perfect plan. It was simply the beginning of a journey. And that is exactly what makes his story so relatable for so many people. Like every beginner, Malte once stood at the very start himself. He had to discover which instrument felt right for him, learn how to play, and slowly find his own voice as those very first notes gradually evolved into a unique and personal form of expression.
The street as the first great teacher
Much of what Malte learned came through simply playing. He took his handpan outside, played in the streets, and connected with people in the most direct and authentic way. Time and again, strangers would stop to listen, strike up a conversation, or simply pause for a quiet moment before continuing on their way. The music created genuine encounters, small but meaningful moments of connection that happened naturally through the sound of the handpan.
Those experiences continue to shape the way we think about handpans at YataoShop to this day. A great handpan is much more than a beautifully crafted instrument. It has the power to touch people, bring them together, and accompany them through different stages of their lives. That is exactly why we believe the first steps into the world of the handpan should never feel overwhelming. They should feel natural, inspiring, and supported by honest guidance every step of the way.
Yatao: When music becomes connection
As Malte's personal journey continued, it eventually evolved into Yatao Music. What began as an individual path grew into something shared, something bigger, reaching more and more people around the world. During this time, it became increasingly clear just how powerful the handpan can be in bringing people together. Through music, genuine connections were created that reached far beyond words.
For us, Yatao is much more than a former music project. It is one of the foundations on which YataoShop was built. The countless encounters, concerts, workshops, and conversations with people who wanted to start playing themselves all revealed the same thing: many people feel deeply drawn to the sound of the handpan, but they simply don't know where to begin.
Which scale is right for me? How much should I invest? How can I recognize a high-quality instrument? Is the handpan suitable for complete beginners? These are exactly the questions we continue to hear every single day, and they remain at the heart of what we do.
From listening to playing
Over the years, Malte's music has reached more and more people through YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. For many, his videos became their very first encounter with the handpan. They heard its unique sound, experienced the sense of calm it creates, and began asking themselves what it would feel like to play this beautiful instrument themselves.
From our perspective at YataoShop, this is a very natural moment. Someone discovers Malte's music and doesn't just become a fan. They become curious about the instrument itself. Listening turns into the first quiet desire to play. A simple thought begins to grow: Maybe I could learn this too. Maybe the handpan is exactly the instrument I've been looking for.
That is exactly where we want to meet people. Not with pressure or sales tactics, but with honest guidance, clear orientation, and the support they need to confidently take their very first steps into the world of the handpan.
Concerts, workshops, and real questions
As Malte's music continued to reach more people, so did the number of concerts, workshops, and retreats. Through these experiences, it became even clearer that everyone finds their way to the handpan for different reasons. Some are looking for an instrument that supports meditation, relaxation, and inner peace. Others want to develop their musical skills, learn to improvise, or enjoy playing together with others. And then there are those who simply feel that something within them comes alive the moment they hear its sound.
These encounters have deeply shaped the way we think at YataoShop as well. We don't believe there is one perfect handpan for everyone. Instead, we believe there is a handpan that is right for where you are on your own journey. That is why honest advice, personal recommendations, and clear guidance are such an important part of everything we do.
If you would like to experience the handpan together with Malte in person, you can learn more about his retreats here.
The Malte Marten Method: Learning with feeling and structure
After many years of playing, performing, and teaching, Malte developed his own approach to learning the handpan. The Malte Marten Method combines technical foundations with musical expression, joy, and personal experience. To us, this is so important because it reflects a simple truth: a handpan is not only valuable once you become a "good" player.
The beginning should feel easy. It should feel playful. And most importantly, it should feel like your own journey.
The three core principles behind the Malte Marten Method beautifully reflect the values we also want to share through YataoShop:
- Flow: Learning should feel natural, intuitive, and enjoyable.
- Authenticity: You don't need to sound like anyone else. Your own musical voice is already enough, and this journey is about discovering and expressing it.
- Experience: Learning the handpan happens through playing, exploring, experimenting, and building a genuine connection with your instrument.
If this approach resonates with you, you can learn more about the Malte Marten Method here or begin your journey completely free with the Free Mini Class.
Why YataoShop came to life
YataoShop grew naturally out of this entire journey. It was born from Malte's path with the handpan, from Yatao, from the community, from countless workshops, and from the many conversations with people who all wanted the same thing: to get started in the best possible way.
The idea didn't emerge in a traditional business setting. It was born within Malte's closest circle, together with Sebastian, Malte's brother, and Stephan, one of his closest friends. Their shared passion for music, the handpan, and the growing community, combined with the many questions they received from beginners, inspired them to create a place where people could find their first or their next handpan with honest advice, clear guidance, and genuine support.
At the time, that was often much easier said than done. High-quality handpans were difficult to find, waiting lists were long, prices were high, and for beginners it was almost impossible to understand the differences in quality. Anyone who wanted to enter the world of the handpan often found themselves without much orientation. Either professional instruments were simply out of reach financially, or more affordable options didn't offer the level of tuning, craftsmanship, and playability needed to truly enjoy learning the instrument.
This challenge became a central part of YataoShop's mission. Malte, Sebastian, and Stephan wanted to make high-quality handpans more accessible without compromising on sound, tuning, or playability. A beginner's instrument doesn't have to be luxurious, but it should be honest, reliable, beautifully tuned, and inspiring enough that people genuinely enjoy sitting down to play it again and again.
That vision remains at the heart of YataoShop and our own handpan brand, Yataopan. Our goal has never been simply to sell instruments. It is about transforming the experience that Malte, Sebastian, Stephan, and the entire team have gathered over many years into honest, personal, and trustworthy guidance that helps people find the instrument that is right for them.
We know that buying your first handpan can feel overwhelming. Many instruments look similar, yet they all sound different. Prices vary significantly. Scales can seem confusing at first. And many people wonder whether they are even musical enough to learn.
Our answer has always been simple: You don't need to know everything before you begin. But you should choose an instrument you can truly trust.
What Malte's experience means for our selection
Malte's own journey through different scales, handpan makers, and playing styles allows us to look at every instrument from more than just a technical perspective. Of course, a handpan should be beautifully tuned and well crafted. But just as importantly, it should feel responsive, enjoyable to play, and inspire you to keep coming back to it. A truly great handpan is one that invites you to sit down, explore, and lose yourself in its sound.
That is why, at YataoShop, we don't focus solely on technical specifications or product details. We also pay close attention to how an instrument actually feels in the hands of a real player. Especially for beginners, this makes all the difference. Your first handpan shouldn't feel intimidating or difficult. It should give you confidence, inspire your curiosity, and encourage you to keep playing from the very first note.
Which handpan is right for your journey?
Many people who discover the handpan through Malte's music aren't simply looking for an instrument. They're searching for that same warm, peaceful, and open sound that touched them the very first time they heard it. They're looking for an instrument that captures that feeling and invites them to create those moments for themselves.
For beginners, we often recommend accessible scales and handpans that are intuitive and easy to explore. The D Kurd scale, along with other similarly versatile scales, is an excellent place to start. It offers a rich musical palette, is easy to play intuitively, and allows beautiful melodies and atmospheres to emerge from the very first notes. At the same time, it provides enough depth to accompany you as your musical journey continues to grow. You can find a selection of suitable instruments in our beginner collection.
If you're still unsure which handpan is right for you, that's completely normal. Choosing your first instrument is an important decision, and that's exactly why we're here.
Frequently asked questions about Malte Marten and YataoShop
Who is Malte Marten?
Malte Marten is a handpan musician, teacher, and co-founder of YataoShop. His journey began in 2014 with the first conscious sound of a handpan and led from street music and Yatao to an international community.
What does Malte have to do with YataoShop?
Malte co-founded YataoShop together with his brother Sebastian and his close friend Stephan. His experience as a musician and teacher still shapes the shop's selection, guidance, and values today.
Which handpan is suitable for beginners?
Beginners do best with accessible, intuitively playable scales such as D Kurd. What matters most is precise tuning, good playability, and honest guidance. You can find a selection in our beginner collection.
What is the Malte Marten Method?
The Malte Marten Method is Malte's own learning approach, combining technique with expression, flow, and personal experience. You can start for free with the Free Mini Class.
Can I experience Malte live?
Yes. Malte plays concerts, gives workshops, and hosts retreats. You can find all the details about the next retreat here.
Can I get personal advice?
Yes. If you're unsure which handpan or scale is right for you, you can reach out for personal guidance.
Our invitation to you
Malte's story shows that sometimes a single sound is enough to set something new in motion. Perhaps you're standing at exactly that point today. Maybe you discovered the handpan through one of Malte's videos, at a concert, or simply by chance while browsing online. And now you're wondering whether you'd like to begin your own journey.
If the answer is yes, we'd be delighted to accompany you. With honest advice, carefully selected instruments, and the experience we've gained through many years of playing, teaching, and growing together with an inspiring handpan community.
Your journey doesn't have to begin perfectly. It simply has to begin with the very first sound.