Handpan Workshop by Ting Ho-Fung (Ding) from Panlab

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Shaw Auditorium, Ting Ho-Fung (Ding) from Panlab is invited to host a four-session Handpan Workshop. Participants will be introduced to the handpan through a series of hands-on sessions covering its history, playing techniques, rhythm and coordination, and improvisational practice. No prior musical experience is required.

By learning scales, patterns, coordination, and ensemble playing, participants will gradually build confidence in playing the handpan while experiencing the joy of creating music in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Date:
Oct 6 to 27, 2026 (4 lessons on every Tue)

Time:
6:30pm – 8:00pm

Venue: 
Room 119, Shaw Auditorium

Instructor:

Mr. Ting Ho-Fung (Ding)

Quota : 
20 (For HKUST students and staff only; first come, first served)

Fee:
$400 (non-refundable)

Language:
English (Supplemented with Cantonese)

This is a HMAW1905-recognized event in the “Personal Enrichment & Community Service” category under the “Self-directed Experience” of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. Students of HMAW1905 must register with ITSC email. To receive 6 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.
Enquiry email: sateam@ust.hk

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Click HERE 

LESSON DETAILS

Lesson 1 (Oct 6, 2026)

Introduction to Handpan

To understand the background of the handpan and build a solid foundation in basic playing technique.

• Take a brief look at the handpan’s history
• Learn how the handpan is made and how sound is produced
• Learn the posture and setup
• Explore the basic strike and experience the sound of the handpan
• Learn the handpan scale and notation

Lesson 2  (Oct 13, 2026)

Melody and Coordination

To develop finger control, hand coordination, and the ability to combine simple melody with accompaniment.

• Learn how to use different fingers to strike the handpan
• Practice simple melodic exercises
• Develop coordination between the left and right hand
• Learn how to play melody with accompaniment
• Tips on how to play more smoothly.

Lesson 3 (Oct 20, 2026)

Touch, Pattern and Musical Interaction

To refine finger touch, strengthen rhythmic control, and begin exploring musical interaction through patterns and jamming.

• Refine the touch and control of different fingers
• Learn to play basic patterns
• Learn to combine patterns with melody
• Practice shifting between melody and rhythm
• Try simple jamming exercises

Lesson 4 (Oct 27, 2026)

Movement, Improvisation, Group Playing

To integrate melody and pattern through a movement-based approach and develop confidence in improvisation and ensemble playing.

• Revise how to play melody and patterns
• Learn a movement-based approach to playing
• Explore improvisation with broader awareness
• Practice playing in a more relaxed and flowing way
• Group jamming

Introduction of the Instructor

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Ting Ho-Fung (Ding) is the founder of Panlab, holding a master’s degree in physics from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With musical foundation spanning 20 years as a professional pop pianist, Ding has devoted his focus to handpan in 2015. In 2018, he established Panlab, becoming the pioneer of handpan craftsmanship in Hong Kong. His unique expertise has led to high‑profile collaborations with institutions and schools.

Panlab Instagram : @panlabhk

How to Register:

1. Online Registration:
   Interested participants are required to submit their registration online.
    
2. Confirmation:
   Eligible applicants will receive a confirmation email along with the payment method. If the workshop is full, your application will be placed on the waiting list, and you will receive a waiting list notification email.
    
3. Payment and Release of Unpaid Spots:

   Please complete the payment by the deadline specified in the email. Your spot will only be confirmed upon successful payment. Applications not paid by the deadline will be treated as withdrawn, and the spots will be released.

REMARKS

• Participants do not need to bring any materials.
• Please present your Student Card / Staff Card for identity verification when attending the workshop.
• The Shaw Auditorium Unit reserves the right in its sole discretion to make changes to the program without prior notice.