Handpan Workshop by Panlab

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Shaw Auditorium, Panlab is specially invited to host a 4-session Handpan Workshop.

Led by Mr. Ting Ho-Fung (Ding), also a founder, educator, and master craftsman of Panlab Limited, this four-session workshop invites participants to explore the handpan, covering its background, playing technique, musical coordination, and improvisational practice. It is suitable for participants with no prior musical background.

Through learning the scale, patterns, coordination, and group playing, participants will gradually develop confidence in playing the handpan and experience the enjoyment of making music in a relaxed and engaging way.

Date:
Oct 6 to 27, 2026 (Every Tuesday, 4 lessons in total)

Time:
6:30pm – 8:00pm

Venue: 
Room 119, Shaw Auditorium

Instructor:
Mr. Ting Ho-Fung (Panlab Limited)

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 

WORKSHOP 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 to Panlab Limited(Panlab) and Ting Ho-Fung (Ding)

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Panlab is established in 2018, dedicated to the artisanal crafting of handpans in Hong Kong. Beyond its mastery in instrument manufacturing, it is committed to bring the ethereal sounds of handpan into the modern society.

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.

Beyond his educational experiences, Ding’s artistry has been featured on ViuTV (Chill Club) and in studio recordings for renowned producers like Chan Fai Young. As an educator who has mentored over thousands students, Ding is dedicated to share the joy and calmness of playing handpan with its simplicity and beauty behind. He continues to represent Hong Kong’s artisan craftsmanship on the global stage, from the Chiang Mai Handpan Festival in Thailand (2023) to the Hiroshima Handpan Festival in Japan (2024).

Panlab Instagram : @panlabhk

REMARKS

• Participants do not need to bring any materials.
• Participants are required to submit a non-refundable workshop fee of HKD 400 (cash only).  Please note that this fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Interested participants are required to register online and complete the workshop fee payment by visiting Room 203, Shaw Auditorium during 9:30am - 12:45pm or 2:00pm - 5:00pm (Monday to Friday) to secure their spots. 
• Quota is limited, enrollment will only be confirmed upon receipt of workshop fee.
• The Shaw Auditorium Unit reserves the right in its sole discretion to make changes to the program without prior notice.