Malte Marten

German handpan artist, composer and teacher whose melodic improvisations, retreats and online performances have helped introduce a wide audience to the instrument.

Malte Marten discovered the handpan in 2014 and soon began sharing music in public spaces, first as part of Yatao and later through a solo practice centred on improvisation, emotional presence and attentive listening. His performances pair clear melodic motifs with flowing rhythmic development, often filmed in natural settings that reinforce the reflective character of the music. Alongside concerts and recordings, he teaches through workshops, retreats and the Malte Marten Method, and has helped build resources for people taking their first steps with the instrument. He also co-founded the YataoShop as a place for players to encounter handpans and related guidance. His work sits between performance, education and community-building, with accessibility and emotional communication taking priority over technical display.