Richard Mawby (Handpanandlife)

Richard Mawby, known as Handpanandlife, is a Northamptonshire handpan player and teacher whose recordings and lessons connect improvisation with learning.

Richard Mawby began playing handpan in August 2024 after learning piano as a child and exploring guitar and drums. Hearing Hang Massive had sparked his interest in the instrument years before his first purchase. His 2025 album Listen to Your Heart documents that developing practice, with pieces that began as spontaneous improvisations and were recorded as they happened. Under the name Handpanandlife, he shares performances and offers individual and small-group lessons in Northamptonshire. His teaching introduces basic technique and musical understanding so that learners can continue independently, with instruments available for those who do not own one. He completed the Malte Marten Method teacher training and describes an interest in exploring different scales, including Amara, Kurd and Low Pygmy. His work with Acero Harmonics includes creating demonstration content as an ambassador. Music sits alongside his writing and nature-based activities within his wider creative practice.