Wayne Otter Sound Therapy
Hello, I'm Wayne
I offer Individual and Specific Group Sound Therapy Sessions using a unique instrument called the "Handpan or Hangdrum".
Almost everyone can relate to the emotional and healing benefits of listening to music. The hang drum allows for a sensitive and intuitive approach, as it requires little in the way of specific musical training. It can reveal a sense of internal hesitancy or perceived pressure to perform which may indicate a need for more insight into the world of emotions. There may be a natural connection to the Handpan allowing for the playful and expressive inner child to be revealed. Working with awareness can allow for new and fresh responses, the immediate feedback from the Handpan will provide this dynamic to enable these internal processes to be externalised.
Sound can be used therapeutically alongside the treatment of mental health issues, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic stress and provide a sense of connection to the present moment and an opportunity to become grounded.
My experience of using sound and music therapeutically as a form of communication, expression and interaction in both personal and professional settings, allows me to create an environment of exploration and mindfulness which supports the sound therapy experience.
A little bit about me...
Alongside my lifelong interest and passion for sound and musical expression, with a particular focus on percussive elements. I have supported the most vulnerable people in society across all age groups including children and adults with complex needs. I also provide a private independent counselling service for adults in Lincoln.
Over the last ten years I have used music and sound therapeutically to facilitate communication and expression in a variety of settings.
As part of my ongoing development and interest I have been fortunate enough to have studied and completed a PGCert in Music and Special Needs. This course provided an internationally unique opportunity to be part of the most exciting new area of work currently happening in the field of music and special educational needs. I have promoted the musical development of children with Special Educational Needs, as well as developing a deep understanding of the learning development of children with SEND. I have worked directly with children with complex needs for the last 25 years.
The Handpan
Origins
The first Handpan was created around the year 2000.
The Handpan is a resonating percussion instrument related to the steel drum. In the Bernese language ‘hang’ means ‘hand’ and as such the Hang is made, tuned and played by hand. The sound of the HandPan or Hang is unique, it’s soft and delicate tones create a rich landscape of colourful spaciousness
Appearance
The Handpan is an idiophone musical instrument, circular in circumference, it consists of two overlapping domes which are played in a percussive manner with the hands, hence the name Handpan.
The notes are derived dimples which are flattened, which make up the Tone field. In the centre is the Ding, which has a rounded shape. In the underside or lower dome, there is the GU, which is a conical hole, tuned with the same scale as the upper dome. Normally the handpan is made up of 8 or 9 notes in total plus the central Ding note.
Cymatics
It can be interesting to look towards the science of Cymatics to explore the effects of sound and the physical patterns that it can create. Cymatics demonstrates in a very visible way how the vibrations of the Handpan could provide a deep therapeutic effect.
Sessions and Fees
Being a hand percussion instrument, the handpan must be played with the hands. Traditionally it is placed on the lap, but there are also those who may need or prefer the use of a stand or support. A few taps of the fingers will be enough to let its harmonious sounds begin to vibrate.
To play the handpan you don’t need to read music or have studied professionally, in a relatively short time you will be able to create your own individual patterns and expressions of sound.
