At Home (solo version)

by Ryan Loud

Medium Handpan Solo 

Instrumentation: 

• D “Kurd” handpan (natural minor/Aeolian scale) — must include the following pitches, low to high: D (low/center), A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G, A

*May be played on a different handpan or in a different key as long as the same Aeolian scale degrees are present (1, 5, b6, b7, 1, 2, b3, 4, 5)

At Home by Ryan Loud is a medium-level solo written for D natural minor handpan. Built around groove-based phrasing and chordal patterns, the piece reflects the instrument’s natural resonance and playing style using hands rather than mallets.

Originally developed during extended time at home, the work grew out of the composer’s exploration of the handpan’s layout, touch, and tonal response. The writing sits comfortably on the instrument while allowing room for nuance in articulation, timing, and dynamic shape.

While written for the D Kurd handpan, At Home can be performed on a different type of handpan provided it is rooted in the Aeolian mode and has the proper scale degrees (1/-5-b6-b7-1-2-b3-4-5). Also included is a companion instructional video from the composer, making it accessible to players who may be learning by ear or without traditional notation.

At Home ships as a professionally bound folio with a color cover.

The piece is also available as a marimba and vibraphone duo with optional drumset and bass.