Email the Author
You can use this page to email Helen Winter about Traditional American Folk Songs for Tongue Drum or Handpan.
About the Book
We have created a collection of songs that you can play easily. Most of these melodies are rather unique. These are lesser-known songs that you and your kids will certainly love. If you are interested in more popular songs, see another book in our series: "Tongue Drum Songbook for Beginner: Play Simple Kids Songs by Number". Most of the songs in this songbook are easy enough for beginner musicians, even if you are not experienced with musical notation. By simply following numbers, you will begin to play right away. Because numbers are often engraved on most modern tongue drums, we believe that using numbers in addition to a classic musical score is the best way to get beginners without musical background to play. QR codes have also been added to all songs so that players can follow the link and hear the rhythm before playing.
Tongue drums are usually tuned to include one octave. For this reason, most of the songs are written using just the main octave. You will not find songs with flat/sharp notes here because it is not common to see tongue drums with these notes.
The tongue drum, which is a great way to help you get in touch with your feelings, emotions, and inner self.
This unique instrument is also known as tong drum, gluck-o-phone, Hapi drum, tank drum, mandala, lotus or yoga drum, and the handpan (hank drum, UFO drum, zen drum). Classical music training or knowledge of musical theory is not necessary to play this instrument. You can play the drum to relax, meditate and explore your inner world.
This book includes very simple, popular folk songs, but even well-known children's songs played on the drum will create an unusual magical sound.
Attention: Songs have been transposed for a DIATONIC range. Some melodies might be changed and simplified. If you have flat keys on your instrument, please use the classic music score for piano.
About the Author
I'm an early child development therapist and an early development kids center owner. Additionally, I have authored a comprehensive program that utilizes music, activities, and games to promote early childhood development. I develop teaching materials for early solfeggio designed for various musical instruments, with a specific focus on children or beginner adults. Furthermore, I am keenly interested in exploring folk and ethnic music.