From Flutes to Handpans – Nancy Abosaid’s Journey of Sound and Recovery

In this deeply heartfelt episode of Handpan Voices, I sit down with Nancy — a vibrant member of the Master the Handpan community — to explore her musical journey from Native American flutes to falling in love with handpans.Nancy shares how discovering the handpan in 2021 through Amy Naylor’s course completely transformed her musical path. What started as a background instrument for flute improvisation quickly became her main passion. We talk about her growing handpan collection (and her RAVs!), her love for the D Kurd and F# Low Pygmy scales, and the challenges — and joys — of practice.She also opens up courageously about her battle with skin cancer and how the handpan, the Master the Handpan courses, and the community — especially the Happy Hours — played a key role in helping her heal emotionally during recovery.Whether you’re a beginner, a curious listener, or someone looking for inspiration, Nancy’s story is a beautiful reminder of how music can be both a refuge and a source of empowerment.