About Harpsichord lessons

Harpsichord - solo and basso continuo!

The harpsichord is a plucked instrument where levers pull on the strings while you play it as if it were a piano! So, it's actually a string instrument, a keyboard instrument, and a plucked instrument all rolled into one! The harpsichord (Cembalo in Italian) was in use for approximately 400 years and disappeared from the stage for much of the 19th century.

Is the harpsichord difficult to learn?

Despite being much less popular than the piano, the harpsichord is becoming increasingly present in our musical culture. If you have experience playing the piano, it's fun, not difficult, and yet challenging to start playing the harpsichord.

Can I learn to tune my harpsichord myself?

Your teacher will be happy to teach you about various tuning traditions and systems. The more you practise, the better you wil master it.

Do I need to own a harpsichord to take lessons?

Since the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to the development of the early music movement and important pioneers of that time, such as Gustave Leonhardt, Kenneth Gilbert, Colin Tilney, and Trevor Pinnock, interest in the harpsichord, its repertoire, historical sources, and construction has grown exponentially. A harpsichord is very expensive, but a spinet is perfectly suitable for home use!

What is a spinet?

In a spinet, the strings run over a bridge, just like in a harpsichord, and lie flat on the soundboard. A harpsichord usually has several registers and keyboards, which operate the levers, but the smaller spinet usually has only one. The spinet is much cheaper, more convenient, and perfect to buy and use at home for playing and practising.

Is the harpsichord only for old people?

Was the harpsichord once a kind of piano, only for people with woolly socks who loved Baroque music? Today, the harpsichord, and learning to play it, has fully regained the glory and interest that rightly surrounded this regal instrument in the 17th and 18th centuries!

A Royal Instrument

The earliest surviving harpsichords were built in Italy in the early 16th century. Little is known of the early history of the harpsichord, but, during the 16th-18th century, it underwent considerable evolution and became one of the most important European instruments. National schools of construction arose, notably in Italy, Flanders, France, England, and Germany; and highly decorated cases with painted lids became fashionable. Most of the great Baroque composers played or wrote for the harpsichord.

Competition

By the middle of the 18th century the harpsichord had grown to a normal compass of five full octaves, three or more sets of strings and jacks, and often two keyboards. At this time, it began to compete with the new pianoforte, which was capable of playing soft or loud according to the fingers' pressure on the keys. The harpsichord is incapable of this dynamic gradation and was overwhelmed in popularity by the piano.

How come the harpsichord is popular again?

Since the 1950s/60s, thanks to the development of the early music movement and important pioneers of the time such as Gustave Leonhardt, Kenneth Gilbert, Colin Tilney, Trevor Pinnock, interest in the harpsichord, its repertoire, historical sources and construction has grown exponentially and the harpsichord regained popularity. Today, there are thousands of harpsichordists worldwide who play the instrument solo, as a continuo instrument in operas, and in chamber music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, using modern copies of historical instruments.

More information

You've found a harpsichord teacher.

Congratulations! Your next step is to visit the page of the professional harpsichordist and teacher you'd like to learn more about. Contact them and book a trial lesson!

Trial Lesson

The taster lesson is the best way to discuss all the information about the location, your favorite music styles, and availability. It's great to meet your future teacher beforehand. The trial lesson is free when you book your first lesson package. (Regular price: €25).

Why music?

Music improves your mood, makes you happy, challenges you, and gives you positive energy! Making music is one of the most wonderful and uplifting activities in life!

Your favourite music

We focus on the repertoire that you find most personal. Constructive feedback, personalized exercises, tips, and inspiration from a dedicated professional harpsichordist are the best choice for this!

Lesson Packages

Lesson times, payment for lessons, and location are arranged individually between you and your teacher. Packages of 5 or 10 lessons of 30, 45, and 60 minutes.

Where are the lessons held?

Lessons take place at the teacher's home or at your own home, if you have a harpsichord.