Music Teachers - Kemenche or Lyra
About Kemenche or Lyra lessons
Kemenche or Lyra
Kemenche of Istanbul/ Classical Kemenche or Lyra is a traditional bowed string instrument based on the city of Istanbul. Before the 19th century it was mainly used by Greek society of the Ottoman Empire for popular and entertainment music.
Cultural Background
In the Ottoman music, until the 19th century, the Persian-derived word kemence, meaning "small bow" or "small bowed instrument," was used for the spike fiddle known today as rebab. Also called keman, the kemance was the only bowed instrument used in Turkish classical music until the late 18th century. The kemanche gave way first to the viola d'amore and later to the European violin. The classical kemenche first entered to the Ottoman music by having a place in the incesaz fasil ensemble, in the mid-19th century. Since then, it has been become the part of the Classical Ottoman\Turkish Art Music.
Cross over
Since the classical kemenche has a very uniqe and deep sound, it has became a popular instrument for cross-over projects after 1950's. After this period it has been used in difeerent kind of music genres, such as early Western, jazz, contemporary and world music.
Way of playing
The 3 strings of the Lyra or Kemenche are being played with the finger nails. The finger tips are placed between the strings. A wonderful and specific tone quality is the result! Subtle glissandi can be made. The tradditional bow is quite archaic, yet effective. Nowadays a violin bow, or even better a viola da gamba bow, are being used.
STRUCTURE
The classical kemence is 40-41 centimeters in length and 14-15 centimeters wide. All its strings are of gut; only the lower string is silver-wound. Today some musicians use synthetic racquet strings, aluminum-wound gut or artificial silk strings, or chrome-wound steel violin strings. The sound post, which transmits the strings' vibration to the back of the instrument, is fixed between the bridge and back of the instrument under the A string. A small hole, 3-4 mm in diameter, is drilled in the back of the instrument directly under the bridge.
Demonstration of the Classical Kemenche by Neva Ozgen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XGevDvEDvk&t=292s
More information
Choose your Kemenche teacher
Congratulations! Your next step is to check out the page of the music teacher you want to know more about. Get in touch with the kemenche teacher in your area and book a trial lesson!
Trial Kemenche Lesson
The trial lesson is the perfect situation to discuss the frequency of the lessons, the location, the music styles you like most or other styles you may wish to explore and to get to know your future kemenche teacher. Book your first lesson pack, and receive a free trial lesson. (Normal price EU 25,- )
Private Music Lessons For All Ages
At Vivaldi Music Lessons website you will find all types of music lessons for beginners and advanced. Instrumental and vocal music lessons for children, teenagers and adults.
Why Music Lessons?
Music lightens your mood, cheers you up, gets you moving and gives you positive energy! Making music is one of the most motivating and healthy activities in life!
Your Favourite Music
The repertoire for kemenche - lyra which you find the most personal to you is where we will focus our attention. For this, constructive feedback, personalised exercises, tips and inspiration from a dedicated professional kemenche teacher are best choice!
Kemenche Lessons near you!
- Kemenche Lessons for children, teenagers, adults - all levels
- Flexibility with Lesson Packs of 5 or 10 x 30, 45 or 60 minute lessons
- Free trial lesson with the purchase of a Lesson Pack (normally 25,-)
- Private kemenche lessons at the teacher's place or at your home
- In person or online lessons
- Cosy and positive atmosphere in your lessons
Lesson Packs
Lesson time, payment of the lessons and location are arranged individually between you and your kemenche teacher. Packs of 5 or 10 kemenche lessons of 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 60 minutes.
Lesson Locations
The Kemenche Lessons will take place at the teacher's place or studio or in the comfort of your own home.
Online Kemenche Lessons
If you wish to follow online lessons, you can contact the kemenche teacher of your choice directly and discuss the possibilities.
Classical to Pop and More!
If music is your passion and classical, baroque, jazz, pop, latin, world music or any other kind of music is where you find the most inspiration, you're welcome to sign up for a trial kemenche lesson. Check here how students experience their lessons!
Music Theory Lessons
Do you wish to know more about the backgrounds of music? Learn more about harmony, tonalities and musical structures? Find your kemenche teacher and discover the advantages of knowledge of music theory.