The lyre is the oldest stringed instrument and can be traced all the way back to 5000 years ago in ancient Egyptian, to the Greek kithara from around 3000 years ago, and of course to the Celts, Gaels, Picts and Vikings – which actually used the instruments earlier than one would think…
If you’ve ever wanted to create music that feels ancient, grounded, and powerful—music that sounds like it belongs in long halls, stone circles, and firelit evenings—the lyre is waiting.
Whether you are a seasoned musician, a complete beginner, or a reenactor or historian looking to add an instrument to your toolbox, I can tailor a lesson plan bespoke to your needs.
LEARNING HOW TO PLAY THE LYRE is on one hand like learning any modern instrument. For instance, my lessons include music theory, plucking and picking techniques.
On the other hand, it is a musical instrument which has an aura of mystique, from which ancient cultures, times and spirits emanates. Understanding and feeling that is part of becoming a great lyre player.
You can learn how to play almost anything on the lyre – folk music, pop and rock songs if you want – but I also offer an introduction to the core of the instrument, which helps you to understand why ancient music sounds the way it does, and how you can replicate it yourself.
LEARNING HOW TO PLAY THE LYRE, IS MORE THAN LEARNING HOW TO PLAY A NEW INSTRUMENT
• ANCIENT MUSIC THEORY
You’ll explore early musical thinking, and understand why certain modes, intervals and music structures make a song or a piece of music feel timeless and evocative. Music that sounds old because it’s built the way old music was built (to the extend that we can experiment with from the sources which are available to us. Because no one knows what music of the ancient people actually sounded like).
• PLUCKING & PICKING TECHNIQUES
From finger plucking to plectrum-style playing, you’ll learn techniques rooted in historical practice.
• AUDIBLE HISTORY
You won’t just read about Celtic bards or Norse skalds—you’ll understand how this instruments shaped their music and how it was used.
• ACCESSIBLE FOR BEGINNERS
The lyre is remarkably accessible. You can make beautiful, atmospheric music quickly, while still gaining a music theory foundation that transfers to other instruments.
INTERESTED IN TAKING LESSONS?
Please write to contact@ckammerer-music.com
WORKSHOPS IN HOW TO PLAY THE LYRE ARE IN DEVELOPMENT
For more informations write to contact@ckammerer-music.com