Talitha-Cumi Witmer: Historical plucked instruments
Why the lute?
There are many wonderful instruments to choose from. So, why would you want to choose to play the lute?
1. Friendly to little fingers & ears (and their family, too)
​
Playing the lute is becoming a new trend among young children today, especially in Germany and France. The beauty of its harp-like sound is one of the biggest reason the kids choose for lutes. It makes practice time a soothing moment for the entire household! With the help of the soft strings, lutes are also perfect for children to comfortably develop mobile fingers and solid fingertips. Children gain various musical skills including good ears, music theory, ensemble playing, and more.
The lute helps to interest children in history as well. Read more about the lute and its history, here>>>.
Video: A duet performed by children from music school in Charenton. (SLF)
2.Can’t read music? Play from tablatures!
​
You can play the lute from normal staff notation, however there is another way to play the lute. Tablature notation works just like guitar tabs. It’s very easy! The 6 horizontal lines show the strings, and the numbers on the strings show the frets to play on.
​
This simple notation is one of the reasons why lutes were so accessible to all people for over 500 years!
3.You can learn many kinds of music!
​
Lute music can be very, very, rich and varied. Renaissance and Baroque music is the most profound among them! Many good old folk tunes like “King Wenceslas” or “Greensleeves” actually are also typical lute repertoire from the Renaissance time. There are plentiful arrangements of classical, romantic, and contemporary music for lutes, too. Singing, ensemble works, and pop songs can also be part of the lessons, if you like. Lessons will be given by both modern and historical lute tutors including various types of tunes and duets. Playing in duets can make even the simplest exercises fun, and even touching. There are also trios and consort music for all ages and levels.
​
Click here for more examples
& have a taste of the richness of lute music!
4. Ensemble and basso continuo playing
​
Thorough bass playing (basso continuo) and improvisation is one of the most fun parts of lute playing and can be included to your lesson plans. It is an essential skill for aspiring and advanced lute players. Continuo lessons can be given on renaissance lutes as well.