Basic Level: Foundations of the Seven-Stringed Lyre

wILS Academy – Basic Level overview: Foundations of the Seven-Stringed Lyre

A comprehensive course by the Academy of the International Lyre Society.

Enroll now to access the full course material.

The Basic Level builds on the Introductory Level and helps you deepen your technical control and musical understanding of the Ancient Greek seven-stringed Lyre. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the free Introductory Level before beginning the Basic Level in order to become familiar with the fundamental techniques, concepts, and musical elements presented throughout the course.

Building upon the structured method developed by Dr. Nikos Xanthoulis, this course moves from foundational mechanics to conscious musical expression. Students refine their technique, develop harmonic awareness, and begin shaping sound with intention.

This level marks the transition from learning the instrument to making music with it.

Through progressive exercises and guided repertoire, you will develop harmonics, expand your chordal technique, master complex rhythmic structures, and perform your first complete Lyrodies – combining voice and lyre as coordinated yet independent musical lines, a practice that traces back to Archilochus of Paros.

By the end of this level, students will be able to perform structured Lyrodies and songs with coordinated voice and instrument, demonstrating control, clarity, and expressive depth.

Access: Lifetime
Course Fee: 360€

What You Will Learn

Harmonics and Resonance (Plectrum & Fingers).
You will explore the natural harmonics of the seven-stringed lyre using both plectrum and fingers. The focus is on precision, clarity, and control of resonance, opening a richer sonic palette.

Expanded Chord Technique.
Building on elementary chord formation, this section refines muting techniques and develops smoother transitions between harmonic structures, enhancing fluency and accuracy.

Combination of Plectrum and Fingers.
A central technical skill at this level is the seamless alternation between plectrum and finger technique, allowing for greater flexibility and expressive control.

Dynamics and Musical Expression.
You will begin working consciously with volume, intensity, and articulation. This introduces expressive contrast – an essential element of musical interpretation.

Legato playing, Phrasing and Complex Rhythms.
This module strengthens rhythmic control through tied notes, phrasing awareness, and more advanced rhythmic structures, developing stability and musical flow.

Lyrodies: Voice and Lyre in Counterpoint.
Students perform their first complete Lyrodies, where the lyre moves contrapuntally against the voice rather than simply accompanying it. This section emphasizes coordination, breath control, and tonal balance.

Songs and Structured Repertoire.
A curated repertoire allows students to apply technique, harmonics, and expressive tools within complete musical forms.

Exercises are based on the standard tuning of the lyre: A-Bb-C-D-E-F-G.
Each chapter includes video lessons, guided explanations, and material from the second part of Xanthoulis’ Method.

If you are ready to move beyond the fundamentals and begin developing true musical presence on the seven-stringed lyre, the Basic Level will guide you toward technical confidence and expressive maturity.

Enroll now and continue your journey with the International Lyre Society.

Course Material Usage Policy

All course materials provided through the International Lyre Society are strictly intended for personal educational use. These materials are protected under international copyright law and remain the intellectual property of the International Lyre Society. Any reproduction, distribution, or public sharing – whether in part or in full – without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Target audiences

Everyone

Requirements

Music notation reading skills (basic).

Curriculum

6 Sections
52 Lessons
25 Weeks

Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections

Introduction
This introductory section presents the basic principles of harmonic technique on the Ancient Greek seven-stringed Lyre. It explains the position of the hands, the production of octave harmonics, and the coordination required between the fingers and the plectrum. Students are encouraged to practice slowly, count an additional measure before each exercise, and study all exercises using both plectrum and fingers while maintaining the standard tuning of the lyre: A-Bb-C-D-E-F-G.
2
- 1.1
  Foundations of Harmonics
- 1.2
  Lyre Care and Maintenance
Basic Exercises with Harmonics
In this section, you will practice the fundamental harmonic techniques of the seven-stringed lyre through progressive exercises focused on coordination, precision, and resonance. By combining the movements of both hands, you will develop clarity of sound, rhythmic stability, and greater control over harmonic production using both the plectrum and the fingers.
13
Development of Musical Expression and Rhythm
In this section, you will develop greater rhythmic control and musical expression through progressively faster and more complex compositions for the seven-stringed lyre. Working with eighth-note movement, chords, harmonics, dynamics, and more advanced rhythmic structures, you will strengthen coordination, precision, and expressive awareness. After establishing the fundamental techniques of harmonic production, you will begin using harmonics not merely as decorative effects, but as a natural extension of the instrument itself – expanding its musical range and expressive possibilities while allowing for richer and more sophisticated performance.
17
Lyrodies
In this section, you will explore Lyrodies – the quintessential musical practice of the lyre tradition, where voice and instrument unite into a single expressive art form. Through guided exercises, you will develop coordination between singing and playing while strengthening rhythmic stability, melodic awareness, and balance between voice and lyre.
15
Repertoire
In this section, you will apply the techniques and musical elements developed throughout the course through a selected repertoire for the seven-stringed lyre. The material combines rhythm, expression, harmonics, and Lyrodies practice into complete musical performances.
4
Epilogue
By completing the Basic Level, you will have developed greater technical control, rhythmic precision, and expressive awareness on the Ancient Greek seven-stringed Lyre. You will also have taken your first substantial steps into the practice of Lyrodies, combining voice and lyre in coordinated musical performance. The next level expands these foundations further through more advanced repertoire, refined technique, increased musical independence, and a deeper exploration of the expressive possibilities of the lyre.
1
- 6.1
  Epilogue