Master the
Sharp-Pressing Technique
Have you ever wanted to play a complete chromatic scale on your lyre? Even if you know that this is impossible on just seven or nine strings?
In this Lyre Masterclass, specially designed for the few advanced lyre players out there, we are going to make the impossible possible! We are going to see what is exactly the sharp-pressing technique, and how we can implement it in our playing. What is microtonal music, using intervals smaller than a semitone, and why is the lyre the ideal musical instrument for this rare music genre?
This course is for competent lyre players who have preferably (but not obligatory) completed the Advanced Semester of the LyreAcademy. What's more, it is for lyres of any type with at least 7 strings.*
At the end of the course you will know how to...
- Implement to your lyre playing a very advanced technique, the sharp-pressing technique.
- Add challenging exercises in your daily practice routine.
- Play a full chromatic scale on a 7string lyre.
- Play microtonal music on a lyre.
- Explore the ancient Greek tetrachords.
- Jump between different scales while playing a song.
- Masterfully combine muting chords with sharp-pressing technique.
- Add very advanced and impressive melodies to your lyre repertoire.
- Elevate your lyre playing to the next level using the sharp-pressing technique.
* Do you own a lyre with more strings? The course can be done by students with a lyre or a kithara with 7 or more strings. Simple and step-by-step videos are available to prepare your lyre for the courses (including tuning).
Lesson 1 : Introduction to Sharp-Pressing Technique
What is the sharp pressing technique (SPT), and how can we use it? What's more, we will see some ideas and practical tips on where to implement it in our lyre playing.
Plus: Practical tips, and examples on the music stave
Lesson 2 : From Theory to Practice
It is time for your first exercises on the sharp-pressing technique. These might be challenging, but they will undoubtedly lead you, step by step, to conquer this astounding skill.
Plus: Practical tips, and lyre exercises
Lesson 3 : Chromatic Scale on Seven Strings
Have you ever wanted to play a complete chromatic scale on your lyre? Even if you know that this is impossible on just seven or nine strings? In this lesson, we are going to make the impossible possible by further exploring the sharp-pressing technique.
Plus: Practical tips, and lyre exercises
Lesson 4 : Discover the Ancient Greek Tetrachords
What was a tetrachord for the ancient Greeks? How can we play three basic ancient tetrachords to our lyre; the diatonic, the chromatic, and the enharmonic?
Plus: Practical tips, and examples on the music stave
Lesson 5 : Microtonal Music on a Lyre
Have you ever heard of intervals smaller than a semitone? Of microtonal music? Let's see why the lyre is among the very few musical instruments able to play microtones, how you can get familiar with them, and which exercises can quickly help you grasp that amazing skill.
Plus: Practical tips, and examples on the music stave
Lesson 6 : Learn a Melody based on the Chromatic Tetrachord
Are you ready to play your first melody using the sharp-pressing technique? In this lesson, we are going to learn, step by step, an original composition for the lyre; a melody based on the chromatic tetrachord.
Plus: Sheet music for a lyre
Lesson 7 : Festive Songs, the Greek Way
Have you ever experienced an authentic greek fiesta? In this lesson, we will further practice our sharp-pressing technique while exploring a rhythm that somehow has managed to survive from ancient Greece to modern traditional music. Let's combine SPT with a 9/8 rhythm!
Plus: Sheet music for a lyre
Lesson 8 : Jumping between Different Scales
It is time to add another advanced melody to our lyre repertoire, the one called "Noesis." To master this melody, we have to learn how to play on different scales using the SPT and how to "jump" from one scale to another while playing the same melody.
Plus: Sheet music for a lyre
Lesson 9 : Learn to Play "Sikelianos"
Lesson 10 : Play with the Microtones Like an ancient Greek
Ready to explore the ancient Greek enharmonic tetrachord, and discover how the Greeks used to play with the microtones? Let's practice together while learning, step by step, how to play a very challenging piece of music!
Plus: Practical tips, and lyre exercises
Lesson 11 : Muting Chords & Sharp-Pressing Technique
It is time to add another level of timbre in your lyre playing by using SPT, muting chords, and a plectrum. Learn all you need to know to further master this phenomenal skill.
Plus: Practical tips, and lyre exercises
Lesson 12 : Masterclass Finale
Did you know that you can play all the ancient Greek modes without constantly changing your lyre's tuning? The sharp-pressing technique is the key for this, and in this lesson, we are going to use it to unlock our lyre's true potentials.
Plus: Practical tips, and lyre exercises
Where do I go from here?
So, you have just finished the masterclass M05 and want to further advance your lyre playing? Take a quick look on our next masterclass, focusing on the multidimensional and challenging polyphony technique!
Enroll in this Course
Start your lyre study today!
Enroll and get...
- Full access to the masterclass for just $199.
- Immediate access to all 12 lessons.
- Including access for 3 months.
- Exclusive access to our Private Students' Group, where you can ask anything and get personalised feedback from your instructor.
- Crystal clear sound.
- Fast loading 4K videos.
- Lesson handouts with extras.
- Sheet music for lyres.
- $29/month if you want to extend your access.
Who is your Instructor?
Lina Palera is a world-renowned lyre player and a charismatic teacher with more than a decade of experience in music schools and educational institutions in the United Kingdom, Greece and abroad, working with adults and children too. She travels a lot for live performances at museums, festivals, conferences and other venues.
Ready to get started?
| Start learning immediately by enrolling in a course.
| Access from any device (computer, tablet or smartphone)!
| Learn from the best: top players with decades of teaching experience!
| Watch as many time as you like! Re-take the lessons.
| Learn anywhere, anytime, at your pace!
In this lesson, the challenge is to play almost everything using only one hand, your left, in order to leave your right hand free to play only the sharp notes. Let's celebrate fingerstyle playing and sharp notes in this highly demanding song, titled "Sikelianos."
Plus: Sheet music for a lyre