PLUCKED STRINGS (PLECTRUM) | Level 1 – Basic

The Citole/Gittern I: Basic Technique and Repertoire

6 sessions
Online

Course Description

The citole and the gittern were some of the most important plucked string instruments of the medieval instrumentarium. They flourished between the twelfth and the fourteenth centuries and were used both by jongleurs and clerics to perform instrumental music and accompany lyrical and dance songs. This course is designed to introduce modern string players to the basic technique and repertoires of the citole and/or the gittern.

In this course students will:

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Develop a good plectrum technique

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Learn to accompany monophonic songs

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Perform instrumental renditions of vocal music

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Explore the contexts, sources, and repertoires related to these instruments directly from the original music manuscripts

COURSE INFO

DATES & DURATION

February 17 to June 9, 2025
6 sessions

Location

Online

Price

1 credit ECTS: 380€

v
Languages

English

Level

Level 1 / Beginner

Prerequisites

Knowledge about modern music notation.

Access to a medieval instrument or related plucked string instrument is necessary. Please check with us.

Syllabus

CitoleSession 1 | Tuning, playing position and plectrum

Session 2 | Basic strumming patterns with drones and rhythmic modes, types of plectra

Session 3 | Accompaniment 1 – Playing with others

Session 4 | Accompaniment 2 – Playing as a soloist

Session 5 | Ornamentation – Trills, mediata and subdivision

Session 6 | Repertory and historical overview of the gittern and citole

Teaching Methodology

This course will be comprised of:

    • 6 virtual one-on-one lessons (1 hour each)
    • Recorded introductory lecture or one group live Q&A session (30 min)
    • 6 tutorial videos (10-15 minutes each)
    • Downloadable materials and links to additional resources

Schedules and assignments:

    • The class dates and times will be scheduled with the instructor.
    • There will be some suggested deadlines to submit assignments.
    • The student workload to take the lessons, review the materials and practice is approximately 4.25 hours per session.
    • Students taking the course for credit must complete all assignments and class requirements.

Technical Requirements

    • Broadband Internet connection / WIFI

    • External or internal webcam
    • External or internal microphone
    • Speakers or headphones
    • Possibility of printing downloaded materials
    • Possibility of scanning your assignments
    • Possibility of auto-recording (audio and video)

Enroll Now

Places are limited for each section, so sign up early.

The International Course of Medieval Music Besalú offers singers and instrumentalists the possibility of studying the repertoires of monodic and polyphonic music composed between the 11th and 13th centuries.

With the support of: