Online Harpsichord Lessons: The Complete Guide. The harpsichord (Italian: clavicembalo, Portuguese: cravo) is the soul of baroque music – from Bach to Scarlatti. Online harpsichord lessons work live 1-on-1 via Zoom, with a specialist in historically informed interpretation.
Book Your Free Trial LessonOnline Harpsichord Lessons with Mirco Lieber – free trial lesson, live via Zoom. Baroque specialist, graduate of the University of Music Vienna (MDW).
The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument of the Renaissance and Baroque era (c. 1500–1750). Unlike the piano, its strings are plucked rather than struck – giving it the characteristic bright, silvery sound. It was the keyboard of Bach, Handel and Scarlatti.
Bright, silvery and penetrating – a plucking of strings (plectra made of quill). Volume is not dynamically controllable like a piano; instead, registers (like organ stops) provide color changes. The harpsichord has one or two manuals.
Three core differences: (1) Sound production – pluck vs. strike, (2) Dynamics – piano louder/softer, harpsichord constant with registers, (3) Repertoire – harpsichord means Baroque (Bach, Scarlatti), piano means everything after. Love Baroque? Harpsichord. Want versatility? Piano.
Yes – ideally so! The mechanism is lighter than a piano's (the keys are easier to press). You do not need your own harpsichord: a digital piano with a harpsichord register or a keyboard is enough to start. Online lessons make it possible anywhere.
No – for the start a digital piano with a harpsichord sound or a borrowed instrument (church, music school) is enough. Real harpsichords cost EUR 5,000–30,000 – only after one to two years does buying make sense. We'll advise you.
Comparison: a single lesson EUR 40–80 (rare specialization). Our online lessons: free trial, then flexible monthly plans without subscription lock-in. Basso continuo and historical performance practice included.
Basso continuo is the Baroque figured-bass practice: the harpsichordist accompanies an ensemble or orchestra from the bass line. It is the core skill of every professional harpsichordist – and our specialty (concert degree, Vienna MDW).
Book Your Free Trial Lesson →Start with a free trial lesson. Lessons in English, German or Slovenian – flexible, no subscription required.
Mirco Lieber, MMag. – concert musician and founder of ML Online Music School, with about 30 years of experience teaching piano, accordion and harpsichord.
This content was created with AI assistance (EU AI Act, Art. 50). The title image is AI-generated. First published on ml-musikschule.eu.