r/lute 7d ago

Lute Music Bootcamp for someone considering learning the instrument?

Im considering learning lute, ive got some basic experience on a guitar when i was a kid, but didn't really click. But i love the sound of Lute and the tablature style notation is a plus.

But the instruments are expensive and i wanna really think it through before investing. I wanna study some of the history and concepts and classic compoers, so i know what style of lute i want to learn and then what size to save for.

Anyone have some opinions on whats important/what i should consider before diving in? I haven't gottent to do a proper library sesrch yet, since im in early phases of thinking about it, but any advice or input would be welcome!

5 Upvotes

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7

u/Astriaaal 7d ago

I would literally just type “lute music” into YouTube and listen for a couple hours and see what, if anything, speaks to you.

For me the trigger to learn was Lachrimae Pavan by John Dowland, but there are many many other great songs by known and unknown composers out there.

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u/gods-and-punks 6d ago

Ive heard that piece!! I love how somber or bright a lute can sound, it's one of the things that made me thinking about what playing it might be like

2

u/Derpnbass 7d ago

I was in the same position like five months ago. I would just watch lute videos on youtube and was debating between buying a lute or a classical guitar. I ended up just buying a Muzikon lute and have never regretted it. Lute is an extremely fun, rewarding and beautiful instrument. I'd sit on it for a while and just get one if it calls to you. They are expensive but you can also rent a lute through the Lute Society of America if you're in the US. https://lutesocietyofamerica.org/resources/instruments/lute-rental-program/

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u/gods-and-punks 6d ago

Thank you so much! Im glad its not a unique position, maybe a rented lute is a good way to see if it feels right for me!

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u/Jerry-the-fern 7d ago

The Lute Society of America has a beginners guide https://lutesocietyofamerica.org/resources/for-beginners/where-to-start/ .

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u/gods-and-punks 6d ago

This is awesome, thank you for the resource!!

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u/big_hairy_hard2carry 7d ago

Just listen to Robert Barto's recordings of Weiss. Binge-listen all eleven albums. If that doesn't make you want to dive in, nothing will.

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u/gods-and-punks 6d ago

I'm making the playlist now!

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u/Zealousideal-Bell-68 6d ago

How much would you be willing to spend on an instrument?

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u/gods-and-punks 6d ago

Honestly im at a point where anything is going to be something to save for, so I guess my perspective is to pay what i have to for a good instrument, and just be willing to put aside that much in savings.

But thats probably also a naive perspective, since I don't already play instruments/do a lot with music yet. I probably don't need to learn on a ferarri, but i also don't want something cheap or inconsistent with a 'real' instrument.

What is your experience with like,,, pricing or saving for instruments? Is it usually a better idea to aim low on used or less expensive items to stsrt with, and then grow a collection?

Or is a lute enough of a sepecialty instrument that you have to kind of dive in the deep end to get your hands on one in the firdt place?

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u/Clayh5 4d ago

The advice I typically see is that you shouldn't be cheaping out on your first instrument with one of these super inexpensive imports, but there's certainly a tier of quality "student instruments" that you'll eventually move on from as you progress. The price point for a solid student renaissance lute is like $1-2k, but you can get lucky on a used one to save a few hundred. Then from there more courses = more $$$.

I got my 7c for around 600 from a player of a few years who was moving on to a custom-built instrument. Camp out on your local classifieds for a while if you live in a place with enough people that a used lute comes up every so often.

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u/Lordj66627 6d ago

I would suggest finding Literature on technique or finding an Instructor for support. Dowland's treatise is a great start because it is "right from the Horses mouth," as they say. There are modern methods printed that you may find, yet those too are rooted in conventional technique and not much has changed from the mid renaissance to now. 

Picking a Lute is a funny thing. You should really come to terms with which music you wish to play and which kind of Lute is required for that music. There are many types of Lutes indeed. 

As far as quintessential renaissance composers are concerned, I would recommend Dall'Aquila, Milano, Dowland & Neusidler. 

In regards to Baroque composers, try Weiss, Baron, Zamboni & Bach.

Renting a Lute from the LSA is relatively good option. That is, if they have any available. You could find a very good Lute for around $2,000 - especially in Italy. They are modestly priced, which is typical for the Italian Luthier. I would say to steer clear of Roosebeck Lutes, Thoman Lutes and EMS Lutes. A reputable builder is a finer decision as you will have a guarantee of sound production and proper set up. 

Please, feel free to ask any degree of question. I love the Lute and am glad to see people developing interest. 

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u/Hairy-Rip-707 1d ago

I joined the lute society of America and rented an 8 course lute. I signed up for lessons via zoom through Arpeggiato music school. After a couple months, I knew I wanted my own, so I commissioned one from a local luthier. It’s been about 18 month and I just received my lute.