Figured bass refers to the short-hand method of composition primarily used during the baroque period. Much of the repertoire from this time consists of a bass line and melodic line with the inner voices left out. The inner voices are instead represented by figures (numbers and symbols) that tell the performer which notes can be played above the bass line. Harpsichord, organ, harp, and lute were all common continuo instruments from the baroque period.

I offer private lessons for keyboardists of all levels to learn how to play and realize figure bass parts. Please contact me to ask about regular lessons or a single “one-off” lesson.

Yes and no. Your prior keyboard experience and your determination to learn will have a large impact on your ability to learn how to play continuo parts. That being said, most of the basics could be learned in a few lessons. For me, learning to play continuo with some level of comfort took about 6-8 months with the help of mentors and teachers. Even after one learns the basics, however, there is still a lot to learn with regards to musicality, phrasing, style, and dynamics.