The Soul of Modal Improvisation

From Ancient Traditions to Intuitive Music
Online Course

Marianne Gubri

Unlock the art of modal improvisation and
explore the emotional depth of music like never before.

This course is an immersive journey into the 7 ancient modes, blending history, technique, and creativity to help you develop your own unique improvisational voice.

Whether you are a beginner with basic technique and music reading skills, or an advanced musician looking to deepen your understanding of modes, this course provides a structured yet flexible learning experience. Every level of musician will find valuable insights and exercises to refine their improvisation skills.

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What’s Inside?

10+ hours of in-depth video lessons

Covering modal improvisation, techniques, and exercises

100+ sheet music
scores

Including modal pieces, patterns, and improvisation exercises

10+ hours of backing tracks

with drones and harmonic sequences for guided improvisation

Historical and cultural insights

on modal music from Ancient Greece to Middle Eastern and Indian traditions

Practical applications in harp therapy and sound healing

exploring how modes influence emotions and well-being

Step-by-step exercises for each mode

combining theory, listening, and hands-on practice to develop fluid and expressive improvisation

Preview of the Course Content

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Course Structure & Curriculum

1. Introduction: The Power of Improvisation

What is improvisation, and why improvise?
The role of modal improvisation in creativity and well-being
What you will learn in this course
What you will need: instruments, mindset, and materials

2. Discovering the 7 Ancient Modes

What is a mode? How do modes emerge from ancient systems?
Why improvise in modes instead of just major or minor?
Deep listening exercises to recognize tonal and emotional differences
The historical journey of modes across cultures
Formation of the 7-note modal scales and their natural relationships

3. Improvisation & Well-Being: The Healing Power of Sound

The resonance of modal notes and their effect on the human body
How frequencies, overtones, and harmonic structures influence emotions
Exploring vibroacoustic harp therapy (VAHT), psychophony, and Nada Yoga

4. The 10 Golden Rules of Modal Improvisation

Essential foundations for fluid and expressive improvisation
Practical exercises to enhance rhythmic flow, melodic phrasing, and harmonic support

5. Exploring the 7 Ancient Modes

Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian
Historical and cultural origins
Emotional and psychological landscapes
Applications in harp therapy and well-being
Technical exercises and fingerings
Repertoire and traditional pieces
Improvisation exercises on drones and harmonic sequences

6. Shifting Between Modes: Navigating Modal Transitions

Expressing emotional ascension and descent
The Circle of Fifths and modal relationships
Techniques for seamless mode switching
Shifting within C Major and across different keys
Using modal bridges and common notes for natural transitions

7. The 7 Modes in All Keys

Expanding improvisation techniques beyond C Major
Exercises for playing modes in multiple keys

8. Bonus Section: Exploring Other Modal Traditions

Gregorian Modes – The spiritual connection
Pentatonic Modes – The universal lightness of pentatonic scales
Maqam System – Expressiveness in Middle Eastern music
Hijaz Mode – The exotic and passionate character of this scale
Raga System – The science of emotion in Indian classical music

9. Final Project: Your Personal Improvisation Journey

Create your own modal improvisation using the techniques learned
Apply drones, rhythmic structures, and harmonic movement
Experiment with therapeutic and meditative applications
Record and reflect on your progress

10. Extra Additions to Enrich the Course

Backing Tracks for Practice
Drones and rhythmic loops for each mode
Harmonic progressions for guided improvisation
Complete Sheet Music Library
Melodic patterns, exercises, and compositions in modal styles

By the End of This Course, You Will:

Master the 7 ancient modes and their emotional landscapes
Develop improvisational skills using drones, harmonic sequences, and modal transitions
Create your own modal improvisation pieces, exploring storytelling through sound
Use modal music for meditation, relaxation, and therapeutic purposes

This is more than a music course—it’s a transformative experience that connects you to the power of sound, resonance, and intuitive musical expression.

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Who Is This Course For?

Beginners Harpists

with basic harp technique and sheet music reading skills who want to start improvising with a structured approach

Intermediate Musicians

looking to expand their modal vocabulary and develop more fluid improvisation

Advanced players

seeking a deeper understanding of modal relationships, harmonic progressions, and improvisation across different traditions

Who am I?

I’m Marianne Gubri, a French harpist, composer, and harp therapy practitioner with over 30 years of experience.
Specializing in improvisation from medieval to contemporary music, I explore its expressive and healing potential.

Through harp therapy, I use sound and rhythm to support emotional well-being in hospitals and retreats.
As a teacher, I blend historical traditions with intuitive music, helping musicians unlock creativity and deepen their connection to sound.

Learn more

This course is designed to unlock your creative potential, helping you explore modal improvisation as a tool for artistic expression, well-being, and musical storytelling.

Ready to explore the world of modal improvisation?

Enroll now and start your journey!

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