Basso Continuo Basics is a self-paced, on-demand video course designed to take you from confused by figures to confident at the keyboard—on your own schedule.

The course is organized into six modules (structured as "weeks" to help you pace yourself), each with accompanying PDF materials including scores, guides, and cheat sheets. Work through the materials at whatever speed suits your life.

Looking for a more supported experience? The "CLEF" Track (Continuo Learning with Expert Feedback) includes 8 weeks of personalized Voxer support (voice and text), 8 weeks of feedback on videos of your playing, and two private one-hour Zoom lessons with me—the closest thing to having a real continuo teacher, all in an on-demand course!

Six Comprehensive Video Modules Work through each module at your own pace with in-depth video lessons that teach you everything from reading figures to playing musically in any ensemble. Each module includes clear instruction, demonstrations, and practice assignments designed to build real skills.

• Module 1: Crack the Figures Code
• Module 2: Filling in the Unfigured Bass Blanks
• Module 3: Your Voice-Leading Breakthrough
• Module 4: Basso Continuo Dynamics Decoded
• Module 5: Adapt to Any Ensemble
• Module 6: Your Bass Line Breakthrough and Your Next Steps

Structured Practice Assignments Every module includes specific practice assignments that build the physical muscle memory and musical skills you need for confident continuo playing. These aren't graded—they're your roadmap for daily progress.

Lifetime Access The course is yours forever. Go through it at your own pace, revisit modules as often as you need, and keep building your skills for as long as you like.

Want Personal Guidance Along the Way? Check out the "CLEF" Track!

With the "CLEF" Track (Continuo Learning with Expert Feedback), you get everything in the Basso Continuo Basics course, plus:

8 Weeks of Voxer Support Have a question? Stuck on something? Send me a voice message or text through Voxer and I'll respond personally—it's like having a teacher in your pocket throughout the course.

8 Weeks of Video Feedback Submit videos of your playing and receive detailed, personalized feedback from me—so you always know exactly what to work on next.

Two Private One-Hour Zoom Lessons One-on-one time with me to work through whatever you need most, whether that's a tricky passage, a specific ensemble situation, or just deeper guidance on the material.

Here's what my student Megan had to say about the course!

“Alice Chuaqui Baldwin’s ‘Basso Continuo Basics’ was by far the best online class I’ve taken. She has divided a difficult subject into six discrete topics, and in each lesson presents that topic with defined goals, and the steps that you need to take to achieve those goals. The exercises that she has provided to build muscle memory really work! This online class provides you with all the tools that you need to become a competent continuo keyboard player.”

Megan
Berkeley, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Content & Structure

How long is the course?

The course has 6 comprehensive video modules, structured as "weeks" to help you pace yourself—but you're welcome to go faster or slower depending on your schedule. Since this is an on-demand course, you can start anytime and work through the material at whatever pace suits your life. You'll have lifetime access to all materials, so there's no pressure to rush.

What topics does the course cover?

The course covers six essential topics across six modules:

• Module 1: Crack the Figures Code
• Module 2: Filling in the Unfigured Bass Blanks
• Module 3: Your Voice-Leading Breakthrough
• Module 4: Basso Continuo Dynamics Decoded
• Module 5: Adapt to Any Ensemble
• Module 6: Your Bass Line Breakthrough and Your Next Steps

How is this different from your free YouTube content?

My YouTube videos teach individual concepts, but this course gives you a complete, structured system. You get the exact practice progressions and all the materials you need—everything organized in the right order to build real skills. My YouTube content is a great introduction; this course is your roadmap to confident continuo playing.

How long are the video modules?

Each module contains approximately 1.5–2 hours of video instruction, broken into shorter segments so you can easily pause and practice as you go.

The course is organized into "weeks"—do I have to follow that structure?

Not at all! I recommend one module per week to stay consistent and give yourself time to absorb the material and build muscle memory, but you have lifetime access and can work at whatever pace suits your schedule. Go faster, go slower—it's entirely up to you.

The "CLEF" Track

What is the "CLEF" Track?

The "CLEF" Track (Continuo Learning with Expert Feedback) is the premium option for students who want personal guidance alongside the course. In addition to everything included in the standard Basso Continuo Basics course, you'll get 8 weeks of Voxer support, 8 weeks of personalized feedback on videos of your playing, and two private one-hour Zoom lessons with me. It's ideal for students who want dedicated, hands-on support throughout their continuo journey!

Is the CLEF Track right for me?

The CLEF Track is designed to be as close to having a real continuo teacher as an online course can get. If you've ever worked with a private teacher and valued that relationship, you'll probably thrive with the extra support. If you're a self-motivated learner who's comfortable working through material independently, the standard course is a genuinely great option—and I'd never want you to spend more than you need to. But if you want someone to listen to your playing, answer your specific questions, and give you personalized direction, the CLEF Track is worth it.

How does Voxer work?

Voxer is a free messaging app that works like a walkie-talkie—you can send me voice messages and text messages and I'll respond personally. It's a wonderfully low-pressure way to ask questions and get feedback quickly as you work through the course. You'll have access to me on Voxer for 8 weeks from your enrollment date.

How quickly do you respond on Voxer?

I do my best to respond within 48 hours on weekdays. Please note that I don't monitor Voxer on weekends or holidays.

How do I schedule my Zoom lessons?

Once you're enrolled, simply email me at alice [at] alicebaldwinmusic [dot] com and we'll find a time that works for both of us. Please note that I don't offer weekend lessons. Zoom lessons must be scheduled within 6 months of your enrollment date.

Can I upgrade from the standard course to the CLEF Track after I've already enrolled?

Yes! If you'd like to upgrade to the CLEF Track after enrolling in the standard course, simply email me at alice [at] alicebaldwinmusic [dot] com and we'll get everything sorted out and get you switched over!

Instrument & Technical Requirements

Do I need to play harpsichord? Do I have to have a harpsichord?

While this course is designed for keyboard players, you don't need to be a harpsichordist! It's completely fine if you play piano or organ. Even if you do play harpsichord, you don't have to have access to one for this course (though you will need access to a keyboard instrument).

Is this course only for keyboard players?

You do need to be a keyboard player to get the most out of this course. Other continuo instrument players—such as theorboists and harpists—approach chordal playing somewhat differently than keyboard players due to differences in the physical properties of the instruments. However, these differences are outside the scope of my continuo expertise and will not be covered in this course.

Do I need a webcam or camera to take this course?

You only need a camera if you're enrolled in the CLEF Track, which includes personalized feedback on videos you submit. The built-in camera on your phone, tablet, or computer works perfectly fine! If you're taking the standard course without support, no camera is needed.

Can I take this course on my phone or tablet?

Yes! You can watch the video modules on any device. However, a computer or laptop will give you the best experience for seeing sheet music and keyboard demonstrations clearly.

Prerequisites & Skill Level

What level of keyboard skill do I need?

You don't need to be a keyboard virtuoso, but you should have solid keyboard skills—meaning you can play a keyboard instrument and consider yourself at least a "proficient" player.

Do I need to be able to read music?

Yes, you need to be able to read music for this course.

What if I'm a complete beginner to basso continuo?

This course is DESIGNED for beginners! We start from the very basics and build up gradually. Many of my students have tried learning continuo before and gotten stuck—but whether you're starting fresh or starting over, this course will be a good fit for you.

Is this course suitable for advanced players?

While this course focuses on fundamentals, even experienced players often find gaps in their continuo knowledge. If you're already quite advanced, this might be a good refresher, but you may want to reach out to me directly (email me at alice [at] alicebaldwinmusic [dot] com) to discuss if it's the right fit for your current level.

Do I need any prior music theory knowledge?

Basic music theory skills are necessary—understanding intervals, basic chord types, and key signatures. However, you don't need to have taken a traditional 4-semester university music theory sequence.

Practice & Homework

Is there homework?

Yes! Each module includes practice assignments to help you build the physical muscle memory that makes continuo playing automatic. These aren't graded—there's no pressure or judgment. They're simply your roadmap for daily practice and a way to track your progress.

How much should I practice each week?

To get the most out of this course, 30+ minutes of daily practice is ideal. However, even 15-20 minutes a day will give you meaningful progress. The structured system is designed to work efficiently, so even shorter practice sessions build the muscle memory you need.

What if I can't practice as much as is recommended?

Life happens! While consistent practice gives you the best results, you have lifetime access to all materials. Go at whatever pace works for you—there's no judgment here. Put as much into this course as you want to get out of it!

Feedback & Support

Will I get feedback on my playing?

Personalized feedback is available through the CLEF Track (Continuo Learning with Expert Feedback). As a CLEF Track student, you can submit videos of your playing for 8 weeks after registration and receive detailed, personal audio feedback from me, so you always know exactly what to work on next. If you're enrolled in the standard course, the video lessons are designed to guide you clearly through each concept and practice assignment.

Can I still ask questions even though this isn't a live course?

While this is a self-paced video course without live Q&A sessions, the video lessons are designed to address the most common questions and challenges. If you have specific questions, you can email me at alice [at] alicebaldwinmusic [dot] com. And if you'd like more direct, ongoing access to me throughout the course, the CLEF Track includes 8 weeks of personalized Voxer support—so you'll always have someone to turn to if you want help!

What happens after I finish the course?

The course materials are yours for life! Once you've worked through all six modules, you can revisit any content whenever you need a refresher, dive deeper into specific concepts, or simply keep the materials on hand as a reference for your continuo playing. The course is designed to be a resource you return to again and again—not something you do once and forget.

Course Materials & Resources

Do I need to buy any books or sheet music for the course?

Nope! I provide everything you need—all practice materials, exercises, sheet music, and resources are included.

How long will I have access to the course materials?

You have lifetime access to all video modules, practice assignments, sheet music, and course materials. You can revisit the content anytime you want to brush up on your skills or dive deeper into specific concepts.

Can I go through the course again later?

Absolutely! With your lifetime access, you can go through all the materials as many times as you'd like.

Pricing & Policies

How much does the course cost?

Basso Continuo Basics is available in two options. The standard course is $297, and the CLEF Track—which adds 8 weeks of Voxer support, 8 weeks of feedback on videos of your playing, and two private one-hour Zoom lessons—is $797. All options include lifetime access to all course materials.

Is there a payment plan available?

Yes! Because I strongly believe that great continuo training should be accessible to as many people as possible, the standard course is available in 12 monthly installments of just $25/month, and the CLEF Track is available in 4 monthly installments of $200. With both tracks you get lifetime access to all the course materials.

What if I decide it's not for me? Can I get my money back?

I offer a 14-day money-back guarantee! If you find that it's just not for you, send me an email within 14 days of your enrollment date and you'll get a full refund.