Scales are an integral part of piano learning. Are they difficult? Yes. Are they fun? Sometimes. Are they repetitive? Definitely. Are they necessary? Yes! So why do we practice scales?
- Scales build finger strength and hand coordination.
- They are the building blocks of the music we play.
- Scales improve a musician’s concept of rhythmic steadiness.
Finger Strength and Hand Coordination
Not all our fingers are created equal; some are immediately more comfortable to use than others. Particularly for younger beginners, the 4 (ring) and 5 (pinky) finger may be difficult to control. A common thing is that children move their other fingers when trying to move just one finger. Practicing scales gives an opportunity for those fingers to work out and become more autonomous. More advanced scales are often played with two hands, which allows the student to practice two hand coordination, often with different fingers moving and pivoting at the same time!
Building Blocks of Music
A great deal of music is based off patterns. Scales, are essentially just patterns. Practicing scales not only allows students to recognize the patterns, but to execute the patterns accurately. Furthermore, scales are based off on tonal keys, which help the students build an understanding of the realms and sounds of that key. What is the key signature in F major? What is a chord in F major? These are concepts that are cemented in the practice of scales.
Rhythmic Steadiness
The toughest part about scales, is having to play them at consistent steady tempo. That means every note played must have it’s designated rhythmic space. This is of course true in playing songs as well, but the simple pattern in scales allows students to dedicate more of their focus on the rhythm. Achieving rhythmic steadiness in scales allows the student to further understand the flow of music and the purpose of rhythm.
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