Piano Practice - Lesson #5

Scales Scales are a fundamental aspect of music theory and a critical component of playing the piano.

A scale is a sequence of musical notes that are played in ascending or descending order, and they form the basis for many of the chords, melodies, and other musical elements that you hear in a piece of music.

There are many different types of scales, including major and minor scales, pentatonic scales, and blues scales, among others. The most common type of scale is the major scale, which consists of seven notes played in a specific order. The notes of a major scale are arranged in whole and half steps, and the specific arrangement of these steps determines the sound and character of the scale.

When playing a scale, it is important to start with the correct hand position, which should be relaxed and comfortable. Start by playing the first note of the scale with the thumb, and then continue to play the rest of the notes, alternating between the thumb and the other fingers. It is also important to play the scale evenly and with a steady rhythm, and to make sure that the notes are clear and in tune.

In addition to playing scales in their basic form, you can also play them in different inversions, or variations, to add interest and variety to your playing. An inversion is simply a rearrangement of the notes of the scale, and playing the scale in different inversions can help you develop your keyboard skills and increase your understanding of the underlying music theory.

Scales can also be used as a tool for developing technique, such as finger independence, dexterity, and hand synchronization. Practicing scales regularly will help you improve your finger strength and coordination, and will also make it easier to play more complex pieces.

When practicing scales, it is also important to pay attention to the dynamic markings, such as crescendos and decrescendos, and to make sure that you are playing with the correct phrasing. This will help you bring out the musicality and character of the scale, and make your playing more expressive and musical.

In conclusion, scales are a fundamental aspect of playing the piano, and an important component of music theory. Whether you are just starting out or have been playing for years, practicing scales regularly will help you develop your keyboard skills, increase your understanding of music theory, and become a more confident and skilled pianist. So make sure to include scales in your practice routine and enjoy the many benefits that they have to offer. PRACTICE

ASSIGNMENT Scales Exercise 1

Left Hand (LH): C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C

Right Hand (RH): C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C

Repeat: 25 times

Scales Exercise 2

Left Hand (LH): C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-B-A-G-F-E-D-C

Right Hand (RH): C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C-B-A-G-F-E-D-C

Repeat: 25 times