Welcome to my first blog!
Allow me to briefly introduce myself, I am Liz of lizteachespiano, a piano teacher in Uppsala. Perhaps you are unsure about learning piano, or scales, or exactly what is involved. No matter! I am here to try to make the process as interesting and accessible as possible. Are scales important when learning piano? This seemed like a key area to be addressed in a first blog!
I am going to cover an area which can be overlooked (or dreaded) by pianists eager to begin playing music: Scales. Why should you incorporate them into your practice and why do I teach them in my lessons? Here are three benefits and a video of me playing two beginner scales in piano study: C major and D minor harmonic.
Benefits of scales when learning piano
Ear Training– Scales can help you HEAR what a key sounds like. If you know C major then suddenly singing or playing an out of key F# will make you question and identify a tone problem more quickly. It could be as simple as you need to play F, or flatten that out-of-key singing tone to an F, because C major has no sharps or flats.
Technique– Piano scales are a fundamental tool for technique. It will improve your muscle memory, dexterity and co-ordination. Need a break from the demands of complex repertoire? They can even be slightly meditative for when the trials of piano practice drive you crazy.
Improvising– As much as piano lessons with me are fabulous 😃, you also want and need to be able to play independently! Ever heard a jam session start with someone saying “What key are we playing in?” and then proceed to play fantastic improvisation? That is probably because they knew the variations of chords and harmonies which can work with said key, and can help you create melodies on the spot.
Tutorial: C major and D minor
Here I have played 2 octaves because it is easier to recognise the pattern which forms in these beginner scales. The easiest way to master turns in these scales is to think: 3 turn, 4 turn. Lose track of your octaves? Your thumb should always be on the Key note. Your first turn will be after 3, and second will be after 4. Not sure what an octave, a 3 or a 4 is? Well, that is for a full in person lesson. Why wait? Book a trial today 🙂
In conclusion, although scales can seem tedious, I always incorporate them into my lessons with students. Learnt and practiced with an inquisitive mind, and an experienced teacher, they extend far beyond just an exercise, and can pave the way for a lifetime of independent piano playing fulfilment.
