Why Should I Practice Scales? (And Other Life-Altering Questions)
Category: Practice and Performance, Technique
There are certain questions I can ask myself over and over and never be satisfied with the answer, like: Why can’t I eat donuts for supper? or: Why do I have to go to work? But the most troubling of all questions is this: Why should I practice scales?
Well, I can think of a few reasons, and Google can think of a few more, so if my post doesn’t quell your curiosity, feel free to type www.google.com into your browser’s address bar. (If you need more help on using Google, you can email me, I have been called an expert. Actually, I haven’t – but I’m working on it.)
Reason Number 1: Helps to practice in a key signature
This is probably the greatest benefit to practicing scales. By practicing scales, you are essentially practicing a particular key signature. This will help greatly when playing a tune in said key signature. Your fingers have memory, and when you practice scales you are developing this memory. This will come in really handy when you want to improve your improvisation skills. I have a new post planned called “Improve Your Improv”… It’s in the planning stage – well, it has been in that stage for two years. (By “planning stage”, I mean that the post has a title.) Anyhow, you will see this theme recurring in that post. Expect great things from that post. When it comes, it will be mind-blowing.
Reason Number 2: Warming Up
Scales are a great way to warm up and get the blood flowing to the tips of your fingers. I’m sure there are ways that are more fun, but this is a PG-rated blog post.
Reason Number 3: Scales are the building blocks of music
When I practice the C major scale, I’m also practicing half of Mozart’s Sonata in C major. You know this sonata .. think back to the days you were obsessed with Bugs Bunny… or was I the only one that went through that phase? (By the way: Thank you Musopen for providing access to this recording).
All piano music is made of chord, scales, and other interval combinations. There is no way around it.. unless you consider banging your head on the piano, “music”. So when you practice chords, scales, and other intervals, you are practicing parts of songs, although it may not feel like it – and it definitely doesn’t sound like it.
So, like it or not, these are my three reasons why one should practice scales on the piano. And if you don’t like it, you can always go to Google.
photo credit: Pink Sherbet Photography
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Posted on November 9th, 2011 by sharlene
3 Comments
November 25th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Again, this is a great article as it pertains to practicing scales. Personally, I practice both diatonic and chromatic scales, which can improve drill skills with sharps and flats. I play various musical instruments, and I think that the article is helpful. http://www.geojean12.webs.com.
December 12th, 2011 at 2:10 am
Haha, you have a great site. Your writing and humor is unique and hilarous xD
Lol at the PG rated thing and the fun thing. I was like… what? then I was like… ohhhhh hahaha
January 3rd, 2012 at 3:06 pm
If this is a PG blog then why include the creepy joke attempt?