How to Practice Scales

Everybody wants to know how to practice scales. Quite simply, most students do not play scales on a routine basis because they simply have no idea why exactly they are asked to play them.

Scales are a great way to warm up not just physically, but to help prepare the mind for the appropriate stylistic aesthetic ahead. In other words, scales can be used as a tactile and aural preparation for the style of piece about to be played.

For the Intermediate player, transfer student, or even advanced player, I teach my students to practice scales four distinctive ways and as needed as listening exercises to warm up before learning a piece of music. These four types of scales are of course, simplifications which I have arrived at for ease of use and explanation. This is just one way to introduce a basic variety of touches that every pianist should consistently have at their disposal.

In order to listen more carefully, practice hands separately for this purpose. Please see above for my "Scales in the Style of...."

Books to Improve Reading for Beginners

Summer is a great time to improve reading as well as sight-reading skills.

The books that I commonly use to improve reading for beginners is the Sight Reading & Rhythm Everyday Series by Helen Marlais and Kevin Olson. I usually will use levels 3A-5 to explain and revisit concepts as needed. Beyond that, students should be sight reading in the actual repertoire.

See my Sightread in Keys post

Common Pitfalls to Avoid when Playing Mozart

The deceptively simple textures of Mozart are hazardous for even the most seasoned performers

Two things often found in intermediate performances of this composer.

1. Rushed ornamental figures. Decorative small notes should always be played with ease (almost languidness) and never on the heavy side. In other words, never squeeze the florid notes.

2. 16th-note accompanimental figures (usually l.h), usually sound too groupy. These figures rather, should follow a longer line and go on forever (carry a lyrical momentum).

Other helpful hints

1. Listen so that the horizontal line or motion goes all the way to, or even through the rest.

2. Phrase through the articulation. Do not let it break the shape of the phrase.