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...."
I encourage one of my students to practice his scales with a triplet feel as well (3 octaves). These articulation patterns will be helpful for him too. Thanks for the encouragement!
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