Learn to PlayPiano Scales FAST and BRILLIANT
How to practice piano scales?
Learn how to play piano scales fast and brilliantly. In this VIDEO POST, I show how to achieve SPEED and CLARITY in piano scales. There are several elements that play a vital role in learning to play piano scales.
Don't forget to DOWNLOAD the score with some of my special preparatory piano exercises.
Introduction Piano Scale Technique
Playing the piano can be an enriching experience, but it also comes with challenges to overcome. One of those challenges that many pianists face is mastering scales. In this video post, we will explore some invaluable techniques to make your piano scale playing smoother, faster, and easier, contributing to improved piano technique. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pianist, these insights can help improve your skills.
Here, I present to you five elements to consider when working on piano scales. These elements can also help you to improve your piano technique when working on any piano passages.
Steps towards Masterful Piano Scales
1.
The Role of the Thumb for Improved Piano Technique
As you start to learn to play scales at the piano, you'll quickly notice a difference in difficulty between ascending and descending scales. This is because of the role the thumb plays in these variations. Moving the thumb beneath the hand is harder to do smoothly than moving the hand over the thumb. This fact holds true even more when playing at faster tempos. However, it's essential to maintain a consistent hand position, avoiding excessive hand turns.
2.
Micro-Adjustments for Better Scales and Piano Technique
To navigate black keys effectively, you'll need to make subtle micro-adjustments. These adjustments involve not just the wrists and forearm but also the overall form (shape) of your hand. Practicing with black keys will help you become more comfortable with these keys, making your playing smoother and contributing to improved piano technique.
3.
Finger Speed and Finger Relaxation for Better Piano Technique
Practice scales both slow and fast to develop finger agility and control. Focus on finger speed, not so much on power, especially in fast passages. Work slowly and between each note, incorporating moments of relaxation to isolate each finger in its action. This practice will make your fingers more independent, faster, and more powerful and thus improve your piano technique.
4.
Maintaining Synchronisation in Piano Scales
Synchronisation is essential to mastering piano scales with both hands together. Try playing scales from octave to octave to ensure both hands work together seamlessly. In between each octave, you make a relaxation moment to prepare the next octave group. This practicing technique we call working in divisions will help you maintain evenness and precision in your scale technique, contributing to improved piano scale technique.
5.
Using the Forearms for Improved Piano Scale Technique
When playing scales, a thrust or pull comes from a forearm movement. When descending scales, move your hand to the outside while keeping the arm in an upward position at the start and glide down smoothly to the finishing note. This motion resembles the graceful bowing movement on a cello, adding elegance and ease to your piano playing and minimising wrist strain, contributing to improved piano scale technique.
Next Step: Exploring Etudes for Improved Piano Scale Technique
Here I present another VIDEO POST in which I will discuss which etudes can be incredibly beneficial for practicing piano scales. These piano scale etudes provide structured practice pieces that focus on one particular piano technique to further enhance your scale-playing skills at the piano, contributing to improved piano scale technique.
Conclusion
Mastering piano scales is a challenging but essential part of learning the piano that directly affects how you can improve your piano technique. As you implement these techniques and tips, you'll notice improvements in finger agility, hand dexterity, arm technique, and overall playing skills.
Remember, improving your piano technique and developing faster, more powerful, and precise fingers is not just about repetition and more repetition but more about strategy and the way you practice. Only when that is correct does repetition make sense. Only then will dedication and consistent practice lead to improving your piano skills.
For you who are looking to improve your piano technique further, consider exploring my book of exercises, "Super Fingers Essential Piano Technique." Piano Fantasy also offers online courses to improve your piano playing. DOWNLOAD free score.