The scale of F major presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany the available backing tracks. Improver level scales involve 2 octave playing. The sheet music is available as a free score. Access the backing tracks from a mobile phone to improve music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 60 through to 144 beats per minute (bpm) in incremental jumps of 12 beats to the minute. Each scale is to be played 3 times with a one bar gap between each scale. A wood block sound provides a one bar preparation for the playing of each scale exercise. The playing sequence is as follows: Right hand two octaves Left hand two octaves Right and left hands together two octaves similar motion Right and left hands together one octave contrary motion Keep to the specified fingering In a sitting position the level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level At the improver level the scales should be played evenly & smoothly (legato). Playing scales does involve repetition but they need to be played with engagement and concentration. There are always aspects of ones playing that can be improved. Understand that there will be additional challenges from PlentyMusic as to how scales can be played. The thumb under third and fourth finger movement together with third and fourth finger over the thumb are movements in playing the scale that merit particularly attention. Always make music practice a challenge as well as being interesting. When playing scales aim to keep a lightness in the hands particularly when they are played at fast tempi. Use a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to provide the backing tracks needed to enjoy scale practice as an ensemble activity. When playing along to the backing tracks do have an awareness of the beat, pulse and tempo. Whilst there are many ways in which musical notes can be articulated in the early stages of playing scales a legato touch should be and remain the focus. There are other PlentyMusic technical challenges coming soon to help keyboard players make progress and improve. When playing scales as in most music performance contexts fingers need to be close to the keys The weight of the arm & hand should be imagined to be being released or even flow out through the finger tips. The challenge in playing music is that it involves much repetition. The gifted musician is one able to internalise what has been learnt and progress quickly to more difficult challenges. Why practice scales? Scale practice does help in improving technique and spatial awareness of the keyboard layout. Security in playing scales means that the fingers become familiar to being in the right place and the right time. Playing scales is good preparation for playing more difficult pieces Scales played on a piano or keyboard require that the fingers are all equal in strength and in this respect they are useful although there are other exercises helpful particularly thirds that are helpful it equalising finger strength from the keyboard playing point of view. If you play a keyboard standing up ensure that you at a comfortable level with the weight of the hands going downwards. Images of keyboard players playing with their hands above shoulder height is not great for encouraging good technique. Playing scales encourages the development of a secure and controlled technique in playing. Playing scales particularly when playing in contrary motion encourages independence of the hands. Playing scales is helpful in managing stretches and stresses in keyboard playing. pdf sheet music scores and mp3 accompaniments can be downloaded from the PlentyMusic website.
