Tag Archives: scales

Issue 109: Scales and Arpeggios

Posted on October 29, 2013 by

The “young man in a hurry” I mentioned in another post is having problems motivating himself to learn his scales. I have every sympathy – I hated scales after grade 1 (hands separately, only a couple to learn). Grade 5 … Continue reading →

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Issue 66: “Thinking” in order to learn – contrary motion scales

Posted on November 24, 2012 by

If you play a “single line” instrument, rather than a keyboard instrument, all the following is irrelevant, unless you want to see HOW HARD the scales are for keyboard exam candidates… With one week to go before the piano exam, … Continue reading →

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Issue 10: Teaching Piano Scales

Posted on October 21, 2011 by

I have a rule.  I don’t have many rules, as I’m not much good at sticking to them.  Anyway, here it is: “You can’t start your ‘Grade 2’ until you can play C major scale, two octaves, hands together, with … Continue reading →

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Issue 9: Theory – “The Circle Diagram”

Posted on October 14, 2011 by

When I teach the scales and key signatures part of theory, I always teach “The Circle Diagram” quite early on. The instructions have taken me about half an hour to type, and the sheer wordiness may well put you off … Continue reading →

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Issue 8: How to Draw a Piano Keyboard

Posted on October 8, 2011 by

Drawing a piano is a very useful skill for answering theory questions, teaching keyboards, and creating musical birthday cards.  I have also found that piano students often find it much easier to grasp the intricacies of the notes and fingerings of … Continue reading →

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