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]]>Once you’ve interacted with a scale, you’ll own it! You’ll be able to play in that key signature in any piece, in any solo, in any concert
It’s not about just playing scales.
Many of my students have come to me and the only thing they’ve learned about scales is just to play it up and down and they move on to something else. However, practicing scales is not about the scale itself. It’s about the interaction with that scale.
Sure, I have my young students learn the “Plain Jane” scale. They have to be able to play them for their solo contests.
But, then I have them do other things with that scale.
For example, one of the things that I learned at Eastman are triplet scales. That is when you play your scales in triplets both slurring and triple tonguing. When you play them in triplets you are forced to go up and down the scale 3x in order to end with the beginning of a triplet. You then move into all forms of the relative minor scale slurring then triple tongue. In the end, with only the one major and it’s 3 relative minor scales you will have played 24 scales.
Now that’s interacting with a scale!
Triplet scales aren’t the only scale exercise out there. I love having students go through many exercises in Taffanel and Gaubert’s 17 Grand Exercises for the Flute. Numbers 1,2,4 and 5 are terrific for learning finger patterns and scales. Reichert 7 Daily Exercises, Moyse Daily Exercises for the Flute, etc. There are many great books out there.
Your job is to find a book that you can work with, that you will work with, and then use it. Use all the articulations that are given. Always have your metronome handy when practicing these scales – move up slowly.
Make these scale exercises a part of your day. Do them without fail every single day. This interaction with the key signature is the best and most productive way of learning your keys and advancing your technique.
Scales really do a body good.
DoctorFlute
Watch me demonstrate this:
FluteTips 35 Interact with Scales
How to Practice Triplet Scales
Practice with Me Triplet Scales
The post Interact with Scales appeared first on DoctorFlute.
]]>Welcome to my web site for all things flute!
Here you will find all things about flute pedagogy and a whole lot more. I will address topics that are current to both professional and amateur flutists. My blog will address common problems flutists have in building all aspects of flute skills.
Over at the Flute Tips Newsletter, I will present video answers to questions about improving your flute skills. Sign up to be notified when a new video is released, and submit any questions that you want answered.
If you are new to flute and are looking to begin, I have a beginner flute class that will take you through all aspects of beginner flute.
In addition to pedagogy, I will address topics of interest to performers, teachers and students. If you are interested in extended techniques this is the place. I will discuss different pieces and the techniques involved. If you haven’t experienced extended techniques now is the time to try. It is a lot of fun and takes flute playing to a whole new level. There are serious pieces with these techniques and ones that are not so serious. But, all are equally fun to play.
I am an avid teacher and have a large flute studio. I currently teach students from grade school through college. My dissertation was on beginner flute pedagogy so I’m all about the teaching! Here’s a picture of me about to walk for my diploma on May 15, 2010.
Performing is part of my world too! Collaboration is where it is at! I love to collaborate and have a group called The Roan Trio. Our performances incorporate different artistic disciplines including dance, painting, and poetry. See the Gig page for a list of some of our performances.
I hope that you will stop by often, join the conversation, and learn about all things flute. Remember to sign up for my Flute Tips Newsletter for insights into the flute.
Lets have some fun!
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