…to get the most out of your practice time
by Sarah Schouten
Before I ever even mention the word scales in a lesson—or even hint at it—I can feel the eye rolls, groans, and general disdain heading my way. Perhaps instead of taking the view that scales are something we “have to do,” we can reframe our thinking and understand them as a vehicle to make our practicing and performing more efficient. We can use scales to help us strengthen multiple fundamental skills, thus maximizing our precious practice time.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
- Intonation
We often fall into the trap of tuning with our eyes or only tuning certain notes or intervals. Put on a drone and start playing your scales. The possibilities are almost endless. You can tune all the intervals, use a cello or other instrument drones to work on matching intonation and timbre, experiment with tuning apps, etc.
- Dynamics
Need to work on dynamics? Why not use your scales? This way you can get practice doing both. You can also tailor this type of fundamental work to your specific needs, high/soft or low/loud, etc., to get the most out of your practice time. Need to work on a dynamic level with sustained pitches? Play your scale slowly. Need to work on changing dynamics (crescendo/diminuendo) or subito dynamic changes? Figure out a scale pattern that mimics your music and then repeat that practice in all the keys.
- Articulation
Yes, this one seems obvious, but think outside the box a little here and manipulate your scale pattern to suit your needs. Do you need to work on light, staccato tonguing? Then perhaps create a pattern from your scale that includes repetition of notes. Do you have an accented note in the middle of a phrase? Add an accent to specific scale tones. Need to work on a slur-two-tongue-two pattern? Include that articulation in your scales.
- Speed
Having trouble internalizing a tempo? Put on your metronome and play your scales at that speed; after a few days, see if you can find that beat on your own. Need to work on a steady internal subdivision? Play scales and subdivide while using a metronome to keep you honest. Have a tricky polyrhythm between your part and another? If you have duplets, put your metronome on triplets, etc.
- Combinations
If you are now having fun and looking for more possibilities, combine any of the above ideas to meet your needs!
When practice seems daunting or you just don’t want to look at “that” etude anymore, identify a skill you need to address, put it into a scale pattern, and get to work. Be adventurous and create your own scale patterns and exercises. Let go of preconceived notions, get creative with the basics, and be amazed by your progress.
Happy practicing!
