Why Play Scales?

I have had quite a few students ask me why we play scales. One keeps saying they are boring and have no interesting melody. That is probably true. However, their benefits are surely extraordinary.

Legendary violinist Jasha Heifetz mentioned on several occasions the importance of daily scale practice. He believed scales improve intonation and train the ears to be more critical. Scales though can also help us with bow division and left hand articulation, as well as countless other technical aspects. If preparing for ABRSM or Trinity/Guildhall Exams, one is asked to learn quite a few scales by heart. Therefore it would be wise to practise a little bit every day rather than have to memorise all of them a few days before the exam. That is definitely another reason for daily scale practice.

Hopefully, learning a nice selection of musical pieces after our daily scale practice will make the whole experience more enjoyable. So if you really dread scales, don't give up on them as I am sure you will regret it in the future. Just ask your teacher to give you some pieces of your level that you really love. That way you will practice your scales with excitement of what will follow!

For any information or to arrange a lesson please do not hesitate to contact me.