i recently took on a grade 8 student who has real trouble with scales.
they failed the scale section at every other grade and they dont know 80% of the key signatures. apparently they never did that much work on scales with their old teacher.
how can a teacher just let their student fail scales over and over again? if a student of mine failed scales i would make sure we went over them and made them perfect before even thinking about adding any scales from the next grade up.
so basically they're now left with a defeatist attitude towards scales. i've gone over them very slowly and carefully with them and they are getting better but still have a mental block towards them; im unsure what to do to help them overcome this other than keep at it.
advice anyone?
Full Version: Scale Advice
Can you inspire them by demonstrating how scales can be played? Ask them to think of them as music, not just a load of notes and be enthusiastic about listening to the sound they make.
While they are learning the notes, they can enjoy very slow and loud practise, really "sinking in" to the keys to teach the fingers the patterns. Then use different rhythms/ articulations or just pause at each octave to give their brain a chance to "catch up".
I know when my teacher showed me to think along these lines, it changed my attitude altogether.
Scales are great!!!
While they are learning the notes, they can enjoy very slow and loud practise, really "sinking in" to the keys to teach the fingers the patterns. Then use different rhythms/ articulations or just pause at each octave to give their brain a chance to "catch up".
I know when my teacher showed me to think along these lines, it changed my attitude altogether.
Scales are great!!!
QUOTE(Muddy Paws @ Jun 2 2008, 10:21 AM) 
Can you inspire them by demonstrating how scales can be played? Ask them to think of them as music, not just a load of notes and be enthusiastic about listening to the sound they make.
While they are learning the notes, they can enjoy very slow and loud practise, really "sinking in" to the keys to teach the fingers the patterns. Then use different rhythms/ articulations or just pause at each octave to give their brain a chance to "catch up".
I know when my teacher showed me to think along these lines, it changed my attitude altogether.
Scales are great!!!
As a student currently studying for Grade 8 piano I totally agree with the above. This is how my teacher teaches them to me. I must be one of those few students who actually enjoy playing scales
. The Grade 8 scales book is intimidating as there are so many. However, I've been taught to learn one, then add on another etc etc so I gradually build up to knowing the whole lot which is very satisfying. If your pupil has passed other exams but failed this section, think how much better their mark would be if they could do better in the scales bit.
What about a different board for the exam if this is possible in your area?
I'm not suggesting you stop building up the scales and with that knowledge of key signatures and general awareness of key but taking off the pressure of being examined in scales to the extent that AB require.
As a second study clarinet student this is my plan if I choose to do an exam.
I don't object to learning scales and know their usefulness but don't want to be examined in them.
I'm not suggesting you stop building up the scales and with that knowledge of key signatures and general awareness of key but taking off the pressure of being examined in scales to the extent that AB require.
As a second study clarinet student this is my plan if I choose to do an exam.
I don't object to learning scales and know their usefulness but don't want to be examined in them.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.