Can you make scales more fun?

I can hear the groans….”Scales…not scales”! A common problem of all piano teachers. Here are a few strategies I use to motivate students to work on scales.

My scales checklist - once they have mastered the scale (for me, that is hands together, played with fluency), we fill in the box. Once they’ve made it around the circle, they get a bonus prize. For most of my students, that is highly motivating!

I love using scales and my scale checklists for multiple reasons

  • origin of the word scale (comes from the Latin word, scala, meaning ladder)

  • work on finger technique and piano posture

  • build muscle memory

  • work on musical expression - legato, staccato, dynamics, changing up rhythm

  • ear training - with my 5 finger scale students, I have them figure out when they need to raise the 3rd. It helps them learn to listen to what they are playing. So many of my students are so proud of themselves for figuring it out!

  • pattern recognition - we learn the patterns of whole steps and half steps for 5 finger and 1 octave scales

  • circle of fifths

  • key signatures - I have students create the key signature (I have a grand staff magnet board I use - AMAZON - I receive no payment for this recommendation)

Get your own downloadable Scales checklist from TPT HERE

Beth Smith