Scales

[kop442000]

I know that scales are a really important part of learning to play the piano.

But in what ways do they help you to become a better player?

If I learn them all really well, will I be a much improved player?

I know these are maybe vague questions, but I hope you know what I mean.

Regards,
Paul.

[m1469]

Rippling through scales just to play scales will make you better at playing scales in that particular way (in whatever way that happens to be).  However, without a musical context, the technique you use to play the isolated scale will most likely be of little use to you when it comes to an actual piece of music with that scale in it (the only context an isolated scale has is itself, and that, in and of itself, doesn't demand much from us in the way of musicality -- if we want to try to play isolated scales in a "musical" way, we have to invent the musicality and add it to the scale, it is not inherent within an isolated scale.  So in that case, what's the point ?  Why not instead take the scale from within a musical context and practice that if it's giving one physical trouble in playing it ?). 

Therefore, the main purposes I see in knowing scales are to understand in one's ear what is happening harmonically (and ultimately, what is happening harmonically within a piece of music), as well as within one's intellect.  Also, in a literal sense, you will know the notes (black and/or white) from the keyboard that a piece (or portion of a piece) will use as it travels through time.   As soon as a person has this, one's work with isolated scales is done.

The only way that knowing your scales in and of themselves will help you become a better player physically, is if you can transfer the information from your ears and mind into a very specific command for your body to follow on demand.


m1469