i need this kinda fast.......

[beethoven2]

Does anyone have any 'cheats' or 'fast, but good' ways to learn minor scales/arpeggios/cadences stuff?  I need to learn all this stuff in a short amout of time, and I'm pretty much starting from scratch.    I never was good at minor scales....

[quantum]

Using keyboard geography is very helpful.  Think of the groupings of black/white keys and the formations your hand needs to take. 

Some keys use similar fingerings and differ by only a few black/white keys (usually related by 5ths).  Seeing these patterns and relationships of similar keys will help with your memory.

What do you feel in particular you struggle with in minor scales?  Why are (supposedly) major scales easier to play for you?

[beethoven2]

A lady showed me the circle of fifths, which helped me tremendously with my majors. 

I don't know the fingerings and stuff for the minor, and I need tricks to help my memory....otherwise it all floats away within a few weeks.

[rc]

How short is a short amount of time?

and are you talking about just memorizing the theory, or also learning how to play it all?

[beethoven2]

Until about March 16.  That way I can perfect it by the 31st.

Learning how to play it.

[rc]

ok, and starting from scratch... All keys?  up to a certain speed?

edit: well it looks like you're offline now, but unless you're just doing a few keys at a slower speed I think you'll have a helluva time learning to play it all by the end of the month.  Depending on your skill, determination, and just how much you have to do - it may be possible to get it down decently... 

But there are no shortcuts with piano, you've got to train your hands and mind to be able to play.  Accurately, consistantly, confidently.  Not only with each key, but also being able to switch between different keys and figurations.  This all takes time.  If you're focused like a laser and bust ass every day you can have solid scales within a few weeks.

My suggestion:  get as much practice in as you can.  Despite your rush, whenever you sit down forget about being rushed.  Take your time with the practice, rushed mindset = counterproductive.  Do it one thing at a time then practicing switching between figurations.  If you can't get it all done by your deadline, let it go - doing it right is more important.

[beethoven2]

 Thanks, I'll do that. That's probably what would be best.  (a smooth, 'natural like' speed: not all keys, thankfully   )

I appreciate everyone's replies.

[rc]

Your welcome

It can be pretty tedious stuff, but keep the reward in mind and you can enjoy the process.  Enjoyment is productive, worth cultivating.  Think of what a good pianist you'll become through it!  Anywhere there's a scale, chord, arpeggio in music - it will be second nature.

I'm walking the same path.  After avoiding this stuff for 3 years, I'm now excited to be building a solid foundation.