Learning scales

[bttay]

I remember reading some posts in this forum suggesting that learning to play scales mainly helps one to understand the use of scales but not so much as a training for playing techniques. Correct me please if I am wrong.

If I got the idea correct, may I know if it is still worthwhile for me to practice scales on the piano as I am already familiar with scales. I teach music theory in school but have never "mastered" play scales (major, harmonic minor, melodic minor, chromatic, wholetone etc.) on the piano.

[timothy42b]

I remember reading some posts in this forum suggesting that learning to play scales mainly helps one to understand the use of scales but not so much as a training for playing techniques. Correct me please if I am wrong.

I started that thread.  I didn't so much assert that as ask if it were true.  The answers were mostly along the lines of yes, playing scales still helps, even though the fingerings may not always match what you will see in the music.  Among other things, it helps train the use of arm weight, relaxation, and knowledge of the keyboard.  These answers seem to make sense to me. 

[bttay]

Thanks a lot TimR. 

[BoliverAllmon]

for me scales help me identify and think in a certain key. also i was having a terrible time playing scale passages with any kind of speed and eveness. I began working on scales playing them all staccato and loud. This helped me really get the feel of playing fast scale passages even. try it out.

boliver allmon III