Contrary Motion - Benefits?

[pianobr]

Hey everyone, my teacher suggested practicing scales ascending and descending with both hands. I understand that it’s beneficial.

But what’s the real benefit of practicing scales in contrary motion? Is it really necessary? Do all piano students go through this step?

Any tips or recommendations for me?

[lelle]

Each new approach to playing scales challenges your brain with a new set of coordinations. The more variety of coordinations you've practiced, the more well-oiled the connection between your mind and fingers becomes. This makes it easier to play overall.

[dizzyfingers]

Hey everyone, my teacher suggested practicing scales ascending and descending with both hands. I understand that it’s beneficial.

But what’s the real benefit of practicing scales in contrary motion? Is it really necessary? Do all piano students go through this step?

Any tips or recommendations for me?

Contrary scales are usually undertaken after regular scales are mastered.  Regarding "tips and recommendations", I recommend you learn scales in all (or most) keys (24) and then undertake contrary motion.
The popular book for students, "Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist", has all the scales written out across 4 octaves with fingerings.  That might help.  There are also other books with scales.

Another way to challenge the brain is to play scales a 3rd apart, as well as a 6th.

[quantum]

Hey everyone, my teacher suggested practicing scales ascending and descending with both hands. I understand that it’s beneficial.

But what’s the real benefit of practicing scales in contrary motion? Is it really necessary? Do all piano students go through this step?

Any tips or recommendations for me?

What you are doing is learning vocabulary.  Scales ascending, descending, now in contrary motion.  These are commonly occurring musical patterns and physical movements used when playing repertoire or improvising. 

Omitting the study of foundational patterns in music is like saying: I have learned how to spell words starting with the letter A and the letter B.  Now my teacher is asking me to learn to spell words starting with the letter C, but is that really necessary?  Can't I just write stories now with the just the words I have learned so far.   

Learning these things will help you in the long run.  By learning them now, they will be much more recognizable when you encounter them in repertoire. 

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You had a lot of responses on your other thread.  Might want to head over there and give people an update.