The scale of C harmonic minor presented as a practice drill where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany backing tracks. Improver level scales involve 2 octave playing. Download the mp3’s to a mobile phone to improve music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 60 to 144 beats per minute (bpm) Improve music practice and make progress with PlentyMusic pdf sheetmusic & mp3 accompaniment downloads. Each scale in this drill is played 3 times with a one bar gap between each scale. A wood block sound provides a one bar preparation for the playing of each scale exercise. The playing sequence is as follows: right hand two octaves | left hand two octaves | right and left hands together two octaves similar motion | right and left hands together two octaves contrary motion Do keep to the specified fingering In a sitting position the level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level. Check this although if you are in a standing position when practising or warming up it maybe be more relevant to adjust the keyboard level. At the improver level the scales should be played evenly & smoothly (legato). Playing scales does involve much repetition but they need to be played with engagement and concentration. There are always aspects of ones playing that can be improved. Understand that there will be additional future challenges from PlentyMusic as to how scales can be played. Under/over thumb & finger preparation is an aspect of keyboard technique that needs to taken on board and will be clarified in future video posts. Please feedback to PlentyMusic on any additional warm ups or practice drills required Look out for the PlentyMusic videos in the future with practical tips on the playing of scales and the piano/ keyboard in general. Always make music practice a challenge as well as being interesting. When playing scales aim to keep a lightness in the hands particularly when they are played at fast tempi. Use a mobile phone, tablet or desktop to provide the backing tracks needed to enjoy scale practice as an ensemble activity. When playing along to the backing tracks do constantly have an awareness of the beat, pulse and tempo. Whilst there are many ways in which musical notes can be articulated in the early stages of playing scales a legato touch should be and remain the focus. When playing scales as in most other music performance contexts fingers need to be both relaxed and close to the keys Do understand the rôle playing aspect of playing a keyboard instrument | the weight of the arm & hand should be imagined to be being released or even flowing out through the finger tips. As a mental exercise this is a challenge. The challenge in playing music is that it involves much repetition. The gifted musician is one able to internalise what has been learnt and progress quickly to more difficult challenges. Don’t get stuck in the mud (too much unnecessary repeated practice) is the best advice.
