The blues scale starting on C presented as a practice drill or warm up where keyboard & piano players can play-a-long & accompany backing tracks. Improver level scales involve 2 octave playing. Free sheet music download: The scale needs to be played as notated and swing refers to the fact that the pattern of three notes are to be played in a triplet pattern. Triplets involves playing three eighth or quaver notes for each beat and is a characteristic feature of swing music. Swing playing started featuring in popular music in the early 20th century and is a strong feature in many popular styles performed today particularly in the jazz and blues music area. There are often ambiguities in the way that swing music is notated. When learning the scale familiarise yourself with the sound and structure of the scale. In the blues scale the 3rd and 7th notes are flattened. This scale has been notated using accidentals because it is outside the major minor tonal system. Playing blues scales introduces players to other cultural and geographical aspects of music. Playing blues scales provide different sounds and challenge to the musical ear and help develop and broaden listening skills. mp3 play-a-long tracks can be easily accessed and downloaded to a mobile phone from the website to improve music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks have a range of tempo from 60 to 144 beats per minute (bpm) and are presented in 12 bpm steps (60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120, 132 & 144bpm). The mp3 on the audition free download plays back at 72 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Improve music practice routines and make progress with PlentyMusic pdf #sheetmusic & mp3 accompaniment downloads. Each scale is to be played 3 times with a one bar gap between each scale. PlentyMusic scale practice exercises are designed to improve technical skills and are presented in a metrical context enabling keyboard players to practice and improve their technical & aural skills as part of an ensemble playing activity. 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 Keep to the specified fingering Remember that In a sitting position the level of the keyboard should be 72.5cms above floor level At the improver level the scales should be played evenly & smoothly (legato). Playing scales does involve repetition but at the same time they need to be played with engagement and concentration 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 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 #musicperformance contexts fingers need to be close to the keys. The weight of the arm & hand should be imagined to be being released or even flow out through the finger tips.
