Klarinet Archive - Posting 000399.txt from 1997/05

From: Douglas Sears <dsears@-----.org>
Subj: Re: Why learn scales?
Date: Mon, 12 May 1997 17:46:42 -0400

On Mon, 12 May 1997, Martin PERGLER wrote:

> For argument 1, I would think it's crucial to practice scales and
> arpeggios **while looking at them on the printed page**, to learn to
> recognise the patterns when they occur.

Thanks for a thoughtful analysis, but on this point I disagree. I think
it works better to have scales in your fingers, and learn to recognize the
scale patterns in etudes and real music. How familiar will an E-major
scale look when you run across it in a piece where the key signature has
three flats? It'll look funny, but it'll feel familiar to your fingers.

Those who can transpose easily also know the value of not having
your fingers tied too closely to the notes on the page.

--Doug

--------------------------
Doug Sears dsears@-----.org/~dsears