[Harp-L] Practicing Scales

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 7/21/2008 6:35:26 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
hazcon@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

practicing scales
Practice scales for an hour. Then play music for an hour.
Practice scales in all keys. Then work on music.
Play scales. Play music.
 
 
I've found that this is a great way to create a schism in learning a  musical 
instrument. 
 
SCALES vs. MUSIC
 
There is a way to blur the distinction and move SCALES closer to the realm  
of MUSIC. I'll use a basic diatonic major scale as an example. 
 
Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do    -     Do Ti  La Sol Fa Mi Re Do
 
or 
 
Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do Ti La Sol Fa Mi Re Do
 
is how students usually practice a scale - up and down one octave. This is  
OK, as it is getting the student used to the sound of the note choices inherent 
 within the diatonic major scale. However, doesn't it SOUND "scaley"?
 
If one were to add one more scale degree - "major diatonic scale to the  9th" 
- it would ascend and descend as follows:
 
Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do Re Do Ti La Sol Fa Mi Re Do
 
Now it sounds less like a SCALE and more like a melodic line, moving away  
from that reinforced "Scaley" sound in the student's inner ear and more towards  
MUSIC while retaining the benefits of learning SCALES (familiarity of note  
choices).
 
You can also begin to treat this sequence like a melodic line, doing  
something with it besides keeping a steady tempo. It can be shaped, dovetailed,  
played expressively, etc.
 
It moves the student much closer to the heart of music at a faster pace at  
any learning level, works on any instrument and can be adapted to any scale  
endeavor.
 
If you are attracted to melodic line, this is the best approach. It also  
helps with the understanding of how to create melodic line in improvisation in  
real time while you perform. (I have to admit that this is what inspires me the 
 most - Miles Davis philosophy - he would tell his side men if he heard them  
practicing "licks" over and over in the hotel room and then heard them on the 
 gig, they were fired. He was more interested in inspiration in real time all 
the  time - total honest in the moment musical creation).
 
If you are into memorizing sequences and playing them faster and faster,  
showing off speed chops, etc, then you may be better off with scales the old  
fashioned way and a metronome.
 
Even if you are a speed chop gunslinger, the melodic line  approach might be 
a welcome addition to your arsenal.
 
The Iceman
 
 



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