Video #6: How to Practice Scales and Arpeggios

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8xDEzeKxVM&list=RDO6AAkGBc0eg&index=7

Robert Estrin points out that the reasons you should practice scales and arpeggios:
1. A great deal of music is made up of scales and arpeggios--they're building blocks.
2. Scales and arpeggios help you develop good finger technique.
3. They're a good warm-up--SLOW scales are especially good for warm-up.
4. Hanon's 60 exercises are a must--all the scales and arpeggios.

Drills and Exercises

When a piano student is assigned a simple drill or exercise, she may be tempted to play it through quickly a couple of times and call it good since it looks so simple. Here's a better way to practice drills and exercises:

1. Practice them slowly and precisely.

2. Make sure to have good hand position--keep those fingers curved and try not to let that pinkie fly into the air.

3. Practice for perfection.

4. Use correct fingering.

Practicing drills and exercises effectively can help improve technique and control.