STAGE ONE SCALES
Table of Contents: The Three Octave Scale
Introduction
Studying scales from the very beginning guarantees that they will become an integral part of technical development. Not only do scales promote the continuing development of technique, they also help to place the student in the state of mind most conducive to practicing productively. There is documentation that a metronome setting of 60 is the most efficient learning tempo because it corresponds to our natural biorhythms. Proportions of 60 (90, 120 etc) are also ideal practice tempos. As shown below, scales are practiced with martelé, detaché and legato strokes, with various bowings, and with a multitude of rhythms. Challenging bowings or rhythm patterns in the repertoire can be mastered by incorporating them into scale practice.
Follow the Scale Link to find the sequence of scales from the Twinkle era through four octave scales. For now, the three octave G major scale will be studied using the Carl Flesch Scale System (for fingereings) and Galamian’s 24 note 3 octave scale and acceleration pattern.
Regardless of left hand action, the student should strive to maintain a constant bow speed and a rich, focused tone. During the review of technique, a loose vibrato is encouraged to help produce a beautiful tone, but if intonation is a problem, some practicing should be done without vibrato.
The Three Octave Scale
Practice the scale in the following ways:
Clip Title:
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The Journey Through the Three Octave G Major Scale: Martelé |
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Description: |
Playing a G Major Three Octave Scale with 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 Martelés per bow |
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Channel: |
228 |
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Duration: |
3'59" |
Clip Title:
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The Journey Through the Three Octave G Major Scale: Slurs |
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Description: |
Playing a G Major Three Octave Scale with 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 notes slurred per bow |
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Channel: |
229 | |
Duration: |
2'47" |
Two Note Patterns
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Four Note Patterns
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Using patterns rather than specific rhythms teaches the general relationship of the notes without being caught up in the precise rhythm. When a precise rhythm is needed, it is specified. This approach expands our traditional set of rhythms [dotted eighth sixteenth in real notes] to all the variations of dotting and double dotting rhythms.
Clip Title:
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The Journey Through the Three Octave G Major Scale: Rhythms |
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Description: |
Practicing rhythmic patterns with the G Major Three Octave Scale |
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Channel: |
230 |
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Duration: |
1'20" |
Listen for and be aware of:
Clip Title:
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Three Octave G Major Arpeggios |
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Description: |
Practicing arpeggios with an awareness of bow division, shifting, intonation, and relaxed physical motions | |
Channel: |
232 |
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Duration: |
4'02" |