I Know Why You Hate Practicing Scales
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 มิ.ย. 2024
- I know why you hate practicing scales.
While probably the most popular scale book for violinists, the Flesch Scale System can be incredibly daunting to anyone who doesn't understand exactly how to practice it.
In this tutorial, tonebase TH-cam host, pedagogue, and founder of Murphy Music Academy Tobiah Murphy will show you the best way to practice scales from the Flesch Scale System, and how to do it in a way that is not only effective, but also enjoyable.
0:00 - The Flesch Scale System and it's Consequences
1:00 - It's not REALLY a Scale Book
2:02 - What's actually in the system
3:10 - Why it's written this way
5:14 - The RIGHT approach Step I
6:26 - Step II
7:44 - Step III
8:05 - THIS WILL TAKE TIME!
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One thing that actually helped motivate me to practice scales was reading the introduction to the Flesch book and the forward by Max Rostal. It presents a lot of additional variations that can seem overwhelming, but it also presents a few ideas that are interesting to think about while practicing. I probably practice scales for about 2 hours a day just because I actually enjoy it somehow, and I usually have 1 key that I work on for a few weeks, 1 key that’s the same as my solo, and 1 key that changes daily.
I love scales too! My teacher recommended me the introduction and I found a new outlook on the whole thing.
I think Carl Flesch is way more fun than abrsm scales. I've only been practicing them for a month but there's so many new patterns compared to the boring abrsm scales. Really enjoyed working on patterns 1 to 4.
@@adambe1126 is abrsm scales enough for all the grades? or we really have to complement with extra scales from flesch for example?
@@ElsweyrDiego The only scales required for the grades are the ones that are specified by whatever your exam board has decided.
This being said, if you want to progress as a violinist rather than just grinding grades, flesch and galamian scales patterns will do wonders for you and they will make the scales in whatever your exam board is way easier.
@@adambe1126 thanks. i asked because i don't have much time to practise and i already started late on the violin (35 years old now ), so i don't have much time left alive to reach the highest grades anyway 😅
What a brilliant explanation. I really wish I could take lessons with this guy! 😃
Stop😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
naw 💀
Imagine if that were possible, haha
This video just made my day - I did exactly what you just outlined instinctively and have been using this technique for the last 3 years. I love scales now!
When I discovered this it changed my life. Really wish someone had showed this to me back in my conservatory days
Great Video!! I play both Violin and Viola, but love the Viola more. I’d remember how overwhelmed I was when I first saw this scale system which made me not practice scales that well. Your video was definitely an eye opener! Thanks again!
Loved the reference at the beginning lol
Glad someone got it, haha
Great video. I recently found Henry Whistlers Scales in First position and I think it is the best beginner scale book I have ever seen. Planning to implement it with my beginner students to prepare for Flesch.
Still get triggered by each flash of that blue book....
😅
Ptsd lol
🤣
😂😂😂😂😂
Great that you are spending time and effort for sharing inspiring everyone. Thanks🙏🙏
Detailed Summary
[00:03](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html) The flush scale system has been a disaster
- The way it is taught is problematic
- A better way to approach scales is going to be shown
[01:17](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html) The Carl Flesh Scale is a reference book with a three volume series called The Art of Violin Play.
- The first book is about technique.
- The second is about interpretation.
- The third is about the infamous Carl Flesh Scale system.
[02:38](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html) The violin scales are complex and need to be played on every string, octave, and double stop.
- The scales involve harmonics and double harmonics.
- The scales include seven different arpeggios, broken thirds, and chromatics.
- The scales are written in the context of a reference book series, where familiarity with previous volumes is necessary.
- The author explains that the scales are patterns commonly found in violin repertoire.
[03:49](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html) Practicing double stop scales and octaves can save time when practicing repertoire.
- By familiarizing yourself with these patterns, you will need to spend less time practicing them in repertoire.
- Using the flesh scale system can be beneficial for both personal playing and teaching.
[04:56](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html) Practice scales and arpeggios in every key to improve violin skills
- Start by learning all major and minor keys in three octave scales and arpeggios
- Don't worry about other techniques, just focus on mastering the basic scales and arpeggios
- Take your time and don't rush, it's important to do it well
- Consider sticking with one key until you feel comfortable before moving on to the next
[06:06](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html66) Master three octave scales and arpeggios in one key before learning other keys.
- Developing deep familiarity with one key makes it easier to learn other keys.
- Slowly add in other scales, arpeggios, and broken thirds in the flush scale system.
- Maintaining learned skills is easier than learning new ones.
- Use extra practice time to learn to play third scales well.
[07:12](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html) Practicing scales systematically can improve violin skills
- Start with octave scales, broken thirds, and chromatic scales
- Progress to arpeggios and double stops
- Practice in different keys to broaden skills
- By following Carl Flesch's scale system, become a better violinist
[08:15](th-cam.com/video/HDLVrnZgxHo/w-d-xo.html) Enjoy the process of getting better at each scale, even if it takes years.
- No rush, enjoy the process of improvement.
- Story of Carl Flesh practicing fingered octaves in Paganini's 17th Caprice for 15-20 minutes a day for five years.
Delighted to get thos 'bread and butter' instruction for scales, Tobiah. Thank you. Thsnk you Tonebase. G Ire (adult student aiming to advance)
Thank you for the great explanation. ❤️
Thank you very much for this highly valued video.
Thank you for your fun and productive video and great valuable practice suggestions. Thank you for introduced 1st and 2nd volumes of Art of the violin playing. Translation from Flecsh's the original German to the English (in the 1991 or 92) by Mr. Eric Rosenblith a pupil of Flecsh himself. Fortunately I have been Mr. Rosenblith's pupil for so many years as well. So many great stories too...
Excellent perspective on scale.
As a Suzuki Kid, we learn how to love scales from the start. We treat them as tonalization before we play our pieces.
I can confirm. I started playing the violin at age 59 with Suzuki and I still play the scale of every piece I am going to play.
Excellent!! Thank you! 🙏🏻🎻
Scale will always be with u haha thanks for the tips. I do enjoy Carl flesch quite a bit with my teacher’s help. It really helps me with repertoire
That's a good perspective 👏🏻🎻
“Scales will be with you _hopefully_ until your dying day”
No need to threaten me I’ll practice!
Elaborately explained and introduced the grand benefits. It's easier to enjoy the herculean task now. Thanks. I am a cellist but this has benefitted me greatly & it is appreciated
Carl Flesch was THE DEAL ! :)))))) 2-3 hours a day i was playing only those when preparing to enter the music academy
My teacher taught me this very early on, already in my second grade I had Flesch scales sistem in my daily soutine. Super thankful for that 🙏🥰
second grade and already doing 3 octaves scales? is it really benefitial? because on 2nd grade i think you barely reach 3rd position
@@ElsweyrDiego no, it depends on the student. I reached all the positions in the first grade. If it is easy for the child, it's not a problem, but it is very individual.
I believe I went to sound encounters with this dude like 20 years ago! Flawless video intro and great tips and reasoning too.
Sound Encounters?? Wow, that takes me back.
@@tonebaseviolin oh, the memories! ❤️
I took up the violin just recently and I suppose I’d be classed in old age or certainly older. I played the cello in the past but the instrument position obviously makes the hand positions quite different. I’ve been using scales on the violin mainly to help develop better left hand position, old hands shoulders and elbows don’t lend themselves so easily to violin left hand dexterity.
Thank you. I'm really glad to have seen this videos... In the past i was in the same problem... I didn't feel like to play scales... And now i love it 'cuz i changed my violin for a better one and i really want to play very well... I've heard before about carl flesh but i don't know where can i found it...
I cannot play one scale of this book in tune until today😂
Good sharing. May I know more about the differences between Carl Flesch and Galamian scale system? Seems they are prevalent as well.
I remember buying the book and saying, fuck this
hahahahhahahhahahaha
😂😅😂
Anyway I play fiddle instead of classical now 😂
Mine is dark maroon, old school baby. I still use it, 40 years later
I agree with a lot of what Mr Murphy (sp?) here says. I am not a huge fan of Flesch's publications. I prefer Galamian the most, then others like Kreutzer, Dont, Rode, and of course the wonderful Ševčík.
So many finger options! For example, finishing a scale and then coming back down using the 'written' "ti-do-ti", there's nothing wrong with 4-4-4-. Some may want to play with 3-4-3. It's all personal. I believe ALL books (well.... a selection) should be used and play/practise what is best for you: especially in regards to intonation, agility, and ease. Note: don't use 4-4-4 if you're merely "wiping" the fingerboard and bluffing your way through! The that may NOT be the best way to practise your scales...
The reason why they go constantly up and down( especially for thirds and fingered octaves)is for one to practice them as well in the 1th 3th, 5th etc. than in 2th, 4th, 6th and so on. Also in repertoire scales don’t go always up or down from the key note, think about that….
Having just bought the Carl Flesch scales book and felt overwhelmed 🤯...... thanks so much for this good advice!
I'm going to work on 3 octave scales and arpeggios in all keys before trying to grapple with the rest.
I didn’t Errol Flynn was in such a good shape and was an expert violinist! Great video too 😊
Let's see, so far I've gotten
Miles Teller
Tom Holland
and now Errol Flynn
I have no idea what I look like now
@@tonebaseviolin lmaooooo they're all attractive so that means something
I learned violin technique the same way I learned piano technique: from Joseph Haydn.
What is your opinion about the Scale book and the Double Stops Scale Book from Simon Fischer?
How do you feel about Hrimaly as a more intermediate scale book?
i feel so caught at that title lol
5:25 *sigh... puts down elephant, sets it free*
You skipped the all-important first step! Great job explaining Flesch's logic underlying the scale system and the approach of building a foundation before adding to the structure, but having studied with someone who was in Flesch's class as a young adult (after having been an Auer/Korgueff student as a child), I promise you there was a reason that Flesch started with single-string scales BEFORE moving on to three octaves.
Flesch's intent was to use one-octave scales on a single string to learn shifting in a limited context, with fewer variables; once the hand has been trained to make quick/precise/relaxed shifts, with the correct hand position for each individual string, that basic skill is then integrated into a longer series of shifts (the three-octave scales) while adding the additional skill of clean string crossings with a seamless 4-1 or 1-4. Continuing with additional skills (nos. 6-12) proceeds much as you described.
Another important detail that was passed on to me was how to structure scale practice once you had assimilated an entire key. Each numbered section should take about five minutes, so that the entire scale system in that key would be one hour of your practice day, but not the entire five minutes. About 3-4 minutes should be spent practicing and polishing the specific skill in each section, with a focus on perfecting form rather than slogging through the entire up-and-down sequence mindlessly, and then there should be a 1-2 minute rest period to allow your muscles to relax and to clear your mind before proceeding to the next section. That ensured a fresher start with less accumulated fatigue for each skill, for both mind and body, with the intended result of renewed focus, better learning, and avoiding injury.
🙏🙏🙏
Mine is so old it has a green cover
yes honey
I do take my time with scales, but I'll admit I still don't enjoy the process very much 😅
"You've already gone several years without practicing scales. Right?"
(apply cold water to burn area...)
BEGINNING double stops in one octave are more important than ANY SCALE. WHY? Because these beginning double stops set the muscles of the hand, train the ears, develop spatial awareness, develop bow speed and pressure AND MORE. How can you play a scale in tune if you do not KNOW the feeling, sound and mechanics of a scale?
Nice mustache
Carl Flesch obviously enjoyed making us feel horrible about ourselves 🤨
wait...am I just supposed to throw away all the frozen Elephant meat in the freezer?!?!!
I won't tell if you don't
You talk about picking one scale and perfecting it but isn't that the opposite of variable practice (which has been proven to be the most effective form of practice)? Camden Shaw has a very interesting video on it here:
th-cam.com/video/HGVKquFQvX8/w-d-xo.html
I think practicing scales the way you suggest is more effective but I'm not sure why since it seems to go against this.
Do you even bother to analyze what a Scale is composed of? It's really Very Simple. Major: the first four notes of the Ionian Mode: C, D, E, F. One 1/2 step between the 3rd and 4th fingers. Then play the same pattern up a 5th starting on G (the first 4 notes of the Mixolydian Scale) G, A, B, C, with a 1/2 step between the 3rd & 4th fingers. If you take this approach with Dorian, then Phrygian, then Lydian, you will see that there are only 4 Major Diatonic Patterns. If you add the first four notes of the Melodic Minor starting on the 7: B, C, D, Eb, you have the famous Diminished Pattern from the 2nd Invention by Bach. If you take the 1st four notes of the Harmonic Minor Scale starting on G: G, Ab, B, C, you have another 4 Note Pattern (Minor Harmonic). Other than the Pentatonic Scales, the Blues Scale and 3 Patterns of the first 4 Notes of the Chromatic in C starting on E: E, F, F3, G. Then the first 4 Notes of the Blues Scale starting on C: C, D, Eb, E, then a Bebop figure from the 6th, A down: A, G, F#, F. Those are the only patterns there are. Why Practice a Scale in all 12 keys and their respective Melodic and Minor? You are just not taking advantage of your time. In fact you are wasting it because there is so little that you are actually accomplishing. Not enough shifting and not enough variation in the movement of the 1/2 step between the different fingers. I know this was a prevalent Idea in the 18th Century, but it does not apply with today's music. No wonder Classical violinists never get around to Improvising or Composing. You are too brain dead from practicing something that if you learned correctly you could Improvise any scale of your own choosing. Same with Arpeggios.
How much of Music is really an Octave Scale or a three Octave Scale? Probably less than 10%.
Why waste time on the 10% when a Scale taken out of Context is meaningless. Composers rarely use a scale starting on the Root anyway.
Not sure where you got your information, but my husband (Ilya Kaler) who you insist never practices scales does, in fact, play them EVERY SINGLE DAY. Case closed.
You likely meant another well known violinist, but his name should remain the mystery.
Hello! I'm the presenter for this video.
I was told by a certain colleague of his that he never has to practice and still can play marvelously, and then the same colleague said "but I have to get up early every day to practice scales or I cannot play, but Ilya does not have to practice and still sounds wonderful!"
So I unfortunately got the impression that he did not practice scales at all. Daniel Kurganov has also corrected me on this point. My apologies! I love Ilya's playing very much!
ISNt PAINLESS
😂
There's only one way to learn to play.
Practice, practice, practice.
There's no short cut.
Of course talent is a prerequisite.
Algorithm comment
clickbait thumbnail 😑
galamian better
I am ready to wait to get the result!
but unfortunately my teacher will not wait...