Key-System Patterns

Key-System Patterns

I invite you to take the initiative in studying the three basic key–system patterns as exercises:

1.    Scales

2.    Chords

3.    Arpeggios (Broken chords)

Fluency in playing these patterns can give you the coordination and therefore the freedom to focus more on musicianship. You are often busy practicing for an up-coming performance so I neglect working on technic and instead we work on polishing your pieces. Of course you can build technic by making exercises out of the difficult spots in pieces but the ability to play the three patterns is equally important.

I recommend the following exercises in all keys which should be played hands together up and down the keyboard:

1.    All major and minor scales (in 3 forms) 4 octaves. The chromatic scale 4 octaves.

2.    Triads, octave chords and diminished seventh chords and their inversions one octave. Triads on scale degrees one octave. All chord exercises are played with pedal.

3.    Octave chord and diminished seventh chord arpeggios and their inversions 4 octaves with and without pedal.

Of course the standard fingering of the exercises can be changed as needed in your pieces. There are many variations of the patterns that can be studied.
To name a few for example:

1.     Varied rhythmic patterns

2.     Contrary motion

3.     Various touches

4.     Dynamic differences

Many problems in performing, sight-reading and memorizing can be caused by a lack of ability in recognizing and playing the 3 basic patterns. So you can choose to study any or all or none of the exercises. The exercises should be done at the beginning of your lessons.

By Harry Viar