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:
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
