Do I have to practice scales on the harp?
“Music is technique. One can only be free if the essential technique of one’s art has been completely mastered”
(Nadia Boulanger)
Scales have a reputation for being among the least interesting activities we harpists face, but there is no reason scale practice should be dry and boring.
In reality, scales are quite literally the basis of all our harp learning. They develop your:
Fingering and dexterity
Natural sense of tempo
Knowledge of keys and intervals
Level of discipline when it comes to practising
As such, I feel they should be approached as an enjoyable part of the practice process.
Think of scales as vehicles for other things. For example, if you are struggling with a two against three polyrhythm in a piece, before you grapple with the passage itself, practise first a scale in this polyrhythm (one hand will play three octaves, the other hand two - see p.16 of Technical Exercise for Lever Harp). The point here is that you already know your scales, so you will not have to read any notes or think about fingering – just about the specific technique you’re focussing on.
We can also use scales to help our speed and dexterity. Work with the metronome to increase your speed gradually.
One of the main reasons that some harpists see scales as a chore is because there is no creativity involved in practising them. Our brains crave to create. But there is nothing stopping us adding some creativity into our practice if it helps us to develop quicker!
Add some flair to your harp scales practice with these ideas
Approach your scales as if they are the most beautiful thing you’ve ever played. Play them as if they were part of a concerto at the Royal Albert Hall
Practise at different speeds and different dynamics – from super slow to fast as possible
Play each hand with a different touch (e.g. play one hand forte, the other piano).
Try emphasizing the different beats e.g. every 3rd or 5th note – make it harder by accenting e.g beat 3 in the RH and beat 4 in the LH
Change the shape of your phrases
Play them over 1,2,3, 4 octaves – with crescendo and diminuendo for each set
Practise in contrary motion
Practise accenting certain fingers
Add interest to your practice session by having a go at other scales, not just standard major and natural minor. Blues scales, for example, are great fun to play once you know them well.
Also, remember to record yourself playing and listen back! See my previous blog about benefits of recording your harp practice
Do you have other suggestions? Add them in the comments below!
*** If your scales need some TLC, check out the replays of my Tame Your Technique or Dance Tune Dexterity workshops! ***