Group 2
Welcome to the NEW TWO WEEK INTENSIVE on tonebase!
Improving your Scales with Dominic Cheli
We will be working on different techniques on building speed, virtuosity, and confidence in our scales with assignments posted by Dominic!
Post your progress with videos and written commentary on how things are going for you!
- Course Period: May 13 - 25
- Class Size: ALL are welcome!
- Optional check-In via Zoom: May 22 at 11am PT
- ZOOM MEETING LINK:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87650346065?pwd=iNGsfHMSqMVopfHw3bnxalYfaDuwpe.1
Assignment #1
In this assignment Dominic discusses "grouping practice" for your scales. This is a great way to increase your speed, finger control and independence.
- Choose a scale to work on (could be C major, or a relevant scale from your repertoire)
- Let's work on "2 note groupings"
- Start slow, start hands separate, and increase to 4 octave scales with both hands together
- IMPORTANT: Remember to keep the proper fingering at all times for the scale! (The Standard fingering found in any technique book, or in your decided fingering for a scale passage).
- Between each grouping, take as much time as you like, and focus on fast movements
- If a group poses trouble, stop and work on that specific part of the scale!
Assignment #2
1. Focus on your thumb and (optional) take a video of it!
2. Choose a passage to apply grouping practice to, and share why!
3. Make sure to focus on your scales and practice hands separately, even just polishing/perfecting a few groups! Don't need to complete the whole scale!
51 replies
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Hello Everyone! Looking forward to seeing your work on the assignments for this TWI!
Please post any questions/videos to help me assist in your development during these two weeks :)
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Hello, Group 2 and Dominic!
I’m excited to dive into practicing scales as a group. While I sometimes forget or overlook it in my daily routine, I recognize the importance of consistent practice. I’m committed to reintegrating scales into my regimen to enhance the speed and dexterity of my fingers. Thank you for the opportunity, and I’m excited to embark on this journey with you.i will work on Scale A flat major.
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I posted on the wrong group earlier, so hello again, hehe! I’m a first time TWI joiner, and looking forward to try the grouping method for those tricky runs.
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Hello all,
My name is Tony. While I have been writing on a piano for some time, I have put off theory and learning scales for too long. I'm excited to put in some time for consistent practice and learn more with you all.
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Checking in from Dublin, OH. I am returning to piano after many years away and my scales need practice, so this TWI is a perfect opportunity.
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Hello Dominic and Group 2! I’m Nina Rogers and I’m in Augusta, GA. I love working on scales and try to focus on one major/harmonic minor pair each week. For this week and next week, I’m scheduled to focus on Gb/eb and Db/bb, so I’ll work on one of those for this TWI.
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Hi! I'm Yukiko, and I'm from San Francisco Bay Area. Until now, I practice scales just as a warm up. (Up and down) With this challenge, I'd like to know more creative way of scale practicing.
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I understand what Dominic wants us to practice, but I'm curious as to why he chooses to call this a 2-note grouping when there are 4 notes involved - maybe he means more like 2 intervals (even though the first one is 3). I understand that there are 2 notes in between the starting and stopping point, but why not just count it what it is - a 3-note grouping? I'm not quite following the logic.
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Hello group 2! My name is Amanda, & I'm returning to piano after many years, & trying to improve technique & progress. Finger evenness, especially on fast runs, is a challenge, so I think this scales practice will be very beneficial!
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Hello from San Antonio Texas. I took piano for 10 years. I have not really practiced consistently for the last 50 years. I would like to:
1. Work on regaining finger strength and speed
2. Regain evenness in speed and sound
3. Learn the scales.