The Value of Scales in Violin Practice

Why do some violin teachers encourage their students to practice scales, while others do not see a valuable purpose? Scales are an integral part of practice for many musicians, but like most things, practicing scales has very little value without a specific goal in mind.

[@wormerine8029]

I struggled with making time for scales during my education - my thought process was same as Ehnes - why spend time on scales, if I can learn those things from repertoire I practice? My approach changed once I started working professionally in an orchestra - realistically, I don’t really have time anymore to learn pieces. Sometimes doing up to 3 different programs per week means a lot of sight reading. I noticed I was much more proficient in playing difficult passages in keys more native to violin - G, D, A etc. keys I practiced extensively while practising classic violin repertoire. So I started to practice scales daily 10-30 minutes depending on my time. It really did wonders to my sight reading skills. Also doing Flesch’s double stop versions if I can spare time as it is something I don’t get to do much at work. I also use scales whenever I try to fix something specific in my technique - bow strokes, shifting, adjusting set up, etc.

[@KevinMS90]

I neglected them until grad school and now find them valuable. I don’t necessarily disagree with Ehnes, since he has clearly proven himself lol. For me, they are a practical way to separate the technique from the music, which helps me to narrow my focus.

[@EuniceCChina]

Nicely done!

[@KevinMS90]

Thank you :)

[@RayMaster_901]

Bro I hate scales.

[@KevinMS90]

Ray H. Lol who doesn't

[@andrestorres774]

@@KevinMS90 I do!! It's kinda relaxing

[@KevinMS90]

lol yeah, it’s not so bad

[@user-ww2nd4co2p]

do you think melodic minor scales are necessary?

[@KevinMS90]

There are interval patterns in a melodic minor scale that you wouldn’t find in others, but I think any scale is as necessary as you make it. If you practice it thoughtfully with a goal in mind, it could be practical. Do you typically practice harmonic minor?

[@user-ww2nd4co2p]

@@KevinMS90 no, right now I only really practice major, trying to learn all of them. when I started I never really do them. now I'm learning mendelssohn violin concerto and it's starting to show more, so for a week I just studied scales and etudes and it's definitely helping. the 3rd movement will be a pain though.

[@KevinMS90]

The third moment of Mendelssohn will give you plenty of scale practice all by itself lol. Have fun with it :)

[@user-ww2nd4co2p]

@@KevinMS90 thank youu :)) I already learned the second movement last fall, I decided recently to finish the first and third movement

[@daddyaccount5308]

whats the song

[@KevinMS90]

It is La Campanella by Paganini

[@invisbile9934]

I practice scales 1 hrs a day

[@KevinMS90]

Nice! I’ve been lazy recently with scales