In my Facebook group, Adult Piano Beginners, I recently ran a poll on the importance of scales. The results were insightful: 60% of members voted that scales are essential, and only 4% said they are not essential. Interestingly, the poll options were expanded by members, showing how deeply people engage with this topic. Some options, such as “1% Waste of Time” and “1% 'Too Hard', actually received no votes—contradicting comments made by a few group members.

The final two poll options, Not Essential” and “Learn Them As You Need Them”, also lean towards the pro-scales category. When combined with the essential votes, the overwhelming majority highlighted the value of scales as an integral part of learning the piano.

This poll reaffirms the importance of understanding scales within a structured and enjoyable framework, and it's something I address directly in my teaching methods. Let’s explore why scales matter so much!

'Scales aren’t a punishment—they’re a tool!'.

Why Scales Seem Boring or Difficult

For many, scales are introduced too early—before they’ve built confidence in playing simple pieces or developed a connection with the instrument. Often, students are told to "just play them through" without instruction on proper technique or their musical purpose. This leads to frustration when improvement doesn’t follow.

The repetitive nature of scales can feel tedious, especially when the "why" behind them isn’t explained. Without understanding their connection to music, they might seem like an irrelevant chore.

Why Learn Scales?

For classical musicians, scales are invaluable. They develop fluidity, consistency, and confidence, particularly in intermediate and advanced repertoire. Passages of music built on scales or arpeggios become easier to navigate, and patterns like chords or broken chords reveal themselves more clearly.

Scales also enhance your understanding of keys and harmony. This deeper awareness allows you to play with more rubato and musical flexibility, responding to the emotional flow of a piece because control is not an issue. Even for non-classical players, scales build foundational technique that translates to other genres.

When to Begin Scales.

In my online piano course, scales aren’t introduced immediately. I wait until students are comfortable with a few hand positions and can play some enjoyable pieces. Starting too early can overwhelm students; instead, I focus on simple, one-octave scales, hands separate.

Learning scales should be gradual and methodical. It’s not about rushing through dozens of them—it’s about mastering one at a time and only adding more when you’re confident.

How to Make Scales Easier and More Meaningful

• Understand Their Purpose: Scales aren't just exercises—they’re the building blocks of music. Recognising their role in developing fluidity and understanding musical patterns can make them more rewarding.

• Work on Technique: Focus on proper fingering and hand position. Without this foundation, scales can feel unnecessarily hard and frustrating to play.

• Practice with Intention: Don’t just play scales mechanically or rush through all of them in one session. Instead:

  • Prioritise one or two scales during your practice session.
  • Analyse specific weaknesses, like fingerings or uneven tone, and address them methodically.

• Break It Down: Start small. Begin with one octave, hands separate, at a slow and steady pace. Gradually build confidence before moving on to more challenging variations.

This thoughtful, step-by-step approach will make your scales more approachable and ultimately more meaningful in your musical journey.

Do We Ever Stop Playing Scales?

The answer is no. As an advanced pianist, I no longer "practice scales" in the traditional sense. Instead, I work on passages in music that mimic scale patterns, adjusting fingerings or creating exercises to address specific challenges. Scales become less of a separate practice and more an integrated part of how we approach music.

Final Thoughts.

Scales aren’t a punishment—they’re a tool. With the right approach, they can unlock your potential as a pianist, helping you play with ease, confidence, and musicality. Whether you’re just beginning or have been playing for years, it’s never too late to rethink your relationship with scales.

Let’s embrace the journey together! If you'd like more guidance, check out my Hey Presto! Adult Piano Method or my online course, www.adultpianobeginners.com where I break down scales and other techniques in an approachable, practical way.