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Suzanna Sifter
Scales are an essential part of musical study and are a vital part of an effective practice routine. But as you develop your musicianship, scales can also lead to better improvisation and understanding of melodic structure. This course will provide you with a new look at practicing and using scales to guide your musical creativity. You will start by learning standard and non-standard fingering for scales commonly used in popular music, before using these scales to create new melodies. In addition to the examples covered in the course, you will also be given extra exercises and backing tracks to help you improve your playing and improvising.
Read more
Scales are an essential part of musical study and are a vital part of an effective practice routine. But as you develop your musicianship, scales can also lead to better improvisation and understanding of melodic structure. This course will provide you with a new look at practicing and using scales to guide your musical creativity. You will start by learning standard and non-standard fingering for scales commonly used in popular music, before using these scales to create new melodies. In addition to the examples covered in the course, you will also be given extra exercises and backing tracks to help you improve your playing and improvising.
Read more
Scales are an essential part of musical study and are a vital part of an effective practice routine. But as you develop your musicianship, scales can also lead to better improvisation and understanding of melodic structure. This course will provide you with a new look at practicing and using scales to guide your musical creativity. You will start by learning standard and non-standard fingering for scales commonly used in popular music, before using these scales to create new melodies. In addition to the examples covered in the course, you will also be given extra exercises and backing tracks to help you improve your playing and improvising.
At the end of this course, you will have improvised using scales such as major and natural minor, major and minor pentatonic, the Blues scale, as well as several modes. You will be able to develop a practice routine to continue memorizing these scales, and be able to identify which scales would work best for a specific genre and chord progression.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/ua35d4/piano
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What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome to Piano Scales for Modern Music!
Welcome to Piano Scales for Modern Music! Before you begin, we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome to Piano Scales for Modern Music!
Welcome to Piano Scales for Modern Music! Before you begin, we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores techniques that are highly relevant to Jazz, Blues, and pop music
Develops improvisation skills, which are highly relevant for creating original music
Builds a strong foundation in various scales commonly used by professional musicians
Requires learners to come in with some knowledge of the piano and basic music theory
Taught by Suzanna Sifter, who is an accomplished musician with a strong background in modern music
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Reviews summary
Practical scales for modern piano improvisation
According to learners, 'Piano Scales for Modern Music' is a highly effective course that bridges music theory with practical improvisation, especially for contemporary genres like jazz, funk, and blues. Students frequently highlight the engaging teaching style of the instructor and the value of the included backing tracks for practice. The course is praised for its focus on application over rote memorization, helping many develop greater confidence in their playing and ability to create melodies. While generally well-received, some learners with extensive prior theory experience might find initial sections a bit basic, and a few true beginners felt the course sometimes assumes prior knowledge, suggesting it's best for intermediate players seeking to expand their skills.
Instructor's style is clear, engaging, and digestible.
"The instructor broke down complex concepts into digestible pieces. The improvisation lessons really opened up new creative avenues for me."
"The instructor's explanations of modes were particularly clear, and their teaching style is engaging."
"The material is well-organized, and the instructor is clear and knowledgeable, making it easy to understand."
"I particularly liked the focus on different genres, and the instructor makes it easy to understand."
Backing tracks and exercises significantly enhance learning.
"The backing tracks were a great touch for practicing improvisation, and the practical exercises were invaluable."
"The backing tracks are a huge bonus for making practice fun. The examples and exercises are perfectly chosen."
"I found the exercises well-designed to reinforce learning, and the backing tracks are superb for practice."
"The practical approach to scales made complex ideas accessible, and the structured approach to practice routines was excellent."
Focuses on applying scales for creative improvisation.
"Absolutely fantastic! This course completely changed how I approach scales. The emphasis on application for modern music genres like jazz and funk was invaluable."
"Berklee truly delivers. 'Piano Scales for Modern Music' is exactly what I needed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical improvisation."
"The focus on practical application and improvisation rather than just dry theory was fantastic. I feel much more confident improvising now."
"I learned new ways to think about scales and their melodic potential, moving beyond just rote memorization."
Pacing can be slow or fast, depth varies by topic.
"My only minor gripe is that I wished there were more advanced examples or challenges once the basics were covered."
"I found the pacing a bit slow at times, especially at the beginning, but it picked up."
"I felt some of the explanations could be more concise, and at times it dragged. It's fine for beginners to intermediate, but not groundbreaking."
"Some parts felt a little basic for me, especially the initial theory review, but the later lessons on modes and blues made up for it."
More suitable for players with some foundational knowledge.
"Honestly, I struggled with this course. I found some concepts weren't explained thoroughly enough for someone who isn't already deeply familiar with theory. Perhaps better for those with more prior knowledge."
"Very disappointed. This course seemed to assume a lot of prior knowledge. As a beginner to scales, I found it hard to follow... Not suitable for true beginners."
"If you already have a good grasp of music theory, you might find some of it repetitive, or find it lacks depth in certain areas."
"I'd say it's best for someone who has a basic understanding of piano and wants to move into more creative playing, rather than absolute beginners."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Piano Scales for Modern Music with these
activities:
Learn a new scale
Show steps
Expand your scale knowledge by learning a new scale, such as the major or minor pentatonic scale or the blues scale.
Browse courses on
Blues Scale
Show steps
-
Research different scales
-
Find a tutorial for the scale you want to learn
-
Practice the scale fingerings
-
Use the scale in a melody or improvisation
Show all one activities
Learn a new scale
Show steps
Expand your scale knowledge by learning a new scale, such as the major or minor pentatonic scale or the blues scale.
Browse courses on
Blues Scale
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different scales
- Find a tutorial for the scale you want to learn
- Practice the scale fingerings
- Use the scale in a melody or improvisation
Show all one activities
Career center
Learners who complete Piano Scales for Modern Music will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Composer
Music Composer
A Music Composer composes and writes original music for a wide range of purposes, from film scores to video games to concert halls. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, can help Music Composers develop a strong understanding of scales, which are essential building blocks for creating melodies and harmonies. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales. This knowledge can help Music Composers create more expressive and engaging music.
Music Director
Music Director
A Music Director oversees the musical aspects of a production, such as a concert, opera, or musical theater performance. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, can help Music Directors develop a strong understanding of scales, which are essential for understanding and interpreting music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales. This knowledge can help Music Directors make informed decisions about the music they choose and how it is performed.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
A Music Teacher teaches music to students of all ages and levels. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, can help Music Teachers develop a strong understanding of scales, which are essential for teaching students how to play and understand music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales. This knowledge can help Music Teachers create effective and engaging lesson plans that help students learn and grow as musicians.
Musician
Musician
A Musician plays a musical instrument and performs music. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, can help Musicians develop a strong understanding of scales, which are essential for playing and improvising music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales. This knowledge can help Musicians improve their playing skills and become more versatile and expressive performers.
Music Producer
Music Producer
A Music Producer oversees the recording and production of music. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, can help Music Producers develop a strong understanding of scales, which are essential for understanding and working with music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales. This knowledge can help Music Producers make informed decisions about the music they produce and how it is recorded and mixed.
Sound Designer
Sound Designer
A Sound Designer creates and manipulates sounds for a variety of purposes, such as film, television, and video games. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, can help Sound Designers develop a strong understanding of scales, which are essential for understanding and working with music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales. This knowledge can help Sound Designers create more effective and engaging soundscapes.
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer records, mixes, and masters audio for a variety of purposes, such as music, film, and television. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, can help Audio Engineers develop a strong understanding of scales, which are essential for understanding and working with music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales. This knowledge can help Audio Engineers make informed decisions about the music they record and mix, and how it is mastered.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
A Music Librarian organizes and maintains music collections in libraries and other institutions. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Librarians who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better understand and catalog music in their collections. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
A Music Therapist uses music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Therapists who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better understand and use music in their therapy sessions. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
Music Journalist
Music Journalist
A Music Journalist writes about music for a variety of publications, such as newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Journalists who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better understand and write about music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
Music Promoter
Music Promoter
A Music Promoter promotes and markets musicians and their music. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Promoters who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better understand and promote the music of their clients. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
Music Publisher
Music Publisher
A Music Publisher publishes and distributes music for musicians and songwriters. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Publishers who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better understand and publish the music of their clients. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
Music Software Engineer
Music Software Engineer
A Music Software Engineer designs and develops software for musicians and music producers. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Software Engineers who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better design and develop software for musicians. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
Music Educator
Music Educator
A Music Educator teaches music to students of all ages and levels. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Educators who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better teach their students. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
Music Researcher
Music Researcher
A Music Researcher studies music and its history, theory, and practice. This course, Piano Scales for Modern Music, may be useful for Music Researchers who want to develop a deeper understanding of music theory and scales, which can help them better understand and research music. The course covers a variety of scales commonly used in popular music, as well as techniques for improvising and composing with scales.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ua35d4/piano
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Piano Scales for Modern Music.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of jazz theory, including scales, chords, and improvisation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz music.
Comprehensive guide to jazz guitar. It covers a wide range of topics, including scales, chords, improvisation, and technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz guitar.
Comprehensive guide to music theory. It covers a wide range of topics, including scales, chords, and improvisation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about music theory.
Save
Comprehensive guide to music. It covers a wide range of topics, including scales, chords, improvisation, and technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about music.
Comprehensive guide to jazz piano. It covers a wide range of topics, including scales, chords, improvisation, and technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz piano.
Comprehensive guide to jazz bass. It covers a wide range of topics, including scales, chords, improvisation, and technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about jazz bass.
Save
Comprehensive guide to drumming. It covers a wide range of topics, including scales, chords, improvisation, and technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about drumming.
Comprehensive guide to the trumpet. It covers a wide range of topics, including scales, chords, improvisation, and technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the trumpet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ua35d4/piano
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Effort
12 hours to complete
Level
Intermediate
Via
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Institution
Berklee
Instructor
Suzanna Sifter
Language
English
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