Learning your major scales and arpeggios has never been easier!
If you're a young percussionist, the video tutorial will guide you though how scales are constructed, plus you'll learn to play using an easy to follow on-screen graphics with light-up keys.
After you've learned the scale, practice the six essential two mallet exercises with our expertly paced play-along tracks. Starting at the Bronze level for young percussionists, you can track your progress as you move faster and faster towards the goal of Gold - and beyond to Platinum and Diamond levels!
KEY SIGNATURE FOR THE
D MAJOR SCALE
The key signature will tell you which accidentals that the major scales and arpeggios utilize. Memorize the key signature and the scale pattern of naturals and accidentals on the keyboard above, then learn the major scale and arpeggio with the tutorial below.
LEARN YOUR MAJOR SCALE AND ARPEGGIO WITH THIS EASY-TO-FOLLOW TUTORIAL
This video tutorial will teach you how to construct the major scale using the pattern of whole steps and half steps. You'll be guided through how to play the scale and arpeggio with easy-to-follow instructions and on-screen play-along exercises!
PRACTICE THE D MAJOR SCALE AND ARPEGGIO
PRACTICE THE D MAJOR SCALE EXERCISES
Learning the major scale and arpeggio is just the first step to mastering two mallet fundamentals. You'll also need to practice exercises that utilize a variety of scale and arpeggio patterns, plus the techniques that are taught by the top percussion instructors in the world.
Work on each one of the following 2 mallet exercises, starting at the Bronze level, gradually increasing your speed until you can play every one at the fastest tempo in the Gold level. Once you've mastered the exercise on the play-along tracks on all 12 scales and arpeggios, head over to the Platinum and Diamond levels, where you're required to play through the 12 keys, either chromatically or in the circle of 4ths!
Always use a relaxed stroke, alternate throughout and be sure to strike each key in the optimum position on the bar (in the center of the naturals and accidentals, or on the edge of the accidentals - NEVER on the node)!
RECOMMENDED MALLETS FOR BELLS, XYLOPHONE AND MARIMBA
Selecting the right mallet for learning your scales and arpeggios is one of the most important decisions a percussionist can make. A great mallet will not only create the tonal color you're looking for on each of the keyboard instruments, but the weight and balance between the head and the shaft will help you to develop a relaxed, fluid stroke on all of your two mallet exercises. We recommend these mallets as a great starting point for all percussionists to have in their bags!
Download the Two Mallet Fundamentals Poster and E-Book
These files are great for students to keep in their band binders! For programs with large-format color printers, the Two Mallet Fundamentals poster is available in a high resolution graphic image. All the scales and exercises are available in the Two Mallet Fundamentals E-book for student reference at home or in the classroom! Easy to follow keyboard graphics make learning your scales and arpeggios a no-brainer for students at any level.
Are you a percussion instructor or band director who would like to have a full sized poster for display in your rehearsal room or private studio? Or a retail music dealer who would like to have a supply on hand for your school accounts?
Contact the Vic Firth customer service team to find out how to receive physical copies in the mail!
