I have students ask me questions along the lines of “Why should I practice scales?” or “Why should I practice arpeggios?”
It’s possible that it may not be as exciting as your new shiny solo, or as they say in German “langweilig” which basically means possibly tedious and repetitive, but scales and arpeggios are not only important, but super-duper CRUCIAL.
Let me use some analogies to put into perspective.
“Scales are brick foundation for your flute playing.”
When you build a house, you pour a foundation of concrete first, and the amount of rebar or metal spikes you set in the 
concrete decides how strong your foundation will be. Your scales and arpeggios are like the rebar in the concrete foundation of your technique.
YOU decide how strong it will be, through practicing and healthy and positive expectation.
Not practicing your scales and arpeggios is like trying to cross the Sahara Desert with only one water bottle. There is no guarantee that you’ll find water.
Or diving down to the ruins of the Titanic (13,000 feet down) in a shuttle that has only a partially filled oxygen tank.
Your technique will not hold you through all stages of your education unless you practice your scales and arpeggios regularly.
Every piece of music is made up of patterns and intervals. Scales and arpeggios are the most efficient and helpful way to practice those intervals. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get better and more comfortable with your technique just because it’s seems like it could be boring.
Don’t forget that it is only as boring as YOU choose to make it. There are hundreds of ways to make your scales interesting. But that is an article for another day. 🙂
I start my practice with scales and apeggios and octave jumps every day since the May scales challenge. Moving from one to another after only playing once is a real brain teaser and definitely works better some days than others.! I’ve added -Aflat and E major several weeks ago and this week have added B major. I usually spend 15 minutes or so on these.
Mostly I am playing one octave but there are a few D Eflat E that I’m playing two octaves.
At the moment I then do long breaths on two notes and Circles as I’m working on Ding Dong.
I usually run through the pertinent scale before playing a piece. I find that gets my brain in the right key.
Hi Narelle, I’m so glad you’re starting your practice sessions with scales. Your brain is growing and getting more and more flexible. Adding the Ab, B, and E scales is a big deal. Way to go! The Ding Dong module tends to get people feeling flustered because of the speed. Keep it slow slow slow slow until you’re ready to speed it up. Those finger patterns are really really important. Keep it up! Rebecca
Rebecca,
Are there are books with scale exercises that are useful to practice?
Glenn
Hi Glenn,
There are many different scale exercises available out there. My favorite, however, is the scale pattern I teach in the modules. In all my years of playing and teaching flute, I have found this pattern to be the most helpful to learn the notes, memorize the scales, and help your fingers move quickly. Keep up the good work! -Rebecca
Since I’ve joined new horizon band I have discovered a good reason to practice scales. It seams that a lot of flute parts think scales, runs and arpeggios dress up marches. Of course flutes. Have a lot of those embellishments. Learning your scales and practicing them at a fast speed is essential.
Yes, thank you so much for sharing Judy! Scales are so so important. Glad you’re here, and applying what you’ve learned! – Rebecca
Pingback: Why Do I Have Inconsistent Tone on My Flute? - Learn Flute Online: Flute Lessons for Learning Beautifully and Fast.
Thanks for this convicting reminder. I am quick to getting straight to my pretty music. I will purpose to put my scale music on top from now on. I am pretty sure it has at least a little to do with my lingering tight embouchure.
Hi Sue, yes the scales are quick and easy once you learn them. They keep your fingers nimble in just the right way. 🙂 The embouchure is something we constantly work on. I’m glad you understand well. Keep it up! ~Rebecca
I do play the scales everyday. I learned that when taking piano as a young child. I look forward to hearing some of your variations. Sounds like I should do more with the arpeggios. There is just the short run at the end of the early scales you gave us – C, F, G, and B. D is in one of the practice pieces.
Carol
Hi Carol, yes I’ll show you some fun scale patterns to learn. The possibilities are endless… So. Good. For. Us. ~Rebecca