1. A music scale doesn't make you feel like screaming out the words: “I'll never lose this weight because I'm such a stupid Neanderthal!”



2. Music technique never makes you think: “Those numbers can't be right. Not only am I gonna write a letter to that scale manufacturer, but I'm also gonna ship this stupid scale back to them… in a million pieces!”

3. Playing a simple sequence of notes never gives you this depressing thought: “Oh, what's the use. My bones are so thick that I could lose all of my fat and muscle, and I'd still be overweight.”

Using music scales is really a lot safer for the ego. Sure there are also drawbacks in learning instrumental techniques. However, the blame in messing up a scale passage is far less personal then the mental and emotional assaults that you can potentially give to yourself after stepping on a weight-measuring device.

That having been said, here are some pitfalls to avoid when learning music technique. Restrain from saying the following self-destructive quotes:

1. “I'll never learn how to play this scale, because I'll never be smart.”

Remember to be your own best friend so that the above nasty comment doesn't rear its ugly head.

2. “I can only play this technical exercise effectively with one hand. Maybe I should have been born with only one hand!”

Take comfort in the fact that many beginner students have more dexterity in one of their hands.

3. “I've finally learned a scale, and now I've just learned that there are dozens of them still to be learned. When will the hurting stop!”

Life is a long learning process to be enjoyed. It doesn't really hurt to ‘learn' if you know how to play the mental game of realizing gradual improvement.

In piano playing, scales and chords are the lifeline of compositions. Pieces are made up of these two components, as is an impressively improvised work. Scales are also one of the most effective ways known in familiarizing a musician with the different major and minor keys. They also have the added benefit of developing forearm and wrist muscles, as well as finger speed and flexibility.

Apart from that, music scales will never tell you how much you weigh and will never make you feel like you have thick, uncompromising bones!

So the next time you sit down and demolish a double fudge brownie sundae, don't immediately run to the family scale and see what kind of damage you've done to yourself. Rather, pick yourself up and place yourself on a piano bench. Play a scale and say with conviction: “I just ate well and now I'm playing well.”

By the way, do make sure to take care of your dietary habits. Once in a while, you really should weigh yourself. After all, bad health isn't going to improve a piano scale. Keep fit and keep tickling those ivories.