This course is designed to make practising scales more fun. That may sound a little implausible, but with the help of some jazz backing tracks we think you’ll find it’s more like making music rather than just practising an exercise.
The backing tracks have different moods and arrangements. There are 288 tracks in total!
Who is this course for?
- Any instrument that can play scales. Apart from drums, that’s most instruments!
- All levels of ability from beginner up to around grade 5 (with backing tracks at different speeds).
- Students who are practising for grade exams.
What is in the course?
Major scales in all keys, with backing tracks for:
- 1 octave in crotchets, slow (60bpm), medium (90bpm) and fast (120bpm).
- 2 octaves in quavers, slow (60bpm), medium (100bpm) and fast (120bpm).
Minor scales in all keys, and with harmonic, melodic, and natural minor versions. With backing tracks for:
- 1 octave in crotchets, with slow (60bpm) and medium (90bpm) speeds.
We will be adding more scales in due course.
What about instruments that aren’t at concert pitch?
Not a problem! But a small bit of calculation is needed to choose the right backing tracks for your instrument. There are detais in the “How to use this course” lesson.
Meet your teacher
Andy Bilham created all the backing tracks for the scales – no small task! Andy is a hugely experienced musician, and co-leads Cornwall Music Service Trust and MusicEL’s jazz programme. Alongside work in theatre and the music industry, he also has a wealth of teaching experience.
He has been percussion and keyboard instrumental lead for music services in Hertfordshire and Cornwall. He also runs Cornwall’s youth jazz orchestra, and samba groups for people of all ages.
When Andy’s not practising scales, you might find him out on a kayak. Or maybe leading the Haylestorm Samba group at a local festival!
Course Instructor
