ELISABETH PARRY
Scale Mastery
A complete flute scale workout in every key
The starting point for the Scale Mastery programme is a forgotten 19th-century scale book by A. P. Vivian, which I first discovered many years ago. Although it’s been long-since overshadowed by the iconic technique books of Taffanel and Gaubert, and later Moyse, Vivian’s vision for scale learning has actually come full circle in flute pedagogy.
His exercises focus on parallel (tonic) major/minor relationships, with a complete exploration of interlinked arpeggio patterns, chromatic scales and cadential trills built into every key. It’s a holistic understanding of tonality and technique.
Alongside each exercise I’ve included a complete set of core scales and arpeggios in simple and extended forms, as well as explanatory text to give musical context to the patterns.
COMING
IN 2027
A.P. Vivian – a forgotten scale method
The problem with Vivian’s original Scale Exercises for the Flute: All the Major & Minor Scales with Arpeggios, Shakes &c. (Intended for Every Day Practice) is that it’s difficult to use, especially in the minor patterns and arpeggios. Things we take for granted in modern editions (little details like bar lines and key signatures) are either ignored or very idiosyncratic. Complex meandering patterns are not given any context, making them intimidating and hard to decipher.
In Scale Mastery I’ve revised and adapted Vivian’s original material and added explanatory text. I’ve then included a comprehensive set of scales and arpeggios in simple and extended forms, to reinforce its core patterns and make it useful and progressive for players of all standards.
Week-by-week through all the keys
Download the exercises week by week and practise along with the piano accompaniment written and recorded by John Alley.
F major/F minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus a Core Elements section covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 2
G major/G minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 3
B flat major/B flat minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 4
D major/D minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 5
E flat major/E flat minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 6
A major/A minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 7
A flat major/A flat (G sharp) minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 8
E major/E minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 9
D flat major/D flat (C sharp) minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 10
B major/B minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 11
F sharp (G flat) major/F sharp minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
WEEK 12
C major/C minor
with varied articulation patterns, arpeggios, broken chords, diminshed and dominant 7ths, extended chromatics, trills and harmonics. Plus Core Elements covering all the essentials from early intermediate to advanced level, for separate learning and practice, or as a foundation for the full warmup.
The complete collection in one book
The print edition of Scale Mastery, with bonus material and free recorded piano accompaniments to download, will be available to purchase online and from music retailers worldwide in January 2027.