These pages offer three sets of 'scale-tone practice patterns' (STPPs) - in C, Bb and A (none, two and three accidentals). You should have worked through the first page, in part at least, before tackling this page.

Download the PDF of the STTPs in B flat here.

These patterns in B flat are more demanding, because you can't in practice turn the thumb under onto a black key.

Note, however, that you emphatically CAN play the black keys with the thumb!

Note that you are not supposed to remember one set fingering for the patterns. It is more useful to find a fingering that works for one particular pattern, perfect the performance, then go on to the next pattern.

That way, you will find that your hands and fingers are, over time, just 'more ready' to play any sequence of notes, in whatever key.

Scale-tone Practice Patterns in B flat

Here is the B flat key-specific keyboard.

You will need to internalize this, firstly to play in B flat, of course, but, secondly, to make split-second decisions so you don't:

• Run out of fingers altogether, or
• Run out of fingers because you can't turn the thumb under onto a B flat (ascending).

Batch One

Here are the first seven patterns.

Try to avoid mechanical practice! You want to learn something from every repetition!

Example: Using just the B flat music on this page, play the patterns in both C and B flat, one after another.

Batch Two

Here are the next six patterns.

Change the finger for the repeated note - so keep the hand 'bouncy'!

Batch Three

Here are the last six patterns - now in six-eight.

Alternate your scale-tone practice with work in C (Page One) - or any other key, if you can already transpose.

Or go on to Page Three - the patterns in A.