| Scales and arpeggios are tools, in my opinion. They are vitamins for the brain as are patterns that students learn based on knowing as many keys as possible, classical and jazz players alike.
Now, middle school is another thing. I don't think they need to know ALL of them but a majority wouldn't kill them either. By the end of high school, a student that knows all the major and minors is going to have an easier time transposing and playing jazz than one who doesn't, all things being equal.
ML |