PERIPHERAL VISION EXERCISE
Dr. Robert Ledbetter
University of Montana Missoula, Montana

These exercises will help develop the "peripheral sense" of where notes are located on the keyboard. (continued at bottom)

Sound File A

Sound File B

Sound File C

Keep the eyes focused on the middle note at all times while locating the additional notes in each passage. (At first, your eyes may want to dart back and forth from the central note to the extremes of the playing range.) Exercise A employs contrary motion and can be applied to diatonic scales as well as the chromatic scale. Exercise B takes the concept a step further by bringing in a lateral wrist stroke that prepares you for Exercise C. With the lateral stroke, keep the wrists relaxed and as low as possible. Try exercises B and C in all keys. Exercise C may also be applied to the chromatic scale.

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