The metronome: why use it and how
There is a device that most professional musicians use consistently in their practice, but that many students resent and avoid. It’s a device that goes tick tock tick tock, just like a clock. It’s, of course, the metronome! The metronome doesn’t have to be scary or annoying. It can be a friend that is there to help you along your learning. Playing with a metronome early on in your journey will make things easier in the long run!
In this post we’ll explain why the metronome is so useful, how to use it properly, and what are some options other than a metronome that you can use to get a similar result.
Why is the metronome useful?
The metronome is useful for a variety of reasons. On one level, it helps a student to develops a feel for the pulse of the music, to keep the tempo consistent, to play rhythms more accurately, and to develop a feel for different time signatures.
On another level, a metronome can reveal a student areas in a piece that they need to work on more.
Finally, practising with a metronome can develop muscle and aural memory of the piece being practised. This makes playing the piece easier in the long-run.
Why does my child hate it?
If your child hates the metronome, it’s probably due to one (or more) of four main reasons.
Your child finds it stressful to hear a beeping sound as they play or to stay in time with it.
Your child doesn’t know how to use the metronome. They don’t know what speed to set the metronome at.
Your child might find playing with a metronome boring.
Your child may have picked up bad habits/play their songs inaccurately which will cause frustrating when trying to play differently.
How do I use the metronome properly?
Always start slower than you think
Find the tempo at which you can play your piece/a section accurately, with your dynamics and a relaxed posture - your teacher can help you with this
Practise the piece/section at this slow speed 3-5 times (depending on how well you know it) to activate your muscle memory
If you can play the piece/section 5 times accurately at this slow tempo, increase your metronome by 2-4 beats per minute (i.e. 60, then 62, then 64)
You also want to have a target tempo - this is usually marked in your music above the stave at the start, or by a word like “allegro” which is usually around 120 bpm. If you are unsure, ask your teacher for a target speed.
My child really hates the metronome. What can I do?
Luckily, there are a couple of wonderful options if the metronome is really bothering your child.
If you have been using a traditional or electronic tuner, try a metronome app and change the beeping noise/beat pattern. It can make it a bit more fun and interesting! If this still doesn’t work, try drum beats (on an app such as Drum Beats Metronome). It does the same thing as a metronome however because it’s a drum sound it sounds more like you’re jamming in a band, which is a bit more exciting!
If this still doesn’t work, then try backing tracks. They are another great alternative because they sound more interesting and musical than a metronome and your child will definitely want to play in time with it!
Another option is to find a good/accurate recording of the piece, then get your child to play along with it.
So, is the metronome your friend or foe? We hope that after a bit of experimentation, the metronome will be a cherished friend of yours!
