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Metronome can be your best friend while practicing
What Is A Metronome?
Traditionally, a piano metronome is a small device that is designed to keep a beat at a certain timing indefinitely. Originally created in the 19th century, metronomes are used to help musicians play songs with the proper time signature and the right pace. Remember, music is not just about time signatures, but also about how fast or slow we play it. Metronomes come in a few varieties nowadays: analog, electronic, or digital.
How Do I Use A Metronome?
Metronomes can be a little more complex than their simple appearances. Despite being essentially a one-trick pony, using a metronome the wrong way can reinforce some bad habits and make it harder to improve later on. Here’s a tutorial!
1. Find your time signature — The first thing to know if you want to practice a piece of music with a metronome is the time signature it’s in. Luckily, most of the sheet music you can find has it included.
This is how you can tell how many beats per measure and what note gets one beat.
2. The top of a signature indicates how many beats are in one single measure, while the bottom is the note value that is one beat. The most common signatures are 4/4–also known as common time–2/4, and ¾, though there are some great signatures such as ⅞ or 7/4 that are used in various styles of music.
3. Set the Tempo — While most songs share a time signature, tempo–which is measured in Beats Per Minute (BPM) –is a different matter. Some music is played at a fast tempo, such as rock or metal, while others might be played at a slower pace.
4. Slowing down the tempo is also a good way to work through complex pieces with lots of quick notes and arrangements. Start off at a slower tempo, such as 70 BPM, and play the song at gradually faster tempos until you feel more comfortable with it.
5. Set the volume — If you have an analog metronome, this is not as applicable, but both digital and electronic models give you the option to change the volume of the clicks. To start, you’re going to want it to be on the louder side to make sure you’re keeping the right time.
6. As you improve on your pacing, you can start lowering the volume in order to rely on it less, leaving it as simply a background guide to have in case you mix up or make a mistake that throws off your timing.
7. Take Baby Steps — This is hard to follow, but essential! Initially, metronomes can cause quite a bit of frustration. Loud noises and rigid playing can make it hard to concentrate. This video below on YouTube recommends that you start slow, practicing for 2 to 3 minutes at a time in order to familiarize yourself with playing alongside a metronome. Work your way from slow tempos and simple signatures to faster and more complex ones. Always make sure to take your time though!
Watch the video on how to use a metronome
Information found on joytunes.com
Where to find it?
You can purchase one at a music store or online. Here are examples:
Most of our students choose to use metronome applications on phones or iPads:
May you know you are making a difference, even if your child never tells you themselves.
We would be more than happy to answer any questions and provide more specific consultancy if needed.
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