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How To Use A Metronome
By Diana Rogers
Metronomes sit on top of countless pianos in homes and studios throughout the world. Almost every pianist, student or professional agrees that the metronome is an important part of music study. Others feel it is a nuisance and a useless tool. Some feel it is important but don't know how to use one. There are wide differences in tempos that you'll notice in performances by different players. On the metronome you will see the appropriate tempo marked by many Italian words which are descriptive like largo (broad), lento (slow), adagio (slow, at ease), andante (walking), allegretto (quick), allegro (fast), presto (very fast) and prestissimo (as fast as possible). These are very helpful to determine what the correct tempos should be but they’re not very precise in indicating exactly what are the composer’s intentions. Like how fast is fast? Each one of us will have a different answer. Musicians realized that it would be beneficial to have a tool for measuring the varying speeds of music as early as the 16th century. Beethoven believed that tempo must be felt but he acknowledged the need for a measuring rod. Beethoven’s friend Malzel, who invented his metronome, became very successful through Beethoven’s endorsement. So how do you use a metronome? A metronome divides a minute into equal parts, usually on a scale of 40—208. A setting of 88, for example, provides a click or sound, marking each one of 88 divisions of a minute. Composers indicate the desired speed by placing “M.M.” that is an abbreviation for Malzels Metronome or “M” followed by the appropriate setting, in their music. The markings on a metronome indicate a range of tempos as a guide. You may find that one tempo within the range may be too slow and another too fast. Play your selected song through at several different tempos within the range given, and select one that is fast enough to be challenging but slow enough for you to have complete control over each note. When asked about the metronome, Brahms wrote, “I think that the metronome is of no value. Everybody has, sooner or later, withdrawn his metronome marks.” Yes, perhaps so but other composers have felt differently. I personally have used metronomes for my students who are serious with their Classical music studies and scales practice. With metronomes for the keyboard, students love to jam with this built in beat It’s fun to play along with the driven beat to stay on beat and keep the rhythm going! For others the metronome seems to be a real pain and a nuisance! Whether you have a wind-up pendulum model or a digital type, you’ll be spending anywhere from $15.00 to $3,000.00 or maybe not! Remember that manufacturers are great in making fine metronomes but may or may not be expert musicians. Most important of all, the metronome is a guideline to help you learn to feel the tempo within yourself.
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I used to use of of them thar things to not only stay on tempo, but to increase my tempo. I would work up an exercise starting at a slow speed, then gradually increase to the desired tempo. The metronome is a good tool for that. click... click... click... click...
It's really sad for me when lento (slow) and prestissimo (as fast as possible) mean the same thing. A metronome is also good for keeping your cat entertained. My piano teacher told me to play a new piece slow and perfect. Once I could play it perfect I could add some speed. The natural inclination is to play it fast and imperfect.
Well written and a fine read, Diana.
Thank you for sharing this information. I know that the music teacher used it when I was trying to learn the trombone, 65 years ago. Never knew it's purpose until now.
Best wishes.
Frederick
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thank you for your kind words. A big thank you to all for stopping by. I appreciate everyone's feedback!
The copyright for this content entitled "How To Use A Metronome" has been specified by the contributor as:
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If you use this content according to the license specified, you must link to the following URL:
http://ladyd.qondio.com/
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This intel was contributed by LadyD
LadyD
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May, 2012
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