| Using a metronome regularly in piano practice sessions | | | | The metronome can be used to gain familiarity and |
| will develop a huge amount of strength in the player's | | | | memorization. |
| music. Many players are reluctant to use the | | | | Before a piece is performed, there needs to be |
| metronome, it can be very difficult getting the music | | | | complete mastery of the notes, there cannot be any |
| coordinated with the clicks. But this process of | | | | insecurity. The metronome can be used as an anchor |
| coordinating the playing to the clicks can force a player | | | | through long repetition practice. This ensures that note |
| to let go of rigid tension in the arms. After some | | | | and rhythmic accuracy are maintained. |
| practice, a player will discover that the metronome has | | | | Players can use the metronome to physically settle in |
| improved many aspects of their playing. | | | | to a piece. |
| The metronome must be set to the appropriate speed | | | | Many technical problems work themselves out by |
| for the player's familiarity of the piece. After the notes | | | | using the metronome wile playing. An easy, steady |
| are learned, there are some musical choices to be | | | | pace encourages the release of tension in the arms |
| considered when setting the metronome. | | | | and hands. Focusing on letting the arm weight sink |
| Practicing slowly is always helpful, but it is important to | | | | down into the keys at all times will help. It is important |
| set the clicks appropriately to match the feel of the | | | | to stand up and stretch the the arms during this |
| music. This is a subjective, musical choice. Some | | | | process. Sometimes it is helpful to move the shoulders |
| players will play the same piece with a feeling of two | | | | or arms around while playing, this helps to discover |
| to the bar, others will play it in four to the bar. As a | | | | new are and hand coordination. As tension lets go, the |
| piece is learned, the player will discover how they | | | | body will adjust to the most efficient coordination. |
| want the metronome set so that it matches their | | | | Using the metronome builds a secure feeling of the |
| musical concept. | | | | musical pulse which will develop musicality. |
| Here are some of the ways that regular use of the | | | | Music making can be ruined by an unsettled tempo, |
| metronome will improve a player's music. | | | | creating musical problems such as chopped up |
| Using the metronome helps develop note accuracy in | | | | phrasing with too many accents. The metronome will |
| a new piece. | | | | encourage musical playing by developing the music's |
| It is important to set the metronome clicks to a very | | | | underlying pulse. |
| comfortable, slow, speed when starting to learn a | | | | The metronome is one of the most powerful tools a |
| piece. If used when starting to learn a piece, | | | | player can use to improve their playing! There are so |
| inaccuracies in note values will not be learned. | | | | many way that the metronome can improve a player's |
| Repeating a phrase or two at a time, and using the | | | | music, perhaps the most important is that it builds |
| metronome to count the beats between repetitions is | | | | security. After practicing a piece regularly with the |
| a very useful technique. As notes are learned, | | | | metronome, a player feels greater confidence when |
| additional phrases can be added to the loop until an | | | | performing. |
| entire section is practiced. | | | | |