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by OnlyPiano.com
What is the Purpose of a Metronome?
A metronome is an instrument that can be set to an adjustable number of beats per minute. There are several types of metronomes in the market today.
The hand-operated metronome is like a non-electric clock. It is shaped like a pyramid and has an adjustable pendulum with marks on its rod. These marks are the beats per minute and they graduate from 40 to 208. There is also a short rod that may be adjusted on its side for the pulse of 2, 3, 4 and 6. When this rod is set at a certain pulse, a bell will sound to the main beat. The rod may also be pushed into the pyramid if the user does not wish for the bell to sound.
The digital metronome comes in several shapes and styles. The older versions are like a little rectangular box, a cube or even like a turned over bowl. There is a dial on its face with marks of the beats around it. The dial just has to be set and the beats graduate from 40 to 208. However, there isn’t a switch to set a bell to the main beats of 2, 3, 4 or 6. When the dial is set and the switch is turned on, the metronome gives of a ticking sound (like that of an old clock) and a light flashes. The switch may be adjusted to have the metronome in silent mode and having only the flashing light.
The newer versions of the digital metronome have several little touch buttons to adjust the pulse and the beat. There may be also a button that shows the user the kind of beat from a sixteenth, eighth, quarter and triplet. However its beeping to the pulse is a little sharp then that of the older versions of the digital metronome.
The digital metronome would be the best investment for a student who frequently uses it as it operates well in any position and is unlikely to have an uneven beat.
When and How is the Metronome Used?
The metronome is a useful device to have as it helps the teacher and the student to check tempo markings, as there are composers who have given precise tempo marks and the beginning of their compositions. At daily practice, it helps the student to control his rhythmic pulse and keep it steady. It may also be used at practice with technical exercises.
Daily practice with the metronome will improve skill and self control. The student may start off with one note and each beat and when he has obtained control, he can then graduate to two notes with each beat and so on.
There are many who will oppose the frequent use of the metronome fearing it may be a crutch and hinder the student’s development. However, the student, through practice, will learn skill and control to keep the rhythm steady. Through this progression, he will also be able to acquire the skill of learning to play “rubato” or “robbed time”. Keeping a steady pulse while playing “rubato” is the essence of a meaningful performance.
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