Music Teacher's Helper: Blog: Using a Metronome in Lessons

by Jon Dittert

You know the number one thing I wish my students did more of (besides brining me presents, obviously)?  Practicing with a metronome.  It seems I say the phrase “you should really be practicing this with a metronome” at least ten times on any given teaching day.  One thing I have found, however, is that the more we use a metronome in lessons, the more the students seem to use a metronome at home.  Here are some ideas for incorporating a metronome into your lesson plans.

Metronome Operation

Make sure each of your students knows not only how to operate “a” metronome, but also how to operate their specific metronome.  I have my students bring their personal metronomes in and run through all the different operations: turning it on/off, adjusting volume, adjusting tempo, and adjusting any meter/subdivision options.  The more comfortable your students are with their personal metronomes, the more likely they will use them. 

Playing With a Metronome

As the most basic idea, simply turn on the metronome and have your students play a piece to it.  For some students this will be old news, but for some this will be a brand new experience.  The more familiar your students are with playing to a metronome, the more likely they’ll practice to a metronome at home.

Speeding Up Difficult Sections

Take a difficult section of a piece and have the student play it at a slow tempo with the metronome.  Then speed the metronome up 1-2 clicks, just like you would do in your personal practicing.  Sometimes, I will actually play an example from my practice routine for the student so they can see just what practicing with a metronome looks like.

Sightreading

Use a metronome whenever you have your students sightread, even if you need to set it at 40-50 bpm (in fact, that’s usually where I set it).  Using a metronome gives students the impression they’re playing with another person or an ensemble, so they can’t slow down just because they miss a note.

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