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