Is a Metronome Necessary?
Metronomes are often regarded as a necessary evil, the nefarious, notorious practice companion that pianists can’t live without. But is this reputation deserved? No, it isn’t.
A metronome will help you become a better pianist and a better musician, and it will help you learn your music faster, develop a strong sense of rhythm, and be more reliable in performances and rehearsals. We regularly use a metronome in our Alexandria, VA piano lessons.
First, here’s a web metronome we put together for our students, set to 40 BPM:
What Is the Point of a Metronome?
In short, metronomes are a necessary tool for making you a better musician. Without one, you’ll never sound better than an amateur.
It Helps You Learn Music in a Disciplined Way
When you start learning a piece of music at the piano, you must keep the tempo slow as you internalize the notes. Rushing through practice is a great way to guarantee that you never learn a piece well. Set the metronome to an excruciatingly slow tempo, and only turn it up 5-10 BPM when you can play the music perfectly and evenly. This is what the great pianists do!
It Will Teach You Steady Rhythm
Music is more about time and space than it is about notes, and if your tempo wanders, your performance won’t mean anything to listeners. You should use the metronome when practicing music and technical exercises alike – over time, you will internalize a steady beat, and you may not need to rely on it as much. Great musicians all have a great sense of rhythm.
You may recall that Ringo Starr doesn’t get as much credit as other drummers because he lacked showmanship and virtuosity. But guess what other great musicians said about him? Rock greats like Dave Grohl think he’s one of the greatest drummers ever, and that’s because he had an absolutely impeccable sense of timing – and that’s far more valuable than the ability to improvise impressive drum fills.
It Frees Up Your Mind
When you are practicing, it’s impossible to think about too many things all at once. The notes, the dynamics, your fingerings, and the tempo can be overwhelming.
If you set a metronome, you no longer have to think about tempo while you’re practicing – you can maintain a steady beat while working on difficult technical passages.
You Can Be Creative Within Certain Parameters
You know how many pieces had ritardando and rubato passages? They have the most impact when they are surrounded by steady, consistent music. Every time you take liberty with the tempo in a piece of music, you dilute the impact of these intentional tempo markings. To preserve the drama of a ritard. at the end of a piece, keep the music steady up until then.
In summary, yes, a metronome is necessary if you wish to become a good musician. All great musicians use them, so follow their lead! If you want to learn more about piano lessons in Alexandria, piano lessons in Franconia, or how a metronome will make you better, get in touch!
Spring Festival Information 2017
Students participating in the Spring Festival this year need to choose their preferred performance times. Students can choose from the 6 two-hour time blocks listed below. Specific times can’t be selected only a specific time block. Time blocks can’t be changed. Please email your preferred time block by January 31st.
All students participating in the concerto event are scheduled to play their concertos on Friday, March 10th. Students may choose either Block 1 or Block 2. Other events may be scheduled during the same time block or during different times blocks.
Spring Festival Date
March 10th and 11th
Spring Festival Location
Columbia Baptist Church
103 W Columbia St.
Falls Church, VA 22046
Time Blocks
March 10th (Friday)
- Block 1 – 5:30 or 6:30.
- Block 2 – 7:30 or 8:30.
March 11th (Saturday)
- Block 3 – 8:30 or 9:30.
- Block 4 – 10:30 or 11:30.
- Block 5 – 1:30 or 2:30.
- Block 6 – 3:30 or 4:30.
Spring Festival Events
Please email your preferred time block(s) by January 31st.
- Piano Solo Event
- Music Theory Event
- American Folk and Patriotic Event
- Hymn Event
- Concerto Event
- Piano Duet Event
- Volunteer Page
Call or email if you have any questions.