How often do you use metronome in practice?

[jzp93]

My son's teacher is not a fan of it. She said if he has to use it
Only use it once then he has to count from his heart, lol.
I know it's not funny, those were her words.

[amie_de_chopin]

Actually it is exactly what I do too. but if your son finds it difficult without a metronome he should probably use it and maybe use it less later when he has learned to internalize the rhythm.
It is probably difficult to generalize in such cases, although your teacher (who knows your son) should know what is the best option for him. Did he have that teacher for long or is he/she new?

[brogers70]

I use it very rarely, and usually just for a moment to check the tempo. Also, even more raely if there's a piece where I ahve a tendency to get excited and accelerate the tempo throught the piece (for example, the gigue from the Eb French Suite; just couldn't restrain myself without the metronome). But those cases are pretty rare. I probably use it once or twice a month.

[quantum]

The only time I use a metronome is to measure the speed of a pulse.  I never leave it ticking while I am playing music. 

IMO, using the metronome to fix rhythmic stability issues is a patchwork solution and does not address the causes of the issue.  Misusing the metronome in such a manner places the musician in a subservient role - one to which the musician is reliant on keeping on course with the mechanical device in order to "sound" like they are maintaining good pace.  Taking an active role and using your internal metronome is much more beneficial to producing good music, and establishing a solid rhythmic core.

[bachbrahmsschubert]

Just this past Sunday I performed Bach's G minor concerto. First performance with an orchestra! High five! Anyone...?

Anyway, while learning it, I found a metronome very useful. I am usually anti metronome, as I don't want to become the metronome. However I would not just leave it on while I practiced, I'd find the moments where I'd speed up or slow down, and I'd use it to keep me strict. I'd also find the problem spots I was having and use the metronome to keep me honest while ironing out the wrinkles (usually those pesky 'awkward fingering' passages).

Those are the only moments that I personally use a metronome. A couple of classmates can't practice without a metronome, and they are phenomenal musicians. To each their own.

Best wishes,

[jzp93]

Actually it is exactly what I do too. but if your son finds it difficult without a metronome he should probably use it and maybe use it less later when he has learned to internalize the rhythm.
It is probably difficult to generalize in such cases, although your teacher (who knows your son) should know what is the best option for him. Did he have that teacher for long or is he/she new?

Amie, they have been together for 6 years. He's only been w her.I bought the metronome 'cause he has the tendency to loose his rhythm out of the blue and go fast. She prefers he counts to himself instead of using the metronome. She had the same reaction when I printed the major and minor scales and chords for him in the past. She said children have no problem memorizing those and they should play them by memory not by reading.

[runemeyer]

I played the trumpet for 20 years - and started piano only 2.5 years ago.  I use the mm just toget the speed - then you hear the speed.  In my trumpet days, I tramped the speed after hearing it from the mm. I do the same now.  For technique and speed exersises - I do the same - and try to increase mm 2 every second day or so.  I don't think it is bad to leave the mm on - but the best is to learn to remember the speed - in the heart as the teacher said, which was not so badly said.  However - if he does not feel the tempo - this has to be worked on, mm, tramping, clapping and so on.  Good luck!

[faa2010]

I don't use it.  Although it may be a bad idea not using it, when I am measured, I feel I can't play very well because in the only thing I am concentrated is in playing according to the metronome.  Or when I am concentrating in playing the piece, I totally disregard the metronome.

[mcdiddy1]

Lol....count from the heart... That is funny. I like that.

The metronome should be used sparingly. It also depends on what level you are. If you are learning violin, the metronome should be used  so you can get used to anticipating bow changes

If your a beginner on piano like 5 years old there is no need to play with the metronome unless the child is incapable of finding a pulse. Puting your hand on your heart is a good way to show these kind of student how important stead pulse is. Your teacher needs to be doing some steady beat exercises and kids will do fine from there.
When they begin getting into more  serious repetoire, the metronome is a tool, no more or no less. I would not use it unless, I had to. You want to learn to play on the beat in order to play with others.

[pianisten1989]

I did use it a lot. Now I don't have to.. as often. I use it when I feel that I don't have total control of what's going on.

[thinkgreenlovepiano]

Every once in awhile. Usually when I'm having trouble counting something, or just to check to see if my rhythm is ok...

I need it, because I'm not very good with rhythms. But I'll be honest. I really don't like metronomes. They're really annoying and the sound hurts my ears! I have to put my metronome in another room if I'm using it for an extended period of time.

My teacher advises me to use the metronome quite a bit, but she also told me not to make my pieces sound metronomic!

[dahmin]

I urge my daughter to use the metronome when I can hear her time keeping is off.  You'll be surprised how much you speed up/slow up and/or have irregular tempo with the test of the metronome.

Metronome is not your foe 

[franz_]

Once in 2/3 years I guess.

[jzp93]

Thanks for your advise guys. He uses it rarely now,
on parts where he speeds up when he should be
playing slow or just to check his timing to make sure
it's right.