Difficulty with the metrometer

[faa2010]

Despite playing for almost 9 years, it's still been difficult for me playing while following the metrometer.

Is it necessary to practice a piece with a metrometer?, if so, then at which pace and/or speed should I start with?

[tails]

It's a metronome isn't it? Nah I'm not here to correct the naming.

ANyways. You SHOULD use it, like it or not. That way you'll be pushed to follow the tempo. Especially when you play Ravel, you need to be precise in timing.

If you can't follow the metronome, I don't think you can manage to play very fast songs without "rushing".

You should try starting from 50% of the real speed if it's fast. If it's slow whatsoever, just practice slower... (I tried using 40 MM(Can't be lower )for the first time I play 56 MM)

[richard black]

I've never been a fan of metronomes, although they are a handy way of communicating speed unambiguously - to that extent, I'm grateful that there are plenty of metronome markings in the score of 'Elektra', for instance, which I've been playing rather lot recently.

But practising with the metronome? I seem to find that people who do that more than just once in a blue moon have very poor rhythmical skills. Build up your internal 'metronome', rather.

[ionian_tinnear]

I seem to find that people who do that more than just once in a blue moon have very poor rhythmical skills. Build up your internal 'metronome', rather.

This is quite true.  Here in the theatre pit orchestras, we often get students who have rarely performed solos, and there can be lots of solos in musical theatre scores.  They rush or drag the tempo because, quote: 'I need someone else playing so I can keep time'!.  Especially true of string players since they do so much ensemble playing as students.

Seems partly the lack of solo experience, and just experience too.  Guess I'm lucky to be a keyboard player, and to have done so many years accompanying.

[arturgajewski]

Despite playing for almost 9 years, it's still been difficult for me playing while following the metrometer.

Is it necessary to practice a piece with a metrometer?, if so, then at which pace and/or speed should I start with?

Do you have rhythm inside you ticking? Do you really need a metronome? I think it would be wise to practice with simple things like playing middle-C in 4/4 time signature in | quarter quarter half | and repeat it until you get this even while sleeping.

Once you get a hang of rhythm, playing will be so much easier and you can toss that annoying ticking thing away