Dependence on Metronome

[abe]

Recently I've been using the metronome more for getting peices clean and up to speed (especially on a particular peice), and now that I try to play w/out the metronome, i can't hold a steady beat very well, and the notes aren't clean (even at a slower tempo than I can easily do on the metronome). This happens the most with a Bach fugue I am playing, and a mendelssohn peice.

The metronome has been very helpful to me, but if this is the result it seems counterproductive. Is there any good way to correct this? Has this happened to anyone else?

[Shagdac]

I had a similar experience a while back Abe, where my teacher had suggested I use the metranome on a particular section of a piece, which I did, but also used it for the entire piece as well. After practicing it this way for sometime, it seemed when I stopped using it, even the parts I had fine before, seemed slightly off. I don't know if it was more a "mental thing" that caused this, meaning I felt like the metranome was a crutch and didn't trust myself without it or what, but I think I know what you mean.

Anyway, I definately had the tempo/rhythm down WITH the metranome, so I knew that I could play it properly. What I had to do, was stop using the metranome for the piece completely...and play the piece thru slightly slower than normal speed, counting outloud. It felt somewhat awkward for awhile, but then it was fine, including the part I origionally used the metranome to help.

I think the metranome is a very helpful tool, but can become a crutch and at least for me personally, I don't use it much now unless having trouble with a particular piece/part. Then I only use it to make sure I am playing it properly, and then stop immediately or as soon as I have it.

Hope this helps.

S

[rhapsody in orange]

Hmm with regards to the metronomme, I used to have similar problems too. especially for classical pieces where they require very accurate rhythm and tempo. I used to slow down at certain sections of the piece, and sometimes it happens so gradually that I did not notice until I'm quite off from the actual tempo.
 I've been advised by my friend to start practising from different parts of the music, but making sure I come in at the right tempo. That is, to have and idea in mind how fast/slow that certain section should be like. Double-check it with the metronomme.
And i realise that one main reason that's causing me to speed up/ slow down in a piece is probably because I have yet to know the piece very well. After familiarising the more complex parts of the piece, there'd be less slowing down as I'd know what the notes are etc.
Maybe it's a good idea to play with a metronomme, then note the particular section you tend to go out of timing. Then mark it down on the score or something, so that you'll pay particular attention there when you're without the metronomme. Make the practising a conscious thing rather than mechanically doing it with the metronomme.
Just my two cents' worth. any more advice is welcome =)

[jlh]

I know everyone hates to hear this, but make sure you can count out loud with the piece.  Playing with a MM is great, and also an indispensible tool, but like the damper pedal, it can be used as a crutch as well.  Learning to count can help in so many ways but too few people actually do it. 

Stick with it, and as you get to know the pieces better, it will be easier to feel the pulse.

[ChristmasCarol]

Recently I've been using the metronome more for getting peices clean and up to speed (especially on a particular peice), and now that I try to play w/out the metronome, i can't hold a steady beat very well, and the notes aren't clean (even at a slower tempo than I can easily do on the metronome). This happens the most with a Bach fugue I am playing, and a mendelssohn peice.

The metronome has been very helpful to me, but if this is the result it seems counterproductive. Is there any good way to correct this? Has this happened to anyone else?

Do you tap your foot for rhythm?  Also try using a metronome light instead of just sound.  And last thought I had was to get a good recording of the piece you're playing and listen to that enough times that you have a mental sound bite that influences your rhythm.

[BoliverAllmon]

Recently I've been using the metronome more for getting peices clean and up to speed (especially on a particular peice), and now that I try to play w/out the metronome, i can't hold a steady beat very well, and the notes aren't clean (even at a slower tempo than I can easily do on the metronome). This happens the most with a Bach fugue I am playing, and a mendelssohn peice.

The metronome has been very helpful to me, but if this is the result it seems counterproductive. Is there any good way to correct this? Has this happened to anyone else?

Do you tap your foot for rhythm?  Also try using a metronome light instead of just sound.  And last thought I had was to get a good recording of the piece you're playing and listen to that enough times that you have a mental sound bite that influences your rhythm.

listening to the piece too much can be dangerous. you will begin to play and interpret the piece exactly like the performer. This isn't always good.

[rhapsody in orange]

Hmm but somehow tapping the foot maybe a bit distracting. Especially if you're having a performance/recital. Think i'd focus more on the foot tapping rather than the music if the pianist is tapping his feet as he's playing =)

[ChristmasCarol]

listening to the piece too much can be dangerous. you will begin to play and interpret the piece exactly like the performer. This isn't always good.
/quote]

Interesting.  I have found that once i begin to play something it becomes my own style regardless of how many times I have listened to someone else.

[bernhard]

listening to the piece too much can be dangerous. you will begin to play and interpret the piece exactly like the performer. This isn't always good.

Have a look at reply #6 here:

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/board,4/topic,4971.6.html#msg47287

Best wishes,
Bernhard