Metronome on the Roland electronic piano

[bernadette60614]

My sense of consistent timing is very inconsistent!  And, since counting isn't something I'm doing consistently my teacher has suggested that I use the metronome on my Roland electronic.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[hfmadopter]

Are you looking for setup ideas about the Roland specifically or just use of a metronome in general?

Either way if you haven't played to a metronome before I suggest starting at a bit slower tempo than the piece calls for to get familiar.

[bernadette60614]

More the second, please.

Thanks!

[pianoplunker]

My sense of consistent timing is very inconsistent!  And, since counting isn't something I'm doing consistently my teacher has suggested that I use the metronome on my Roland electronic.

Any tips would be appreciated.

Yes, good idea to use a metronome. It may be awkward at first , but it is probably the best tool for gaining control and rhythm. If you can program the metronome to give you an accent on the first beat of each measure then even better.  Even though I have owned several Roland keyboards, I cant tell you how since each keyboard has different user interfaces.  You can probably find a manual online if you dont have one. I currently have an FP-2 which I use as my main practice "piano".

[hfmadopter]

More the second, please.

Thanks!

I'm not much for metronomes myself. I use the one in my Kawai MP6 to a limited degree and the metronome I owned when taking lessons 30 years ago I guess I've lost or otherwise don't know where it is. However, I do use the Kawai's to set the tempo and get the general beat going through my head sometimes. That's pretty much how my teacher taught me to use one, she was against playing with a metronome running throughout the piece.  Even in trouble spots, she would much prefer to bring the speed down to a crawl to work it out in your head, then bring it back up to tempo once you got it.

That said, besides slowing down a bit at first, also turn down the volume. If yours is anything like mine default plays much to loud, you just want to hear it in the background. I suggest trying it in your trouble spots mostly. You probably know that many scores have a tempo indication at the top and that you need to set your metronome to that indication once you are accustomed to using it.

[oxy60]

If you are ever going to play for money your ability to play in exact rhythm is critical. If you can't play right on the beat you won't be asked back. Dividing beats and ending up on one together is the touch stone to success.

It isn't necessary that you have a built in perfect metronome in your brain. Very few do. But picking up the beat and staying with it is critical.

[bernadette60614]

Oxy60: Thanks for that reply.

How might I develop that over time. I realize that may not be innate and of my skills, that appears to be the one which I am most lacking.

[oxy60]

Oxy60: Thanks for that reply.

How might I develop that over time. I realize that may not be innate and of my skills, that appears to be the one which I am most lacking.

Be patient. The metronome is not suited for all types of music. I like to keep Beethoven very steady throughout and let the music speak for itself. As he moves through different note values and through different tonalities the pace of the beat remains rock steady.

BTW when you record using the Roland's built-in recorder I don't think you'll hear the metronome when you play back.