How to best use a metronome

[rondeaufantastique]

     Hi all! I was just wondering how you all typically use your metronome. Do you use it on every beat? On off beats? Not at all? Also, when you are working to increase the speed of a piece, do you stick with a tempo until you are confident with it before going quicker? Or do you choose a small section and increase speed quickly?
     The reason I ask is that I am beginning some new pieces from the classical period and am curious to try out new methods of using the device. Thanks for your advice!

[j_menz]

They make a lovely doorstop, and quite an effective missile.

[rondeaufantastique]

Hehe I have to say, mine is old style and I don't think it's quite aerodynamic enough for that...

[onwan]

I use metronome when I practice scales and arpeggios and I need to get the right speed and tone quality. Sometimes use it for etudes and Bach, when I play faster or slower, than I should. Sometimes, when there is some difficult place, can't play fast both hands together, I use metronome and practice every hand separately.
But I'm not a huge metronome fan and I don't use it lot.

[jlsheeha]

It depends on the musical context.  If the passage is difficult I usually begin with the metronome on the beat at a slow enough tempo that I can be aware of my movements and ensure that they are relaxed and in alignment with my expressive purposes.  Then I count aloud while I am playing, counting appropriate subdivisions also.  Once I have mastered that, I play with the metronome on the off beat.  If it is a compound meter, I play with the metronome on either of the weak beats while counting aloud.  If the passage is relatively simple I can start with the metronome on the offbeat.   

I find that almost all of my tendencies to rush occur on the offbeats so using the metronome in the latter fashion helps me identify when I am doing it.  You can also experiment with using the metronome in odd places.  For example, if you have a piece that incorporates sixteenth notes and eight note triplets, keep the metronome on the eighth note subdivision while you are playing the triplets.  This is very difficult at first but with practice allows you to feel the regular eighth note subdivision against the triplets. 

While strictly metronomic playing is not the ideal finished product, having a strong internal sense of where the pulse is at all times allows you to play with the time in a conscious way that more effectively communicates your musical point to the listener (IMO).  With that in mind, I never exclusively practice with the metronome.  I use it as a reference.  For me, I feel a true mastery of the rhythm when I can perform with the metronome and still incorporate most of my expressive nuances (obviously some things will not work with a metronome). 

Also, recording your practice periodically and listening to it allows you to identify passages where additional metronome practice would be beneficial.