Metronome

[Daisy McLintock]

Ran into this while reading. Used to use one as a kid while learning piano but I wonder if anybody uses them anymore.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Metronome_Nikko.jpg

[raspathens]

My sister had a stern, old-school German piano teacher who made the metronome an important part of her early lessons. She became a really good pianist and then had a career playing viola. My daughter, on the other hand, had a teacher who claimed that it took the "fun" out of learning and asked us to put it away. My daughter never learned a song completely before going on to the next tune, received a trophy practically every week it seemed, and cost her parents more than a few bucks for the experience. Drove me crazy. When we finally decided to call it quits, at our daughter's urging, the teacher made a big emotional scene and presented our daughter with one last trophy before she left. She was a big woman and I wish to God I had a video of that exit. I go back to that first lesson and her insistence that we not use a metronome. Isn't rhythm, timing and pace important? I wonder if there is a market for piano trophies.

[marvin]

My children's music teachers (drums and flute) are quite strong supporters of a metronome.

[MJ]

I use one online now - when I want to keep strict time ....

[chris hess]

it is good for beginners for sure..alot of kids can play,but their timing can sometimes be horrible!! however,metronomes can get on one's nerves and later make your playing "robot" like per say,that's my experience at least if it's any help!! lol,chris

[Daisy McLintock]

I find that my metronome is my foot. I tap it to the beat of songs.

[Anna R]

My son uses one for his piano lessons- says it really helps him.