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What’s a Good Alternative to a Metronome for Lessons and Practice Sessions?
Teachers, do you have students who can’t use a metronome and can’t keep a steady beat? We all know how valuable metronome practice can be. However, it can be tricky for students to sync with a metronome, and many students flat out refuse to work with them. Read more to answer the question, “What’s a good alternative to a metronome for practice sessions?”
It can’t be overstated. The steady beat is one of the most important skills for a student to master:
- Nothing will make a student sound like a pro faster than keeping a steady beat.
- Likewise, nothing will make a student sound like an amateur faster than a choppy beat.
- However, many students (at least the young ones and even many of the adults) can’t handle metronome work.
Whether you’re a teacher in lessons or a parent helping your child with practicing, try this tip for working on the steady beat. (I even have some advice for adults who have a hard time working with a metronome.)
This post uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the article.
The “Flexible Metronome” as a Good Alternative to a Metronome for Practice Sessions
“What’s a good alternative to a metronome for practice sessions?” My solution… use a pointer:
- It allows me (the teacher) to be a “flexible metronome.”
- That way the student can work on the steady beat without getting frustrated.
- Also, it keeps students from losing their place in the score.
For adults who struggle with rhythm, you might want to find a teacher who can be the flexible metronome for you.
How does it work for practicing and in lessons?
Point at the notes in time as the students play:
- Start by trying to get them to play with a steady beat through each measure.
- Next, try to get them to play with a solid pulse through the whole line.
- Then, work on the whole section (or page).
- Finally, go through the whole song with a steady beat.
This may take more than one lesson.
Where can I get a pointer?
I remember going into an office supply store to see if I could buy a pointer. They had laser pointers, and I remember saying, “No, I need to be able to tap on the page!”
So, I built my own pointer:
- First, I went to an art supply store and bought a dowel (about pencil thickness).
- Then, I sawed it in half.
- Next, I put one end in the pencil sharpener.
- Lastly, I finished by sanding the pointy end.
Alternate pointers:
- You can use a pencil in a pinch, but it’ll kill your back in the long run.
- A conductor’s baton could work too.
I’ve been using pointers for over 20 years now, and many students have said it helped them when I pointed at the score as they played.
Final Thoughts on “What’s a Good Alternative to a Metronome for Practice Sessions?”
“What’s a good alternative to a metronome for lessons and practice sessions?” You are the good alternative.
- With your help and support, your students can develop the steady beat.
- Once the steady beat emerges, you can then teach them how to use a metronome.
- At that point, they won’t feel like they need to avoid the metronome anymore.
If your student has learning difficulties beyond just the steady beat, you can also color code the notes and rhythms:
- How to Color Code Music Notes
- Color Coded Quarter Note Clapping
- Playing the Piano with Color Coded Notes
- How to Color Code Guitar Tab
© 2023 Geoffrey Keith
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