What’s 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:

1. It allows me (the teacher) to be a “flexible metronome.”
2. That way the student can work on the steady beat without getting frustrated.
3. 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:

1. Start by trying to get them to play with a steady beat through each measure.
2. Next, try to get them to play with a solid pulse through the whole line.
3. Then, work on the whole section (or page).
4. 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:

1. First, I went to an art supply store and bought a dowel (about pencil thickness).
2. Then, I sawed it in half.
3. Next, I put one end in the pencil sharpener.
4. 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.