What is a metronome?
Let's start with the basics. A metronome is a device that ticks or beeps at a steady, adjustable, speed. As musicians, we use metronomes to help us set and keep a desired tempo, as we rehearse.
Benefits of practicing with a metronome
Students have a natural tendency to practice faster than they should. (OK, in truth, we all have that tendency!) It's hard to resist that urge. Students also tend to slow down when things get difficult, resulting in an inconsistent performance and sometimes in a lack of any sense of timing at all.
A quick note about effective practice
We learn by repetition. Effective practice involves repetition of the correct notes, with the correct form, at a steady tempo. In other words, you're going to perform in the same way you practice. Sp. if you play poorly in practice, you're going to play poorly in performance.
But, there's absolutely nothing wrong with slowing the whole thing down. You do NOT need to practice at performance tempo, nor should you try, until you're ready. Read through the piece. Figure out the fingering. Make sure you understand how you're going to play it. Break the piece up in to small sections - don't try to learn the whole thing at once. Then, start SLOWLY! You can play anyting correctly, if you just play it slowly enough. And, that's the key - practicing it without making mistakes. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Just don't repeat the wrong notes!
Where does the metronome come in?
Decide how quickly you think you can play a section of music, perfectly. Feel that tempo and find it on your metronome. Then, set it for half that speed, to start. (I'm serious.) Listen to the metronome for a few measures, before you begin, to get the feel. Then, play with the metronome, to ensure you stay at your slow tempo. If you can play it perfectly - great! Do so - again, and again, and again. If not, then you need to pick a slower tempo, or practice one note at a time (without tempo) until you can.
When you're ready, after many successful repetitions, nudge up the speed on your metronome by a few beats per minute. And, start again. If you start making mistakes, then you'll know you weren't ready to increase the tempo. Keep at it until you reach your desired performance speed. Go past the performance tempo and master it at a slightly faster tempo. (The performance tempo will then seem easy, and you'll play with confidence.) The metronome is vital in this process, to keep you disciplined about not playing too quickly, and to keep your tempo - whatever it is - steady. As a beginner, this is also the best way to train and improve your broader sense of musical timing. And, as a more experienced musician, this is a great way of training your muscles and mind for speed.
How to operate a digital/quartz metronome
Digital metronomes are all a little different. But, they all have a way of setting the desired number of ticks/beeps/beats per minute. This is measured in B.P.M. or Beats Per Minute. Sometimes a piece will call for a particular BPM (performance tempo). Sometimes, the composer will give a less precise indication - i.e. Lento, Largo, Adagio, etc. As the performer, you have the final say as to how quickly you think the piece should be played. But for practice, remember to start slowly!
When setting the metronome, you can choose to have it tick on every beat. This is the most common way to set it, and will get you playing at the stated BPM. But, it may be useful at times to set it for two ticks each beat, one tick every two beats, or even one tick at the start of each measure. Use whatever setting works best to keep you at tempo.
Mechanical/traditional metronomes - advantages and how to use
Mechanical metronomes have a pendulum that swings back and forth, making a ticking sound. Aside from making a much more pleasant sound, and having no batteries to replace, they offer a tremendous advantage over electronic metronomes in that they provide a visual indication of the tempo - not just the audible sound. The musician can see the pendulum swinging and know exactly where they are at any moment. (This can be particularly helpful for visual learners/thinkers.) The nicer ones also come with beautiful wooden panels, add to the ambiance in the room, and can sometimes become family heirlooms, passed down through the generations. But, there are also very reasonably priced and practical mechanical metronomes that will fit in a small instrument case.
To operate, just wind it up and set the pendulum swinging. (Be sure you have it on a level surface.) The BPM is set by adjusting a movable weight up and down pendulum. The higher the weight, the greater the mechanical advantage, and the slower the pendulum will swing. (BPM indications are usually printed behind the pendulum for easy reference.)
What are the best metronomes for students?
Having that visual indication of tempo is especially important for students, as they are just beginning to undersand and get a feel for the basics of musical timing, and they need all the help they can get. Complicated digital devices can also serve as a disctraction, and are sure to run out of batteries the moment you need them. So, I'm a fan of mechancial metronomes for most situations. But, I would caution that the more expensive mechanical metronomes are probably not appropriate for younger students, or for anyone who wishes to take their metronome out of the house. The nicer Wooden Maelzel Mechanical Metronomes can be delicate, and should be kept in the studio and handled carefully. For younger players and for professionals seeking a more durable, practical metronome for their case, consider the Wittner Taktell Super Mini Mechanical Metronome. They are durable, practical, moderately priced, and with reasonable care, will function well for many, many years.
What if I don't have a metronome?
While I'd recommend putting a metronome on your birthday wish list, there are numerous metronome apps available, completley free of charge. Just Google, "Online Metronome," and you'll find a selection. Google even has one of their own.
Final notes
Whatever metronome you choose, use it regularly as you practice. Be disciplined about your rehearsal routines. Incorporating the metronome into your practice will help you develop your sense of time, tempo, and rhythm. It will make your practice time more efficient and productive. And, it will make you a better musician.