How To Use A Metronome // Fischarper

How to Use a Metronome // video

So you’ve heard you’re supposed to use a metronome, but how do you use it? Keep reading &/or watch today’s video for some tips!

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Did you know that my writing about the metronome was also published in the American Harp Journal “Teacher’s Corner” section? (And no, I don’t always take my own advice….haha!)

Metronome Tips

Break it Down

Break your piece down into small, manageable, sections. In the example I used, I broke it down into 2-measure chunks. You could absolutely break it down into smaller chunks, such as 1 measure, 1 beat, or even less, depending on the piece.

Start Slowly

Start off practicing the section you’ve chosen at a very slow speed. In the video, I start at a quarter note equals 60. In your practice, you can start at a different speed if appropriate. You can even start with the metronome clicking to the eighth note, sixteenth note, etc. instead of the quarter note.

(If that doesn’t make sense right now, don’t worry about it. Let me know in the comments if you’d like to see a video on that!)

Start With One Hand

I think it’s nice to start with left hand, since it tends to be the most awkward, but this is up to you.

Gradually Speed Up

As you play the excerpt correctly, gradually speed up. It’s a good rule of thumb to play the section correctly 3 times in a row before increasing the tempo. When you do increase the tempo, do so slightly. If you’re using a metronome with a dial, one click over is a good amount; if you’re using a metronome that you can change to a specific number, try speeding up by 2-3 (for example 60 up to 62 or 63).

Now The Other Hand

Repeat with the right hand (if you started with the left hand).

Then Hands Together

Start back at your original tempo (or slower) and repeat the process with hands together.

Metronome Practice Tracker // Fischarper
Mockup by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Keep Track

Keep track of your progress using the color printable metronome tracker on the freebies page (sign up for the email list for access)! (Watch for a black & white version in Friday’s post.)


Then I talk in the video about adding to the excerpt you practiced. Be sure to check back Friday for a continuation of this post!

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Metronome Practice Tracker // Fischarper
Mockup by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

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How To Use A Metronome // Fischarper

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