My cello teacher Jacqueline Ultan has been telling me recently how important it is to use my metronome when preparing to play music with other musicians. Playing music together means that everyone must play at the same regular pace. The metronome shows me how I’m doing.
When I am playing my cello and seeing the next note on the page, I don’t have time to think about all the mechanics of playing it. For the note to sound right, I must have the correct fingering with my left hand as well as the correct bowing with my right arm. Learning to play a musical instrument means building my muscle memory.
Being concerned about the regularity of playing the notes is another component of playing that I should be concerned about. But the tick/tock of the metronome has driven me crazy in the past. It’s been distracting and has raised my anxiety. My playing has broken down entirely when I’ve used it. My fingering and shifting my positions on the keyboard have fallen apart. In the past, I’ve avoided it whenever possible.
Jacqueline has been telling me that my metronome should be my friend. She has “sweet-talked” me into using it now. I’m coming to understand that my metronome is no more nor less than a measuring tool. It holds me accountable for my pace. It gives me feedback. It shows me what I need to work on.
In some ways a metronome works like a scale that measures weight. If my weight were a concern but I didn’t measure it, then how would I know how I’m doing? If I want to change, I can choose to ignore my measuring tool, but I do so at my own risk. Measuring and change are linked.
What is important enough for you to measure? Do you have a goal you’re trying to reach? How are you measuring progress towards your goal? Who can help/support you and hold you accountable for this?