The secret to practicing music to get twice result with half effort is to use metronome scientifically.
A metronome is not just an instrument, but a tutorial for playing a musical instrument. We cannot exaggerate his role too much and rely on him.
First of all, let's deal with metronome. A metronome is a mechanism that can be set to give regular beats every minute. Generally, metronomes can be divided into two types: mechanical and electronic. A mechanical metronome has a pendulum with a scale that typically ranges from 40 to 208 beats per minute. The electronic metronome displays tempo through liquid crystal display and emits sound through micro speaker, and tempo range can be from 38 to 250. Now, in addition to above two kinds of metronomes, there are various kinds of program type metronomes.
A metronome is not just an instrument, but an auxiliary instrument in musical performance practice, its role cannot be overly exaggerated and it cannot be relied upon. So I'm not talking here about whether or not to use a metronome in performance practice, but about how to use a metronome from a scientific point of view. When used correctly, a metronome is very useful for practicing music, especially for practicing basic skills. This instrument is in many musical families, but many students and parents do not use it properly. So much so that it becomes a decoration of piano.
When students first come into contact with metronome, don't rush to get students to do rhythmic exercises that match metronome. You can let students get to know metronome first, feel speed of metronome at different speeds and different beats. While listening to metronome, count beats out loud or play with your hands at same time. Teachers can play some familiar ditties along with metronome to help students understand how metronome works and how to use it.
When students are formally using metronome in practice, author does not recommend placing metronome in a position that may interfere with students reading scores. Teachers and parents are advised to keep metronome out of sight of students. Because metronome is heard by ears. Many students follow pendulum or indicator lights with their eyes while playing piano and often cannot coordinate their actions. The metronome turns out to be a stick, not an aid.
When we gradually adapt and learn how to use metronome, we can play its supporting role. One of most important functions is to adjust player's speed. In piano practice, it is very important to practice fingering and basic skills, such as scales, arpeggios, certain musical passages, etc., and also practice some etudes. When you start practicing basic skills, you can set a slower speed, which is speed that student can handle. Generally, popular music practice is quarter notes and 120 beats per minute. Then gradually increase speed and consolidate until do not reach target speed.
When starting to practice with metronome, first carefully listen to a few bars, and then start when students are sure they have caught the rhythm. Listen, find a sense of rhythm and keep practicing. Practice makes perfect, I believe it will become comfortable and natural with time.
The secret to practicing music to get twice result with half effort is to use metronome scientifically.