Do you use a metronome when you practice?
Are you afraid to use a metronome?
Do you know how to use a metronome?
Are you using the correct metronome for you?

Over the past 12 years I have been asked countless questions about how to use a metronome, what type to buy, etc.  I encourage students to try a variety of metronomes and to start with free metronome apps that are available on most smartphones and tablets.  Some students prefer a flashing light and in the case of percussion students they may need a flashing light.  Other students prefer to see the swinging pendulum in their peripheral vision.  Yet some students prefer a dog barking sound versus a click or beep!

When using a metronome for practice, I do not expect for a student to use it for every piece assigned every day.  Sometimes I have students only use it for their warm ups so they can practice steady beats.  Other times I have students use a metronome to keep a consistent tempo in a challenging piece.  I believe that it is important to play a piece correctly without a metronome as most performers do not perform with a metronome on stage.

Here is a terrific video on how to use the metronome correctly when practicing any instrument at home.  Included in this video are some tips of things to avoid when practicing with a metronome.  Enjoy the video and happy practicing!

http://www.pianoblog.com/the-biggest-mistake-with-metronome-piano-practice/  ​

Renee is the studio director of Note-worthy Experiences, the chair of the Sudbury Chapter of the National Piano Guild, and a private piano instructor. 

​On Sunday, March 24th, eight student musicians competed for a $250 scholarship at Note-worthy Experiences. Five of the musicians take lessons outside of Note-worthy Experiences.

Students performed on a variety of instruments including flute, trumpet, bassoon, cello and piano.  Each student performed four pieces live in front of our panel of three judges.  Our 2019 Live & Final Round of Judges were Daniel Beilman, Noah Dresser, and Matt Savage.

Prior to this final round, thirty students submitted two recorded pieces for our panel of judges to review.  Our 2019 Recorded Round judges were Francois-Paul Aiche, Chris Oh, Maria Price and Renee Bordner.

Our 2019 Winner was Miss Ariel who performed on her flute.

If you are interested in hearing the finalists and winner perform, please join us for our Honors & Senior Recital on May 11th at 5 pm.  Please contact officemanager@note-worthyexperiences.com for details and tickets.