PRACTICE RELIGIOUSLY OR PARISH, PART 2
B. Metronome techniques (use only for short passages, not entire pieces)
- The old standby is to start slowly (half tempo). On each repetition of the passage, put the metronome one notch faster until you achieve the fastest tempo at which you can play cleanly. Each day keep track of your maximum tempo. It may take weeks to reach the desired tempo, but be patient.
- Method #1 works well in most situations but causes a buildup of tension. An ingenious variation is “Up 3, Down 2.” Clarinetist Peter Hadcock taught this method at the Eastman School of Music. Take the following nasty passage from Mozart’s Concerto No. 2 in D:
Your eventual tempo is quarter = 126. Play the passage three times at quarter = 63. Then move the metronome up three notches to 72 and play once, and only once. This may feel like quite a jolt, but don’t worry. Next, put the metronome down two notches to 66. Now you can relax! Play the passage three times. Then move up three to 76 and play once. Then, down two to 69. Repeat this process as follows:
three times at: |
followed by once at: |
69 |
80 |
72 |
84 |
76 |
88 |
80 |
92 |
84 |
96 |
88 |
100 |
92 |
104 |
96 |
108 |
100 |
112 |
104 |
116 |
108 |
120 |
112 |
126 |
116 |
126 |
120 |
126 |
Obviously, this requires much time and patience, but it really works.
- Robert Marcellus, former principal clarinetist of the Cleveland Orchestra, taught another metronome technique. He had students repeat a section several times (evidently the number varied) at half tempo followed immediately by one playing at full tempo. Try three times at half speed followed by one at full speed.Use metronome method #2 to learn a passage and #3 to maintain a passage.