Playing with a Metronome: Why It Matters
"Being able to play with a metronome is important" – everyone who learns to play music has heard it at least once from their teacher. I say it all the time to my own students. :)
A metronome is a clicking sound, like the ticking of a clock, and you have to play together with it, matching the rhythm required in the song.
Sometimes one note equals one beat – this is the easiest level. Almost everyone can do it if they stay focused.
But it gets more complicated. Sometimes you have to play two, three, or more notes in a single beat. Or hold one long note over two or more beats. Or play a dotted rhythm, where you wait through two beats and then jump in with a short note right after.
Imagine, these are all things students are expected to do already in Grade 1, no matter which cello method or exam program they’re following.
Layering Complexity: Why Metronome Practice Feels So Hard
Now add on top of that the coordination between left and right hands...
The need to press the correct finger on the correct string...
And the fact that the cello has no frets or keys to guide you. (A little sticker on the cello neck can feel like a blessing when you try to find first position!)
Oh, and I forgot to mention bowing - another nightmare, especially when you’re dealing with combined bowings, like two slurred notes followed by two separate strokes. That’s a lot for any beginner's brain.
So yes, playing with a metronome isn’t just “keeping time.” It’s a complicated, multilayered task that requires serious focus.
Why You Should Prepare Before Adding the Metronome
To follow the metronome, your technical work, both in the right and left hands, should be mostly ready before you even turn it on. Otherwise, you will lose either the musical quality or the metronome beat.
Usually, students lose the metronome.
How to Practice with a Metronome (and Not Hate It)
Start slow. Once you’re able to play your piece with a metronome at a very slow and comfortable tempo, gradually increase the speed.
Repeat the piece as many times as needed, but don’t make big jumps in tempo. For example: if you start at 60 BPM and want to reach 100 BPM, it’s better to increase in small steps, like 5 BPM over 9 repetitions, rather than jumping by 10 BPM in just 4 steps.
Small, steady steps help you build muscle memory and keep rhythm accuracy.
What to Do When You Feel Stuck
And now, the most important part.
If you start feeling that you can’t go any faster - add just 1 BPM… and go faster anyway.
It’s like running. At some point, your whole body tells you you’re done. But if you keep going, you suddenly unlock a second breath.
The same thing happens with tempo.
The “I can’t go faster” moment is often right before a breakthrough. Increase by just 1 step, focus harder, do a few more attempts - and DO IT!
Final Thoughts: Why It’s Worth It
You will hack your brain, unlock a new tempo, and start feeling proud and happy.
Literally, cello and metronome can make you feel happy. ;)
‘Start slow, stay focused, and trust the process. Mastery doesn’t come from speed – it comes from consistency and discipline.’
Happy Practice! 🩵