Practice: The Basics
Probably the easiest way to check the effectiveness of your practice is to ask yourself this question frequently: Am I Practicing Slowly Enough to Stay in Control? If you are pausing (even once) or making mistakes (even one), the remedy is simple: slow down! If you don't, you are learning mistakes. Period.
The metronome is an excellent tool for maintaining a steady, slow tempo (of your choice) at all times. It is particularly useful in the earlier stages of learning a passage, by following the procedure described on the next screen. It may also be useful after a piece has been learned to assure slow enough practice that new mistakes do not creep in.
Remember, however, that the metronome is a disciplinarian and is not naturally musical. A metronome will not encourage the subtle nuances in tempo that are present in good musical performances.
