Stages of practicing to a metronome
In any music recital, playing on time is as important as playing in tune. When you are just learning to play it is important to take things slow. You will learn how to play faster parts by slowing them down. This is one of the best methods to learn better. There are several modes/levels in order to keep the tempo of the piece you are playing steady. The integral part is to start really slow in order to build up to the required tempo that you should be playing. This tip always comes in handy.
Let us look at the key stages to follow in practicing to a metronome:
Stage 1
At this stage you are mostly figuring out how to play your piece. Many beginners should only play at these tempos as it is important to get the right muscle movement in your hands at a slower pace.
Less than 20 bpm- Larghissmo
20-39 bpm- Grave
40-44 bpm- Lento
45-49 bpm Largo
50-54 bpm Larghetto
Stage 2
Mastering the art of playing at slower tempos should be your main objective. This is the crucial phase in which you are expected to enhance your playing skills from just a beginner. It is generally a good idea to start playing your piece at half the pace that you intend to and eventually start to double it up with more practice.
55-64 bpm Adagio
65-68 bpm Adageitto
69-72 bpm Andante Moderato
73-77 bpm Andante
78-82 bpm Andantino
Stage 3
Once you start playing your instrument more frequently you will find yourself being easily adaptable at this level. As you start getting a hang of playing pieces at the correct tempo you will push yourself further to gradually increase the tempo of the melody. This is a very comfortable stage that will always push you to go one step further.
83-85 bpm Marcia Moderato
86-97 bpm Moderato
98-109 bpm Allegretto
110-131 bpm Allegro
Stage 4
This is the final stage that leads you to being a really versatile musician. When you have learned to play slow and you have gradually built up to this pace it means you are ready to play slow as well as fast tempos on your instrument, giving you a fairly competent skill level in the professional space.
132-139 bpm Vivace
140-149 bpm Vivacissimo
150-167 bpm Allegrissimo
168-177 bpm Presto
More than 177 bpm Prestissimo
Use these basic tips while you practice to help advance your musical skills. Learning correctly is more important than learning hastily.