Introduction

Foreword from the Teachers Manual

Methods in Perspective

The purpose
of Music lessons

How a Method
can go wrong

Comparison of Methods

Description of the Curriculum

The Importance
of the Metronome

The metronome is required to use with The Conservatory Course both at the lesson and at home. Students must have a metronome by the third lesson. There is no better way to ensure a quality lesson and practice time. Teachers must provide an actual or practice metronome speed in the assignment book for every piece assigned.
Music study requires the whole person to function simultaneously and the metronome can help coordinate this. Mentally, music requires concentration and the processing of information. Physically, it demands technique, relaxation, and timing similar to sports. Artistically, it is a creative expression. Students play more accurately when using the metronome. It serves as a focal point in order to establish mental control over the physical and artistic aspects of playing.

SLOW PRACTICE: Use the metronome to control a slow practice speed. All pieces should be started slowly and carefully to bring random playing into control promoting accurate notes and timing. Slow practice saves time, making learning more effective and consistent.

REAL SPEED: After the piece has been played slowly and accurately, use the metronome to encourage real speed that is suggested for the piece. The metronome sets the time at which students must keep up. Either slow or fast, keeping at the pace set by the metronome offers training in accurate thinking that no other study furnishes. In reading other languages, a person may take his or her time to pause and think. In music, the time is set and a person's mind and fingers are compelled to keep up. Playing music in time is a tremendous accomplishment from which all other scholastic studies benefit.