PERCUSSION
TIME , SPACE , AND THE CLICK : PART 2 | Mark Shelton
In 1815 , Johann Maelzel obtained a patent for a mechanical device that could produce tempodefining sound . The German entrepreneur soon began to manufacture and sell his new gadget , the metronome .
Game changer .
The development of the metronome not only provided a means of determining precise tempo , it also became a practice tool , allowed us to sync music to film and video , and facilitated multi-track recording . Maelzel ' s device ( along with Cousin Click-Track ) has also helped to settle more than a few disagreements among musicians .
In Part 2 of this series , I will share advice on how to use your metronome to practice timekeeping skills , click accuracy , and subdivision spacing .
TIME TRAINING The essence of timekeeping is the ability to play your part while maintaining the correct tempo . This becomes more of a challenge without an external source such as a metronome or click track . It is possible to practice your internal clock skill using a time training tool .
Your metronomic device might include a time training feature that will play clicks for a number of bars , drop out all sound for a short period , and eventually return to the click . While the click is absent , it is up to the player to maintain a steady tempo . When the click returns , you can easily tell if you have wavered from the tempo while the click was not sounding . It is also easy to create time training tracks using a recorder and metronome with a volume control .
4 . With the recorder still running , turn the click volume down so that no click sound will be recorded for several seconds . 5 . After a period of silence , immediately restore the click to its opening volume .
6 . Continue recording this click / no-click / click sequence until you have built an ample practice track .
You can extend or shorten the click and no-click times to provide more variety and challenge .
• PRACTICING WITH THE TIME TRAINING TRACKS
1 . Start the track and begin playing along with the click . ( Start with something simple such as a steady shaker pattern .)
2 . Continue playing when the click stops sounding . Listen carefully and try to maintain a steady tempo . Monitor your physical movements to help maintain tempo .
3 . When the click sound returns , evaluate if you were rushing , dragging , or maintaining the tempo as you continue playing .
4 . Make any necessary adjustments to sync with the click and continue trying to maintain tempo as the track progresses to the end .
CLICK ACCURACY Playing simple exercises along with a metronome click will allow you to focus on click accuracy without the added burdens of technical and rhythmic challenges . Exercise # 1 serves as an example . Practice the exercise using sticks on a playing surface that will provide a quick attack and short sustain such as a hard-surface practice pad , woodblock , or muffled cowbell .
4 . Begin playing Exercise # 1 using your right hand . Try to align the downbeats with the click . If you find yourself drifting , DON ' T STOP . Try to realign . 5 . Repeat the exercise using your left hand . 6 . Repeat the exercise using alternating strokes .
Continue practicing the exercise with a variety of tempi and dynamics . After a few repetitions of the exercise , add subdivision clicks on the metronome .
See Exercise 1 on the following page .
SUBDIVISION SPACING To practice subdivision spacing , begin by setting your metronome to a tempo and insert a straight eighth subdivision . Start the metronome and begin playing a steady stream of eighth notes on your instrument ( see Exercise # 2 ) Try to match your eighth notes with the metronome clicks . Pay close attention to the attack of each of each note and how it aligns with the attack of the corresponding click . Relax and think about the amount of space between subdivision clicks and how to properly sync your attacks and spacing with the metronome . Set up subdivisions and practice in like manner using Exercises 2-5 .
See Exercises 2-5 on the following page .
In the next issue , look for more time improvement tips along with some encouraging words as this series concludes .
• CREATE TIME TRAINING TRACKS 1 . Set your desired tempo on the metronome . 2 . Push RECORD on the recorder . 3 . Turn on the metronome and record about ten seconds of clicks .
1 . Select a tempo on your metronome . Do not add subdivisions . 2 . Start the click . 3 . Listen to the click and think about either eighth or sixteenth subdivisions .
© 2021 Mark Shelton Productions / Percussion For Worship
Mark Shelton Mark Shelton is a freelance musician , content creator , and educational consultant based in Dallas / Fort Worth . Performance credits include North Carolina Symphony , Tin Roof Tango , Daystar Singers & Band , Gateway Worship , Wichita Falls Orchestra , Strata Big Band , TALEA , and Dallas Wind Symphony . www . marksheltonmusic . com percussionforworship . blogspot . com