Slow and Steady Wins The Race
The tick tock of the metronome is steady. I find comfort, safety even, in staying within the beat. The tempo is too slow but my fingers magically find the keys because my practice is teaching them where to land.
I move the weight lower so that the speed of the metronome increases just a fraction. It feels the same tempo even though I can see I've made a change. This is steady practice where change happens slowly. Eventually I will navigate this Bach Two-Part Invention closer to the intended velocity, but for now I am still discovering how the notes intertwine. As I progress I hear a different emphasis on the left hand notes. The faster tempo brings new power to the lower voice making it push the higher. It makes me feel connected to this German man who had a gift to bring voices together in perfect harmony and temperament.
I have been writing with the Five Minute Friday group for three years and I really enjoy the talented writers who share themselves each week.
I have been writing with the Five Minute Friday group for three years and I really enjoy the talented writers who share themselves each week.
Music is such a beautiful metaphor for life. I thought about your example of the metronome and changing its speed incrementally and how this helps you learn. That's the kind of change most of us can handle. We barely notice the change because it is steady. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThank-you, Debby. I did hope the metaphor was obvious.
DeleteI love the link you made with the metronome. It can be tempting to rush in and try to play a piece quickly from the start but it's definitely best to start off slow and steady.
ReplyDeleteI teach that principle to my students and then forget it myself.
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