How to Use Our Metronome

1. Adjust the BPM (Beats per Minute) by clicking the buttons to the left and right for the BPM setting.
2. Adjust the notes per measure. The default is four.
3. Uncheck the “Stress first beat” button if you don’t want to have the first beat of a measure sound different.
4. Click the “Play” button or press the spacebar.
5. Click pause or press the spacebar to pause the metronome.

Our Favorite Physical Metronomes

What Is a Metronome?

Metronomes are tools or devices that help a person improve their ability to follow and focus at a certain pace. Metronomes are typically used by musicians to guide them, however there are also Interactive Metronomes, a computer based version that is used in therapy to help patients with their cognitive performance. Similar to how the traditional metronomes are used for.

Traditional Metronomes

Metronomes are devices that produce repeated clicking sounds at a certain pace that can be adjusted by the user. The traditional metronomes are made out of wood, but today are usually made up of plastic, and have a pyramid-like shape. In the 20th century, electric metronomes were invented.

The first successful metronome was invented in 1812 in Amsterdam by Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel, a Dutch German inventor. Later on in 1816, Johann Nepumuk Mälzel, a German inventor, was inspired by Winkel’s vision, he decided to work on the device and patented it for musicians to use. He then took credit for inventing the metronome.

Most musicians use the traditional metronomes to practice their timing to help them play along the rhythm accurately. It is also used as a recording tool during performances to make sure the rhythm is measured and precise.

Interactive Metronome

Interactive metronomes are connected to computers, wherein patients follow various exercises with headphones attached to their ear for auditory and visual feedback.

It was invented in 1992, by Jim Cassily. He invented the IM to help musicians and athletes to improve their focus and coordination. He realized that the traditional metronomes didn’t offer as effective results, therefore he decided to work on a metronome that could provide the best results.

Although the IM was originally used for musicians, Jim Cassily had an even better idea that would help people further improve their auditory feedback, and overall brain efficiency. Which is why he created the IM, which could monitor and have more thorough feedback on an individual’s performance. Today IM are used by healthcare professionals during therapy to help patients work on their timing and rhythm, and help improve their sensory integration. They are shown to help your timing, memory, cognition, focus, and motor and sensory skills.