Métronome

Métronome is a device used to mark time, at a selected fixed tempo. It is a musical tool that produces a steady beat, typically in the form of clicks or beeps, which can be adjusted to different speeds. The tempo is usually indicated in beats per minute (BPM). Early forms of the metronome were developed in the early 19th century, with Johann Nepomuk Maelzel patenting a popular mechanical metronome in 1815. These mechanical metronomes use a weighted pendulum to produce their rhythmic clicks. Modern metronomes are often electronic, either as standalone devices or as applications on smartphones and computers. They offer greater precision and a wider range of features, such as different sound options, subdivisions of the beat, and the ability to program complex rhythmic patterns. Musicians use metronomes to practice and perform with a consistent tempo, ensuring accuracy and improving their sense of rhythm. It is an essential practice tool for instrumentalists and vocalists alike.