This may seem a bit odd, but does anyone know if there is something online that can tell you instantly what the metronome number is on any piece of music? Like, you stick in an mp3 recording and the program on the computer instantly detects the speed? Or maybe is there a place online that lists the common metronome number on music that is played the way you are used to hearing it, and covers all music genres?

(hope this makes sense. )

Hello
I think I might have found the answer. I haven't used it yet, but here is what I think you're talking about

http://www.mixmeister.com/bpmanalyzer/bpmanalyzer.asp

it's a free program.

Let me know if it works.

That's perfect!!!! And yes - it works! So cool! Thank you very much, Alison. That program is just what I needed. I have certain songs on my ipod that I listen to when I run and I was curious to know the tempo speed (without having to figure it out myself) that fits my comfortable running pace. Seems my normal pace falls between 84 and 90 bpm, or I should probably say my spm (steps per minute...I dunno...just being silly).

But I also am glad to have this program because I can instantly pop in a piano file played by a professional player and now know what number to shoot for in my own playing. Just did that with a Granados piece...so neat! love this...

good- glad it works. Now I will know what I should get when I need something like that.

Judging from how the software appears to behave, I'm guessing it is calculating the average bpm for the entire song. Not exactly helpful if there were contrasting fast and slow movements in the same piece. However, I could see it being very helpful if I chopped up an audio clip into chunks and had it analyze each section. The choir director at our church has this device where you hold it and push a button when you feel the beat and after a few seconds it will read a digital display of the current bpm. I will see if I can find out what it is and where she got it.

Hi Monica,

I do it the old fashion way. I listen to the music, get the pulse into my head, then I get up and go over to the metronome on the piano, and turn the dial to match the pulse in my head. I probably don't always get it exactly right, but very close to it.

David

Hi David,

Sometimes I skip the metronome altogether. I'll go to my computer and listen to the piece on Youtube or something like that, and then I'll quickly run to the piano and start playing.

lol Monica ... I do the exact same thing!!! except it's more like a pained limp in my case! hehe

Sounds like you can get some aerobics and cardio at the same time -- skipping and quickly running.

Scott

Don't forget stair-climbing! Both of my computers are on different floors than where my piano is located. Maybe I really don't need to go to the gym as often as I do.

A lot of the digital metronomes have what's called tap tempo, you tap on a pad along with the music and it will tell you how many PBMs you're tapping.

Oh, that's great. I didn't know that. Thank you!