Mel Bay Banjo Method - Tempo

[Banjowaif]

I have been following Jody's commentary on the Bradbury Method book with great interest.

One thing that surprises me is the lack of guidance (within the book itself) on the tempo that a beginner should be aiming for before moving on or marking the piece complete. I appreciate that tempo is not the only or even most important criteria.

Thoughts anyone.

[Joel Hooks]

I'm guessing here, but this is likely due to the fact that very little banjo music has metronome markings.   Off the top of my head, I can't think of any American publication that has a specific metronome mark in the form of note=number.  Instead, banjo music will use tempo terms, which can be subjective to the mood of the piece.  Often the banjoist is left to decide on the tempo based on the style of music with no tempo term given.

[Banjowaif]

Thanks Joel. Difficult for a beginner to discern tempo though. Perhaps Jody could be persuaded to suggest tempos for the various tunes as he works through the book. Big ask I know.

Joel Hooks said:

I'm guessing here, but this is likely due to the fact that very little banjo music has metronome markings.   Off the top of my head, I can't think of any American publication that has a specific metronome mark in the form of note=number.  Instead, banjo music will use tempo terms, which can be subjective to the mood of the piece.  Often the banjoist is left to decide on the tempo based on the style of music with no tempo term given.

[Jody Stecher]

For learning purposes the best tempo is slower than concert performance tempo. I would recommend that the titled repertoire be practiced at the same tempo as the exercises. And that tempo is As Fast As Can Be Played Steadily With Clarity Of Tone.  For a beginner that will be quite a bit slower than the ideal tempo for a listener to enjoy the music. What is important is a steady pace with no slowing down and no speeding up.  

As for performance tempo that is easy to work out. Just listen to polkas, waltzes, marches etc and the range of tempo within each genre will become apparent.  

Banjowaif said:

Thanks Joel. Difficult for a beginner to discern tempo though. Perhaps Jody could be persuaded to suggest tempos for the various tunes as he works through the book. Big ask I know.

Joel Hooks said:

I'm guessing here, but this is likely due to the fact that very little banjo music has metronome markings.   Off the top of my head, I can't think of any American publication that has a specific metronome mark in the form of note=number.  Instead, banjo music will use tempo terms, which can be subjective to the mood of the piece.  Often the banjoist is left to decide on the tempo based on the style of music with no tempo term given.

[Banjowaif]

As Fast As Can Be Played Steadily With Clarity Of Tone

Thanks Jody, a good maxim!

[Jody Stecher]

For learning, yes. The fastest attainable pace will be less than full speed.

For performance, no.  I'm thinking of certain musicians (including banjoists) who played so fast that, as Chuck Berry put it, "you lose the beauty of the melody".  One of them when asked why he did this replied "Because I'm able".  The arrogance of youth perhaps.

Banjowaif said:

As Fast As Can Be Played Steadily With Clarity Of Tone

Thanks Jody, a good maxim!

[Banjowaif]

Agreed