An electronic metronome with optional accentuation

Abstract

Many musicians have problems in keeping a regular rhythm or speed when playing their instrument. To help with this, most employ a metronome when practising. Metronomes produce a regularly emitted sound which can be altered in speed (between 40 beats per minute — largo, and 208 beats per minute — prestissimo) according to the speed of the music being played. They help discipline the musician into playing at the correct speed. For my GCSE electronics project earlier this year I decided to design and build an electronic metronome that also had the option of producing an accent every second, third or fourth beat — depending on the particular type of time signature — 2/4, 3/4 (waltz), or 4/4 ‘time’ of the music being played. This added option helps in disciplining the musician's mind into playing rhythmically.Therefore my design brief read: ‘I want to design a device that will give a regular ‘tick’ which can be varied in frequency to keep time for a musical instrument, i.e. a metronome. It will also have the option of giving emphasis on every second, third, or fourth beat.’