Tempo in Music

Front

Tempo

Back

Terms used when speaking about the speed or pace of music. We use them to describe whether a piece is slow, fast or whether the speed or pace changes over time. Tempo marks can be placed at the beginning or throughout a piece of music.

Front

Metronome

Back

A device used to measure the speed or pace of music. The unit of measurement for speed in music is "beats per minute" or "bpm".

Front

Grave [Grah-vay]

Back

Very slow

Front

Largo [Lar-go]

Back

Slow and broad, Spaced out

Front

Lento [Len-toe]

Back

Slow

Front

Adagio [A-dah-jee-oh]

Back

Slow but moving, Slow with expression

Front

Andante [An-dan-tay]

Back

At a walking pace

Front

Moderato [Maw-deh-rah-toe]

Back

At a moderate pace

Front

Allegretto [Ah-leg-ret-toe]

Back

A little fast, Almost fast

Front

Allegro [Ah-leg-row]

Back

Fast, Quick