Basics of Sound: Element 2 - Tempo

​What is tempo?

​Tempo means 'speed'. It is usually fixed for the length of a song or movement, through tempo changes can happen.

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The picture shows a metronome, which musicians use to help them play in time when they practice at home.

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​The numbers on the metronome show the BPM (beats per minute). Sheet music will sometimes give an exact bpm. Often an Italian temp term will be given instead (like allegro). Sometimes both a term and a bpm are give.

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​Allegro means 'fast and lively'. It can be anywhere from 120 - 168 BPM

Listen to the following examples to hear songs at different​ Allegro BPMs.

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​68 BPM

​66 BPM

​Adagio means 'slow'. It can be anywhere from 66-76 BPM

Listen to the following examples to hear songs at different​ Adagio BPMs.

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of tempo?

• The way the music goes

• The fast and slows of the music; the speed

• The highs and lows of music

• The louds and quiets of music

Multiple Choice

What does BPM stand for?

• British Power Module

• Beats Power Major

• Beats Per Minute

• Beats Per Mete

Multiple Choice

What is the Italian word for fast?

• Presto

• Allegro

• Andante

• Adagio

Multiple Choice

Which of these words means 'slow'?

• Adagio

• Andante

• Presto

• Allegro

​Rallentando means to gradually slow down (in the music).

​Example:

​Example:

​Accelerando means to gradually speed up (in the music).

​Sanju Sahai - performing on the tabla an ancient instrument from India. Listen as he slowly gets faster and faster. This song is supposed to represent a train.

​Largo - very Slow (40-60 BPM)

Andante - Walking Pace (76-108 BPM)​

Moderato - medium fast (108-120 BPM)

Presto - Very Fast (168-200 BPM)​

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Multiple Choice

Listen to the music example and select the correct term to describe what is happening in the music.

• Accelerando

• Rallentando