Musical Tempo and Terms

accelerando

• the tempo gradually gets faster

• the tempo gradually slows down

• the volume increases gradually

• the pitch changes gradually

ritardando

• the tempo gradually gets slower

• the tempo gradually gets faster

• the tempo remains constant

• the tempo increases suddenly

adagio

• perform the music slow and stately, around 55-65 BPM

• perform the music quickly and lightly, around 120-140 BPM

• perform the music in a moderate tempo, around 80-100 BPM

• perform the music with a fast and lively tempo, around 140-160 BPM

allegretto

• perform the music slowly, around 60-80 BPM

• perform the music moderately fast, around 112-120 BPM

• perform the music very fast, around 140-160 BPM

• perform the music at a moderate pace, around 80-100 BPM

allegro

• perform the music fast, around 120-156 BPM

• perform the music slowly, around 60-80 BPM

• perform the music at a moderate pace, around 80-120 BPM

• perform the music very fast, above 156 BPM

Beats per minute (BPM)

• A measure of the tempo in music

• A number that defines how many beats occur in one minute

• The speed of a song in terms of lyrics

• A unit of measurement for sound frequency

vivace

• perform the music fast and lively, around 168-176 BPM

• perform the music slowly and softly, around 60-70 BPM

• perform the music at a moderate pace, around 100-120 BPM

• perform the music with a strong emphasis, around 140-160 BPM

subito

• a sudden or quick change in tempo

• a gradual increase in volume

• a slow and steady pace

• a brief pause in music

tempo

• the speed of a piece of music

• the volume of a piece of music

• the key signature of a piece of music

• the duration of a piece of music

metronome

• A device used to help musicians keep track of a steady beat, can be adjusted to be a fast or slow tempo

• A tool for measuring the volume of sound in a musical piece

• A type of musical instrument that produces sound by vibrating strings

• A software application for composing and arranging music