Elements of Music
Tempo
Tempo Tempo (an Italian word for time) refers to the speed or pace of the music – basically, whether it is fast or slow. The tempo of a piece will usually be found at the start of a piece of music and often tempo is shown as beats per minute (BPM). It is the part of the song that you can tap your foot to.
Most popular music that we listen to has a constant, steady tempo whereas classical music tends to vary in tempo. Composers and songwriters may use a moderate tempo (neither fast nor slow), or even change its tempo part-way through the piece of music.
How do you describe Tempo? You should first describe the tempo as a steady or free pace. And then choose one of these descriptive terms: Lento (slow) Andante (walking pace) Moderato (moderately) Allegro (fast, quickly, bright) Vivace (lively and fast) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempo
Examples “Somebody That I Used to Know” Cover by: Walk Off the Earth http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OAj5RrpA hM “Nocturne in E flat” Chopin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZUw78FXp G4