What does tempo mean?
We can use different words to describe music we play or listen to.
Tempo is the speed of music.
For example, music can be slow or fast.
The pulse of the music controls the tempo.
Why is tempo important?
The tempo of music can change the way it makes you feel.
Fast music might make you excited.
Slow music might make you feel calm, or even sleepy!
Some musicians practice playing at different tempos using a metronome. It makes a ticking noise so they can play at a steady tempo.
Watch: Duration and tempo
Discover more about tempo with Lightning Jelly and Beethoven.
GIRL 1: Hey! We’ve really got a beat going now!
BOY 1: HUH? My beats don’t sound quite right. What’s going on?
GIRL 1: Beats me!
GIRL 2: I told you guys we could do it. Our song is going to knock Mr. Piper’s socks off!
GIRL 3: Too bad it’s about as exciting as his sweatshirts.
BEETHOVEN: SILENCE! That does not sound like my fifth symphony. YOU need duration and tempo!
BOY 1: Beethoven! I… I was just…
BEETHOVEN: SILENCE! Let me explain… Now THIS is Beethoven’s fifth symphony, short short short LOOOONG!
BOY 1: AH, so the notes are different lengths?
BEETHOVEN: Speak up, mister whisper! I’m a trifle deaf.
BOY 1: I said the notes are…
BEETHOVEN: SILENCE! The notes are different lengths. Some are short and some are LONG!
GIRL 1: Okay, I got it! So… short.
GIRL 3: And long…
GIRL 2: So that’s duration but what about the other thing, tempo?
BOY 1: Oh! I know this! Tempo is the speed of the
BEETHOVEN: SILENCE! Tempo is the speed of the music. And to demonstrate meet my friend Zorba the Greek!
GIRL 3: Zorba the who?
BOY 2: Ooh! I know that one! It’s nice and slow.
ZORBA: Adagio! But it doesn’t stay that way for long! The tempo speeds up. Accelerando!
BEETHOVEN: Now we are playing really fast! The term for that-
BOY 1: SILENCE! The term for that is ALLEGRO!
BEETHOVEN: Haha! I like you!
GIRL 2: Hey Beethoven, what’s your favourite fruit?
BEETHOVEN: BA-NA-NA-NAAAAAAA!
Tempo challenge
Time to move! Play this game to learn more about tempo.
Mr Brown: Let’s warm up with a listening game.
Katie: Okay I’m all ears.
Mr Brown: When we hear fast music we have to run on the spot like that. And when we hear slow music we have to run in slow motion. And we’ve got until the end of the buzzer sound.
Katie: Okay, I’am ready let’s do this.
Katie: Ah! Phew.
Mr Brown: Great listening Katie
Katie: Thanks.
Glossary
Here are the meanings of some important words.
Tempo - The speed of the music.
Pulse - The steady beat that runs through the music.
Metronome - A device used by musicians that marks time at a selected rate by giving a regular tick.
Activity
Quiz
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