成人快手

Cartoon of a girl playing a tambourine and Beethoven looking on.

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.

Cartoon of a girl playing a tambourine and Beethoven looking on.
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Cartoon of a boy playing wooden sticks instrument in time with a metronome.

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.

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Watch: Duration and tempo

Discover more about tempo with Lightning Jelly and Beethoven.

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Tempo challenge

Time to move! Play this game to learn more about tempo.

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Cartoon of a girl stamping and clapping in time with music.

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.

Cartoon of a girl stamping and clapping in time with music.
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Activity

Quiz

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