| Music Tempo tells you the suggested speed of | | | | Moderato means play at a Moderate speed. |
| the piano sheet music. It is written as an Italian | | | | Andante means play at a Slow, Walking speed. |
| word or as a metronome marking. | | | | Adagio means play Slow and Graceful. |
| Tempo is measured on BPM or beats per minute. | | | | If the composer wants to be very specific they |
| The second hand on a clock ticks at 60 BPM. All | | | | will write an exact metronome marking: |
| of the tempo markings are taken from this | | | | The beat = 120. |
| measurement. Most dance music is played at a | | | | This means play the piece with the beat set at |
| range of 120 - 150 BPM. | | | | 120 BPM or Beats per Minute. To find this exact |
| You will find the tempo markings at the very top | | | | speed you will need a metronome. A metronome |
| of piano sheet music. It tells you the suggested | | | | is a device that ticks at a set number of BPM. |
| speed to aim for once you have learned the | | | | There are 2 types of metronomes. The first is |
| piece. When you are learning a piece, practice at a | | | | mechanical - which you wind up like a clock. The |
| steady, comfortable speed - the slower the | | | | second is electronic which operates from a |
| better! Once you have mastered the notes and | | | | battery. |
| rhythm, then begin to up the tempo. | | | | Most electronic keyboards have inbuilt |
| Here are some popular Italian tempo markings: | | | | metronomes or drum beats. A drum beat is great |
| Vivace means play Fast and Lively. | | | | to play along with as it gives an extra dimension |
| Allegro means play Quickly. | | | | to your playing. |