# Tempo (Italian, "time")

Source: https://arcosounds.com/glossary/tempo

**Tempo is the speed of a piece, given either as an Italian term such as Allegro or Adagio or as a precise metronome marking in beats per minute.**

Traditional Italian markings describe character as well as speed: Largo suggests breadth, Adagio is slow, Andante suggests a walking pace, Moderato is moderate, Allegro is fast and Presto is very fast. Their interpretation depends on the piece, period, metre and note values; BPM ranges printed on metronomes are guides, not universal definitions. A numerical marking specifies a note value and a rate, such as quarter note = 80.

Choose a practice tempo at which you can play a passage comfortably and accurately. Repeat it while listening for steady rhythm and relaxed movement, then raise the metronome a few beats at a time. If accuracy or ease deteriorates, slow down again. The written performance tempo is a destination, not a requirement for every practice attempt.

Canonical source: https://arcosounds.com/glossary/tempo