Fast and Slow, Loud and Quiet

Fast and Slow Music#

Have you ever noticed that some music makes you want to run and jump, while other music makes you want to close your eyes and rest? That is because some music is fast and some is slow!

What Is Tempo?#

The word tempo is a musical word that means how fast or slow the music is. Musicians often use Italian words for tempo because many music traditions started in Italy long ago.

Here are some tempo words:

• Allegro — fast and lively (say it: ah-LEG-ro)
• Moderato — medium speed, not too fast and not too slow (say it: mod-er-AH-to)
• Adagio — slow (say it: ah-DAH-jee-oh)
• Presto — very fast, like lightning! (say it: PREH-sto)

How Dös Tempo Make You Feel?#

Fast music tends to feel:

• Exciting and energetic
• Playful and fun
• Urgent or nervous
• Happy and bouncy

When you hear fast music, you might want to run, dance, jump, or clap quickly!

Slow music tends to feel:

• Calm and peaceful
• Sad or thoughtful
• Gentle and cozy
• Sleepy and relaxed

When you hear slow music, you might want to sway gently, tiptö softly, or even fall asleep!

Examples from Real Life#

Think about:

• Lullabies — these are slow and gentle to help babies sleep
• Marching music — fast and strong to help soldiers march in step
• Dance music — usually fast and energetic to make people want to dance
• Sad songs — often slow and quiet

Music Can Change Tempo!#

Sometimes music starts slow and then gets faster and faster. This can create excitement and tension — like the music in a chase scene in a movie!

Other times music starts fast and then slows down — this can make it feel like things are winding down and coming to a close.

Moving to Different Tempos#

Let's practice! Try:

• Walking fast when you hear fast music
• Walking in slow motion when you hear slow music
• Tiptö when music is very slow and quiet
• Stomp with big steps when music is fast and strong

Your body is a great tool for understanding music!