Lesson 4: Rhythm

In this lesson, you are learning about: Note values Dotted notes Practice Opportunity Rests Time signatures Practice Opportunity Tempo and Dynamic markings

Tempo and Dynamic Markings By this time, you may have a fairly good understanding of musical notation. Now you just need to become familiar with a few terms that describe how the music should be played. Tempo markings Tempo markings usually appear above the staff at the beginning of the music. New tempo markings may be inserted anywhere in the music. Classical music tends to use the Italian terms described below. Contemporary music tends to use English terms such as "lively," or "slow rock tempo." Metronome markings are also sometimes used. Dynamic markings Dynamic markings describe how loudly or softly the music should be played. Dynamic markings are usually placed under the staff as needed. Other terms and markings are also used. On-line references are available.

Tempo	Meaning		Dynamic	Meaning
Presto	Very fast		pp	Pianissimo, very softly
Allegro	Fast		p	Piano, softly
Moderato	Moderate tempo		mp	Mezzo-piano, medium soft
Andante	Flowing, a "walking pace."		mf	Mezzo-forte, medium loud
Adagio	Fairly slow		f	Forte, loudly
Larghetto	Slow		ff	Fortissimo, very loudly
Largo	Very slowly		Crescendo or cresc.	Gradually louder
Accelerando, accelerato or acc.	Gradually faster		Decrescendo or decresc.	Graudally softer
Rallentando, Ritardando, ritardare, ritardato or rit.	Gradually slower, holding back		Subito or sub.	Suddenly. For example, sub p indicates suddenly soft.
				This graphical item may appear under the staff. It means: Crescendo.
				This graphical item may appear under the staff. It means: Decrescendo.