Tempo

Music is based in time, a steady, recurring pulse that makes us tap our feet, dance, and nod our heads. These are all examples of how we keep rhythmic time.

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The tempo is the speed of the pulse of the music.

Music can be played at a slow tempo such as in a blues ballad,

or at a fast tempo in an EDM dance track,

or anywhere in between.

BPM

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Tempo is calculated in BPM - Beats Per Minute.

What is BPM?

In medical terms, a person’s pulse or heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute.

A considered “normal” resting heart rate is around 60 BPM.

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So resting is when we are calm. Life is good, not a worry in the world. As our day gets busy, our heart rate increases. It is the same with different styles of music. The more excited we get, in order to convey that excitement to the listener, the faster the tempo will get. Music tempo tells the story of our excitement level.

Here are some examples of BPMs commonly used in popular music.

Popular Music BPMs

Even in classical music we use different terms to express the BPM of a piece of music.

Classical Terms for BPM

None of these style's tempo are cast in stone, but it is something to think about as you’re creating the next big hit.

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Why are we spending so much time talking about BPM? I have always felt the BPM and rhythm were the two critical factors that make people love and embrace music. I have worked on projects, where the mix was completed and someone would say, "It just doesn’t feel right." The tempo was changed slightly and all of a sudden everyone in the room said, “Oh yea! That’s it.” We all felt it. That’s what it’s all about.

For me and for most people I’ve spoken with, we agree that the importance of rhythm was overlooked in our education. It is a vital skill for a musician to acquire the ability to hold a steady tempo and play a solid rhythmic part. You don't want to go back, after years of study, to practice and get good with your timing. Let’s deal with all the aspects of rhythm and put that chapter behind us.

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Rhythm Lesson List

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Opening Statements Tempo / BPM Notes and Measures Time Signatures Whole, 1/2, and 1/4 Notes Creating Rhythms Rhythm / Dictation Exercises 1 The Importance of Drums Introduction to Drums Rests, Ties (Whole, 1/2, and 1/4 Notes)

🏗️ Rhythm / Dictation Exercises 2 - in process

🏗️ Dotted Half Notes and Ties - in process

Rhythm / Dictation Exercises 3

🏗️ Rhythm / Dictation with melody

🏗️ The Breakdown Introduction

🏗️ Breakdown 1

1/8 Notes Rests, Ties (1/8 Notes)Dotted 1/4 Notes Rhythm Exercises Drum Charts Drum Dictation and Listening Exercises

🏗️ Breakdown 2a

🏗️ Breakdown 2b

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