Introduction

 

The Task

    You are going to discover and define the major tempo indicators  commonly used by musicians throughout the world.  In order to accomplish this task, you will need to:

• Study the background of this page to find fifteen tempo indicators.

• Explore the internet for definitions of the tempo terms.

• Visit the school and/or city libraries for resources or books about musical terms, specifically tempo indicators.

• Interview music teachers or local musicians for their input regarding tempo.

1. As a preliminary activity the teacher will play for your class CD excerpts of music representing a variety of tempi.
2. After listening, your class will discuss the music and the tempi heard.
3. Your class will be divided into groups of 4-6 students.
4. Each group will study the background of this page to find the fifteen different tempo indicators included.
5. By exploring the internet, including the links listed here, as well as other available resources, look for several definitions for each of the tempo indicators.  
6. Discuss with your group the differences between the definitions for each term, and note that some terms are defined in many ways.
7. Compose with your group, a summary definition for each tempo indicator.  The definitions should represent the opinions of your entire group.
8. On an index card, neatly print a tempo indicator on one side, and your group's summary definition on the other side. Complete one card for each term.
9. Use your cards to help your group determine the order of tempo indicators from slow to fast.  Keep in mind that sometimes the order may not be obvious and a group decision will need to be made.
10. After your group agrees on an order, arrange the cards accordingly.
11. Share your cards with the rest of the class and note any group discrepancies in order.  Discuss some possible reasons why these differences may have occurred.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Individual Performance:  Contributes to Class Discussions	Listens attentively and responds when asked for input	Listens attentively and occasionally offers unsolicited topic related input	Listens attentively and often offers unsolicited topic related input	Listens attentively, offers input and asks pertinent questions that enhance the discussion
Individual Performance:  Contributes to Group Effort	Stays on task, completes work on time, and works cooperatively most of the time	Stays on task, completes work on time, and works cooperatively all of the time	Stays on task, completes work on time, and works cooperatively with contagious enthusiasm.	Stays on task, completes work on time, works cooperatively with enthusiasm, and strives to keep group motivated
Group Performance:  Tempo Indicator Card Stack	Includes most tempo indicators, with short, legible definitions	Includes all tempo indicators, with adequate, neatly written definitions	Includes all tempo indicators, with good definitions, written neatly and legibly	Includes all tempo indicators, with excellent definitions, written in a neat, legible and creative way
Group Performance:  Presentation to Class	Introduces the card stack in a minimally informative way with little preparation	Introduces the card stack in a sufficiently informative way  with obvious preparation	Introduces the card stack in a very informative way with all group members participating	Introduces the card stack in a very creative, informative way with all group members equally involved