Sixth graders learn how composers set the speed of music with Italian tempo markings, from the slow largo to the racing presto, and match each term to the speed it means.
Students will be able to…
A lullaby and a chase scene move at very different speeds. How does a composer mark how fast to play, and what do the Italian tempo terms mean?
Project this and match each Italian tempo marking to the speed it sets — tap a marking, then tap its speed.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
A lullaby and a chase scene move at very different speeds. How does a composer tell a musician how fast to play?
Students match each tempo term to its speed.
Students order terms by speed.
Students choose tempos for moods.
Students reflect on tempo.
Aligned to the National Core Arts Standards (Music).
Explain how the elements of music, such as tempo, are used in a selection.
Demonstrate understanding of expressive qualities, such as tempo and dynamics.
Describe how the elements of music are manipulated in a performance.
Present a final version of a personal composition that uses musical markings.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students pick a mood or scene, choose a fitting tempo term, and clap the beat at that pace, so tempo becomes something they feel. A printable tempo-markings worksheet is in The Arts library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.