What is the term for the speed or pace of music?

The term that specifically refers to the speed or pace of music is tempo. It indicates how fast or slow a piece of music is meant to be played, usually measured in beats per minute (BPM). Understanding tempo is essential for musicians, as it dictates the overall feel of a piece. Faster tempos can convey excitement or urgency, while slower tempos might evoke calmness or melancholy.

Rhythm pertains to the pattern of sounds and silences in music, focusing on how notes are arranged over time but not directly defining the speed at which these occur. Meter relates to the organization of beats into regular groups, which also does not indicate the speed. Dynamics refer to the volume of the music and how loud or soft it is played, rather than how quickly it is performed.