Which term is an indication to gradually increase the tempo of a song until otherwise noted?

Which term is an indication to gradually increase the tempo of a song until otherwise noted?

• A. Adagio
• B. accent
• C. accelerando
• D. Acoustics

Answer: (C)

Gradually increasing tempo over a passage is accelerando, the instruction to speed up steadily until a new tempo is indicated. This creates forward momentum and energy as you move through the section. Adagio signals a slow tempo, so it’s the opposite of speeding up. An accent marks emphasis on a note and isn’t about tempo. Acoustics is unrelated to tempo, referring to sound properties of an environment.

Gradually increasing tempo over a passage is accelerando, the instruction to speed up steadily until a new tempo is indicated. This creates forward momentum and energy as you move through the section. Adagio signals a slow tempo, so it’s the opposite of speeding up. An accent marks emphasis on a note and isn’t about tempo. Acoustics is unrelated to tempo, referring to sound properties of an environment.