<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (March 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (March 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> In musical terminology, tempo ("time" in Italian) is the speed or pace of a given piece . In classical music, tempo is typically indicated with an instruction at the start of a piece (often using conventional Italian terms) and is usually measured in beats per minute (or bpm). In modern classical compositions, a "metronome mark" in beats per minute may supplement or replace the normal tempo marking, while in modern genres like electronic dance music, tempo will typically simply be stated in bpm . </P> <P> Tempo may be separated from articulation and meter, or these aspects may be indicated along with tempo, all contributing to the overall texture . While the ability to hold a steady tempo is a vital skill for a musical performer, tempo is changeable . Depending on the genre of a piece of music and the performers' interpretation, a piece may be played with slight tempo rubato or drastic accelerando . In ensembles, the tempo is often indicated by a conductor or by one of the instrumentalists, for instance the drummer . </P>

Where are tempo markings written in a music score