Which traditional music element refers to the speed of the beat?

Tempo is the term that specifically refers to the speed of the beat in music. It indicates how fast or slow a piece of music is performed, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM). Tempo can greatly influence the mood and feel of a piece—for instance, a fast tempo can create excitement or urgency, while a slow tempo may evoke calmness or reflection. Understanding tempo is crucial for both performers and listeners, as it serves as a foundational aspect of interpreting musical works.

In contrast, dynamics deal with the volume of music—how loud or soft a piece is played—while rhythm encompasses the pattern of sounds and silences in music but does not directly indicate the speed of those patterns. Melody involves the sequence of notes that are perceived as a single entity, which, while it may move at a certain tempo, is not itself a measure of speed. Thus, tempo is the direct and appropriate element associated with the speed of the beat.