Here, we give examples of prosodic elements that are manipulated in musical performance to communicate structure, meaning, and affect.
The rate or tempo is the speed or pace of a piece of music, and is usually measured in beats per minute.
In this example, the rate varies, first flowing, then slowing, then speeding, and finally slowing down.
Pauses before, during, or after a musical event can be a tool for separating musical elements or for expressive effect.
The next two examples demonstrate a single, significant pause,
and multiple pauses in sequence.
Stress is the emphasis placed on an element to make it more salient than those around it. Musically, it can be achieved by an increase in loudness or duration, or a change in timbre.
Stress can make a single note or chord more prominent,
