Module 1: the elements of music why should we care about the elements of music? pitch rhythm it is composed of both the strong, accented pulses as well as the weaker, unaccented pulses. the pattern of these pulses comprises rhythm. some of the earliest music consisted almost entirely of rhythm, in the form of drumming or clapping. a. beat - the basic time unit within a piece of music. b. c. in other words, syncopation involves disrupting or interrupting the expected or normal rhythm of music. d. it is one way that musicians and composers can maintain a consistent pace in the music. e. 1. 2. adagio: slow 3. moderato: moderate tempo 4. allegro: fast 5. presto: very fast (these are general terms – they are dependent on how an individual decides to interpret them. a fast tempo for one individual may be slightly faster or slower than a fast tempo for an