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Glite Dictionary
M.M.

M.M.

8.2
A sign that shows how fast music should be played in beats per minute
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : M.M.
  • The score indicates a tempo of M.M. = 120 for the first movement.

Examples

  • The composer specified an M.M. of 100 to ensure the correct pace.

  • The piece is marked at M.M. 120.

  • Please set the metronome to match the M.M. marking in your sheet music.

  • Can you play it at M.M. 90?

  • Please set the metronome to match the M.M. marking in your sheet music.

  • The score indicates a tempo of M.M. = 120 for the first movement.

  • The composer specified an M.M. of 100 to ensure the correct pace.

Synonyms

bpm
vsM.M.
  • Specialized
3 3.6

Number of beats in one minute that shows how fast a song is

refers to an older abbreviation tied to a specific tempo device
metronome marking
vsM.M.
  • Specialized
6.6

The number of beats per minute that tells how fast the music should be played

is a traditional abbreviation that shows that same numbered tempo
beats per minute
vsM.M.
  • Specialized
3.1

Number of beats in music in one minute that shows a song's speed

is a traditional abbreviation that expresses that same beat count

Surface Forms

M.M. singular

Etymology

The word M.M. comes from Maelzel's Metronome, the name of the device by the maker Maelzel that shows the speed of music. So, when you see M.M. = 120 in a score, it tells you the number of 'beats per minute' to play.