Which term describes the speed at which a piece of music is played or sung?

The term that describes the speed at which a piece of music is played or sung is tempo. Tempo indicates how fast or slow the music should be performed, typically measured in beats per minute (BPM). It sets the pace for the entire composition, influencing the feel and mood of the piece. For example, a fast tempo can create excitement and energy, while a slow tempo can evoke calmness or melancholy.

Dynamics, on the other hand, relates to the volume of the music, indicating how loud or soft the notes are played. Articulation refers to how notes are executed, including their connectedness or separation, which affects the clarity of performance. Intonation relates to pitch accuracy and tuning within a performance context. Each of these terms plays a crucial role in music but specifically does not address the speed of music, making tempo the correct choice in this context.