Andantino, translated literally means slower than Andante, but it is more often used incorrectly meaning faster than Andante.
Moderato, moderate; the mediate between fast and slow.
Allegretto, cheerful.
Allegro, quick.
Vivo, quick.
Presto, very quick.
To many of the above words is added the ending issimo which gives the word to which it is added its superlative degree. Other terms are oftentimes combined with the above words to characterize the movement. Every pupil should have a dictionary of musical terms for constant reference.
The majority of piano students have an absolute disregard for note values and tempo marks which are so important that the pupils fail to gain any good results from their study unless they understand and pay strict attention to these marks. The incompetency of so many teachers is somewhat responsible for this state of affairs, but the majority of piano studies and methods is more largely responsible. In second grade studies, there are many which, if written in a judicious manner, would be excellent second grade work, but when played as they are written and as their tempo mark demands require a virtuoso to execute them correctly. These studies have led pupils to playing allegro movements in largo tempo. At the end of a week's practice a moderato tempo may be the result. Continued enforced disregard can produce nothing but habitual disregard for tempo marks. The teacher should constantly remind the student of these facts and, in as far as possible, omit such studies as cannot be played a tempo. Many exercises may be rewritten in a playable manner by the teacher, who, by so doing, would not only impress the pupil with the importance of tempo marks, but would develop his ability to read from manuscript, an ability which, unfortunately, is almost universally lacking in pupils.
EXERCISES.
ORAL AND WRITTEN.