Each beat can be divided into smaller units called subdivisions. The most common subdivision is the eighth note, which divides a beat into two equal parts. Other subdivisions include sixteenth notes, triplets, and dotted notes, among others.
Musicians use the beat to stay in time with each other and to coordinate their playing. It also helps listeners feel the rhythm and understand the structure of the music.
The tempo of a piece of music refers to the speed at which the beat is played. Tempo can be indicated by terms like "adagio" (very slow), "andante" (moderate speed), "allegro" (fast), or by specific metronome markings.
Keeping a steady beat is crucial for ensemble performance and rhythmic accuracy in music. Musicians often use various techniques such as tapping their foot, clapping their hands, or following a click track to maintain a consistent tempo.