Just wondering how other arranger players determine what tempo to use. Tap button? Stop watch? Referring back to original recordings? Just rely on what your ear? Or…?

Depends on the audience ... if it's a real 'dance crowd' I might get some info from a web site such as this ...
http://bobjanuary.com/ballroom.htm

For Seniors, if they are not dancing, I even play 'ballads' with a little up-tempo ...

Restaurants, Country Clubs, etc. 'listening' music, pretty much how I want to hear it ...

Good list of tempos for the ballroom dancers. Thanks Tony.

In my group we are starting to play more and more current Latin dance songs. I can usually find good styles but often times I have to modify the tempos.

I've tried to use the tap button while listening to the recording but I find that it's not too accurate. Often times I'll listen to recording and count how beats occur in 10 seconds and then multiply by 6 to get the BPM. I've been doing this so long (both as a keyboardist and a drummer) I can listen to a song a get real close to the BPM.

If you’re covering current hits I think it's crucial to get the tempo just right.

Both of these programs are quite accurate in finding bpm.


http://www.abyssmedia.com/bpmcounter/

http://download.cnet.com/Virtual-DJ/3000-18502_4-10212112.html?tag=main;pop

Thanks Scott- those work great! I also just found a free apps for my iphone that work well too. It's called "DJ Tempo"