In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitor athletic performance. In some embodiments, one or more control circuits and sensors are used to analyze performance as it compares to music tempo that is played during an exercise session or class, which may be done both directly and/or indirectly. In one embodiment, athletic performance during an exercise period is monitored and compared to the tempos of music played, where the music tempo is identified by one of measuring the actual tempo of the music played and/or obtaining the tempo from a database or otherwise associating the selection(s) played with an identified tempo of the music itself. In another embodiment, the music tempo is indirectly identified or analyzed, such as by analyzing the performance or cadence of a group of exercisers and comparing the performance parameters sensed to obtain a benchmark tempo from which to compare individual users.