Dynamics
| dynamics.pdf |
What are dynamics? Dynamics tell you how loud to play. Let’s review the different dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo. Also Cresendos and diminuendos.
Where are they written? In most instances, dynamics are written in the middle of the staff and apply to both hands. However, it is possible for dynamics to be written above or below the staff if the composer wants notes in a specific hand to be a different dynamic level. One thing to keep in mind is that you want to play whichever clef has the melody a little louder than the other. This takes a lot of balance control between each hand. Even if the dynamics are pp, whichever has the melody will be slightly louder than the hand that has the accompaniment.
Sudden and gradual changes in dynamics. A lot of times, dynamics change suddenly. Meaning you will have piano (soft) and all of a sudden, you will change to f (forte).
Dynamic levels can also change gradually with crescendos and diminuendos.
How to deal with articulations (such as accents) and dynamics. You can have accents along with a soft dynamic. You still want to play the accented notes softly, but you still want to put emphasis on them compared to the other notes you are playing at that dynamic level.
Dynamics aren’t as easy to play as it seems. Dynamics can sometimes take as much effort as learning the notes themselves. Don’t push off dynamics as your music playing will sound very flat without it.
Where are they written? In most instances, dynamics are written in the middle of the staff and apply to both hands. However, it is possible for dynamics to be written above or below the staff if the composer wants notes in a specific hand to be a different dynamic level. One thing to keep in mind is that you want to play whichever clef has the melody a little louder than the other. This takes a lot of balance control between each hand. Even if the dynamics are pp, whichever has the melody will be slightly louder than the hand that has the accompaniment.
Sudden and gradual changes in dynamics. A lot of times, dynamics change suddenly. Meaning you will have piano (soft) and all of a sudden, you will change to f (forte).
Dynamic levels can also change gradually with crescendos and diminuendos.
How to deal with articulations (such as accents) and dynamics. You can have accents along with a soft dynamic. You still want to play the accented notes softly, but you still want to put emphasis on them compared to the other notes you are playing at that dynamic level.
Dynamics aren’t as easy to play as it seems. Dynamics can sometimes take as much effort as learning the notes themselves. Don’t push off dynamics as your music playing will sound very flat without it.