Playing Dynamics A Review of Volume

Step One: Recognizing the Symbols pp = pianissimo = play very soft P = piano = play soft mp = mezzo piano = play medium soft mf = mezzo forte = play medium loud f = forte = loud ff = fortissimo = very loud

Step Two: Realizing the Symbols Each dynamic level stands for a different volume level. The softest dynamic level (pp) corresponds to the level 1. The loudest dynamic level (ff) corresponds to the higher numbers. Moving from the quietest to the loudest is called a crescendo. Moving from the loudest to the softest is called a decrescendo.

Step 3: Producing the Range of Volume on Your Instrument Play the loudest you can play on your instrument with a good sound. That is your ff dynamic level. Play the softest you play on your instrument with a good sound. That is your pp dynamic level.

Step 4: Applying the dynamics in Context When you play a piece of music, and you come across a dynamic, you need to play the correct dynamic level. Watch out for crescendos and decresendos.

Step 5: Evaluating your Performance You can record your performance and follow the music as you listen to judge if you played the dynamics correctly. If you don’t notice the change in dynamics, you will have to emphasize the difference between them.