1. Expression, Articulation, and more
Dynamics
Expressive markings
Phrasing
Articulations, bow markings
Repeats, endings, and codas

2. Musicians rely on written music to inform them on every detail
Volume
Speed
Style
Creation of sound
When to start/stop
There are musical terms and symbols used to inform the musician.

3. Volume Dynamics: markings to determine volume Mostly Italian words.
Fun fact:

4. The Fortepiano
Unlike harpsichord, the volume of the pitch produced could be altered by the pressure of the player’s fingers.
Innovative
In other words, the Loudsoft.
Forte = loud
Piano = soft

5. Dynamics to declare volume at any point
pp p mp mf f ff
Pianissimo piano mezzopiano mezzoforte forte fortissimo
Very soft soft medium-soft medium-loud loud very loud
Important: Dynamic markings last from the moment they appear until a change is made by writing another dynamic marking. Printed music is all about saving ink…

6. Markings to show dynamic change across time
Instead of writing: Save ink, save time, be clearer with:

7. Markings to show dynamic change across time
Crescendo: to gradually get louder
Decrescendo: to gradually get softer
Diminuendo: to get softer quickly
Mezzo di voce: cresc-decresc hairpins, back-to-back.
Can appear as hairpins or as text:
cresc. decresc. dim.
Subito: suddenly

8. Practice
On your copy of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” add dynamic markings that match what you hear. Interpret in the most accurate way possible.
Note: when writing dynamics on music, the markings go:
Above the staff when lyrics are present
Below the staff when no lyrics are present
Between staves when writing for a chordal instrument (piano, organ, etc.)

9. Expressive markings/Phrasing
Breath marks: Apostrophe to designate a break/physical breath, dotted slur to specify no break or breath (NB also used)
Perform this example.

10. Expressive markings/Phrasing
Caesura
Caesura/GP: translates as cease, general pause. Both indicate a silent pause before continuing onward.
Fermata: hold the action below for a length determined by conductor.
Fermata

11. Articulations Articulation: the manner in which sound is created
Staccato: short, disconnected
Legato: smooth, connected
Accents: to be played with force/emphasis
Tenuto: also, perform pitch for its full duration

12. Practice
On your second copy of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” add articulation markings at your leisure. Afterwards, trade with the person next to you and perform his or hers. Be sure to:
Include one breath mark in an odd location.
Include one caesura or fermata.
Alternate between legato and staccato in one measure.
Include at least two other markings of your own.