Dynamics (optional)

The dynamics of a piece describe its volume (loudness or softness) relative to the rest of the piece. Dynamics symbols can be written in a variety of places, but are commonly found between staves or directly above the notes. They are optional in music notation, although in complex pieces, dynamics play a large role in shaping the quality of the song.

Example: The hairpin-shaped symbols above are dynamics symbols called crescendo and diminuendo (or decrescendo). When written in music, they mean gradually louder and gradually softer, respectively. Like Tempo terms, we must memorize their shapes to understand their respective meanings.

Review

  1. Dynamics describe the loudness or softness of a piece.
  2. Dynamics terms can be found almost anymore, though they are commonly found between staves or directly above notes.
  3. Definitions of dynamics terms are found in Lesson 5: Terms.
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