1. Note Heads and Stem DirectionNote_Heads_and_Stem_Direction.html
3. Applying AccidentalsApplying_Accidentals.html
2. BarringBarring.html
5. Rhythm Slashes and the Drum SetRhythm_Slashes_and_the_Drum_Set.html
6. More on Time SignaturesMore_on_Time_Signatures.html
7. Other Staff SymbolsOther_Staff_Symbols.html
8. ArticulationArticulation.html
4. EnharmonicsEnharmonics.html
Dynamics
 
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Ornaments
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10. OrnamentsOrnaments.html
11. Writing StylesWriting_Styles.html

Dynamics Chart

Below is an excerpt from Beethoven’s symphony no. 1 in C major.

The circled portions of the notation are DYNAMIC markings.

Dynamics refer to the volume of the notes above the markings. They can tell the performer to either increase or decrease the volume of a note, relative to a note without any dynamic markings.

More dynamics terms;

crescendo

decrescendo

diminuendo

Louder

Softer

Softer

(cresc)

(decresc)

(dim)

(cresc.)

(decresc.)

Volume of this note increases

Volume of this note decreases

When we look at the Beethoven excerpt again, we can realize what the player should be doing to the volume of the notes.

Musicians can use combinations of these dynamic markings to paint a descriptive picture of what the volume of certain notes should be.