Dynamics
Student learning materials and activities
The Italian word for ‘get louder’ is crescendo (cresh-en-doe).
The symbol for crescendo starts small. It gets bigger as you get louder
The Italian word for ‘get quieter’ is decrescendo (de-cresh-end-o).
The symbol for decrescendo starts big, but gets smaller as you get quieter.
These words are often shortened to cresc. and decres.
There are also Italian words and symbols that tell you to gradually get louder or quieter.
cresc.
decres.
Crescendo
Decrescendo
Dynamics add expression and feeling into music.
Different moods can be created by using dynamics.
Using an instrument of your choice play a rhythm and experiment with different dynamics.
Describe the moods or feelings that you create with different dynamics?
What kind of dynamics would you use to build suspense?
Q
Let's Practice!
Q
Dynamics are special words or instructions in music that tell you how loudly or quietly to play.
These words are usually in Italian, because music was first printed in Italy.
They are often shortened to one or two letters and are written under the notes.
Let's practice!
