Lesson

Seven The Elements of Music: DYNAMICS

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the learning experience,

student must be able to:
 determine the concepts of musical symbols pertaining to volume of sounds in
music;
 analyze the concept of dynamics through a wide variety of dynamic levels;
 applies the appropriate dynamic levels in vocal and instrumental music.
 Produce a lesson plan pertaining to the concepts of musical form

Sounds are all around us. We hear different kinds of sounds in different durations. We also hear
sounds and music in different intensities.

Activity

A. Try to say the following statement following the instructions.

(loud) Stop!
P(soft) hush, someone is praying.
(very loud) shoot the ball!
(very soft) Shh..keep quite the baby is sleeping.

Analysis

Write and discuss your interpretations or concept made from the activity.

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“No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in
writing from the University of Southern Mindanao.
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Why do you think there is loudness and softness in music?

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Abstraction

Dynamics are the one of the most important parts of playing music. It is the element of music
that refers to describe the of volume of music. Why are dynamics being important? Dynamics add
variety, contrast and unexpected surprises to music; the art of bringing out the beauty of musical
compositions. By changing the volume in music help create and communicate to listeners a sense of
movement in space, as well as internal movement of moods, feelings and emotions. Dynamic signs are
written above or below the notes of the staff that are to be played and interpreted by the musicians and
perform by the singers. The loud and intensified music creates great tension, while soft music creates
a feeling of calmness and tranquility.

Dynamic Signs
Symbol Italian Term English Term

Pp pianissimo Very soft

P piano Soft

Mp mezzo-piano Moderately soft

“No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in
writing from the University of Southern Mindanao.
 Mf mezzo-forte Moderately loud

F forte Loud

Ff fortissimo Very loud

gradually getting louder

crescendo without getting slow in tempo

gradually getting softer without

changing in tempo
decrescendo

Synapse Strengtheners

A. Watch the link to understand more what is dynamics : Anton Bruckner - excerpt from the
4th movement (out of 4) of his Symphony N.4 "Romantic"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsctgL7U_Dc
B. Perform this following the concept of dynamics:

“No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in
writing from the University of Southern Mindanao.
 Source: https://www.aboutmusictheory.com/music-dynamics.html

References

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(16)USM Student Manual

“No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in
writing from the University of Southern Mindanao.