Music literacyDynamics

Composers use a range of signs and symbols to convey how they want their music to be played. Learning to recognise these instructions is an important skill to develop.

Part of MusicUnderstanding music

Dynamics

Dynamics describe how loud or soft the music is. Dynamics terms, like tempo terms, are often in Italian:

Dynamics table. Pianissimo pp. Piano p. Mezzo piano mp. Diminuendo >. Fortissimo ff. Forte f. Mezzo forte mf. Crescendo <. Sforzando sfz.

As with tempo terms, dynamics usually appear on sheet music in their abbreviated form. You should learn these as well as the full terms.