Topmusicanswers
Dynamic markings can be placed at the beginning or anywhere else within a piece of music. For example, pianissimo (pp) means that the piece is to be played very softly until you reach the next dynamic marking. Fortissimo (ff) means that the rest of the selection is to be played very loudly.
- Where are dynamics written in music?
- How do you notate dynamics?
- Do dynamics go above or below lyrics?
Where are dynamics written in music?
In sheet music, musical symbols tell the performer how soft or loud a passage is to be played. The symbols below are listed in order from softest to loudest. Dynamic symbols will most often be located beneath the staff, meaning that the music above is to be played at the indicated dynamic.
How do you notate dynamics?
Sudden changes in dynamics may be notated by adding the word subito (meaning "suddenly") as a prefix or suffix to the new dynamic notation.
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Three Italian words are used to show gradual changes in volume:
- crescendo (abbreviated cresc.) ...
- decrescendo (abbreviated to decresc.) ...
- diminuendo (abbreviated dim.)
Do dynamics go above or below lyrics?
It's conventional for dynamics to be positioned below instrumental staves, but above vocal staves, to avoid getting in the way of lyrics.
