The term dynamics refers to the volume at which music is played. If all music was played at the same volume it would lack expression and would soon become boring. Therefore it is necessary to be able to play at a variety of dynamic levels ranging from very soft to very loud.
There are particular markings for dynamics in written music. The dynamic markings commonly used today come from Italian words. Some of these are listed as follows, along with their English translations. Practice playing a scale, and then a melody at each of these volumes.
pp | pianissimo (very soft) |
p | piano (soft) |
mp | mezzo piano (moderately soft) |
mf | mezzo forte (moderately loud) |
f | forte (loud) |
ff | fortissimo (very loud) |