Dynamics
The term dynamics refers to the volume at which music is played or sung. If all music was played at the same volume it would lack expression and become boring. Therefore it is necessary to be able to sing at a variety of dynamic levels ranging from very soft to very loud. There are particular markings for dynamics in written music. Some of these are listed here.
Two other symbols used to indicate dynamics are the crescendo (meaning a gradual increase in volume) and the diminuendo (meaning a gradual decrease in volume).
To begin using dynamics in your singing, there are several useful exercises you can do. One is to apply the crescendo and diminuendo to a single note while maintaining an even tone, as demonstrated in the following example. If you are not sure how this should sound, listen carefully to the exercise.
Another useful exercise is to apply the same dynamics to a major scale, i.e., sing do softly and gradually increase the volume as you ascend through the scale until you are singing loudly by the time you reach the do an octave above. Then do the same thing as you descend the scale. Next, try starting loudly and get softer with each syllable until you reach the end of the scale.
The final step in adding dynamics to your singing is to apply them to a song. This is a much more personal thing and also depends on the lyrics you are trying to bring meaning to. Obviously some lyrics call for a quiet, subtle approach while others need a strong emphasis.
Listen to recordings of your favorite singers and pay particular attention to the way they use dynamics. If you are singing with an accompanist or a band, you will need to rehearse your dynamics with them so that the music can "rise and fall as one". When this happens, it feels great as well as giving the ensemble the ability to move an audience more intensely.
