Lesson 15: Dynamic Expression

Master piano (soft) and forte (loud) playing
Execute gradual crescendo and diminuendo
Control air pressure and speed for dynamics
Apply dynamics musically for expressive performance

Introduction

Dynamics—changes in volume—are one of the most powerful tools for musical expression. Playing everything at the same volume is like speaking in a monotone voice. Let's learn to bring your music to life!

The Dynamic Spectrum

Dynamics are indicated with Italian terms:

pp (pianissimo) - Very soft
p (piano) - Soft
mp (mezzo-piano) - Moderately soft
mf (mezzo-forte) - Moderately loud
f (forte) - Loud
ff (fortissimo) - Very loud

How to Control Volume on Recorder

Unlike piano or strings, recorder volume is controlled through air:

For SOFT (piano): Slow, gentle air stream - think of blowing on hot soup to cool it
For LOUD (forte): Faster, more pressurized air - but NOT more breath! Keep embouchure firm
Key principle: Air speed, not air quantity, determines volume

Critical: Increasing volume on recorder requires careful control! Too much air makes notes go sharp (higher pitch) and sound harsh. The sweet spot for loud playing is faster air with stable embouchure.

Play each note for 4 beats, starting soft and getting gradually louder.

Technique: Start with gentle air, gradually increase air speed (not force). Keep pitch stable!

The opposite: start loud, gradually get softer.

Challenge: This is harder! Maintain tone quality as you get softer—don't let the sound get breathy.

Crescendo and Diminuendo

Crescendo (cresc. or <) - Gradually getting louder

Diminuendo or Decrescendo (dim. or >) - Gradually getting softer

Start piano (soft) and gradually crescendo to forte (loud) by the end.

Start soft... gradually louder... end loud!

Start forte (loud) and gradually diminuendo to piano (soft).

Start loud... gradually softer... end soft!

Musical Application: Echo Effects

Play each phrase twice: first forte (f), then piano (p) like an echo.

First time: f (loud) | Second time: p (soft, like an echo)

Dynamic Contrast in Performance

Let's add expressive dynamics to a familiar pattern!

Suggested dynamics: mf - mf - f - f - f - f - mp (dim.)

Getting louder in the middle, then softer at the end.

Common Dynamic Mistakes

❌ Blowing harder for forte - This makes notes sharp! Use faster air speed instead
❌ Breathy tone when playing piano - Maintain proper embouchure even when soft
❌ Sudden changes - Crescendo and diminuendo should be smooth and gradual
❌ Losing pitch - Volume changes shouldn't affect pitch. Keep embouchure stable!
❌ Overdoing it - Musical dynamics are subtle. Don't blast fortissimo all the time!

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Notes go sharp when playing loud	Reduce air pressure, focus on air speed. Firm embouchure.
Breathy sound when soft	Maintain embouchure seal, use focused (not scattered) air stream
Can't play soft enough	Practice blowing slower. Think "cool" breath, not "warm" breath
Volume is uneven across range	Normal! Low notes naturally louder. Adjust air for each register

Practice Routine (20 minutes daily)

Long tones with crescendo/diminuendo - 5 minutes
Exercises 1-4 (scales with dynamics) - 7 minutes
Apply dynamics to familiar songs - 5 minutes
Echo exercises - 3 minutes

Musical Context: In Baroque music (Bach, Handel, Vivaldi), dynamics were often "terraced"—sudden changes from soft to loud, like steps. In Classical and Romantic music (Mozart, Brahms), dynamics are more gradual and expressive. Understanding historical context helps you choose appropriate dynamics for different repertoire!

Mastery goal: Execute smooth crescendo and diminuendo without pitch fluctuation. Maintain clear tone quality at both piano and forte volumes. Apply dynamics musically to enhance phrase structure and emotional expression. Understand that dynamics are controlled by air speed, not air quantity.

Next: Lesson 16 - Simple Duets