DYNAMICS

Dynamics are the volume of Music!

LOUD AND SOFT!

In Music, there are two main dynamics or volumes. These are loud and soft.

When we are using our voices to create music, we can sing in a loud voice or in a soft voice depending on the style of the song.

In music terminology, there are different words for loud and soft.
Forte (f) means loud. Piano (p) means soft.
There are many terms used to describe the different dynamics or volumes of music, but these two are the most common.

CAN YOU SPEAK IN A LOUD OR SOFT VOICE?

You can change the volume of your voice create different dynamics.

Can you say the word dynamics in a soft voice? As quiet as you can.

Now can you say the word dynamics in a loud voice? As loud as you can!

Did you notice the difference? What did you have to do to your voice to make those different dynamics?

WHEN DO WE USE DYNAMICS?

We use our voices every day. They are what make us unique. We use different dynamics in our voices for different situations.

For example, you might use a soft voice when you are in a library and a loud voice when you are singing in the crowd at a rock concert.

Have a think about when you use a loud voice and a soft voice. Write down your answers in the table below.

SING IT LOUD!

Let’s listen to an example of a loud song.A style of music where the singers need to use loud voices is rock music.

This song is called ‘We Will Rock You’ by the band Queen.

Try singing along with the chorus in your loudest voice!

There is also a very clear rhythm in this song. See if you can stomp and clap the rhythm at the same time as singing the loud dynamics for a challenge!

HEAR IT SOFT

Let’s listen to an example of a soft song.

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was an Australian Aboriginal singer, known for is clear and gentle voice. He often sang in both English and the traditional languages of his culture.

This song is called ‘Wiyathul’ and is about Geoffrey’s love for his homeland.  

Listen to the song and think about what instruments make the dynamics soft.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Ask yourself these questions as you reflect on the videos you’ve just seen.

Q. Which dynamic displayed in the videos do you prefer? Soft or loud?

Q. Do you like singing in a soft voice or a loud voice? Why?

Q. Why do you think Queen sang using loud dynamics?

Q. Do you think the soft dynamics suited the style of Geoffrey’s song?