Dynamics

VOLUME LEVELS IN A SONG – LEVELS 1 TO 10
Very Important!!! — This is expression. This is the Pro level.

Audiences expect changes in volume so the song doesn’t sound boring.

Songs verses, portions of a verse, or even individual words are sung at different volumes.  Many times there are several changes within one verse.  Slow passionate songs have volume changes every couple of words, typically at volume levels 2 to 6.  There are single words that are sustained for a whole note or longer that may have volume changes within that single word.

Many fiery passionate endings of songs have a build up of vocal volume to levels of 8 and 9.  A pro singer constantly adjusts subtle volume levels throughout his songs.  This is what gives personality to a song.

There is almost always a rise in volume on word on the underlying beat, a noticeable emphasis.

The Musical Standard used in notation of volume levels in music are:

ppp, standing for pianississimo and meaning “very very quiet”.
pp, standing for pianissimo and meaning “very quiet”.
p or piano, meaning “quiet”.
mp, standing for mezzo-piano, meaning “moderately quiet”.
mf, standing for mezzo-forte, meaning “moderately loud”.

f or forte, meaning “loud or strong”.
ff, standing for fortissimo and meaning “very loud”.
fff, standing for fortississimo and meaning “very very loud”.

Practice