Taylor Sappe

BMI affiliated published songwriter since 1979
Private Music Instructor at DeMelfi School of Music and "in-your-home" instruction

Photo by Ken Gallagher

Playing with “feeling”

Not to be confused with playing with “feel”. However, the two have one thing in common: Dynamics.

Dynamics

The volume level or amount of loudness is called “dynamics” in musical terms. When you play with feel, there are dynamic changes between beats. When you play with “feeling” the dynamic changes occur between phrases.

Detailed sheet music often uses dynamic markings to help you to express your music with feeling. Here are some examples of dynamic markings:

pp = Very Soft
p = Soft
mp = Medium soft
mf = medium loud
f = loud
ff = Extra loud
sfz = Extremely loud

Additionally, there are dynamic symbols that look like this:

 = Start at current volume level and increase volume.

 = Start at current volume level and decrease volume.

They are often combined with dynamic markings:

 = Start soft and increase volume to extremely loud.

= Start very loud and decrease volume to very soft.

All of the above dynamic indicators are intended for both voice and instruments. However, the human voice has another means of expression for which there are no dynamic indicators. Anger, happy, sad, etc. are all human emotions that can be projected through the sound of the voice.

Tempo changes

Changing tempo is another means of expression for the instrument and voice. You can slow down the tempo to create anticipation, such as waiting for the other shoe to drop, or you can speed up the tempo to create excitement or a sense of hurriedness.

Application

In the recording studio and in live performance situations, all of the above should be used. Although you have more control in the studio, you should apply as much of the above as you can to live performances as well. Combined with the principles from the previous article, “Playing with Feel”, your recordings will sound clean and professional.

Dynamic changes in a phrase should not affect the positioning of strong and weak beats. As your overall dynamics change, so should your strong and weak beats, but the difference between your strong and weak beats should remain the same.

Example:

Combine all of this with your instruments and vocals, then add the emotion to your vocal and sing like you really mean it, and you are on your way to being hit record material.

For complete private instruction, email me.