Dynamics mark the relative changes in intensity, and do not express precise decibel levels a song in mezzo-piano played by two different pianists will sound slightly louder or softer depending on factors such as the players’ interpretations and the voices of their instruments.

Musical dynamics control the volume of a song, and may be signified by words, symbols, or both. Arpeggiated chords are usually played from low to high, unless marked by a downward arrow.

Arpeggio: A squiggly vertical line in front of a chord means its notes are hit quickly in order, not simultaneously to create a harp-like effect.

A fermata is also called a hold or a bird’s eye.

Fermata: An indication to hold a note or chord for any desired length.

In piano music, notes connected by a tie are struck as one note, and are held for the total duration of all the tied notes.

Tie: A curved line that joins two or more notes of the same pitch.

In piano music, the individual notes must be struck, but there should be no audible spaces between them.

Legato or Slur: Connects two or more different notes.

* Sforzando is also considered a dynamics command. When a single note is affected, the abbreviation sfz is used.

Sforzando: Makes a note considerably louder than surrounding notes.

Marcato: Informally referred to as simply an “accent,” a marcato makes a note slightly more pronounced than surrounding notes.

Staccatissimo: A small wedge or straight comma above a note that creates an exaggerated staccato a very brief note.

(Not to be confused with a rhythm dot, which is written after a note-head).

Staccato: A small dot written above or below a note that makes it brief in duration.

This concept is called “ articulation.”Ĭommon symbols affecting articulation include: Accents and curved lines placed around music notes change the way they sound and relate to each other.

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