Beginner Piano Lesson #21

Playing with Expression: Dynamics

So far, you’ve learned notes, rhythm, chords, and simple songs. Now it’s time to make your music sound more musical by using dynamics (how loud or soft you play).

New Musical Terms

• p (Piano) = play softly
• f (Forte) = play loudly
• mf (Mezzo Forte) = moderately loud
• mp (Mezzo Piano) = moderately soft

Exercise 1: Soft and Loud

Using Middle C:

1. Play Middle C four times softly (p).
2. Play Middle C four times loudly (f).
3. Alternate:
   • Soft × 4
   • Loud × 4
   • Soft × 4

Listen carefully to the difference.

Exercise 2: Five-Finger Pattern

Right Hand:

• C – D – E – F – G
• G – F – E – D – C

Play:

• Up softly (p)
• Down loudly (f)

Repeat 5 times.

Exercise 3: Crescendo and Diminuendo

• Crescendo ( < ) = gradually get louder.
• Diminuendo ( > ) = gradually get softer.

Play:
C – D – E – F – G (getting louder)

Then:
G – F – E – D – C (getting softer)

Practice Song

Play:

C C G G
A A G

F F E E
D D C

Try the first line softly and the second line a little louder.

Homework

Practice for 10–15 minutes:

• Five-finger pattern: 5 minutes
• Crescendo exercise: 5 minutes
• Practice making the same melody sound soft, medium, and loud: 5 minutes

Piano Tip

Good pianists don’t just play the correct notes—they make the notes sing. Dynamics are one of the easiest ways to add emotion and beauty to your music.

Next Lesson #22: Introduction to the G Major Scale (one sharp: F♯). 🎹