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Welcome to the Beginning Clarinet Songbook

Lesson 5: Sound
Dynamics: Forte and Piano

Follow the links below for more information on each song, as well as pictures and helpful links.

Song #1: Autumn's Treasure

Song #2: Klara Nett's Winter Song

Song #3: The Moon, the Grass, and a Clear Pool

Song #4: Mrs. Goose Goes for a Swim

Song #5: Clarobotoo Looks Out On the Sea and Contemplates a Life of Adventure

Song #6: Raspberry Jam

The elements of music in Lesson 5:

Sound: Pitches used in this lesson: C through A
Dynamics used in these pieces: forte and piano
Rhythm: Time signatures used in this lesson: two-four, three-four, four-four
Note values used in this lesson: quarter notes, quarter rests, half notes, half rests, dotted half notes, whole notes, and whole rests
Melody: phrases, breath marks

The term dynamics describes how loudly or softly we play music. There are several ways in which we can describe dynamics. In this lesson we will start with two of the simplest dynamic markings: forte (pronounced for-tay) and piano (pronounced pee-an-oh, just like the name of the instrument).

Forte means loud and is represented in music by the letter f.

Piano means soft or quiet and is represented in music by the letter p.

A dynamic marking is placed underneath the staff at the beginning of the section to which it applies. When you see a forte or piano marking, continue to play at that level until you see another dynamic marking that will change it.

Remember that these terms only refer to the loudness or softness of your sound. Always breathe deeply and produce your best possible tone, whether you are playing loudly or softly.

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