Why Do I Sound Like Me, And You Sound Like You?- Part 4 “Individual Note Dynamics”

Welcome back and today we will discuss another major element in ones technique that may improve your musical performance.

This post covers the importance of the correct use of individual note dynamics in your music.

Read this sentence out loud-

“I want that car”

Notice how the intent of the sentence changes as you put stress on each of the words.

I want that car”- gives the listener the impression that only you desires that car.

“I want that car”- implies that you have a desire to own that car.

“I want that car”- tells the listener that want only that particular car and no others.

“I want that car”- implies that you want a car as apposed to wanting another object.

Musical phrases are similar in that individual notes can imply a different feeling when emphases and/or dynamics are applied. Putting a stress on the first beat gives a solid feeling to the beginning of a phrase and emphasizing the fourth beat gives the feeling that the fourth beat is introducing the following downbeat.

Listen now to the first example and notice that every note has the same intensity. Then listen to the second example and recognize the added dynamics and individual stress to curtain notes throughout each phrase.

Remember- Even though all notes look the same on paper, some within each phrase are more important than others when musicly explaining the message portrayed in the melodic line.

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.