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tonebase Piano Course

Dynamics: Across Levels and Musical Styles

Taught by renowned instructor

Jarred Dunn

In this course, Jarred Dunn teaches how to develop the 2 fundamental dynamics of "loud and soft" into 6 primary dynamics, crescendo, diminuendo, and acheiving smoothness and contrast in every sound you play. He also teaches the meaning of dynamics for different composers unique to their styles of composition.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    all-levels
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    1
     hours
     hour
All courses on tonebase include subtitles in English and Spanish

Course Syllabus

Basics of Creating Dynamics at the Keyboard

In this lesson, Jarred Dunn teaches how to play the basic dyanamics of loud and soft, controlling the fingertips, and "practice exercises" to refine your control.

How to Play "Mezzo" (or Middle) Dynamics

In this lesson, Jarred Dunn teaches how to create those elusive "mezzo" or "middle" dynamics that exist between loud and soft. He provides several "practice exercises" away from the piano to work on to achieve this.

Mastering Crescendo and Diminuendo

In this lesson, Jarred Dunn teaches how to master the Crescendo and Diminuendo, and specifically how to create smooth and satisfying effects. He continues to teach what "hairpins" are, finding the arrival point of a crescendo, and provides "practice exercises" to work on throughout the lesson.

Controlling the 6 Primary Dynamics

In this lesson, Jarred Dunn teaches the 6 primary dynamics ranging from "pianissimo" to "fortissimo" and how to properly transition between them both gradually and suddenly.

How to Play Smooth Dynamics

In this lesson, Jarred Dunn teaches how to play smooth dynamics, with a focus on using the arm properly, learning from chamber music, and why dynamics are critical for beautiful legato.

How to Play Subito (Sudden) Dynamics and Microtimings

In this lesson, Jarred Dunn teaches how to create sudden dynamic contrasts at the piano through microtimings. He explains the difference between "decrescendo" and "diminuendo" as well as acheiving depth in fortissimo playing, and creating soft and supple dynamics.

Dynamics and Their Meaning to Specific Composers

In this lesson, Jarred Dunn teaches the deeper meaning of dynamics for specific composers. He demonstrates the "Russian Crescendo" as championed by Rachmaninoff, creating dynamics in Bach, and Ravel as a study in dynamic control.

Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →
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Jarred Dunn
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Jarred Dunn

Featured on the 2018 CBC List "Top 30 Under 30: Hot Canadian Classical Musicians of 2018," Jarred Dunn has already established himself as a reputable international soloist and revered pedagogue.

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Jarred Dunn

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