How to Play a Crescendo

A crescendo is a musical notation that indicates a gradual increase in volume. Composers use crescendos in their music to indicate to the musicians playing their piece that they need to increase the volume of their instrument. A gradual increase in volume adds dramatic effect and a sense of depth to a piece of music.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start playing a piece of music as written. You must follow all the dynamic markings while playing a piece of music in order to properly perform the piece.

2. Watch for a hairpin mark that is closed on the left and opens to the right, which indicates that the crescendo is starting. Your piece of music may also have the word "crescendo" or the abbreviation "cres." instead of a hairpin to indicate that a crescendo is starting.

3. Begin gradually playing your instrument louder starting with the first notes above and below the crescendo mark. You should start playing the crescendo at the dynamic level indicated on your piece of music.

4. Continue playing increasingly louder until you reach the open end of the crescendo, which is the climax of the crescendo.

Tips & Warnings

• Your crescendo may start at a piano or soft, dynamic level and gradually increase or it may start at a forte or loud, dynamic level and get even louder. Different pieces of music require different volume levels to achieve the composers intended affect.
• Many crescendos are followed by decrescendos or diminuendos that bring the piece of music back down to its original dynamic level. Hairpin marks are also used to indicate a gradual decrease in volume, but are written with the open end on the left and a closed end on the right.