What makes music so wonderful is its innate ability to tell stories and elicit deep, complex emotional responses from its listeners. Like human emotions and the human experience, the most impactful musical performances are loud, soft, aggressive, tame, beautiful, sorrowful, happy, sad, and every combination and iteration thereof. In order to convey this vast array of emotions and feelings, musicians need to be acutely aware of the manner in which they use dynamics and color to tell their intended story within a performance.

In this online classical violin lesson, Philadelphia Orchestra first section violinist and ArtistWorks instructor, Richard Amoroso, provides his unique insights on the importance of playing with varying dynamics and sonic color, and the critical nature of playing said dynamics with intent and care.

LEARN MORE: Want to learn how to play the classical violin from a master musician like Richard Amoroso? Try some free online violin lessons now!

“When I sit in the Philadelphia Orchestra, the amazing amount of dynamic range that we have compared to say your average high school orchestra is ridiculous. It’s so evident,” Richard explains. “But, the ability to play using your full dynamic range is something for which you have to develop awareness. It takes time and practice, but it makes all the difference when it comes to the quality of your performance.”

There are two primary practice methods that are great for strengthening and increasing your dynamic range when you’re first starting out. The first is to practice extreme dynamics, either very loud or very soft playing, for sustained periods of time. This builds your control and will help develop your sense of how the instrument should feel under your fingers and sound at different volumes. The other technique involves starting at medium or higher volumes and quickly shifting to softer volumes that require a lighter touch.

“I have learned to sustain loud and soft tones. That’s a learned skill,” Richard explains. “And, it requires practice. Your tone and volume all come from the bow. They come from the bow’s speed, weight, and point of contact. All three of those elements require experimentation and focused practice so that you can truly play with intent and draw the proper sounds out of your instrument.”

To learn more about the musical importance of dynamics and color and how to incorporate them into your playing, dive into this online violin lesson from Richard Amoroso:

Dynamics & Color with Richard Amoroso:

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Have you always wanted to learn how to play the classical violin? Through our comprehensive violin lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn from internationally renowned players, like Richard Amoroso, and get personalized feedback on your playing.

Richard’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner violin to advanced performance techniques, iconic classical compositions, music theory, and more. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as violinists and musicians!

Sample some free music lessons here and see what makes ArtistWorks courses some of the best online music lessons around!

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