Dynamic Marking Fundamentals
Where to place volume markings depending on the instrument and context.
Instrumental Placement
Instruments read notes and dynamics together. Where is the most natural place for the eye to find the volume?
Dynamics belong BELOW the staff for instruments, keeping the staff clear for notes.
Placing dynamics inside or above (unless necessitated by space) clutters the reading.
Vocal Placement
Singers have to read notes AND lyrics. Where do the lyrics go? Usually below. So where do we put the dynamics?
Dynamics go ABOVE the staff to avoid interfering with lyrics below.
Placing dynamics below conflicts with the lyrics, making it hard to read both.
Piano Scores
Piano music uses the Grand Staff (two connected staves). If the volume change applies to both hands, where does it go?
When markings apply to BOTH staves (both hands), they are placed BETWEEN the staves.
If each hand needs a different volume, markings are placed outside (above/below) each staff respectively.