Grades 2–4
Dynamics from Softest to Loudest
Number the six dynamics from 1, the softest, to 6, the loudest, then finish the sentences.
Music theory worksheet · Dynamics and tempo
Soft or Loud? Dynamics Match
Dynamics tell you how loud or soft to play. Draw a line from each sign to what it means.
- Grade level
- Grades 1–2
- Time
- About 10 minutes
- Topic
- Dynamics and tempo
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Reading p, mp, mf and f, Ordering dynamics from softest to loudest, Reading crescendo and decrescendo signs, Knowing tempo words from largo to presto
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- The signs come from Italian words. p is for piano, which means soft. f is for forte, which means loud. m is for mezzo, which means medium.
- Soft or loud? Circle the dynamic that fits best.
- A lullaby for a sleepy baby p (soft)
- A marching band in a parade p (soft)
- A mouse tiptoeing across the floor p (soft)
- Thunder booming in a storm p (soft)
Words on this sheet
medium loudsoftloudmedium soft
Teacher tip
Say “piano” in a whisper and “forte” in a big voice every time you use the words, and have kids do the same. The sound teaches the meaning.
How to use it
- Sing or clap one short pattern at each dynamic so kids feel the difference.
- Show a crescendo with your hands: start close together and spread them apart.
- Let kids work in pairs and check each other before you show the answer key.
Watch for
Mixing up loud with fast and soft with slow. Try loud and slow together to pull them apart.
Talk about it
- How does the music feel when it gets louder?
- How did you figure that out?
Take it further
Let one child be the conductor and show dynamics with big and small arm motions.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More dynamics and tempo worksheets
Grades 2–4
Getting Louder, Getting Softer
A crescendo gets louder little by little. A decrescendo gets softer. Circle the right word for each one.
Grades 3–5
Tempo Words: Slow to Fast
Tempo is the speed of the beat. Match each Italian tempo word to its meaning, then put them in order.
Grades 2–5
Dynamics and Tempo Word Search
Find twelve dynamics and tempo words. They go across, down and diagonally.
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