Technique Tuesday is a collaboration by Lauren Pierce and Double Bass HQ that explores techniques from Lauren’s best-selling books, Scales, Scales, Scales, Please Play in Tune, and Basstudes.
Phrasing Recap
This is part three of our four-part series on phrasing. So far, we’ve covered:
- Part 1: Identifying the height of the phrase
- Part 2: Building to that height by playing with time
- Part 3 (Today): Building using dynamics
The Power of Dynamic Shaping
Today, we’re covering how to build musical phrases using dynamics. This approach enables you to bring a phrase to life and create emotional impact through volume changes.
You’ve got a lot of different options for what you can do here, so let’s experiment together using the same phrase we’ve been working with: the opening of the second movement of the Dragonetti concerto.
Approach #1: The Crescendo
First, let’s try making a crescendo into the height of the phrase. This approach:
- Builds energy as you approach the climax
- Creates anticipation and forward momentum
- Naturally draws the listener’s attention to the peak of the phrase
This is perhaps the most intuitive approach—as the musical line rises, so does the volume.
Approach #2: The Decrescendo
Now let’s try something different: making a decrescendo into the height of the phrase. This creates:
- A sense of intimacy and introspection
- Unexpected musical tension
- A more subtle, nuanced expression
This approach can be effective when you want the phrase peak to feel like a whispered secret rather than a bold statement.
Approach #3: Mixed Dynamics
But why limit yourself to just one approach? You can also mix both techniques within the same phrase:
- Start with a crescendo
- Peak with a decrescendo
- Or use multiple dynamic waves throughout the phrase
This approach creates a more complex emotional landscape within your phrasing.
Finding Your Personal Expression
I love all of these approaches, and what I decide to do really depends on:
- The musical context
- The emotional content I want to convey
- The acoustics of the performance space
- My artistic interpretation of the moment
The Key to Success: Experimentation
Experimentation is what gives me these options and the freedom to use them. Don’t just stick with the first dynamic approach that comes to mind. Try different combinations and see what speaks to you.
Your Practice Assignment
Try to find your own dynamic solutions with something you’re currently working on:
- Identify a phrase in your music that has a clear peak
- Experiment with crescendo to the peak
- Try a decrescendo to the peak
- Mix different dynamics throughout the phrase
- Record yourself trying different approaches
- Listen back and decide which version moves you most
Looking Ahead
Be sure to tune in next week for a very special finale to our phrasing series, where we’ll tie everything together and explore some advanced phrasing concepts.
Remember the Fundamentals
As you work on dynamics, keep in mind the concepts from our previous sessions:
- Always know where your phrase peak is
- Use timing and rubato to enhance your dynamic choices
- Let your musical instincts guide your decisions
Dynamic shaping is one of the most powerful tools in your expressive arsenal. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries—that’s where the most interesting musical discoveries happen.
Try these dynamic experiments with your own music and let me know what you discover! I’ll see you next week for the exciting conclusion of our phrasing series.
For more of Lauren’s insights, visit her Technique Tuesday series and sign up for the Double Bass HQ newsletter to have the series delivered to your inbox each week.
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