While at Joey’s cello lesson a couple of weeks ago, Natalie learned something about dynamics that was very enlightening. So, she relayed the technique (I guess you might call it) to me. Here’s what Joey’s teacher said:

Many times when we see dynamics such as “mf, mp, etc.” we tend to think that we must only play those parts “Moderately Loud/Moderately Soft“. While this is correct, we need to think of playing them more in terms of the piece. It’s mezzo forte for “that” “particular” song, so if it’s the second loudest dynamic marking, you should play it as the second loudest-not necessarily “just” “moderately” loud.

Ever since I started incorporating this idea, I’ve really been able to bring out a lot my songs’ character and mood. It also makes it much more exciting to play my music, too!