What Is the Musical Term for Loud?

The musical term for loud is “forte.” Forte means to play loudly. This term is often used in sheet music to indicate when a certain note or passage should be played loudly. 

The general term for loudness in music is dynamics. Dynamics indicate how loud or soft a piece of music should be played. They are usually written into scores and parts by composers using specific symbols. If you are an aspiring musician, it is important to learn about dynamics so that you can play your music correctly.

Here are the common dynamic symbols you will see in music:

pp (pianissimo): very soft

The performer should play the music very softly.

p (piano): soft

The performer should play the music softly.  

mp (mezzo-piano): moderately soft

The performer should play the music moderately softly.

mf (mezzo-forte): moderately loud

The performer should play the music moderately loudly. 

f (forte): loud

The performer should play the music loudly. 

ff (fortissimo): very loud

Dynamics can be indicated using more than one of these symbols at a time. For instance, fff means the music should be played extremely loudly, while pp means it should be played very quietly.

When dynamics are not indicated by symbols, they are usually written out in words. The most common terms used to indicate dynamics are:

sf (subito forte): suddenly loud

sfz (sforzando): forced sudden accent

sfp (subito forte piano): suddenly loud and soft

<  or cresc.(crescendo): gradually getting louder

The performer should play the music gradually louder.

>  decresc. or dim. (decrescendo or diminuendo): gradually getting softer

The performer should play the music gradually softer.

fz (forte-piano): suddenly loud then soft

The performer should play the music suddenly loud, then immediately soft.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that dynamics are relative. How loud or soft a piece should be played is ultimately up to the composer’s discretion. However, by understanding the basic symbols and terms used to indicate dynamics, you will have a better idea of how to play your music correctly.

Now that you know the musical term for loud, you can better understand sheet music and dynamics. Be sure to practice often so that you can perfect your craft!