Livestream | Tiered Dynamics to Bring Emotion

Hi, I’m Dallas Vietty—accordion performer and educator based in Pennsylvania, USA. I’ve been teaching accordion online for over a decade, helping students develop expressive, creative, and dynamic musicianship. In this livestream, we’re focusing on a foundational concept in dynamic control: tiered dynamics.

This episode is titled “Tiered Dynamics to Bring Emotion”, and it introduces the practice of maintaining a consistent dynamic level throughout a musical section or phrase before shifting to a different level in the next. This approach, reminiscent of the terraced dynamics found in Baroque music, offers a clear and manageable way to begin exploring dynamic expression.

By structuring dynamics in distinct tiers, you can create contrast and emotional impact without the complexity of continuous dynamic modulation. This method serves as an effective starting point for building a dynamic toolkit, allowing you to focus on control and intentionality in your playing.

We’ll discuss how to apply tiered dynamics in your practice, explore examples from various musical styles, and examine how this technique can enhance the emotional narrative of your performances. Whether you’re new to dynamic expression or looking to refine your skills, this session will provide valuable insights into making your music more compelling and expressive.