The Formula for Musical Expression
Publication Date
Spring 3-5-2026
Presentation Length
Poster/Gallery presentation
College
College of Music & Performing Arts
Department
Music, School of
Student Level
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Dr Julia Reynolds
Presentation Type
Gallery
Summary
By viewing dynamics in music as the amount of resistance placed on strings, we can break down the variables that affect resistance on string instruments into three variables: weight, speed, and contact point. By utilizing different amounts of each of the variables we can easily communicate with students who to create dynamics, and students can use this knowledge to perform and describe any dynamic, even ones they have never encountered before.
Recommended Citation
Wirth, William W., "The Formula for Musical Expression" (2026). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 725.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/725
