Adding tempo markings and dynamics

Using the Expression tool to add tempo and dynamic markings.

In NotePad, markings that appear as text, such as dynamics and tempo markings, are usually expressions added with the Expression tool.

In this lesson you will learn how to:

1. Enter tempo markings
2. Entering dynamic markings
3. Position expressions

Note. To begin at this point, open "Tutorial 6.MUS." (The accompanying Finale NotePad tutorial music files are available here. )

Defining and adding a tempo marking

In this score, we need to put a tempo marking "Lento" above the first measure of the top staff. NotePad includes this tempo expression as well as many other tempo and metronome markings.

To add the tempo marking:

1. Select the Expression tool .
2. Double-click the first measure. The Expression Selection dialog box appears.

3. Scroll down to the "Lento" marking and double-click it.

Adding dynamic markings

Dynamic markings indicate the force/volume of the music to be performed by a single instrumentalist, and are therefore (unlike tempo markings), each independently assigned to a particular staff (although multiple dynamics can be assigned at once). Let's add dynamic to both the Voice and Piano staves.

To add dynamic markings:

1. Double click the firs measure in the vocal line.
2. Double-click the piano marking. The marking appears below the staff. For vocal staves, dynamic markings go above the staff, so we'll move it there next.
3. Click the handle of the expression and drag it above the staff, beneath the "Lento" marking.
4. Double-click below the top piano staff below the first beat of measure 1.
5. Double-click the marking to add it between the left and right-hand staves.
6. Now, add an marking on the top staff and between the piano staves at the beginning of measure 9.

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