Concept 3 – The Physics of Volume
Being able to play using a large dynamic range (varying degrees of volume) makes our playing more interesting, musical and exciting to listen to. Understanding what is required technically to increase and decrease volume therefore becomes important.
The physics equation relevant to volume is:
To make this relevant to us we could say:
Thus if we increase the weight and speed of the stick, the volume increases.
Increasing the Weight of the Stick: -
The only way to increase the weight of the stick is to add weight to it. This is achieved by changing the type of stroke we use to propel the stick (explained earlier in "Characteristics of the arm, wrist and finger strokes").
For example: If we use an arm stroke we have the weight of the stick plus the weight of some of the arm. If we use a wrist stroke we have the weight of the stick plus the weight of the hand. Of the two, the arm stroke would be heavier therefore creating more volume.
Note: It is possible to play all the different strokes (arm, wrist and finger) without changing the volume. You decide how much weight you add to the sticks by adjusting your technique. However, if you transferred the maximum amount of weight to the sticks for each of the strokes, the above holds true.
Increasing the Speed of the Stick: -
When playing at a fixed tempo, the only way to increase the speed of the stick is by changing the height of the stick. If the stick is traveling a greater distance in the same amount of time, the speed must be greater. The greater the speed, the greater the volume.
In summary two things affect volume at a fixed tempo. Firstly and most importantly, the height of the sticks. Secondly, the type of stroke (arm, wrist or finger) used and how much weight is added to the stick.
