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Forte-piano: Loud, then immediately soft. Percussionists achieve this by playing one loud note followed by a softer passage.

Rinforzando: Reinforced, gradually getting stronger. Percussionists increase the volume slightly on a particular note or phrase.

Pianississimo: Extremely soft. This requires the percussionist to use great care to produce clear tones at very low volumes.

Fortissimo: Very loud. This marking often involves using the full body to generate the highest volumes possible.

Sforzando-pianissimo: A strong, sudden accent followed immediately by very soft playing. Similar to sforzando but requires a greater contrast in dynamics.

Pianissimo: Very soft. Percussionists often achieve this by using lighter sticks or mallets, or by striking the instrument more gently.

Sforzando: A sudden, strong accent. Percussionists accentuate the note sharply, creating a momentary highlight.

Crescendo: Gradually getting louder. Percussionists progressively increase their striking force to naturally increase the volume.

Forte: Loud. Percussionists strike the instrument with more force to create a more powerful sound.

Fortississimo: Extremely loud. Maximum force is used, often with hard mallets or sticks to achieve the loudest dynamic.

Mezzo-Piano: Moderately soft. Performers use a slightly firmer touch than piano while still controlling the volume.

Piano: Soft. Percussionists play with less force to produce a softer sound.

Mezzo-forte sforzando: Moderately loud with a forced accent. It suggests a strong emphasis without reaching the volume of a direct forte.

Diminuendo or decrescendo: Gradually getting softer. The striking force is gradually reduced, leading to a decrease in volume.