It sounds like you’re describing elements of music notation and performance instructions found in sheet music, particularly in the context of playing a bass instrument or using a figurative bass system, such as figured bass.
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Numbers in Figured Bass: In figured bass, numbers placed above or below the bass note indicate which intervals should be played above that bass note. For example, a "6" might signify a sixth above the bass note, while a "4" might indicate a fourth. This tells the player which harmonies to play along with the bass line.
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Note Duration: The shapes and placement of notes on the staff indicate how long to hold each note. Whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, etc., have specific durations, guiding the performer on the timing of the piece.
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Dynamics (How Soft or Loud): Dynamics indicate the loudness or softness of the music. Common markings include "p" for piano (soft), "f" for forte (loud), and symbols like crescendos (gradually getting louder) and decrescendos (gradually getting softer). These markings help the performer interpret the emotional content of the music.
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Harmony in the Right Hand: In music involving a keyboard or other polyphonic instruments, the right hand typically handles the harmony and melodic lines, while the left hand plays the bass line. The specified figures in the bass notation guide the player on how to voice the harmonies in the right hand.
If you need further clarification on any of these topics or how to apply them in a musical context, feel free to ask!