Part 2 · Reading Rhythm · Chapter 25
An accent (>) means play that note louder than the others. Dynamics tell you the overall volume: p (piano) is soft, mf (mezzo-forte) is medium, f (forte) is loud. A hairpin that opens means get louder (crescendo); one that closes means get softer (decrescendo).
Most students play accents too loud and the other notes too loud as well. Keep the unaccented notes really soft, and the accents will pop out without any strain.