Articulation
How you play or sing a note. It is an important part of performing music expressively.
Staccato
Performed short and briefly. Notes sound detached from each other.
Accent
Emphasise a note so that it sounds louder than others
Legato
Perform the notes smoothly. Notes sound connected to each other. A smooth articulation between two notes is called a slur.
Pizzicato
Perform the notes by plucking them with the fingers
Arco
Perform the notes using the bow
Tremolo
Continuously play the note with the bow rapidly to produce a trembling effect
Vibrato
A slight “wobbling” of the pitch of a note for expression. An important vocal technique as well as for instruments.
Tonguing
The technique used by brass and wind players. Faster rhythms often require the technique of double or triple tonguing.
Bend
Guitarists can use their fingers to bend the string from one note to another. Brass and wind players can also do this with different mouth shape and air pressure.
Sforzando
A sforzando ia a type of accent. The note should be played with a sudden, strong emphasis.
Glissando
A dramatic slide between a wide range of notes. For example, running the fingers along the strings of a harp.
Portamento
A smooth slide between two notes. Used frequently by singers.
