Articulation

Articulation

Notes may be played with different styles. It is often up to the performer to be musical and add this style in but there is also a system that the composer can use to specify the particular way a note should be played. This is what articulations are for.

Name	Definition	Symbol
Accent	An emphasis using louder sound or a stronger sound, typically most pronounced on the attack of the sound.
Staccato (Stacc.)	Detached. Seperated.
Staccatissimo	Very detached. Short. Exaggerated Staccato.
Tenuto	Sustained, play for full value.
Marcato (Marc.)	Played forcefully.
Breath Mark	Breath here, ideally should not affect tempo.
Caesura (Railroad tracks)	Indicates a brief, silent pause, during which time is not counted. In ensemble playing, time resumes when so indicated by the conductor or leader.
Fermata	Hold or pause. Twice as long is common but the note or rest may be held for any amount of time.
Glissando (Gliss.)	To glide from one pitch to another. (Think slide whistle or trombone)

Example:

Here is a piece that has many of the articulations used:

Articulation is one of those topics you will pick up more and more as you read and play more music. Having the above listed articulations memorized will help you quickly understand what many of those extra markings on the page means!