How to Use Piano Staccato and Legato Techniques

Trumpeters, clarinetists and even singers all control the amount of air passing through their instruments to change their notes' phrasing and volume. Once a musician strikes the keys of a piano, however, the sound coming from the strings can't be changed. Staccato and legato piano techniques are important, because they give the pianist more control over the shape and style of the music.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Warm up before practicing any piano techniques. Loosening the muscles and ligaments of your fingers, hands and wrists before playing is important to playing accurately and preventing fatigue.

2. Practice basic scales or other simple patterns without using the sustain pedal. Pay attention to the way in which you string together the different series of notes.

3. Play short, clipped notes by using the staccato technique. Use your fingers, wrist or forearm to snap your fingers off of the keys as soon as you press them down.

4. String notes together in a flowing style by using the legato technique. Hold each key down until you've pressed the next one down. To help, overlap the notes slightly as you play them.

5. Combine both techniques into the same exercise or scale to test your ability to switch between them. Many piano pieces include passages with these stylistic changes. Being able to move effortlessly from staccato to legato increases the music's artistry.

Tips & Warnings

• Use finger staccato for fast passages. Wrist and forearm staccato are louder, but take more time to execute.