Articulation Markings in Music

Articulation (in music) involves:

• How fast or slow the notes are played

• How individual notes are sounded, started, sustained, modified, etc.

• How to pronounce the title of the song

• How well a group plays in tune

Name the articulation indicated for the notes in the example.

• Tenuto

• Slur

• Staccato

• Accent

Name the articulation indicated for the notes in the example.

• Accent

• Slur

• Fermata

• Trill

Name the articulation indicated for the notes in the example.

• Staccato

• Marcato

• Tenuto

• Slur

Name the articulation indicated for the notes in the example.

• Tie

• Slur

• Marcato

• Staccato

Name the articulation indicated for the notes in the example.

• Staccato

• Tenuto

• Fermata

• Marcato

Name the articulation indicated for the final note.

• Fermata

• Crescendo

• Diminuendo

• Tenuto

A staccato note is:

• held for its full time value or slightly more.

• performed louder than the unmarked notes around it.

• played smoothly and connected to the other notes.

• performed detached or separated from the other notes.

A note marked tenuto is:

• performed detached or separated from the other notes.

• held for its full time value or slightly more.

• performed louder than the unmarked notes around it.

• similar to an accent, only with an even louder and more forceful articulation, sometimes shortened in length.

A note marked with an accent is:

• played smoothly and connected to the other notes.

• performed detached or separated from the other notes.

• held for its full time value or slightly more.

• performed louder than the unmarked notes around it.