Articulation Marks
Symbols and lines placed around notes change the way they sound, and create a relationship with surrounding notes. This concept is called “articulation,” and is modified in piano music using articulation marks.
Common symbols affecting articulation include:
- Staccato
A small dot placed above or below a note, making it brief in duration (not to be confused with a rhythm dot, which is placed after a note-head). - Staccatissimo
A small wedge or straight comma above a note that creates an exaggerated staccato; a very brief note. - Marcato
Also informally referred to as simply an “accent,” a marcato makes a note slightly more pronounced than surrounding notes. - Sforzando
Makes a note considerably louder than surrounding notes. When a single note is affected, the abbreviation sfz is written.
* Sforzando is also considered a dynamics command. - Tie
A curved line that joins two or more notes of the same pitch. In piano music, notes connected by a tie are struck as one note, and are held for the total duration of all the tied notes. For example, in the image above, the F is held for three beats.
* Ties may also be considered tempo marks, since they modify rhythm. - Legato or Slur
Connects two or more different notes. In piano music, the individual notes must be struck, but there should be no audible spaces between them. - Fermata
An indication to hold a note or chord for any desired length. A fermata is also called a hold or a bird’s eye.
* A fermata may also be considered a tempo mark. - Arpeggio
A squiggly vertical line next to a chord means its notes are not played simultaneously; the notes are hit quickly in order, creating a harp-like effect. Arpeggiated chords usually go from low to high, unless marked by a downward arrow. An arpeggiato is a fast-moving arpeggio.
Continue With Articulation:
► Learn More Articulation Symbols & Terms
See More Musical Symbols:
■Staff & Barlines ■Note Lengths ■Articulation Marks ■Repeat Signs
■The Grand Staff ■Dotted Notes ■Dynamics & Volume ■Segno & Coda Signs
■Time Signatures ■Accidentals ■Key Signatures ■Pedal Marks
■Tempo Commands ■Piano Chords ■Music Rests ■8va & Octave Commands
