Confused by the terms staccato and legato? This exercise could be just what you need. Find out what the terms mean, how to play both on the piano, and listen to how they should sound. You can even print off a sample score.
Staccato is the term used to describe a method of playing notes so that they are detached. It doesn't mean "short" as some people think. The rhythm remains the same. The trick is to take your finger off the key after playing, as explained in detail below.
Legato, on the other hand, means smooth and connected. It refers to a style of playing in which you move from one note to the next as smoothly as possible, without taking your fingers off the keys.
3. How to Play Staccato
To play staccato, the notes with the dots above or below them, the easiest way is to pull your fingers towards you. Start with one finger, such as your middle finger, and place it on the key. Then, pull your finger towards you as you press the key down. This technique makes it virtually impossible that your fingers will stay in contact with the keys.
It's harder to do with the thumb, because your thumb moves sideways. But keep trying, because your brain knows what you're doing and will make it work!
4. How to Play Legato
Legato is the opposite of staccato, of course. So to play legato, try to keep your fingers on the keys as you move from one to another. One way to do this is to imagine the tip of each finger is sticking to the keys. You want to imagine you're playing a cello with long, drawn out bow strokes.
Here's the opening phrase from my score Staccato - Legato Study which you can access by clicking on the link "Staccato in Music" above. Notice the dots below the notes which tell you to play in a detached manner. If you're still confused, have a listen to the score.
And here's the same phrase taken from later in the same piece, where the markings this time indicate to play in a legato fashion. Notice the slurs under the notes. You'll also notice that the notes are quarter notes now, and that each phrase ends with a half note to make the difference even more obvious.
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