Articulation terms

Lets begin with the basic articulation terms and styles. These are the most common symbols you will find.

Staccato – a dot above the note means it should be detached (often, but not always, short)

Slur – a curved line connects different pitches that are to be played smoothly (only tongue the first note of the slur, play all in one breath)

Tie –  a curved line that connects notes of the same pitch (don’t attack/rearticulate the second note) 

Tenuto – to hold, a line above or below the note  (play the full value of the note)

Accent – placed above or below the note, it tells us to emphasise the note

Guide to articulation on the flute