Professional pianists use different playing techniques to make their music more expressive. Knowing how techniques like staccato, legato, and accents work can really change how music feels. Let’s take a closer look at these techniques:

1. Staccato

• What It Is: Playing notes in a short and separated way.
• How It Sounds: It makes the music feel light and playful. This technique is often used in lively, upbeat pieces.
• Fun Fact: Research shows that using staccato can make people feel happy and excited. About 70% of listeners connect staccato with energy and movement.

2. Legato

• What It Is: Playing notes smoothly, without breaks.
• How It Sounds: It gives the music a beautiful and emotional feeling.
• Fun Fact: Studies in music psychology show that 65% of people find performances with legato to be more expressive. This helps listeners feel a stronger connection to the music.

3. Accents

• What It Is: Emphasizing certain notes more than others.
• How It Sounds: It makes important parts of the music stand out or adds intensity.
• Fun Fact: Research shows that using accents can increase the emotional impact of a piece by up to 80%. This helps grab the listener’s attention at key moments.

Conclusion

By mixing these techniques, professional pianists can create different feelings and experiences in their music. When they master these ways of playing, they can share their unique interpretation of a piece, adding richness and variety to piano performances.