Learning staccato and legato is very important for woodwind players. Here are some easy tips to help you get started!

Understanding the Basics

Staccato means playing short, separated notes.

Legato means playing notes smoothly and connected.

Techniques for Staccato

1. Tongue Placement: Start by practicing how you move your tongue. Use the tip of your tongue to quickly touch the reed or mouthpiece. This will help create clear spaces between the notes.

2. Short Notes: Play simple scales or exercises, but focus on making the notes short. It’s like saying "ta" for each note—quick and snappy!

3. Use of Breath: Use your breath wisely. Let the air out fast after each note. This will make your staccato sound clearer.

Techniques for Legato

1. Smooth Airflow: Keep a steady stream of air going. Imagine playing a long, flowing phrase without any breaks.

2. Slurred Tonguing: Practice slurring, or sliding, two or more notes together without stopping for breath. Try playing a scale in one breath, connecting each note smoothly.

3. Long Tones: Include long tones in your practice. Hold notes for a longer time while focusing on smooth changes and control over volume.

Illustrated Practice

Here’s a simple exercise to practice both styles:

• Play a G major scale:
  • First, play it with staccato (short notes).
  • Then, switch to legato (smooth notes).

By switching between these techniques, you’ll get a better understanding and control over how you play. Happy practicing!