What is the primary difference between legato and staccato articulation?
ALegato is loud and staccato is quiet
BLegato means notes flow smoothly together, while staccato means notes are short and detached
CLegato is only for singers and staccato is only for instruments
DLegato is fast and staccato is slow
Legato (smooth, connected) and staccato (short, separated) describe the articulation or how notes are connected. They are independent of volume, speed, or instrument type.
Question 2 True / False
A staccato note is always played quietly.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Staccato notes can be played at any dynamic level—soft, medium, or loud. Staccato refers only to the length and separation of notes, not their volume.
Question 3 Multiple Choice
Which marking on sheet music indicates legato articulation?
AA dot above the note
BA curved line (slur) above the notes
CThe letter 'L'
DA sharp symbol
A curved line or slur above notes indicates legato, meaning to play them smoothly and connected. A dot indicates staccato.
Question 4 True / False
Legato performance requires the music to be played slowly.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
Legato passages can be performed at any tempo. A legato passage can be fast while maintaining smooth, connected phrasing.
Question 5 Short Answer
Explain how you would demonstrate the difference between legato and staccato using your voice.
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Sing a phrase with smooth, flowing sounds where syllables blend together (legato), then sing the same phrase with each syllable short and separated (staccato). The legato version sounds connected and flowing, while the staccato version sounds bouncy and detached.
A good answer recognizes that both versions use the same notes/pitch but changes how they are connected, and shows understanding that the feeling of the phrase changes based on articulation choice.