Articulation Studies

Whenever possible, practice these exercises and etudes with a wide variety of dynamics and styles of articulation. These styles might include: I. Smooth legato tonguing also known as portato . . . . II. Staccato, very clear and crisp. Also practice a kind of staccato that is less clearly articulated, more of a 'puffy' shape. III. Marcato, very strongly articulated with every note maintained at full value, very intense.                                                                                                                                                                      Excerpt from Introduction by Chris Gekker