Play Piano - How to Play Piano With a Staccato Feel!

STACCATO: LEGATO'S OPPOSITE TWIN

Staccato is an Italian word meaning "detached". In playing the piano, it means that the note is played shorter than its value. A note should be played in this manner if it is denoted by a dot above or under the head. Aside from a dot, there are other symbols used; a black wedge (indicating staccatissimo or reinforced staccato) or a horizontal line (tenuto or a held note which should be shortened slightly). It is the total opposite of legato wherein the notes are played connected and smooth flowing. In this technique, the notes are lessened by one-half. For example, if it is a quarter note with staccato, it is played like an eighth note with an eighth rest.

There are different types of staccato playing namely finger staccato, wrist or hand staccato and the arm staccato. Finger staccato uses a light feathery action. Fingers are curled inwards as they hit the keys. Only the fingers are used and not the entire hand. While the Wrist Staccato (or hand staccato), uses the wrist joint when playing the notes and the Arm Staccato uses a thrusting motion and is much preferred when playing chords instead of single notes. However, most teachers disagree on the use of wrist staccato and prefer arm staccato though it is still advisable to learn all three types because like legato, they add emotion to the piece. They also give a different color or mood to the sound of every piano piece.

So what are the steps on how to play staccato correctly?

First and very important of all: Do not forget proper posture. Place your right hand over the keys. Curve your hand like you are holding a ball and your fingertips should touch the surface of the keys. Press your thumb down firmly on one key and lift it as soon as the not has played. Press another key using your index finger as soon as you lift your thumb. Remember that there must be an interval between the notes. Do the same procedure using your middle finger, ring finger and your pinky. Practice the same steps with your left hand. No need to press hard on the keys or to bang on them. Staccato playing does not literally mean playing the notes loudly. It only means that the notes are not played smoothly or connected

Great examples of piano pieces with evident staccato technique are Scarlatti's Sonata in E Major L23, Mozart's Sonata in C Major K330, Prokofiev's Toccata in D Minor Op.11, Haydn's Piano Sonata No.46 and Chopin's Piano sonata No.2.

There is, however, one important note in playing this technique: staccato can lead to rigidity or stiffness and tension, so it is best that this be practiced for short periods and do not forget proper hand and body posture.


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Ron Worthy is a Pianist/Songwriter. His study of piano started when he was only 5 years old. To learn more, you're invited to visit: www.PlayPianoTonight.com