Beginner Violin Tips

Articulation in music is much like the punctuation in language: it tells us how to play the notes in terms of their length, emphasis, and connection.

For violinists, articulation most commonly describes what technique you should use with the bow. 

If you are at the very beginning of learning violin, you don’t need to worry too much about this until later on. But for once you do, here are some common forms of articulation:

• Slur
• Staccato
• Tenuto
• Accent

Slur: The Flow of Musical Phrasing

A slur is a curved line that connects two or more different notes, indicating that they should be played in a single bow stroke. This technique is also known as legato.In violin music, this marking is fundamental for phrasing, because playing multiple notes on one bow stroke makes them feel more connected, allowing the notes to flow smoothly from one to another without any breaks.

Slurring notes can also affect the piece’s emotional expression, often signaling a more lyrical or connected passage. When you see a slur, remember to maintain an even pressure and speed with your bow within the slur to ensure that the transition between notes is seamless.

For each slurred musical phrase, try to use the full bow regardless of the number of notes in the phrase, meaning you may need to vary the speed of each bowstroke.

Staccato: Sharp and Detached

Opposite to the legato effect of a slur is staccato, marked by a small dot above or below the note. Staccato notes are short, sharp, and detached. Each note under a staccato marking should be played with a quick, light bow stroke, creating a noticeable separation from the subsequent notes.

Staccato adds rhythmical precision and can inject a lively or spirited character into the music. It’s important for violinists to adjust their bowing technique to achieve the crispness required by staccato, often involving controlled, short movements.

Tenuto: Sustain with Care

Tenuto, indicated by a horizontal line above or below a note, calls for the note to be held for its full value, sometimes with a slight emphasis. In violin playing, tenuto can suggest a more connected, sustained sound than other notes around it, without the full legato connection of a slur. It’s a nuanced articulation that requires the musician to carefully control the bow to give the note a sense of weight and importance. This can mean a slightly slower bow speed or increased pressure for the duration of the note.

Accent: Emphasize with Intention

An accent mark appears as a small “>” above or below a note and indicates that the note should be played with a stronger attack or emphasis than those around it. In violin music, this means starting the note with a pronounced force at the beginning of the bow stroke, then quickly lightening the pressure to return to the normal dynamic level. Accents add drama and intensity, highlighting specific notes or chords as focal points within the piece.

Bringing It All Together

Articulation markings are essential tools for expression in violin music. They guide the player through the composer’s intentions, from the smooth connection of slurs to the precise detachment of staccatos, the sustained emphasis of tenuto, and the dynamic punch of accents. Understanding and mastering these articulations not only improves technical skill but also deepens musical expression, allowing violinists to communicate more effectively with their audience.

For violin learners, paying close attention to these markings during practice is key. Experiment with different bowing techniques to see how they affect the sound and feel of the music. Articulation is a key part of what makes music sound musical.

What’s Next?

Go to the next lesson, about Harmonics (coming soon).

See a list all our lessons about How to Read Sheet Music for Beginner Violin.

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