- Legato is an Italian term that means to play notes smoothly and connected.
- Most young children find it difficult to “connect” their notes to start with. This can result in disconnected sounds when playing from one note to another.
- Some children will “over connect” their notes as well.
- A guideline for single note playing is to ensure there is always only “one” finger pressing a key at one time, and when the next finger presses the next key, it must do so AT THE SAME TIME the first played note is released.
- Music exercises help develop this skill.
- Legato is represented by a curved line over 2 or more notes. This will be discussed in a later unit.
- Legato is only one part of the techniques used when playing piano. Sometimes notes have to be disconnected and this will be discussed in a later unit.
Piano Theory 1-15
Legato