What is staccato in music?

Staccato is a musical term that indicates each note should be played or sung sharply and distinctively separated from the others. The word "staccato" comes from the Italian word for "detached" or "separated." Staccato notes are typically played for a shorter duration than usual, creating a crisp, percussive sound.

In sheet music, staccato notes are marked with a dot above or below the note, indicating that it should be played shorter than its full duration. The exact length of a staccato note can vary depending on the context, but it is usually around half of the note's written duration.

Staccato can be used in a variety of musical styles and genres, including classical music, jazz, and pop. It is often used to add rhythmic drive and energy to a piece of music, and can be combined with other articulations such as legato (smooth and connected) for contrast.

Overall, staccato is an important element of musical expression that can help to shape the phrasing and emotion of a musical performance.