Composers use a range of signs and symbols to convey how they want their music to be played. Understanding these will help you perform more accurately and with more style.
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A dot above or below a note tells you to play it short and detached.
This should not be confused with a dot after a note which alters its value. Short, detached, jumpy notes are called staccato.
Listen to the two examples below to hear how the same notes sound when played without and with accents.
Listen to the two examples below to hear how the same notes sound when played normally and staccato.
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No staccato
Staccato