• Master double tonguing (tu-ku) for rapid passages
• Learn varied articulation syllables and their effects
• Understand legato, staccato, and portato articulations
• Apply appropriate articulation to different musical styles

Introduction

Articulation is how you "speak" notes on recorder! Different articulation techniques create distinct characters—from smooth legato to crisp staccato to rapid double-tongued passages. Let's expand your articulation toolkit!

The Articulation Spectrum

Think of articulation on a continuum:

• Legato: Smooth, connected, slurred
• Portato: Gently separated, but still connected
• Detached: Normal separation, standard "tu"
• Staccato: Short, crisp, bouncy
• Accent: Emphasized attack, strong "T"

Basic Tonguing Syllables

"Tu" (Standard Articulation)

Your default tonguing—tip of tongue touches roof of mouth behind teeth.

• Clear start to each note
• Moderate separation
• Most common articulation

"Du" (Softer Articulation)

Voiced consonant creates gentler attack.

• Warmer, less percussive
• Good for lyrical passages
• Romantic and modern music

"Ti" or "Di" (Light Articulation)

Tongue position farther forward, lighter touch.

• Delicate, very light
• Fast passages where "tu" is too heavy
• Baroque dance music

Double Tonguing (Tu-Ku)

For rapid passages, alternating "tu-ku" allows much faster articulation than single tonguing.

Technique:

• "Tu": Tip of tongue, forward (as usual)
• "Ku": Back of tongue, against soft palate
• Alternate: "tu-ku-tu-ku-tu-ku"

Legato Playing

Legato means smooth, connected—no tonguing between notes!

On recorder:

• Usually indicated by slur markings
• Change fingers smoothly without re-tonguing
• Maintain steady air stream
• Only tongue the first note of the slur

Staccato Playing

Staccato = short, detached notes with silence between.

On recorder:

• Use strong, crisp "tu" or "ti"
• Note length: about half the written value
• Quick tongue release creates separation
• Keep air stream ready between notes

Portato (Mezzo-Staccato)

Portato falls between legato and staccato—gently separated but still somewhat connected.

Technique:

• Soft "du" or very gentle "tu"
• Notes about 3/4 of written value
• Think: "du---du---du---"

Baroque Articulation Patterns

In Baroque music, articulation often follows patterns:

Paired Notes: "Tu-Ru"

The classic Baroque pattern for pairs of notes.

• "Tu": Strong first note
• "Ru": Soft second note (almost no tongue)
• Creates gentle inequality

Stylistic Articulation

Baroque

• Detached style (not slurred unless marked)
• "Tu-ru" patterns for pairs
• Strong-weak metric patterns

Classical

• Mix of legato and detached
• Clear phrasing with slurs
• Elegant, refined

Romantic

• More legato, sustained lines
• Softer "du" articulation
• Expressive phrasing

Common Articulation Mistakes

• ❌ Too much tongue: Over-articulating makes music choppy
• ❌ Weak "ku" in double tonguing: Both syllables should be equally clear
• ❌ Staccato too short: Not silent! Note should still sound
• ❌ Legato with gaps: True legato has NO separation between notes
• ❌ Ignoring style: Use Baroque articulation for Baroque music!

Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)

1. Double tonguing drills (slow to fast) - 8 minutes
2. Legato vs. staccato exercises - 6 minutes
3. Baroque "tu-ru" patterns - 5 minutes
4. Apply varied articulation to repertoire - 6 minutes