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(2 votes) 
I’m working my way through the Essentials Violin lesson book 1. Almost to the end, but I’m stuck on the lesson on Staccato. The only description in the book is “A Staccato note is played with a stopped bow stroke. Listen for a space between staccato notes.”
I am trying to play like they describe, but don’t quite get it. I tried to listen to the CD that comes with the book but it is a full orchestral version, so I can’t pick out what the violin is doing.
I looked, of course for an FM video, and there is a great video on Spicatto (different, yes?) I’ve tried to listen to the sound on different videos on the net – here is what I’m getting: Is it a hard start… then the length of the note… then a hard stop?
You're right staccato and spiccato are different.
Here's a nice example of staccatos + detashe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....gz0Gebh0ww
Staccato - is the short one with stop.
Though, remember that staccatos are different to each other either. From like those in video, to extremely short (especially if fast)...or flying, when the bow leaves the string.
@ginnysg, I had the exact same question when I got there and I actually PMd FM on the subject. The best answer I can give you...look at page 44, Exercise 190. If I had to describe it in words, I would say when you see a quarter note, play an eighth note and make your violin silent for the other half of the quarter note. Use your bow to force the rest. Here's another great video. Also, when you get to Exercise 190, I dare you not to play it fast. IT'S SO HARD NOT TO!!!!!!
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@mad wed, Yay Suzuki! lol.....
Im gonna go ahead and throw the Wiki definition in the mix while I am at it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staccato
It says pretty much what wookieman said.
The thing about staccato is that the bow hairs dont leave the string. And there is no scratching noises allowed when starting or stopping.
My fav vid on staccato how to
feature=share&list=UU2trDLc8sP2i964BeH-K72Q
"Please play some wrong notes, so that we know that you are human" - said to Jascha Heifetz.
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Really good stuff~!!! > SOooo that's Staccato. I do a little of that> sort of > SWEET!!!
Really good posts 
!!!!!!!.
Picklefish said
@mad wed, Yay Suzuki! lol.....
I like it. =) one of my favourite warm-ups
The thing about staccato is that the bow hairs dont leave the string.
I was told that it's allowed to leave the string in some cases... Maybe wrong though
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Well, once you allow yourself to vary from the basic concepts there are many variations on the theme. Flying Staccato for instance I guess vs Spicatto and such...I'm no expert but the basic staccato does stay on string.
"Please play some wrong notes, so that we know that you are human" - said to Jascha Heifetz.
Thanks for all the replies. I practiced it this morning and I think I'm getting it. Funny how the description in my book didn't make sense, but now that I sort of know what I'm doing it makes perfect sense... go figure!
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Congrats Ginny. Same thing with me... The videos help!
Vibrato Desperato.... Desperately seeking vibrato
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hi Ginnysg,
hope your staccato is improved....
thank you friends for wonderful videos and suggetions..
prashanth.s
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Hi guys,
I've always had trouble with staccato too, I get a lot of unwanted extra noises due to poor bow control.
When I concentrated on it I realised I could do it by just using my hand, not much bow movement. A sort of 'flick' of the wrist to change finger direction, with pressure by the fingers to create the short sound. Of course I can't apply that to a longer note, that's another technique. But trying to play Gavotte in Suzuki book 1 was driving me crazy. I can do it (sort of) by just tiny little notes. I don't get so much unwanted noise that way.
Hope you're improving and 'getting' it Ginny!
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