Slur vs phrase

A slur is indicated by a curvy line that begins at the first note of the slur group and continues to the last note. ... A slur may be hard to distinguish from a "phrase mark," which looks like a slur but may cover a longer passage and really just indicates that this is one phrase, like a phrase in spoken language.

1. What does a slur do to a phrase?
2. What is a phrase mark?
3. Do you tongue the last note of a slur?
4. What is the slur technique?

What does a slur do to a phrase?

A slur is denoted with a curved line generally placed over the notes if the stems point downward, and under them if the stems point upwards. Prime functions of the slur in keyboard music...are to delineate the extent of a phrase line and to indicate the legato performance of melodies or arpeggiated chords.

What is a phrase mark?

noun. Music. A sign in musical notation to indicate the proper phrasing.

Do you tongue the last note of a slur?

Moderator. Strictly speaking you slur when indicated by a slur, but tongue the very first note of each group that has a slur, so your teacher is right. Legato tonguing (or soft tonguing) is a sort of cross between legato (slurred) and fully tongued often indicated by a slur but with tenuto markings over each note.

What is the slur technique?

A "slur" refers to playing two or more notes by playing the first with the right hand fingers, then lifting or placing fingers without right hand stroke. The result is a very legato feel. This can be accomplished in one of two ways: Ascending and Descending. ... Demonstration and explanation of proper slur technique.