I am very excited to share this review because The Staccator is a product that has literally blown me away with its simplicity and versatility. For such a simple device, it has many potential uses for brass and wind players and I've been testing it for a while. Read on to find out what I think and also find out where you can buy one should you want one!
The Staccator is made in Canada and created by Dr. Chris Cigolea. Here is some text directly from The Staccator website which describes the product really well:
"It was designed to revolutionize practice for Brass and Wind Instrument players by shifting the focus to tongue muscle development and centering the airflow into the mouthpiece.
This innovative tool targets the key muscles in the tongue that are essential for mastering articulation and staccato techniques.
When using the Staccator, players engage their tongue muscles by blowing into the device, which produces a metronome-like sound. This action not only helps players improve their timing and precision, but also strengthens the tongue muscles crucial for executing crisp articulation and centers the airflow into the mouthpiece."
The best way to understand how it can be used is to see it in action so take a moment to watch this YouTube video I have made.
In the video, I have not used a metronome just because of the sound but in practice, I would always be using a metronome. For each item below (1-5) I would start slowly and work at making my articulation even and clear. I would note down the speeds and gradually try to increase them. In the video, I demonstrate some simple patterns or extracts from real music. You could use exercises from The Arban Method Book or just make up your own. Always aiming to develop speed in a relaxed and natural way.
It must be said, as with any tool on the market, it is never going to be better than quality practice spent with your actual instrument. This device cannot recreate the exact mechanics and feelings that happen when you use your instrument. Overuse of this device could lead to worsening of playing ability or a reliance on some sort of bad habit.
It is a brilliant tool which could be worked into a
For me then, here are the main uses, which focus around speed and strength:
1) Single Tongue
2) Double Tongue
3) Triple Tongue
4) Ka only tonguing
5) Air only attack (airflow)
6) Strengthening airflow
7) Developing air projection
8) Dynamic control
9) Air directional / tongue level work
10) Teaching beginners / fixing articulation problems
These areas are also in this order on the YouTube video. I am sure people can think of other musical uses for this product as well and please do let me know in the comments below what you think of it or ideas for ways to use it.
Teaching Uses
Number 10 on the list is an interesting one. As a brass teacher, I teach a lot of beginners and one issue they have is they usually do not use their tongue properly to start with. They just push the notes out or make a 'phh' sound with their lips, this is incorrect articulation. Usually it is easy to check if a student is doing this because the sound is not clear and they cannot increase the speed when playing a group of tongued notes. Their tongue is not working independently to the support system, airflow, embouchure or lips.
Kids especially love a toy or game. The Staccator could be used this way to help a student correctly use their tongue. While it is possible to use The Staccator without using the tongue, it is easy to ask a student to feel their tongue between their lips/teeth and the 'click' sound created by The Staccator will be very clear and louder when the tongue is used correctly.
Then as you use The Staccator over time, it should help develop the muscles you use when you articulate. Allowing you to isolate those muscles and focus completely on articulation without using the other facial muscles which are used when you play your instrument.
Overblowing?
I did find that without careful attention, some of the exercises I was trying made me feel a bit light headed, which suggests that I was overblowing. Also, I was strangely surprised by how much air I needed when using The Staccator compared to when playing the euphonium. I think this is a good thing but again, back to the point about nothing being better than good practice on your instrument. I think some of the exercises I tried, for example, number 6 onwards are not as valuable as the actual tongue work. But that is what the product is designed for and I was just thinking creatively and experimenting a bit which is always good.
Metronome
The use of The Staccator for rhythm and timing is fantastic. It does take a bit of practice when using a metronome because there is a tiny delay in the action of the tongue making the 'click' sound on the device which might be not 100% together with the metronome. But I am being hyper picky here and approaching it from a professional level.
All I can say is try it for yourself. It is an extremely affordable product and one which will last forever.
Where Can You Buy?
You can purchase it directly from the maker at this address/link:
As always, these are my own views. I have no affiliation with the company that make the product and I make no money from their sales. Also, if you need help with articulation, your best bet is to find a good teacher who can work with you before you try and specific methods and remember that what works for one person might not work for you. Good luck!
Thanks for reading! ❤
Mark Glover
19/2/25
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