tonguing

In music, on a woodwind or brass instrument, the technique used to separate and articulate notes. The flow of wind is interrupted by subtle movements of the tongue, as if pronouncing the letter ‘t’. In fast passages double tonguing (‘t-k’) or triple tonguing (‘t-t-k’) is possible on certain instruments, especially the flute and brass instruments. Flutter tonguing, introduced by Richard Strauss for a trilling effect, consists of an extended rolled ‘r’.