Make clear sounds in small pieces, avoiding piano (10)

I believe the answer is:

articulate

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'make clear' is the definition.
'articulate' can be an answer for 'clear' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'make' bit.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for articulate that I've seen before include "Express coherently" , "Talk" , "Clearly stating view" , "Clear and fluent in speech" , "well-spoken" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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