Vibratofor

Strings

What you need to know to get started and how to work on developing a good vibrato

Steps for developing a vibrato:

• Step 1 – You need to develop a good arm vibrato – this is the more consistent way of doing it in modern day music.

• Arm Vibrato – move your arm as if you were erasing something off of a blackboard.

• Now – Violin and Violas – move your arm so the palm of your left hand is towards you and move your arm as if waving goodbye towards you.

• Now – Cellos and bass- move your arm with your palm facing your body in a up and down motion.

Step 2

• Now take your instruments• Start with the waving motion on the instrument• You must keep your had loose to have the

vibrato work• Polish your instrument – basically slide your

finger by moving your hand and arm up and down while your instrument is in position. Try it will all 4 fingers on your instrument.

• Violins and violas can eventually narrow it down to a finger vibrato, while cello and bass use are vibrato.

Step 3

• Now get your bow – try using the bow and having the motion of your vibrato take place

• You must keep your left arm and hand loose in order for the vibrato to take place

• Don’t get frustrated at first if you do not succeed – keep trying, it eventually will happen.

Some Helpful Hints:

• Vibrato always goes on pitch – begins on pitch goes below pitch returns to pitch – always try for an even sound.

• 4 cycles per second is acceptable for beginners – think of 8th notes

• Set a metronome at 60 and try to get 2 cycles of movement per click – change the metronome to a faster number as you get better with your vibrato.

Other Tips for getting started:

• Week one – use arm movement sliding the arm up and down the neck of your instrument for 1 minute per practice.

• Place your first finger on the fingerboard and bend the joint closest to your nail back and forth as quickly as possible for 1 minute.

• These steps will help set up your body for a good vibrato.

Video with Vibrato:

• You are going to watch and work with the Vibrato Video.

• The students and instructor in the video will demonstrate different steps and techniques for developing your vibrato.

• Pay close attention to the steps and try to do the vibrato along with the video.

• There is a watch and learn section and a participation section on the video also.

From today’s Session:

• Learned about motion of the body to develop vibrato

• Took your knowledge developed and applied it to doing vibrato

• Watched and tried Vibrato in class and along with the video.

• Homework – Practice the steps on a daily basis and your vibrato will develop.