Cello Vibrato

Last week we discussed how to develop and use vibrato for the violin and viola.  But cello is a very different instrument, and has a different kind of movement for vibrato.

To start, you do what I call the "robot wave".  Your left arm is out to your side, parallel to the ground, with your elbow bent at 90 degrees (also parallel to the floor).  Then "wave" your arm; your lower arm should be moving up and down.  Your shoulder should be pivoting in the socket.  Do this for a couple minutes a day, for a few weeks, until the motion is VERY familiar.

Next, start bending your elbow, so that your hand slowly moves closer to the position it would be in to play your cello.  Some students will need to go very slowly (~inch/day), others could go faster.  But if you get confused about the motion, go back to the beginning.  The whole time, your shoulder should be pivoting in the socket.

The next step is to start rotating your wrist until it is in position for playing.  Again, feel free to go slowly, even go back to the beginning.  And again, your shoulder should be pivoting in its socket.

Next, you need your instrument.  Start from the very beginning, now with your instrument, all the way back at the robot wave.  Start bending your elbow, then rotate your wrist.  Go as slowly as you need to, and your shoulder is still the pivot joint.

All right, once you're comfortable with all this, now it's time to let your hand slide on the cello.  Place your middle finger on your cello, in between the D and G strings, and slide up and down.  Remember, this is the same motion as before, with the shoulder pivoting in the socket.

Next, plant your finger, but continue the motion.  Your lower arm should be rotating up and down, but the motion still comes from your shoulder.

Finally, start from the very beginning again, but this time add your bow.  While your left arm is moving, bow on the open C string.  Slowly go through all the steps until your finger is planted.  When you're comfortable, it's time to start bowing on the string your finger is on.

Try this exercise with each finger on each string.  Each time you complete the exercise, it will get easier, until it is second nature.  Start adding vibrato to simple pieces, and there you go!

Remember, however, that you first need a nice tone before adding vibrato.  You can start the exercises before you're consistently sounding good, but keep working on that tone.

Happy Playing!  Next week:  All about Beethoven!