Violin and Viola Vibrato

Vibrato - a true distinction of an excellent violinist.  The nemesis of many students, vibrato, once mastered, can add that special something to an otherwise perfected performance, and mean the difference between a competent and an exemplary player.  According to Alfred's Pocket Dictionary of Music, vibrato is "a rapid fluctuation of pitch slightly above or below the main pitch."  (pg 93)  But how to create that fluctuation?

On the violin and viola, there are three kinds of vibrato.  Finger vibrato, wrist vibrato, and elbow vibrato.  Each are used, alone or in combination, in different types of music.  When the music is fast, mostly finger vibrato is used.  When the music is slow and melodic, often a combination, with lots of wrist and elbow vibrato, is used.

The first step, even before you start practicing your vibrato, is ensuring that the rest of the performance is mastered.  Perfect intonation and posture are a must, as well as excellent bow control.  Start with an excellent tone before you begin practicing vibrato, and before adding vibrato to a piece, first master the notes, rhythms, and bowings.  Then you are ready to add vibrato.

To begin practicing finger vibrato, place your third finger on the A string, creating a D.  Make sure your intonation and posture are correct, and that you have an excellent tone.  Once you have accomplished these, you're ready to start.  With violin and viola, our vibrato always starts on the main note (in this case, the D), and rocks backward.  Almost a half step when you're first beginning.  To begin, use quarter notes, starting with your third finger on the D, then rocking it back slightly to make a C#, then back to normal for a D, then back to the C#, then back to the D.  Continue this practice, no more than a few minutes a day, until it comes easily.  Then you can move up to eighth notes, then sixteenth notes.

At the same time you are practicing your finger vibrato, it is time to start practicing wrist vibrato.  Find two empty film canisters or pill containers, and fill 1/2-3/4 full with rice.  The reason you need two, is that most people are right handed, so it will be easier for their right hand to get the motion, but it will then teach the left hand.  Hold one shaker in each hand, and have your hands up like you are holding two violins.  Then rock your hand BACK, like you're waving.  The idea is to create a smooth ssshhhhhh sound with the film canisters, not shh, shh, shh . . .

The most important thing to remember in all of this is to remain relaxed.  The more a student tenses up during vibrato practice, the harder it will become.  So start practicing your vibrato well before you need it to create a tension-free environment.  If you feel like you HAVE to do it, you'll just end with a tense vibration of the hand, which is not at all like vibrato.  And remember, your playing must already be beautiful.

"Vibrato is like makeup.  You cannot take an ugly girl and make her beautiful with makeup, similarly, you cannot take ugly notes and make them beautiful with vibrato.  Vibrato, like makeup, emphasizes the natural beauties already present."  -Alfred Csammer

See you next week to talk about cello vibrato!  Happy Playing!