vibrato

[muzikislif3]

hey, i know this is probably a stupid question, but how do you do a vibrato. I have a solo in "All is Calm" (a version of silent night) its really long and really pretty but I want to add a little vibrato to it. i can do it easily on low g and below but not at all any higher. ive been playing flute for a little more than 6 years, but i have never been able (or been taught rather) how to do a vibrato. the only thing ive heard was from my band director, he says it comes from the throat but never exactly told me how to do it. Any help would be appreciated

Thanks,
Michele

[Arlee]

Well the "best" thought on vibrato is to let it develop naturally on it's own. There are some things you can do to help it along.

First, while you are playing long tones make sure you keep your throat as relaxed and open as possible.

Second since you can do it on the lower notes start there and Slowly work your way up each note. Don't move one to the next note until you get a good vibrato going. More than likely you are tightening your throat/jaw up as you play the higher notes.

[pied_piper]

These links might help you improve your vibrato.

Nina Perlove Flute Lesson Vibrato:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ms9tsWmhyU

Jennifer Cluff on Vibrato
http://www.jennifercluff.com/vibrato.htm

[wkzh]

I think this forum is littered with threads on vibrato, try searching.

And one tip I find particularly helpful: the best way to start developing vibrato is by imitation. Pick up a Pahud CD and listen, then imitate. Beyond that, you're on your own!

But there ARE some useful vibrato training exercises out there to expand your vibrato capacity, and these have to be trained since they are the raw stuff that goes into your playing, just like finger technique and all that boring stuff.

[fluteguy18]

James Galway has a video on youtube about vibrato. I use his method. I get a lot of compliments on my vibrato usually, but a couple of weeks ago I was actually criticized about it. Gary Schocker has a really strange method of vibrato. He didn't like mine and tried to show me his. You do it with your mouth somehow. I tried and thought I was unsuccessful, but he felt that I could do his method well. Go figure.

[Arlee]

James Galway has a video on youtube about vibrato. I use his method. I get a lot of compliments on my vibrato usually, but a couple of weeks ago I was actually criticized about it. Gary Schocker has a really strange method of vibrato. He didn't like mine and tried to show me his. You do it with your mouth somehow. I tried and thought I was unsuccessful, but he felt that I could do his method well. Go figure.

That just seems weird somehow... do you mind sharing what he told you to do to try an produce that? Seems like it might be interesting to mess around with some.

Also... "good vibrato" seems to be incredibly subjective. Which further complicates matters when you are trying to learn how much to put in or even how to reliably do it in the first place.

[wkzh]

Also... "good vibrato" seems to be incredibly subjective. Which further complicates matters when you are trying to learn how much to put in or even how to reliably do it in the first place.

I suppose there are a few "objective" parts to it, e.g. it should sound "natural" and not "fake," sound "smooth" and not "jagged." Those terms lend themselves to subjective qualifications too, but I suppose a general consensus can be easily reached.

Also, I remember reading an article on the vibrati of cello players. It seems that they have a mean vibrato speed that is significantly lower than that of violists and violinists. You can just imagine a piccoloist spew out a rabid vibrato in its high register while it doesn't quite satisfactory at that speed for the flute's low register.

Of course, never forget personal tastes and musical contexts.

[fluteguy18]

Gary said to do it with your mouth. You see... people don't realize it, but despite the fact that Gary is a shorter, middle aged gentleman (mid 50s), he is amazing shape. He's pretty ripped (he had me feel his stomach as he breathed because he didn't like my breathing either... you could feel every muscle ).

Anyway. You could see the muscles he works in his face to produce vibrato. They're sort of... between the corners of the mouth and run along his nose towards the cheek bones. I can't really explain it to be honest, and he wasn't clear either. I could just... SEE it.