Vibrato for Strings

1. Vibratofor Strings What you need to know to get started and how to work on developing a good vibrato

2. 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.

3. Step 2 • Now take your instruments • Start with the waving motion on the instrument • You must keep your hand 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 arm vibrato.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. From today’s Session: • Learned about motion of the body to develop vibrato • Took your knowledge developed and applied it to doing vibrato • For Class – Practice the steps on a daily basis and your vibrato will develop. We will be watching some videos in class to help you. • For homework – take a video of yourself trying to do the vibrato and see where your areas of need are.

8. Reflection from today’s Sesson: • What is your area of concern with developing your vibrato? • Do you have a relaxed arm and hand? • Are you holding your instrument correctly to give you the flexibility needed to develop your vibrato? • If there was one area you would like to see more examples of to help with vibrato, what would that area be? (Please bring to class)

9. Video with Vibrato: • You are going to watch and work with the Vibrato Video. Please go to the following links: Basic Motion Basic Mechanism • Cello Students refer to this link for Vibrato motion: Cello Vibrato • The 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.