Vibrato Singing Tutorial - I BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW!

Summary

In this video, Victoria, a seasoned vocal coach with 31 years of teaching experience, explains vibrato—its science, benefits, and common issues like straight tone or fake vibrato. She emphasizes that vibrato is a natural neuromuscular tremor in the larynx and shares tips for releasing tension to allow vibrato to emerge naturally. The video features two vocal exercises to help singers find their vibrato by encouraging relaxation and freedom in the vocal folds. Victoria also offers troubleshooting advice for those still struggling and highlights the importance of practice and balance in vocal technique.

Takeaways

• 🎤 **Vibrato Basics**: Vibrato is a natural neuromuscular tremor in the larynx, resulting from balanced airflow and resonance.
• 🔍 **Vibrato vs. Straight Tone**: Vibrato is a relaxed state of the vocal folds, whereas straight tone is more tense.
• 🚫 **Avoiding Fake Vibrato**: 'Machine gun' vibrato is not a gentle pulsation and is considered a forced technique.
• 💡 **Releasing Tension**: To achieve vibrato, one must release tension and allow the voice to move freely.
• 📝 **Exercises for Vibrato**: Specific exercises can help unlock vibrato by encouraging freedom and relaxation in the voice.
• 🌊 **Gentle Movement**: The movement for vibrato should be gentle like waves, not chaotic.
• 💨 **Airflow and Release**: A 'pillow of air' concept and lighter singing can facilitate the release needed for vibrato.
• 🤔 **Troubleshooting**: If stuck in straight tone, consider if you're driving too hard, being too rigid, or pressing too tightly.
• 📈 **Progress Over Time**: While some may find vibrato naturally, others need practice, but with consistent effort, anyone can develop it.
• 🌟 **Vibrato as Release**: Ultimately, vibrato should be thought of as a release of tension at the vocal folds.

Q & A

What is vibrato in singing according to the video?

Vibrato is a normal neuromuscular tremor in the larynx, resulting from a balance of air flow, freedom in the larynx, and resonance. It is a gentle rocking sensation and acts as a relaxant principle in vocal production.

How does vibrato differ from straight tone singing?

In straight tone singing, the vocal folds are more tense, while in vibrato, they are more released or relaxed. Vibrato enhances the tone by adding a gentle pulsation, whereas straight tone focuses on maintaining more tension for control.

What is 'fake vibrato' and how does it differ from natural vibrato?

Fake vibrato, often referred to as 'machine gun vibrato,' involves forced, mechanical pulsations and lacks the natural release associated with true vibrato. It is more about control than the relaxed oscillation of natural vibrato.

What might be causing a singer to be 'stuck' in straight tone?

A singer might be stuck in straight tone due to tension in the vocal folds, over-squeezing, or the inability to release the tension necessary to allow vibrato to emerge naturally.

What are some exercises suggested in the video to invite vibrato?

The video suggests starting with simple notes in the middle voice, then going up and down a whole step while focusing on releasing tension. The exercises aim to encourage freedom in vocal movement, using hand signals to demonstrate the gentle movement of vibrato.

What mental approach should singers take when practicing vibrato?

Singers should focus on a sense of ease, allowing their voice to 'move away' from them rather than trying to control or force vibrato. Thinking of the voice as 'floating' or riding on a 'pillow of air' helps to avoid rigidity and excessive tension.

Why might a singer find vibrato easier when almost out of breath?

When a singer is nearly out of breath, they are often less focused on driving the voice with force and are more relaxed, allowing vibrato to emerge as a natural response to less tension.

What common issues might prevent a singer from achieving vibrato?

Common issues include driving the voice too hard, being rigid at the vocal folds, and pressing or squeezing the vocal folds too tightly, all of which prevent the natural release of tension needed for vibrato.

How does changing the vocal blend (e.g., lighter head or chest blend) affect vibrato?

For some singers, lightening up the vocal blend, such as using a lighter head or chest voice, can make it easier to find vibrato, as it reduces tension and allows for a more natural release of the vocal folds.

What final advice does the video give for singers struggling with vibrato?

The video advises singers to keep practicing vibrato exercises regularly, focusing on releasing tension and not forcing the vibrato. With consistent practice and proper technique, most singers will eventually find their vibrato.