Developing Vibrato for Violin and Viola

Summary

This video explains various exercises and techniques to develop vibrato on string instruments. It includes wrist and arm exercises, such as tapping games and polishing the string, to help students loosen finger joints and achieve smooth vibrato. The video emphasizes starting with basic motions, gradually refining them, and practicing with different fingers and speeds. The importance of flexibility and control is highlighted, and students are encouraged to incorporate vibrato into their playing to enhance expressiveness in musical contexts.

Takeaways

• 👋 The wrist motion for vibrato is simulated by placing the palm against the upper bout and flexing the fingers.
• 🎻 Polishing the string exercise helps develop arm vibrato, best done with the second or third finger.
• 🖐️ The thumb should be planted while polishing the string to focus on one spot, keeping all hand joints flexible.
• 🧑‍🏫 Teachers can assist by operating the bow while the student practices vibrato to hear the results.
• 🥁 Tapping games, with rhythmic patterns, help loosen finger joints and develop wrist vibrato.
• 🎵 The wobble exercise strengthens wrist vibrato control by rocking the hand while keeping the fingertip in place.
• 🎶 Gradually increasing the speed of wobbles per beat leads to a smooth, controlled vibrato.
• 💪 It's important to practice vibrato with all fingers and vary the speed and width for expressive control.
• 🎼 Students should incorporate vibrato into musical contexts to learn how to use it effectively.
• 🎯 Flexibility and looseness in all hand joints are crucial for developing a natural, expressive vibrato.

Q & A

What is the purpose of placing the palm against the upper bout and waving goodbye?

This simulates the wrist motion for vibrato, helping to loosen the fingers and introduce the wrist action necessary for vibrato playing.

Why is it important to flex the fingers while patting the palm against the upper bout?

Flexing the fingers while patting the palm helps simulate the arm motion required for vibrato and loosens up the joints for better flexibility.

How does the 'polishing the string' exercise aid in developing vibrato?

The 'polishing the string' exercise helps develop arm vibrato by focusing on hand motion. The movement starts with a large shifting motion and gradually narrows down to focus on one spot, helping train the arm for vibrato.

What is the importance of keeping all joints flexible during vibrato exercises?

For vibrato to occur smoothly, all the joints in the hand must remain flexible and loose to allow for the necessary movement of the wrist, fingers, and arm.

Why should students practice vibrato in rest position before moving to playing position?

Practicing vibrato in rest position helps students develop the motion without the added complexity of holding the instrument. Once the motion is comfortable, they can transition to playing position with better control.

How can tapping games help students develop wrist vibrato?

Tapping games loosen up the finger joints and allow students to practice rhythmic tapping with the fingers, which mimics the wrist vibrato motion. These exercises help build flexibility and control in the hand.

What role does rhythmic variation play in vibrato exercises?

Rhythmic variation, such as increasing the speed from quarter notes to quintuplets and sextuplets, helps students develop speed and control over their vibrato, allowing them to perform vibrato at different tempos.

How does the 'wobble exercise' assist in developing vibrato control?

The wobble exercise involves rocking the wrist and hand while keeping the fingertip in place. This helps students practice wrist vibrato and gradually increase the speed until they can perform vibrato at full speed.

Why is it important for students to practice vibrato on all four fingers?

Practicing vibrato on all four fingers ensures that students develop consistent vibrato technique across the fingerboard, allowing them to apply vibrato to any note or scale pattern.

How can vibrato be used as an expressive device in musical contexts?

Vibrato adds expressiveness by varying the speed and width of the motion, allowing students to convey emotions and dynamics in their playing. Once students master the technical aspects, they can incorporate vibrato to enhance musical interpretation.