Hey all!

My teacher just started teaching my vibrato a few weeks ago and we're still doing the pulsing. When you're actually playing a song, how do you use vibrato? Is there a set pulse rate (based on the tempo, time signature, or something else) or do you decide how fast the vibrato is?

Thanks!

As I said in a recent post, there are no set rules for how (and where) vibrato should be used. There are many, many different ideas on the subject, but in the end, you need to develop a sense of where the vibrato adds something to the music (which can only come from experience), and where it might actually take something away. You need to develop a wide range of speeds and depths of vibrato to be able to fully express yourself, as well as be able to choose not to use it. The only true guide to how to use your vibrato is to do what the music dictates.

To each its own really. Listen to different pro flutists and you will hear that everyone uses different speeds and have there own style. For example, take James Galway. He uses a faster vibrato and pitches it up. There are certain times and pieces that you will want to use less vibrato and you will learn that as you go along.

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You beat me to it chris. Lol! I think we need an ask Chris board!

Yup....Looks like we were typing away at the same time. I don't know about that "ask Chris" board though....

I agree with Kara, vibrato is something that is relatively recent, and should be used sparingly and in different ways.

For ex., if I am playing fast 16th or 8th notes, I don't use much vibrato, nor if I am playing forte, if I play a nice passage with oboe or clarinet or bassoon I don't use as much vibrato. If a note is decreasing in volume, I may use more vibrato as the note fades out to hold up the pitch, etc.

I don't suggest a pulsing vibrato as it will sound mechanical

I think it's useful to make some kind of exercise aiming the vibrato, because it will at least araise and develop each one's limits.
The great think about playing with vibrato is when you just don't think about it any more, it just comes out naturally.

yes! yes! LIke the other posts said. Before i had a private teacher. ppl said all kinds of stuff. Like using ur throat? singing? ur diaphram? and i got soo confused! and i never learned.
but yeah. i started out just like you. using the 8th and 16th beat pulse thingy. and now when i play through a piece. it'll come through naturally. yay!

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haha. and the ask chris board sounds fun! kara is smart. ^_^