I use vibrato sometimes, not all the time, I believe one should be able to be expressive without it, especially when playing bass or alto..

as to where vibrato comes from, I have known many many flutists in my travels and don't know too many who produce a natural sounding vibrato from anywhere but the throat...those I have known who have a vibrato from the abdomen have a vibrato that sounds constant, unwavering and labored and always very wide, which sounds terrible when playing forte..

i agree that it is definitely possible to be expressive without vibrato, but on my traavels, if you were to play the franck the prokofiev or something of that style, one would not necessarily pull it off as well if you use throat vibrato, i guess i play more german!

reagrds

we agree to disagree

kaflute...you said it, when using a diaphragm vibrato, it is constant, not something you want...if your throat is tense it reasons that your vibrato will be tense as well, also not a good thing, hence the reason for practicing long tones with no vibrato with an open relaxed throat..

a fast, out of control, throaty vibrato is not good either, although some seem to think people like it, trust me, they don't, makes them nervous to listen to and hard to play in tune with...

I had to answer the question 'How do you produce your vibrato?' for a vive voce after a recital quite recently. Mine comes exclusively from the throat, where I can control it better and it sounds natural. I tried to experiment with my diaphragm but it sounded too artifical and was difficult to control. I guess it's personal preference.

Like a few others, my vibrato came naturally but it took a long time to control.

I can't figure out where mine comes from??? I like it and others do, so I guess that is what is important? Mine just come from my heart.

Strong answer Kara! I guess thats where mine comes from as well, especially if i'm playing a song that I'm really passionate about.

Thanks

Who is getting mad here? I am more inclined to listen to Patrick as he is a professional flutist with MANY more years of experience then someone in HS. Instead of trying to do the I know it all routine, you will be much further ahead to listen and learn. You have a right to your opinion of course.

Of course you have a right to you opinion, HS or not.

I am not angry, but I do have strong feelings on this topic, but if I didn't have an opinion, what kind of artist would I be?

You may run into teachers that try to change the way you do vibrato and other techniques, so it is important to be open-minded and flexible. I still disagree with some of the things my college professor taught me, but I learned alot from her as well..

Don't be sensitive to others opinions, welcome to the music world..

I've read a ton of posts that make vibrato sound so much more difficult than it really is... I learned how to successfully perform vibrato in my 3rd musical year of playing the flute. Even though I've graduated and not entirely kept up with playing, I can still play should my sister bring her flute home and I use it.

I would say successful vibrato comes from the throat but powered by your diaphragm's ability to manage air.

And to me, it's a no-brainer... slower vibrato at slower paces and lower notes, and higher for faster paces and higher notes, but also dependant on the piece you have.

well said

its great that we all have different opinions! That is what makes music so INCREDIBLE as no 2 performances are the same. there are no right or wrong answers in my opinion, but if anyone wants to listen to a beautiful sound without this osolating wobble , listen to sharon bezaly.

regards

on my new CD, there were places where some of the composers specifically asked for no vibrato, so one has to be flexible