Although musically minded after years as an entertainer, I have suddenly decided that I want to learn to play the violin, at the age of 63. I started playing just over a month ago, determined to learn and I love my violin. I suppose that's half the battle actually liking the instrument one wants to play. Learning to play with Vibrato though is proving to be a hard task, but I will master it, or will I. Should I have started at a tender age of maybe 9 or 10 or will I eventually get to grips with it. I know I have to be patient and Practice, Practice, Practice. I've watched Violin players use Vibrato on the TV and it seems so natural to them. Is there a good YouTube video for the Violin Vibrato that I can watch? Will it help?

Hi!
Congratulations on picking up the violin! I'm sure you'll continue to love it even more!
As for vibrato, there will most likely be one day where it will just click. There is one video that I know of that may help. It is called "Kolęda Lulajże Jezuniu na skrzypce (Michał Gawroński)". I like the video because it has a box in the corner with a close up of his hand.
Also, when you're practicing vibrato, try to think of the your fingers going up and down on the string rather than towards you and away from you.
Good luck!

Hello Tom, really good to hear from you regarding Vibrato. I'm going to take a look at that YouTube video that you mentioned. I have however just started to get a little vibrato on the strings and funnily enough just the way in which you described. I wasn't sure if this was leading me into a bad habit of playing vibrato in the wrong way, but as you have suggested playing in this way I now feel confident that I can only get better.
Thanks again for your email, very much appreciated. I will of course report on my progress at some stage and maybe hear from you again.
Regards,
Norm.

Hello again Tom,
Those videos of Michal Gawronski are really helpful, many thanks.
Regards,
Norm.