How to hold a long note (vibrato)?

Question

I have vibrato and I can control how fast or slow it goes, until it comes to hitting those long notes. How do I hold a vibrato on a long note and how do I make my vibrato sound stronger?

Answer 1

I have a bachelor of music performance (hons) in classical singing and I wrote my thesis on the need for the awareness and controlled application of vibrato. I'm so glad you asked this question!! If you are struggling on long notes, then unfortunately you do not have control of your vibrato. In fact it sounds to me like what you think is vibrato could possibly be an artifical wavering sound, shaking sound or tremolo (a wide form of vibrato that is considered undesirable because it is too slow, too wide in pitch and very difficult to correct once it becomes a habit). The natural or automatic use of vibrato (when you are singing and not thinking about its rate) will not lose integrity on longer notes if supported correctly (by the diaphragm).

Vibrato is a highly neglected part of singing instruction - I recommend you seek a professional classical teacher (opera singer or an expert in mus theatre if that's your thing) to first of all find out if your vibrato is OK and they should be able to establish why you can't maintain it. Most singing problems are related to breath support but as I can't hear or see you singing, you should seek professional advice otherwise you may damage your instrument.

Answer 2

I agree with the person who suggested you start swimming. Some form of cardio exercise does wonders for breath support. Also, vibrato is changed a great deal depending upon the amount of tension - or lack of tension - in the jaw. Your jaw and neck muscles need to be relaxed.

Answer 3

Actually, I have been told by a fantastic Soprano I know, that a well supported tone will naturally have vibrato as a result of harmonics and overtones???

Also, think of making the sound spin, my flute teacher always told me that for vibrato and the idea did seem to help.

Have you asked your teacher?

Answer 4

It's all in the breath support. If you aren't supporting, you can't control your vibrato on those long notes.

Answer 5

Holding a long note does not take one simple change most of the time, start doing breathing exercises daily before playing your intrument. One exercise goes like this...

1. Breath in 4 counts then blow out 4 counts
2. Breath in 4 counts then blow out 8 counts
3. Breath in 4 counts then blow out 12 counts
4. Breath in 4 counts then blow out 16 counts


This can go on and on until you reach your goal. If you want to try more difficult breathing, try breathing in 1 or 2 counts instead of 4. Use your hard as a monitor in front of your mouth to see how long you can really blow out a strong air stream.

Answer 6

Breathe deep pushing out your stomach not your chest, open your mouth as if you have an egg in it so the sound can resonate & release your air slow squeezing your butt. Focus on using your head voice to make your sound stronger....(I know it sounds crazy but it works!)

Answer 7

you should start swimming, it makes you learn how to control your breath. I started swimming when i started singing and it worked : )

Answer 8

breath support! must use more breath support