vibrato...?

Question

for violinists and violists.
i am trying learning vibrato. i've been practicing the motions my teacher told me to do but i was wondering if anyone has any other tips.

Answer 1

Keep doing exactly what you're teacher is telling you. The main thing with vibrato is to stay as relaxed as possible. There should be absolutely no tension in your fingers,wrist, fore arm or elbow. I wish I knew what exercises your teacher gave you so I could be more specific. Just keep doing it very slow, very relaxed and very big. I tell my students to exaggerate the motion because its easier to shrink it down later and it will also give you a wide range of vibrato to work with. Think of moving your wrist backwards (down) more than forwards (up). This will give you a more even sounding vibrato and will help keep you from going sharp. Also think about initiating the motion with your middle knuckles like you are knocking on a door with the back of your hand. When you are ready you can try practicing scales with very slow vibrato and gradually try speeding it up but if you start tensing up slow back down and relax.
Don't try to rush this. It will probably get very frustrating(and sound pretty awful) but one day you will just do it and then you will know what it is supposed to feel like. Be patient with yourself. This is a very difficult technique to master. I hope this helps. If you have any other questions send me an e-mail.
If you want to hear some amazing and constant vibrato check out some recordings by Gil Shaham. He's incredible at that.

Answer 2

Tips? There are no shortcuts. If your teacher is a good one, and you have confidence in the quality of his instruction, then it's best to follow your teachers advice. Keep practicing.