Hi

I have been playing the violin for just over a year now, and have been trying to use vibrato whilst playing some simple tunes. I can't get much movement in my wrist, and I am not sure if this is because I have quite short fingers or whether I am doing something wrong? The violin seems comfortable whilst I play, and I can get quite a lot of movement, as in moving around positions etc on the strings. So, any advice would be apreciated.

Joy

I've been playing violin for *cough* longer than that, and I still can't do a convincing vibrato.

I don't think it is to do with finger length, just technique and practice. It is a most unnatural thing.

Yes, I know it will take practice, but I just feel like my fingers just don't feel right to do it. It's very awkward, or is that normal?

Yes it IS awkward. Have you been shown any practice exercises by your teacher?

Also, I have another query. It probably seems a really silly question, but what does C5 mean when playing C major scale one octave?

Joy

Hmmm not heard of that one. In what context is it used???

I don't have a teacher, I went for a few lessons at the very beginning, but just didnt have the time then to carry on. I was going to get a vibrato book, I have been watching some pro violinists play vibrato, so have been trying to get some hints from that.

Joy

It is for a scale. To quote Trinity's syllabus.....

"C major (from C) (one octave)"

Hmmm, any ideas???

Forgot to say, it is for grade 3 scales for the violin, if that helps.

The number denotes which C you start on. No 5 means the C above middle C on the piano (middle C is C4).

I think it would be useful for you to get a couple more lessons to put you on the right track for vibrato. You may be doing it wrong and any bad habits formed may be very difficult to put right later on.

Why not come to Amanda's workshop?

See it makes sense now... I've never heard it being referred to like that though!! I may get a couple more lessons yes, it's just fitting it all in.

Thanks

Joy

I have incredibly small hands and they've never been a problem with regards to vibrato. For me, vibrato came naturally, I was never shown it nor taught it, but I'm really grateful that it did come that way as I know it can give all sorts of problems when pupils are almost trying to force vibrato into their playing.

If you're finding it tough going, it really is about practicing frequently, but don't let the idea of vibrato become so obsessive that it starts to cramp up your playing by creating tension in the shoulder and arm. With vibrato, finger independence is important - vibrato while keeping all the fingers down is near impossible. Relax, let the entire left arm hang from the fingerborad of the violin by using the arm weight to press the finger onto the string. Ensure that your left elbow is situated so that it is underneath the violin - don't let it lift out to the left side, otherwise you will be effectively shortening your fingers and reducing the stretch of the hand. Keep the wrist away from the neck of the instrument.

Now, without the bow, just try the vibrato movement on the string. Imagine you are massaging just a tiny little spot to and fro - not side to side. Don't let the wrist tense up, the arm weight alone should be enough to keep enough finger pressure on the string. Try this with each finger, and on each string. You will probably find your weakest finger for vibrato is the little 4th finger. You will need to strengthen this finger a lot, especially if you tend to be a violin student who avoids using the fourth finger unless absolutely necessary. (There are plenty that do!!)

Once you feel more comfortable with the vibrato action, pick up the bow and play some long notes, adding a little vibrato.

Vibrato comes in many forms; fast and wide, slow and wide, fast and narrow, slow and narrow, plus many combinations of the above depending on what expression you are putting into the music. But you need not worry about that at the moment, it will come in time and with practice.

One final word of advice - for once you've got the hang of it - vibrato of the same type on every single note you play can sound as boring as using no vibrato at all.

Thanks for you advice AmandaL, I will sit down and read your post again alongside playing my violin later. I am not obsessing over it, just it would be nice to have a bit of vibrato in my playing now and again when I can master it.

Joy

I play the violin too, and my teacher started teaching me vibrato...but it's really hard!! has anyone got any good quick tips for picking it up...thanks...

If you read my previous posting on this thread I have offered some advice, but there is no 'quick fix' for learning vibrato. It is all about practice.

Thankyou!

Dear Joy,
You are trying to run before you can walk.
I wouldn't encourage my students until the can comfortably support the instrument and shift confidently. If you try to do vibrato before these other aspects of technique are in place, you will create a lot of unwanted tension in your playing. I doubt that the 'impressive' wobbling will infact result in any improvement or enhance the sound you make. Mastering finer movements comes after refining the larger ones. Viol fee

Yes, I can see your point, and you are probably right! However, I just wanted to have a go that's all, as I have some lovely grade 5 pieces I was hoping to play, and I think they would sound quite nice with a bit of vibrato. I feel a lot more confident with shifting now, not that brilliant at it yet, but I think it is all falling into place now.

Thanks for the advice
Joy

I am not a teacher but I agree with viol fee because I noticed that although my daughter was taught vibrato early before her grade 3 exam, nonetheless it was definitely AFTER she has finished her book on shifting exercises and had in fact shifted comfortably. I remember this particularly well as I had actually asked the teacher why he did not wait till grade 5. I knew it was unnecessary, being a grade 5 requirement since my best pal was a violinist.

PS.
Finger length probably does not affect vibrato since M. Elman was a GREAT violinist and the most famous before Heifetz came on the scene and he had short stumpy fingers! Menuhin I saw on DVD close ups did not have long fingers, either!