Vibrato is a musical term that describes a consistent, wavering change in pitch between two pitches. It was first documented in the 16th century. Different effects are created when the speed and variation of the oscillating pitch are changed, and these changes add character and affect the mood of the musical piece being performed. The “rate of vibrato” refers to how quickly the pitch changes, whereas the “extent of vibrato” refers to how much the pitch changes. When singing or playing a musical instrument, the musical effect is used.
It is critical for a singer to achieve the proper amount of pressure in each breath in order to achieve vibrato while singing. The abdominal muscles and other parts of the support system, such as the lower lumber muscles, are used to accomplish this. The musical effect is often referred to as a “open throat” because of the use of these muscles. When the pharynx, or throat, which connects the nasal chambers and the mouth, opens, it causes an open throat. It also causes closed vocal chords, and the oscillating effect is caused by the combination of closed chords, open throat, and breath pressure controlled by the support system.
By practicing musical performance techniques, a singer can improve vibrato and make the musical effect a natural part of their singing. Placing hands below the rib cage and gently pushing in and out while singing a note at one pitch is a common and simple technique. A singer can create a wavering effect and practice changing the speed at which the note oscillates between pitches by using this technique. When a singer can change between two pitches approximately six times per second, an effortless flowing vibrato is created.
While it is most commonly associated with singing, it can also be used when playing a musical instrument. Instrumental musicians use a technique called “finger vibrato” to alternate between two pitches of a note, similar to how singers do. On a string instrument, a musician will hold down a string and play a note while moving the string up and down the fret board to achieve this effect. Similarly, on a woodwind instrument, the effect can be achieved by placing fingers on and off of the holes in a quick, vibrating motion, or by modulating the amount of air flow into the instrument. Moving the tongue back and forth in the mouth, or controlling the throat and abdominal regions, allows for air modulation.
Brass players can also create a wavering between two pitches by changing their embouchure (facial muscle tension) or shaking the instrument back and forth against their mouth. Brass players can achieve “lip vibrato” by changing their embouchure and changing the shape of their lips or jaw position. Alternatively, the amount of pressure between the lips and the mouthpiece can be changed by shaking the instrument back and forth, creating an oscillating effect.