Vibrato?

It's neither good nor bad, it's a tool that you have to learn to control and when to use it and when to lay off.

before i started with my voice coach, almost 5 years ago, my vibrato was very forced and not natural. i had been imitating singers and using my diaphragm to "create" vibrato. i had to force myself to sing without the forced vibrato, and about a year into my lessons the natural vibrato came about. it's progressed to me being able to control when i use it and when i don't, how distinct i want it or don't want it to be, speed etc. i reccomend that you start with a voice teacher to assess where your vibrato is, then work from there. vibrato isn't everything either, tone and quality are huge, possibley even more important factors.

vibrato is really a natural tendency voices have. It's actually harder to eliminate it completely and straight tone something. It's also an interesting sign of control in extreme registers...you'll notice people who are barely holding on to that super high belted G might not be able to do it while others can. It really does come down to breath support and what exactly it is your singing stylistically. For musical theatre (most of it) and opera/classical, you want it. If you're trying to be the next avril Lavigne, you might not.

I have a vibrato at home in a drawer.

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omg, Matt, omg LOL!

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Updated On: 6/30/04 at 03:21 PM

Vibrato is overused most of the time. It's okay here and there, but some performers just sound like goats.

But don't work to get rid of it. Whoever tells you to not use it or to get rid of it are just wrong...wrong, wrong.

learn how to use it when it is needed-but it shouldnt be something thats automatic

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AH! Vibrato is the one thing that lets you know that you ARE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT. It happens when you are relaxed, and you are not singing with your throat (which is a BAD idea to do if you want to be able to sing for a long time). Vibrato should never be looked at as something bad, ever. It tells you that you are relaxed, and singing properly. DO NOT let anyone tell you other wise. You should strive to make your vibrato even MORE intense, because as soon as it becomes smooth and regular, you'll know you are singing correctly.
However, its when singers try to push their vibrato that makes the situation not good. It should just come completely relaxed and without any strain on your vocal chords.

Hope this helps.

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Well Im glad you got a laugh Matt_G. Im reaal glad.

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So I think I've developed a natural vibrato (I don't push for one, anyway), but now I can't control it! It just comes out, whether I want it to or not! LOL. What do I do?

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