AboutTodd Sullivan Expertise Hello, I am a NYC violinist performing for Broadway shows, symphony orchestras, opera, and sundry theatre/pop tours. I would be happy to answer your questions about anything related to being a performer in the music business. I play both violin and viola professionally, so questions on playing either instrument are welcome. The only thing I am not well informed on is information concerning instruments/bows...those questions are best left to luthiers.
Experience Professional experience includes a variety of on/off Broadway tours and shows, numerous orchestras, tours with Ray Charles and Ann Murray orchestras, leader of the 20-piece Todd Sullivan Orchestra.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Fine Arts (violin) with honors from Carnegie Mellon University (1999)
Question I am an older beginner and I am having a hard time learning vibrato. Any suggests? I wind up shaking my whole violin or I am so intense that my fingers almost bleed. Thanks.
Answer Hello Sondra, I have several responses in the archive relating to techniques and practice methods for vibrato development, so I will refer you to those for a detailed response. I will repeat my main two ideas for you here:
1. Work on your motion with the violin restrained so that it cannot shake and move about as you try the vibrato. A great way is to have the scroll end of the violin resting against a wall while you practice; now your left hand is free to work on the motion or exercises without having to hold the instrument up and without the possibility of shaking the instrument.
2. Don't spend much time or thought on vibrato if you are a beginner and have not achieved a consistently quality tone in your playing with various bow techniques. The vibrato will take attention and care away from developing your tone, and a sub-par vibrato will only make things sound worse. I recommend that most of your attention be on bow development.
