AboutDavid Expertise I mainly aim to answer questions about playing techniques--intonation,
vibrato, bowing etc. I am somewhat familiar with Baroque and Classical music, though not as much with Romantic. I am unable to answer questions about advanced music theory, violin crafters/brands or the monetary value of a violin.
Experience I have played the violin about nine discontinuous years. Most of my work has been orchestral, with some soloing throughout. I was principal 2nd violinist of the Disney Honors Orchestra in 1998, a six-time All-State Orchestra violinist, a two-time assistant concertmaster and two-time concertmaster of my All-County Orchestra. I also have perfect pitch, which I believe can be learned (though I do not claim to know how to teach it).
Since starting medical school in 2004, I have had fewer chances to play, but I hope to someday resume on a regular basis.
Question I play viola, and I was wondering about virbrato. I am in the 6th grade, and I just got 1st chair. I want to be able to virbrato correctly by the time I am either near the end of 8th grade or during 9th grade. Can you explain to me in a kid version on how I might be able to virbrato?
Answer Hi Kenny, I apologize for the delay in answering; medical school has been keeping me very busy this week.
It's actually very hard to explain vibrato with only words, and even harder to keep it simple, but I will try. If this seems too complicated, bring this message to your music teacher or conductor and I think he or she will be able to help you.
One exercise I like to suggest is to take a plastic egg, fill it with raw rice, close it and shake it back and forth in the left hand. With your right hand, grasp your left forearm just below the wrist, so that the hand can move easily but your forearm can't. Emphasize the backward motion of your left hand, and be sure to loosen up. Tightness kills vibrato--avoid it.
Then take your viola and put a finger on any note in 1st position. I like to start with the 2nd or 3rd finger. Slide your finger up and down the fingerboard while bowing long slow notes. It will NOT sound pretty, but it's not supposed to--it's just to get your hand loose and used to the approximate motion, while bowing. Make sure your hand is moving, but that your forearm is not moving much. Your wrist should be doing the work; your elbow should not be doing the work.
After you get used to this, decide on a note to vibrate in 1st position; I prefer something on the 2nd or 3rd finger to start with. Move your left hand backward and almost collapse the finger playing the note, but don't lock your finger's smallest joint, the one closest to your fingertip (never lock it). Try it with the bow, and also try it with your right hand holding onto your left forearm. If your hand feels cramped up, you may want to eat a banana--that's no joke, it can help. Let your finger almost collapse, and come back to normal, and do this over and over. The pitch should be normal then flat then normal again, but it should never be sharp.
Whatever you do with vibrato, be sure your left hand is moving, with your wrist as a pivot joint. Don't bend your wrist in and out while keeping your finger stationary--this is a common mistake I've seen. Keeping your right hand on your forearm can help prevent this.
Hope this is of some help. Unfortunately I must go on vacation for a time, but I imagine that exercise will keep you occupied and hopefully improve your vibrato.
