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 Hi. I have been playing the viola for almost five years now, and need some tips on vibrato. I haven't tried pursuing it intensely yet for I don't want to develop bad tecniques. When I attempt to practice vibrato, I try to use more of my wrist and fingers rather than my arm, but somehow I end up lightly "shaking" my instrument. I'd really appreciate it if you could give me some tips on how I can correct myself and improve. Thank you so much.
Answer Hello Olivia,
In addition to the following, I have some detailed information on vibrato development in a previous answer I wrote that you can look up and read.
First, make sure that your instrument is held securely by your jawbone and body. If you need your left hand to hold it up chances are that this is why trying to use vibrato causes the shaking. Even if you already use some type of padding or shoulder pad you may need to find something different now that you are trying something you never had to do before. I have had to make such setup adjustments many times in my life, and they never end! So, first make sure the setup is comfortable and that your left hand and arm are free.
You can practice the vibrato motion while resting the viola against a wall. Just stand with your left side near a wall and rest the scroll flush against the wall so that it is supporting all the weight of the instrument. This frees you to learn to feel the finger motion of the vibrato without the resistance. When you are accustomed to this, you can try to get the same results with your normal hold.
When you look in a mirror while performing the vibrato motion, you should see the back of the hand (knuckles, etc) moving back and forth between the scroll and your rest position. You should NOT see your wrist/palm of the hand rising up toward the underside of the fingerboard - this is a common flaw among students first attempting vibrato.
