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.
Expert: David Date: 9/6/2005 Subject: vibrato on the violin
Question I have been playing the violin for about four years now, only two of which have been taught by a teacher. I have asked my teacher how do it, but he uses his whole arm and says it is harder and I should so it with my wrist. Well I try but when I try it my finger that is on the fingerboard doesn't move, it just stays bent and stationary. What should I do to fix my problem?
Answer Hi Brianna,
This is difficult to answer without seeing, but I will try. I agree with your teacher that you should perform vibrato with your wrist--arm vibrato is not used as often and definitely isn't what should be learned first by a student.
One possibility is that the neck of the violin is stuck in the webbing between your thumb and first finger, or too close to it. If this is the case, vibrato will be almost impossible--make sure that you are supporting the violin with your chin and shoulder, not your left arm. In other words, you should be able to hold your violin up with your left arm hanging by your side. When you play, your left arm is holding itself up, but not holding the violin up. Make sure that when you hold up the violin, no more than a third of your left thumb is sticking up above the fingerboard. I personally think that 25% is better.
Maybe, though, that is not the problem and you're holding the violin fine. Always remember that vibrato is an extension of the hand backward from the normal position--NOT forward. It follows that the vibrated note will fluctuate between its normal pitch and flat, but never sharp. Your vibrating finger is not starting the movement, your hand is, and the finger just follows.
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.
Then take your violin and put your finger on any note in 1st position. Slide your finger up and down the fingerboard while bowing. 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 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 hand backward and nearly collapse the finger playing the note, but don't lock the joint (never lock it). Try it both with the bow, and with your right hand grasping your left forearm as before. This is where I expect you'll be challenged, from what you're saying. If your hand feels cramped, you may want to eat a banana--that's no joke, as bananas have potassium which will help here. Allow your finger to collapse, and come back to normal, repeatedly. Again, the pitch should be moving from normal to flat and back again, never sharp.
Whatever you do with vibrato, be sure your 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. Good luck,
David
