- Understand what vibrato is and when to use it
- Learn diaphragm vibrato technique
- Develop controlled, musical vibrato
- Apply vibrato appropriately in different musical styles
Introduction
Vibrato is a slight, regular fluctuation in pitch that adds warmth and expression to sustained notes. On recorder, vibrato is optional and stylistically dependent—Baroque music typically uses less vibrato than Romantic music. Let's learn this expressive technique!
What is Vibrato?
Vibrato creates a subtle "wavering" of pitch around the main note. On recorder, this is achieved through:
- Diaphragm vibrato: Pulsing the air stream with your diaphragm (most common)
- Throat vibrato: Subtle throat movements (less common, can sound harsh)
- Finger vibrato: Partially covering/uncovering a hole (rare, used for special effects)
We'll focus on diaphragm vibrato—the most natural and controllable method.
How to Produce Diaphragm Vibrato
Step 1: Feel Your Diaphragm
Place your hand on your abdomen, just above your navel. Take a deep breath, then:
- Say "HA-HA-HA-HA" rapidly
- Feel your diaphragm pulse with each "HA"
- That's the motion we'll use for vibrato!
Step 2: Practice Without the Recorder
While breathing out steadily, pulse your diaphragm:
- Start slow: "HOO-HOO-HOO-HOO" (about 2 pulses per second)
- Speed up gradually: "huhuhuhuhuh" (about 4-5 pulses per second)
- Keep the air flow steady—just add gentle pulses
Step 3: Apply to Recorder
Play a comfortable note (like G4 or A4) and hold it for 4 beats. Start without vibrato, then add gentle pulses.
Pattern: Hold steady for 2 beats → add slow vibrato for 2 beats. Repeat.
Vibrato Speed and Width
Speed: How fast the pitch oscillates (measured in pulses per second)
- Slow vibrato: 2-3 pulses/second (too slow, sounds wobbly)
- Ideal vibrato: 4-6 pulses/second (natural, expressive)
- Fast vibrato: 7+ pulses/second (sounds nervous or shaky)
Width: How much the pitch varies
- Narrow: Subtle fluctuation (usually best for recorder)
- Wide: Obvious pitch variation (can sound out of control)
Practice controlling the speed of your vibrato.
Exercise: Slow vibrato → Medium vibrato → Fast vibrato → Find your ideal speed
When to Use Vibrato
Vibrato is not always appropriate! Consider the musical style:
Use Vibrato Sparingly or Not at All:
- Baroque music (Bach, Handel, Vivaldi) - Mostly straight tone
- Renaissance music (Susato, Praetorius) - No vibrato
- Medieval music - No vibrato
- Fast passages - Vibrato impedes clarity
Use Moderate Vibrato:
- Romantic-style pieces - Add warmth and expression
- Slow, lyrical melodies - Enhance sustained notes
- 20th/21st century music - Composer's indication
- Cadences - Gentle vibrato on final notes
Developing Vibrato Control
Practice starting and stopping vibrato smoothly.
Pattern: Each note = 4 beats. Beats 1-2: no vibrato. Beats 3-4: add vibrato.
Gradually intensify vibrato from none to full.
Start with straight tone, gradually add vibrato intensity over the phrase.
Common Vibrato Mistakes
- ❌ Too wide: Pitch wobbles uncontrollably. Keep it subtle!
- ❌ Too fast: Sounds nervous or like a trill. Aim for 4-6 pulses/second
- ❌ Too slow: Sounds wobbly or unstable. Speed it up!
- ❌ Constant vibrato: Using vibrato on every note is tiring and stylistically inappropriate
- ❌ Throat tension: Should come from diaphragm, not throat
Musical Application
Add gentle vibrato to sustained notes (half notes and longer).
"Are you going to Scarborough Fair..."
Tip: No vibrato on quarter notes (too short). Gentle vibrato on half notes and dotted half notes.
Practice Routine (25 minutes daily)
- Diaphragm pulse exercises (without recorder) - 3 minutes
- Long tones with vibrato control - 8 minutes
- Vibrato on/off exercises - 6 minutes
- Apply vibrato to lyrical melodies - 8 minutes