Vibrato and Its Styles (Singing Technique)

Vibrato in singing is a technique where the singer modulates pitch to add expression and sustain to a note, a skill that can be developed through various exercises. The use of vibrato adds a rich, dynamic quality to vocal performances and can be adjusted to suit different types of music and styles.

Key takeaways

  • Essential Technique: Vibrato is a fundamental vocal technique that enhances musical expression and vocal longevity.
  • Variety of Styles: There are multiple types of vibrato, each with unique sounds, such as operatic vibrato, jazz vibrato, and gospel vibrato.
  • Exercises for Development: Specific exercises, like pitch bends and controlled breathing, can help singers cultivate and control their vibrato.
  • Strategic Use: Vibrato isn’t constant; knowing when and how to apply it can greatly affect the aesthetics and emotional impact of a performance.
  • Personal Signature: While it can be technically cultivated, vibrato often becomes a part of a singer’s distinctive sound.

Understanding Vibrato in Singing

Vibrato is a sophisticated singing technique marked by regular, pulsating changes in pitch around a sustained tone, which serves to enrich the vocal quality and add emotional depth to a performance.

It’s a defining aspect of a singer’s voice that can influence the overall aesthetic of various musical styles.

  • Nature of Vibrato: Characterized by slight pitch variation around a central note, vibrato occurs naturally in a well-supported voice.
  • Role in Singing: Vibrato adds warmth, texture, and resonance to a singer’s tone, often making it more pleasing to the ear.
  • Rate and Extent: Typically, a healthy vibrato will fluctuate at a rate of about 5-7 oscillations per second, striking a balance that neither sounds too wobbly nor too static.
  • Signature of Singers: The specific rate and depth of a singer’s vibrato contribute to a unique vocal signature, differentiating individual artists and styles.
  • Impact on Music: Vibrato’s emotional sway can be especially highlighted in genres that value expressive nuances, such as opera or soul.

The Different Types of Vibrato

Each of the types of vibrato comes with its own method of production and distinct sound characteristics catering to different singing styles and preferences.

  • Diaphragmatic Vibrato: Produced by subtle pulsations of the diaphragm, this vibrato emanates from controlled breath support and results in a warm, steady oscillation.
  • Vocal Trill Vibrato: Vocal trill vibrato is achieved through rapid alternation between two adjacent pitches, creating a quivering effect often used in classical and operatic singing.
  • Jaw Vibrato: With jaw vibrato, the fluctuation comes from minute movements of the jaw, which in turn modulates the pitch, often seen in musical theatre and some traditional singing forms.
  • Vocal Wobble: Not typically desired, vocal wobble is an over-exaggerated form of vibrato with wider pitch variations, which may indicate a lack of control or tension.
  • Experimental and Uncommon Types: Some singers explore unconventional vibrato methods, further contributing to the diversity of vocal expression within music.

Cultivating Your Vibrato: Exercises and Techniques

Singers can cultivate a controlled and aesthetically pleasing vibrato through targeted exercises designed to strengthen diaphragmatic support and fine-tune vocal control.

  • Diaphragm Pulse: This exercise involves singing a note with steady pressure and then pulsing the diaphragm gently to create a wave-like sensation, reinforcing breath control vital for vibrato.
  • Happy Birthday Vibrato: Practicing the “Happy Birthday” song with deliberate vibrato can help singers apply vibrato to a familiar tune, focusing on smooth transitions between notes.
  • The Silent “H” Technique: Emphasizing a silent “H” as if starting each note with a tiny breath helps to initiate a natural vibrato by engaging the diaphragm without straining the vocal cords.
  • Siren Sounds: Gradually sliding up and down the vocal range on a “woo” sound encourages flexibility and control, which are essential for a consistent vibrato.
  • Controlled Breaths: Taking measured breaths and releasing them with controlled pressure can train the breath support needed for sustained vibrato singing.

The Aesthetic of Vibrato: When and How to Use It

The aesthetic of vibrato usage varies widely across music genres, with stylistic considerations playing a key role in how and when it is employed during performance.

  • Genre-Specific Usage: Classical and operatic singers might use a more pronounced vibrato for dramatic effect, while pop and contemporary artists often opt for subtler variations to maintain a modern sound.
  • Artistic Choices: The decision to use vibrato can depend on the mood of the piece, the emotional message conveyed, and the personal style of the singer.
  • Musical Phrasing: Vibrato is often introduced at the end of phrases or on sustained notes to add color and release tension, enhancing the phrasing’s impact.
  • Controlling Vibrato: Singers can control vibrato by managing breath pressure and muscle engagement, aiming for a balanced, even oscillation that complements the music.
  • Expressive Tool: Vibrato can be varied mid-performance for expressive purposes, dialed back for soft, intimate sections, or intensified during powerful moments.