I could't do any vibrato to save my life. Being an electric lead guitarist did not help in the least. Then one day I hit upon a sort of "pinch" vibrato where I and increasing and decreasing finger pressure. This isn't right but it is getting me by. Thank you for validating the notion that we don't have to nail the pitch from the get go but the trick is to tune it fast enough to kinda sorta not be noticed. - Infernal instrument, but it won't let me go.
I'm 51 and only been "playing" for 6 months but about 2 months ago I ran across this video and my improvement took a giant leap. I've been a guitar player for 32 years and what I've learned is the ear and brain knows when a note is sharp or flat whether you are a musician or not and by using your tip it opens up your mind to just GO and it's amazing how you start naturally feeling and hearing the correct intonation. Thank you!
Glad it helped! Do you know about my weekly live (zoom) guided practice sessions? They’re a lot of fun. We’re opening registration for the next round of classes to start Oct 4th. Want an invite?
Thanks so much, Christian! I love how your teaching always puts creativity at the forefront. So many "technique" videos get right to the physical part without discussing how the technique can be used to express oneself through music. As educators we are encouraged to increase the level of student VOICE and CHOICE in our programs. What better way to do this than by placing techniques like vibrato in the context of providing creative options to musicians? Fellow string teachers: do you have a skill or concept you'd like to see Chris present in an engaging way, with a focus on creativity? Take him up on his request for video topic ideas!
Teachers- do you have a request for a video that would help your students? Thanks to Halifax string programs (Nova Scotia) & Orchestra Teachers, & Adelle Meagher for suggesting I make this video for their students. I hope it is helpful!! For 60+ play along lessons, backing tracks, and lesson add-ons, see here: christianhowes.com/2020/03/26/done-video-lessons-grades-4-12/
Could you make a video on how make warmups or rythm exercises entertaining when teaching to kids? Having my students online ive seen that its harder to actually pay attention to detail during the warm ups or technical work, thank you for the great content!
@@AldonzaDellaCallabazza Hi! I think I can answer this in a comment. I would say use live loops or backing tracks like I do in my play alon videos. Having a groove to keep everyone together takes a lot of pressure off and allows the kids to focus on being in the groove. Make sense?
I totally understand your struggle-it’s hard but it IS possible and it IS rewarding! I’ve worked with tons of adult beginner students with fantastic results. If you’re interested in getting some 1-1 feedback from me, check out this offer I’m running. Here’s the coupon: bit.ly/LessonCoupon Happy practicing!
I struggled with vibrato for many years. The first thing that made it happen was finding a little book called Viva Vibrato. The first exercise involves placing the heal of the palm against the violin body, resting the fingers on the strings, and tapping the palm against the violin with metronome. This was the exercise that finally connected the vibrato movement for me. Violin Lab has a very nice vibrato course on soundslice with guided exercises playing with lovely backing track music. I'm still working on controlling my vibrato and building stamina, because after a measure or two of wobbles my vibrato becomes more of a spastic movement.
I'm at the same stage as you and can't do it either. So frustrating isn't it? I have hit a brick wall on speed, I can do a mid speed but no faster 😢. I hope you have more luck than me. 😊
Hi Christian, I'm curious if you could address issues folks like me have when trying (and failing) to bow at the same time my left hand is trying to do vibrato. I'm getting my down bow pretty good. My upbow is terrible. Maybe practicing more will work the problem out on its own.
You are very welcome, Nancy! Here is a directory of play alongs easily searchable by style, level, theme, etc..: docs.google.com/document/d/1-y4yaTYXoS1OMro8Dj51g-b7Wtios64gqiT_qp3Tsh0/edit?usp=sharing I hope it's useful for you. If you or someone you know would be interested, I'd be happy to send information about my 1-1 and group coaching programs. My next 7-week semester will likely begin in mid-July. If not, that's ok too! Thanks for your support! Chris
Hi Christian! I've been practicing vibrato on my beginners violin using the techniques you showed here, (my pinkie finger isn't exactly callused yet, but is it supposed to hurt??) I'm having trouble with screeching noises when I play. I tried more rosin, tightening/loosening the bow strings, tuning the strings, my bow up and down techniques, and I'm still getting the screeching. Do you have any thoughts?
I am a viola player, but I found to close to the bridge of your instrument sounds horrible. To see what I mean play behind your bridge. But over the fingerboard becomes muted and screechy. I think middle but closer to the fingerboard middle is best.
