Vocal Technique: Singing Vibrato

Singing vibrato is a mysterious vocal technique that has plagued and blessed singers for centuries upon centuries. In fact, some singers are categorized and recognized by the way their vibrato sounds (whether good or bad). For some singers, vibrato comes as a natural after effect of singing, specifically through holding out a note for a certain length of time. For other singers, vibrato is a mystery that simply "cannot" be figured out. And yet others pose the question, "What is vibrato anyways?"

According to an article by David L. Jones, vibrato is defined as a "slight variation of pitch resulting from the free oscillation of the vocal cords".¹ This vibration of the vocal cords results in a movement of sound similar to a ripple throughout a calm lake. The sound "ripples" from the vocal cords to produce different qualities of vibrato; some vibrato is slow and sounds shaky, while some vibrato is fast and sounds over-excited. The key to singing vibrato in a healthy fashion is learning how to control, regulate and support your breath while maintaining consistent cord closure.

Singing vibrato is susceptible to a common myth that exclaims it is a natural gift and cannot be learned. However, I am here to tell you that this is a completely false myth. Vibrato is just as well learned as staying on pitch. The major factor behind the success of your vibrato is your technique. Good vocal technique fosters healthy vibrato.

If you are a singer struggling with vibrato, don't fret - you have hope yet! Vibrato can be learned, and some of the ways to learn it are much easier than you may think. On average, a healthy vibrato rolls at about 5-6 oscillations per second (exceptions can be made depending on the tempo and nature of the song). Anything slower sounds "wobbly" and anything faster sounds "speedy". One of the easiest ways to develop vibrato is imitation. That's right, simple imitation. Find yourself a good operatic singer with a boisterous vibrato and try to imitate that sound. You've most likely done it before as a child because you thought it sounded funny (and yet, somehow, imitation is the highest form of flattery).

If imitation is not the route you would like to take, find yourself a piano and play two keys side by side (any two will work). This is just a way to practice it - vibrato can be done between a pitch or between multiple pitches. Rotate between hitting these keys and let your vibrato follow accordingly. Start off slowly, such as two oscillations per second. Gradually increase your oscillations per second as you begin to get more comfortable with singing vibrato. Finally, if you don't have a piano, just oscillate between two comfortable pitches and work from there.

Remember, you must develop vibrato, and like developing any other skill, it takes time. Regular practice is the key to developing your vibrato. You will discern how to best use your vibrato according to your singing needs. The most wonderful part about singing vibrato is that it is just like riding a bicycle - once you learn how to do it, you never forget. So keep up the faith, buckle down and start developing your vibrato today!

Interested in learning more about singing? Be sure to visit some of my other vocal articles today!

1. Jones, David L. "Understanding Vibrato: Vocal Principles That Encourage Development." Voice Teacher