Vibrato is necessary in order to sustain a tone at a comfortable speech-level with a balance of cord tension and air flow. We must remember that there are two types of compression which occur in the vocal folds during phonation. One pressure comes from the closure (adduction) of the vocal folds themselves as they are drawn together. The other compression is the air pressure which comes from the diaphragm and presses against the adducted vocal folds. In order to sing in a healthy manner, there must be a constant balance which exists between the two pressures: one pressure blows the cords apart and the other pressure brings them back together, then the first pressure blows the cords apart again, and then the other pressure brings the cords back together again. This process happens over and over again, and thus a sound wave is emitted from the cords and into the resonating chambers of the voice. As a result of the balancing of these two pressures, a "spinning" type sound occurs called vibrato.
The types of sounds which can occur when balance during phonation is not maintained are breathy (whisper), yelled (or pulled), falsetto (disconnected), wobble (wide and slow vibrato), or tremolo (quick vibrato like a machine gun or a goat bleating). An occasional use of one of these unbalanced sounds can be used as stylistic devices, but the majority of singing should be done in a balanced manner at a comfortable speech level in order to maintain optimal vocal health. There are styles of singing where a full-bodied vibrato may not appropriate, but that does not mean that vibrato should be removed from the voice. The only way to sing without vibrato is to sing without balance. A good vibrato not does need to call undue attention to itself, but some vibrato is absolutely necessary for healthy singing. The balance described here is a primary focus of all good vocal technique, and is a major factor in giving singers who use the Speech-Level-Singing technique the feeling that they are singing with the same release and freedom as when they are speaking.
More tomorrow!
Guy Babusek
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5 comments:
Hi! I've been teaching voice for two years - mainly children and teenagers - and the adult I'm currently teaching sings with absolutely no vibrato. She's in her late 30's and has never had lessons before now. She has some breathing and tension problems that are related to the lack of vibrato, I think, and while I know how plenty of breathing/relaxation exercises, I have NO exercises for stimulating vibrato. I appreciate ANY suggestions you could offer here.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for your comment. There are some great exercises for stimulating vibrato. They are much easier to demonstrate than to write about. I'm considering adding a podcast to the site just for that purpose. One of the best exercises I have used involves having the student speak an enthusiastic "GEE!" Then have them pulse "GEE...EEE!" "GEE...EEE...EEE!" "GEE...EEE...EEE...EEE!" "GEE...EEE...EEE...EEE...EEE!" Make sure that the pulses are coming from the breath... (they will feel a slight pulse at the solar plexus region). The feeling is light and easy, but connected and enthusiastic. No bobbing of the head, or grabbing of the throat. Then when they are practicing a sustained tone, instead of thinking "sustain," they think "5 pulses." Gradually, the pulses are relaxed more and more and the speed is increased so that the pulsing becomes a spinning sensation. It is often beneficial for the student to avoid practicing sustaining a tone in their old way.... they always pulse it. This assists them in getting used to the correct feeling of tonal movement which is gradually refined into a spinning vibrato.
There are other exercises as well, but this one usually works for the vibrato free voice.
Good luck!
Guy
THANK YOU Sarah for your Question and Guy for your answer!!! I have been trawling the net for ages for a way to teach vibrato and your exercise is by far the best offered so far. Some sites are saying teaching vibrato is damaging to the voice and should just occur naturally, so it's great to hear a Speach Level Singing teacher's suggestons. Many thanks
Thanks Guy - I'll be sure to try that one with my students. Another exercise I've used is the 'ghost' noise! If you make a 'whoooo' sound (like a child pretending to make a ghost noise), then gradually exaggerated it. Then speed it up and see what happens... I find it is useful as it maintains a free, open throat, and it is quite good fun! Don't be surprised if you both collapse in giggles the first couple of times, but at least your student will remain relaxed!
Good luck fellow singing teachers...
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