Photo by Tim Toomey on Unsplash
OKAY , THAT SOUNDS GREAT … BUT HOW EXACTLY DO I DO IT ? For singers who are just learning how to use vibrato , here are a number of exercises that might help simulate the feel of vibrato . Different voices respond differently to these exercises , so if these don ’ t work for you , be patient and keep trying , or move on to a different exercise !
• First and foremost : release tension . Take a moment to stretch your neck muscles , jaw , and tongue . Swing your arms from side to side and roll your shoulders forward and backward .
• Diaphragm pulse . This will help simulate the feel of vibrato so that singers can get a physical sense of it when they are still learning how to use it . Place your fist on your abdomen right underneath the sternum and place the other hand over that fist . Hum or sing an MMM or an EEE over a single note while pushing your fist into your diaphragm in a pulsing motion .
• The “ hahaha ” exercise . On a single note , sing “ Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha ” on a moderate volume . Tune into how your body is creating the sound , especially with the movements in your abdomen . Then try switching off the H sound while still maintaining the same movements in your body .
• The half-step shuffle . Hum or sing an MMM or an EEE , starting on any pitch that feels comfortable for you and then move up one half step . Go back and forth between these two notes , and then play with increasing the speed .
WHAT IF I CAN ’ T FIGURE OUT HOW TO TURN IT OFF AND SING IN STRAIGHT TONES ? Below are two exercises that might help . Again , remember that every voice is different , so if these tools don ’ t work for you , don ’ t give up !
• The “ mm-mm-MMM ” exercise . Starting in your chest voice ( a good starting point would be G3 for male / lower voices and C4 for female / higher voices ), speak an MMM on pitch , much like how you would say “ mmmmm ” when eating delicious food . Then try following a pattern of two short notes and one long note ( mm-mm-MMM ), all on the same pitch and in a spoken sound and on a straight tone . Keep a low to moderate volume , and make sure not to add an H to the beginning of each syllable . At first , you might not be able to sustain the note for too long without vibrato kicking in , and that ’ s okay . Start short and gradually extend the sustain over time .
• “ GUG ” on a repeated note . Follow the same pattern as above but use a GUG syllable . Keep the syllable short / staccato , keep the sound as close as possible to your spoken voice , and make sure to enunciate the G consonant .
No two voices are alike , so the learning process will be different from person to person . Focus on experimentation , observe the sensations in your body as you play , and seek individualized vocal coaching if you can . Have fun !
Renee Maranan Vocal Instructor | Life Coach Ambassador for the Institute for Vocal Advancement www . ReneeMaranan . com Instagram @ reneemaranan
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