How does a singer actually sing vibrato?
Vibrato is a natural effect – different singers have different amounts (both in terms of frequency and depth). It’s very rare than a singer has no vibrato whatsoever. The mechanics of vibrato are, effectively, the slight tightening and loosening of the muscles which tension the vocal chords (iin order to create the change in pitch). You can force this in the same way as you can pitch any note – create the vibrato by altering the muscles – but this sounds very false. Some singers will actively wobble their jaw to force vibrato – it works, but you look like a twat. Don’t do it. Because the vocal chords are strings, tension can affect vibrato. Try singing quietly; relax; hold your head facing down – this will give you the best chance of hearing your natural vibrato. If you can’t hear any, check if you’re still tense – are you abs tense; your neck; your back? Relax further if you have to. Sing quietly initially – too much air pressure will squash the vibrato as much as muscle tension. (Thi
The mechanics of vibrato are, effectively, the slight tightening and loosening of the muscles which tension the vocal chords (iin order to create the change in pitch). Well, that is interesting. I have been told that unlike most people whose pitch is a bit “fuzzy” (sorry, I don’t remember quite how it was put to me) that my voice is so on pitch that it tends cut thru TOO precisely (I would use the term sharp, but obviously here that would be confusing, as I’m not sharp OR flat) If I remember correctly the implication was that I was so concentrated on hitting the note precisely that it affected the tone, and I suppose from what you are saying the vibrato too.
If you are looking for a great vocal mentor for vibrato skills, the best (by far) i’ve ever heard is from Renee Fleming’s aria performances, especially when she sings Verdi’s Sempre Libera from La Traviata, which is on her recent album By Request.
