What is a healthy vibrato vs. a wobble or tremolo?
Vibrato is an acoustical phenomenon evident in a free singing voice. It is a requirement in classical singing. In the pop and jazz fields vibrato is used mostly for effect, at the ends of phrases or on notes that are more sustained. When the larynx is free and there is little pressure on the voice, it naturally makes a kind of wave which we call vibrato. If the wave is too slow and/or wide we call it a wobble. A wobble occurs when the larynx is too free in the throat and your singing voice is not connecting to the flow of air properly. If the wave is too fast we call it a tremolo. A tremolo occurs when there is an excess of energy in the body (too much nervousness while performing) or when voice is not properly anchored. Both have to do with a disconnect between the voice and the breath. Excess stress can cause the larynx to make the natural wave but its much faster than need be, that is to say faster than when the singer is more relaxed and grounded.
