I'm 58 and learning the violin/viola and just starting on vibrato. So, I'm taking notes for now, and will refer back to this video as I'm learning. Thank you so much.
ThatViolaKid Heck I'm playing viola now after having played violin for a few years now and I like that a violist like you has a channel. gotta check out your videos. This has been very helpful I assure you :)
you all probably dont give a damn but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any help you can offer me
My strings music teacher told us about you and told us the check out your channel. He also showed us a video you made and the second I got home I searched you up. I realized you played the viola and then I got even more excited.(since I'm learning to play the viola) I've been watching your videos for hours. Just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me.😁
Thanks -- especially for the interpretation tips, because I've usually thought of various colors as just calling for "more" or "less" vibrato. One thing I'd like to see, though, is vibrato tips for small hands (or large violas). Even after years of using vibrato, I have difficulty with it on the C string, especially in 1st position or half-position. So far I've tried sliding my thumb completely under the neck and try to raise my hand, which allows a wider vibrato but creates a lot of tension (perhaps the answer is finding a way to reduce this tension?); or letting the neck drop all the way into the crook of my thumb, which avoids the tension but limits me to a very narrow vibrato.
Oooo man, now we're reaching beyond my scope of expertise! I happen to have big hands, so I'm not the right person to ask! Maybe I can outsource some of these questions to my teachers....=3
ThatViolaKid Hey, didn't mean to put you on the spot. If you can find something easily, it'd be great, but if it's a lot of effort, I'll keep looking around for ideas. Either way, thanks for the tips in the video.
I’ve always learned that what you don’t what in vibrato is sliding up first, which you recommended. Sliding up first makes for a sharper sound, which can make sounds out of tune.
I already guided so many of my friends to this video and they said that this was awesome and that their vibrato was definitely getting better. Thank you!
As soon as you said it. I started to realize that i am almost always rigid. Scratch that. Always rigid. Do you think you can do a video on bowing techniques. Like wrist and elbow movements. I was really happy to find your channel. I play viola and it really makes ms happy to have a role model that actually plays my instrument
Hello @ThatViolaKid! :D Thank you so much for your amazing videos! :D I'm a Professional (electric bassist) musician who just got started on the viola today. Your videos are really really helpful and inspiring! We were in need of a Violist TH-camr! The viola community is grateful to you Sir! Greetings from Portugal!
Great video. It boils down to keeping your hands steady, but relaxed enough to let them vibrate and not cause tendinitis. Can't tell you how many times that term comes up when reading on string instruments! 😰😨😬☠
Oh yes, I didn't mention this in my original comment, but it's very important that I mention it now: though the video was generally informative and all, it would have been even more helpful if you included sound clips of you demonstrating the vibrato in the viola's lower, middle and upper ranges. That way, people would know what timbre they're supposed to get for certain pieces that emphasize particular emotions.
Hi Drew! I have solo ensemble coming up in a few months and I was wondering if you could make a video on how to memorize music or any specific ways or techniques? Thanks man you're the best!
Wonderful video! I just started viola, and was really happy to find your channel. Fantastic content, keep up the great work! Just a question about first finger contact with the neck: when I was learning violin, I was taught to always keep the base of the first finger on the neck--even during vibrato. Does it just come down to personal preference between violists, or do you feel that only having the thumb as a contact point on the neck and releasing the first finger during vibrato is best?
Thank you so much for another video on vibrato. I am looking at hopelessness and despair not too far down the road after working for years and feeling like I have not come very far. I have actually gone to studying videos and then using them for a period of time. This video incorporates some of what has been I think the best teaching in various videos I've watched. Thank you for coming back and adding, and in some cases even clarifying, ideas that I think I got incorrectly from your first video. I think there will be in our future a vibrato video number 3 coming from you at some point. Are you saying vibrato cycles would measure around 400 beats per minute on a metronome?
Thank you so much for sharing these tips.. very helpful and I love your videos :) Any tips on how to don't tense up while playing ? I personally tend to cramp my neck so that my hand is more relaxed but then again it gets quite uncomfortable after a short period of time
I would consider different ways of securing your setup! Maybe you're already secure and the clenching of your neck is overkill :) Relax and play slowly! If you still feel like you're gonna drop your instrument, consider going to your teacher and re-evaluating your setup so you're more secure!
I was wondering if you could give a suggested plan for practicing vibrato for 5 minutes. I usually practice vibrato for 5 - 7 minutes everyday. Thank you TVK!!!!!
Hi TVK! Great video as always! I luv how you describe the different type of vibratos and which is the most appropriate to use depending the scene, mood, etc... that's what I needed to know! btw do you have any tips or tricks in order to "break" the natural link between left and right arm? when I'm playing forte with my bow arm, I tend to squeeze my left fingers onto the strings too hard and get all tensed, then my back aches, left hand fingers hurt haha etc etc... any tips will be much appreciated :D luv ya! you rock!
Try practicing with one arm at a time, and then try to do the opposite in each hand. What's happening is you're not exerting any conscious control. You're allowing your reflexes to guide you. If you break it down slowly with each arm and then train yourself to be able to do the opposite (play forte in left hand and piano in right and vice versa), you'll have achieved the necessary control to give yourself a break and relax a bit!
Hi TVK, awesome videos you have on here! I was wondering if you have any advice for some one (old, I'm 28) that wants to take up an instrument as a hobby for the first time, to have fun with and to learn something new. I am torn between the viola and the cello, I love their deep and full sounds (I actually didn't know much about the viola until I found some videos on TH-cam). What should I consider when choosing one over the other, and is there any good advice you can give regarding starting so late?
yeah it is different especially since violins have I guess thinner strings than a viola which is why you should be a little more careful with the violin when vibrato-ing (lol) 😊 hope that helped -from a violist lolol😐
It is slightly different but not in the sense of the overall motion. Generally I would say just be a bit more delicate as your starting and definitely don't try to start with super fast and super tight vibrato. You can start on the E or A string (that might be easier since it's a thinner string but I don't know) but just work on getting that continuous circular motion
Love the tips, am just really starting vibrato. A question-for you & everyone here!- I am starting to get a decent vibrato going, but anytime I try to incorporate in a piece...well by the "time" I get it going the music is now beats ahead. How do you initiate the vibrato & stay with the beat? ( and yes, I am assuming more practice! 🙂)
You have to actually activate the vibrato as soon as your finger plops down! One or two wiggles will do fine for shorter note values. Imagine your fingerboard is electrified. Every time you touch it, you HAVE to vibrato as a result of the electrical current. So, i would practice the piece slowly enough so that you have time to pay attention to each note and make sure you immediately start the oscillation upon touching the string! Hope that helps!
This is my Old Channel. DBN Jr If you shift to 3rd position and trill with your 1st and 2nd finger. I find it a bit easier doing it like that instead. I hope this helps!
Your pinkie collapsed when you did your vibrato... is that something that differs from normal fingering technique or something else? My teacher reminds me to this day not to collapse during vibrato, but perhaps there's an intentional reason?
Hey, can a Euphonium audition for Julliard? I’m currently a freshman in high school and believe by senior year I may be good enough, but can Euphonium players even audition and major in Euphonium performance?
I would suggest really paying attention to the tip where I explain how you should drop your fingers into your palm! Keep your pinky as curved as you possibly can!
Soo when you said that one should vibrate from below the said note, is the rocking motion supposed to go also over it? You know like go back and forth around the the wanted note? Or just from below to the note
I took a lotta time to make this one!! Hope it was helpful!!! =3
ThatViolaKid it was very helpful :)
I'm 58 and learning the violin/viola and just starting on vibrato. So, I'm taking notes for now, and will refer back to this video as I'm learning. Thank you so much.
ThatViolaKid Heck I'm playing viola now after having played violin for a few years now and I like that a violist like you has a channel. gotta check out your videos. This has been very helpful I assure you :)
It was very helpful. Thanks for being such a great influence!
you all probably dont give a damn but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account??
I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any help you can offer me
You know that guy in orchestra who always vibrates like he has a solo even though he’s just supposed to be plucking quietly ? I’m that guy
Dude, my orchestra teacher wasn’t in class the other day. Sooooo she assigned us to read this article and you were in it! I got so excited!
Really??? What article!?
ThatViolaKid stringsmagazine.com/6-rising-string-stars-on-the-power-of-instagram/ 👍
That's amazingggggg
thanks bro
My strings music teacher told us about you and told us the check out your channel. He also showed us a video you made and the second I got home I searched you up. I realized you played the viola and then I got even more excited.(since I'm learning to play the viola) I've been watching your videos for hours. Just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me.😁
I'm soooo happy you're enjoying the channel!! It really warms my heart!!!!
Omg thanks this is so awesome! I’m in a middle school orchestra, and this is so helpful! (I am also a violist!)
Nugget Same!!!
I'm in a highschool orchestra one of the best in my state so if u need tips I'm here
Ay!!!
Thank you! I always have a difficult time with vibrato.
You're welcome!!! And it takes some time and patience as well! Keep at it! =)
ThatViolaKid I will! :)
You should do a TVK’s classroom on shifting. I could definitely use some tips for improving.
It's already on the menu ^_^
Thanks -- especially for the interpretation tips, because I've usually thought of various colors as just calling for "more" or "less" vibrato.
One thing I'd like to see, though, is vibrato tips for small hands (or large violas). Even after years of using vibrato, I have difficulty with it on the C string, especially in 1st position or half-position. So far I've tried sliding my thumb completely under the neck and try to raise my hand, which allows a wider vibrato but creates a lot of tension (perhaps the answer is finding a way to reduce this tension?); or letting the neck drop all the way into the crook of my thumb, which avoids the tension but limits me to a very narrow vibrato.
Oooo man, now we're reaching beyond my scope of expertise! I happen to have big hands, so I'm not the right person to ask! Maybe I can outsource some of these questions to my teachers....=3
ThatViolaKid Hey, didn't mean to put you on the spot. If you can find something easily, it'd be great, but if it's a lot of effort, I'll keep looking around for ideas. Either way, thanks for the tips in the video.
I’ve always learned that what you don’t what in vibrato is sliding up first, which you recommended. Sliding up first makes for a sharper sound, which can make sounds out of tune.
I already guided so many of my friends to this video and they said that this was awesome and that their vibrato was definitely getting better. Thank you!
I'm soooo happy to hear that!!! Yayyyy
As soon as you said it. I started to realize that i am almost always rigid. Scratch that. Always rigid. Do you think you can do a video on bowing techniques. Like wrist and elbow movements. I was really happy to find your channel. I play viola and it really makes ms happy to have a role model that actually plays my instrument
Hello @ThatViolaKid! :D
Thank you so much for your amazing videos! :D
I'm a Professional (electric bassist) musician who just got started on the viola today. Your videos are really really helpful and inspiring! We were in need of a Violist TH-camr! The viola community is grateful to you Sir!
Greetings from Portugal!
Hi Claudia!! Thank you for watching my videos! I'm so happy that they're helpful!! More to come!
How do you not have 1 million subscribers yet! This is awesome!
Can't wait to start my loose hand vibrato. thnx for yr tips. Appreciated.
My sister has been waiting for another one of these videos and so have I
Well, I'm glad I made this =3
Thank you for the Viola bread and butter tip! The hidden TVK secret has been revealed..
Hahahaha do with it what you will! =)
If my private teacher had not recently teched me how to vibrato well then this would have been major help. Thank you and keep making videos!
Teached*
Taught*
Thanks for watching homie!
Ahh! So grateful for tips from an ACTUAL violist! 🙌🏻❤️🙌🏻
Hahahah you know it!!!!
Thank you so much that improved my Vibrato so much ! You have a new Subscriber😊 much Love from Germany
Great video. It boils down to keeping your hands steady, but relaxed enough to let them vibrate and not cause tendinitis. Can't tell you how many times that term comes up when reading on string instruments! 😰😨😬☠
Ive been playing viola for almost 7 years and still need to perfect vibrato
This was so helpful!!! Thank you so much
Oh yes, I didn't mention this in my original comment, but it's very important that I mention it now: though the video was generally informative and all, it would have been even more helpful if you included sound clips of you demonstrating the vibrato in the viola's lower, middle and upper ranges. That way, people would know what timbre they're supposed to get for certain pieces that emphasize particular emotions.
hey, if you're still going to be in NY in march, im performing @ carnegie hall in march 15 or something for the national youth concert!
Hello TVK you insight is wonderful beginning student content Excellent ,Presentation Excellent I'm 57 and the encouragement is everything
Thank you for helping me it HELP A LOT
Thank you so much!
So like, I play piano, but these videos are fascinating.
Hi Drew! I have solo ensemble coming up in a few months and I was wondering if you could make a video on how to memorize music or any specific ways or techniques? Thanks man you're the best!
Mesmo sem entender nada do que ele fala,estou aqui🎻😍
As a violist, I also like slower vibrato. I take it down as far as almost 4 Hertz sometimes.
AHHHH THIS IS AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGG
FANK YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Finally... someone who isn’t a violinist
Wonderful video! I just started viola, and was really happy to find your channel. Fantastic content, keep up the great work! Just a question about first finger contact with the neck: when I was learning violin, I was taught to always keep the base of the first finger on the neck--even during vibrato. Does it just come down to personal preference between violists, or do you feel that only having the thumb as a contact point on the neck and releasing the first finger during vibrato is best?
Thank you for this, just yesterday I was thinking about taking the time to learn vibrato
Welcome! =)
Love your vids my dude. Keep it up! Btw you should do a q & a
Omg thank you this was actually sooo helpful for me
안녕 TVK. Thank you so much
My pleasure!!! Hope it helps!!!
Thank you so much for another video on vibrato. I am looking at hopelessness and despair not too far down the road after working for years and feeling like I have not come very far. I have actually gone to studying videos and then using them for a period of time. This video incorporates some of what has been I think the best teaching in various videos I've watched. Thank you for coming back and adding, and in some cases even clarifying, ideas that I think I got incorrectly from your first video.
I think there will be in our future a vibrato video number 3 coming from you at some point.
Are you saying vibrato cycles would measure around 400 beats per minute on a metronome?
Nooooo haha. I'm saying at 60 beats per minute, you should have around 6-7 oscillations per beat
ThatViolaKid 6 x 60 = 360...so....?
Ty sooo much😭💗
Thank you so much for sharing these tips.. very helpful and I love your videos :) Any tips on how to don't tense up while playing ? I personally tend to cramp my neck so that my hand is more relaxed but then again it gets quite uncomfortable after a short period of time
I would consider different ways of securing your setup! Maybe you're already secure and the clenching of your neck is overkill :) Relax and play slowly! If you still feel like you're gonna drop your instrument, consider going to your teacher and re-evaluating your setup so you're more secure!
Thank you so much :)
thanks bro
thanks
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏THANK YOU!!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
You're welcome!
I was wondering if you could give a suggested plan for practicing vibrato for 5 minutes.
I usually practice vibrato for 5 - 7 minutes everyday.
Thank you TVK!!!!!
I actually gave some tips on how to practice it in my first "How To Vibrato" video! I'd definitely give that one a look!
ThatViolaKid oh, I guess I forgot!
Will go back and check
New video 😀🎻
Yes indeed ^_^
Hi TVK! Great video as always! I luv how you describe the different type of vibratos and which is the most appropriate to use depending the scene, mood, etc... that's what I needed to know! btw do you have any tips or tricks in order to "break" the natural link between left and right arm? when I'm playing forte with my bow arm, I tend to squeeze my left fingers onto the strings too hard and get all tensed, then my back aches, left hand fingers hurt haha etc etc... any tips will be much appreciated :D luv ya! you rock!
Try practicing with one arm at a time, and then try to do the opposite in each hand. What's happening is you're not exerting any conscious control. You're allowing your reflexes to guide you. If you break it down slowly with each arm and then train yourself to be able to do the opposite (play forte in left hand and piano in right and vice versa), you'll have achieved the necessary control to give yourself a break and relax a bit!
ThatViolaKid thaaaank youuu!!! Will do as you say!! Till next practice time, I have just finished for today 😛🎻
Great Video!
Thank you!!!!
Hi TVK, awesome videos you have on here! I was wondering if you have any advice for some one (old, I'm 28) that wants to take up an instrument as a hobby for the first time, to have fun with and to learn something new. I am torn between the viola and the cello, I love their deep and full sounds (I actually didn't know much about the viola until I found some videos on TH-cam). What should I consider when choosing one over the other, and is there any good advice you can give regarding starting so late?
I’ve been playing for 6 years and I’m still trying to get my vibrato :’)
Do you think it’s different for violas than maybe violin?
yeah it is different especially since violins have I guess thinner strings than a viola which is why you should be a little more careful with the violin when vibrato-ing (lol) 😊 hope that helped
-from a violist lolol😐
It is slightly different but not in the sense of the overall motion. Generally I would say just be a bit more delicate as your starting and definitely don't try to start with super fast and super tight vibrato. You can start on the E or A string (that might be easier since it's a thinner string but I don't know) but just work on getting that continuous circular motion
(Billy Watkins there is no E on viola)
viola00princess yes I'm aware 😂 he said he plays violin
Billy Watkins I didn't read it that way, but ok, I get it
My vibrato is always so stiff :( This is really helping me practice! :)
Make a video about memorizing music quickly and effectively!!!
Love the tips, am just really starting vibrato. A question-for you & everyone here!- I am starting to get a decent vibrato going, but anytime I try to incorporate in a piece...well by the "time" I get it going the music is now beats ahead. How do you initiate the vibrato & stay with the beat? ( and yes, I am assuming more practice! 🙂)
You have to actually activate the vibrato as soon as your finger plops down! One or two wiggles will do fine for shorter note values. Imagine your fingerboard is electrified. Every time you touch it, you HAVE to vibrato as a result of the electrical current. So, i would practice the piece slowly enough so that you have time to pay attention to each note and make sure you immediately start the oscillation upon touching the string!
Hope that helps!
Can do u a video about trills? I have a hard time doing a 3rd to 4th finger trill. I think my problem is my fourth finger isn't strong yet
That's exactly your problem! I'll talk about it--though I'm not the fanciest triller out there haha
ThatViolaKid Ok, thanks☺
This is my Old Channel. DBN Jr If you shift to 3rd position and trill with your 1st and 2nd finger. I find it a bit easier doing it like that instead. I hope this helps!
Yes that would be so helpful. Im playing the song legionary and it calls for trlls. But i just cannot do them.
I already know how to vibrato but I still watched and liked the video in the hopes that you'll get ad revenue from it.
Hahahaha Allen, you're my dude!!! Thank you!!!!
What shoulder rest do you use and where did you get it? Nice video btw.
So with a vibrato do your fingers lift up off the strings or do they keep the strings the strings down all the time your rocking back and forth.
I always practice vibrato as often as I can, but when I do, my hand slips closer to the bridge. How to avoid?
Hmm the other videos say to go away from the bridge or down flatter in tone?
Your pinkie collapsed when you did your vibrato... is that something that differs from normal fingering technique or something else? My teacher reminds me to this day not to collapse during vibrato, but perhaps there's an intentional reason?
Hey, can a Euphonium audition for Julliard? I’m currently a freshman in high school and believe by senior year I may be good enough, but can Euphonium players even audition and major in Euphonium performance?
i have a lot of trouble building up the speed of my vibrato without tensing up
apporx how much does your viola cost? good stuff btw!
Do you have tips for ppl with double jointed fingers? I'm really struggling with pinky vibrato in higher positions.
I would suggest really paying attention to the tip where I explain how you should drop your fingers into your palm! Keep your pinky as curved as you possibly can!
Soo when you said that one should vibrate from below the said note, is the rocking motion supposed to go also over it? You know like go back and forth around the the wanted note? Or just from below to the note
I usually vibrato above the note and back, but it's probably better for your intonation to start on the note and wobble backwards haha
For some reason I find it difficult to practice vibratato without playing with the bow
The only video Ik without dislikes
Have you considered ever becoming Dr. Forde? (Dr. of Viola of course)
1 dislike, 690 likes
First?
YEP
Why am I here at 1:00 am, I play clarinet.....
Please don't strangle the viola
Exactly!!!!
Loose motion lol...
It's important...in all aspects of life!
ThatViolaKid Yup it is! I'm not very sure if that term is used in other part of the world.. But here it means diarrhea lol
I wish there wasn't this annoying music in the background, it's very distracting.