How can you help a student struggling with vibrato or tremolo?

2 How to identify vibrato and tremolo problems?

As a vocal coach, it is important to be able to diagnose the root causes of your students' vibrato and tremolo problems, and to provide them with constructive feedback and guidance. For example, if a student has no vibrato or too little vibrato, it could indicate they are singing with a tight or strained voice, not breathing properly, or lack confidence or musicality. Excessive vibrato could mean they are using too much air pressure or forcing their vocal cords, or have adopted a habit or imitation of other singers. Similarly, no tremolo or too little tremolo could show they are singing with a rigid or monotonous voice, not using their vocal cords or resonance properly, or lack awareness or control of dynamics. Too much tremolo might point to a tense or nervous voice, lack of breath support, improper posture, fear of singing, or anxiety.

3 How to help students develop vibrato?

To help your students develop a healthy and natural vibrato, you need to focus on relaxation of their voice and body, as well as good breath support and vocal placement. You can try some exercises with them, such as singing long and sustained notes on different vowels and pitches, while listening for any variations in pitch and trying to minimize them. As they progress, they will notice a slight wavering in the tone, which is the sign of vibrato. They can also sing scales or arpeggios on a single vowel, using their diaphragm to regulate the air flow. Experimenting with different speeds and intensities of vibrato is important to find the one that suits their voice and style. Additionally, they can sing a song or phrase that they are familiar with, adding vibrato to the end of each note or syllable. It is important to not force or exaggerate the vibrato, but rather let it come naturally from their relaxed and supported voice. Lastly, they should pay attention to the musical context and mood of the song when using vibrato.

4 How to help students control tremolo?

To help your students control tremolo, you need to help them release tension and stress, and to sing with good vocal cord closure and resonance. To do this, you can start by having them sing short and staccato notes on different vowels and pitches. Focus on keeping the sound clear and crisp, and listen for any variations in volume that need to be eliminated. You should also have them sing scales or arpeggios on a single vowel, making sure to keep the same amount of tremolo on each note. Additionally, have them sing a song or phrase that they are familiar with, adding tremolo to the beginning or middle of each note or syllable. Do not force or exaggerate the tremolo, but rather let it come naturally from their resonant and confident voice. Make sure to pay attention to the musical context and genre of the song when using tremolo.

5 How to help students distinguish between vibrato and tremolo?

To help your students distinguish between vibrato and tremolo, you need to help them develop their ear and their awareness of their voice. To do this, you can listen to different singers and songs and identify whether they are using vibrato or tremolo, or both. Analyze how they use these effects to convey their message and style, and how they vary them according to the pitch, the vowel, and the emotion. Record your own voice and your students' voice, and listen back to them. Compare and contrast how you and your students use vibrato and tremolo, and how they affect your vocal quality and expression. Give each other feedback and suggestions on how to improve or modify these effects. Sing together with your students, experiment with different combinations and harmonies, have fun, and be creative with these effects .

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?