How To Use Vibrato in High Positions on the Violin and Viola

Written by Zlata Brouwer
Published: December 11, 2013 at 12:37 PM [UTC]

Peter asks: could you make a video about vibrato in high positions?

Sure!

How to use vibrato in higher positions?

In high positions there are three differences versus normal vibrato:
the proportion vs the string length
the position of your hand
the freedom of movement

My tip is to use faster and smaller vibrato. Watch the video in which I explain why and demonstrate everything.

Is this video useful to you? Please let me know in the comments!

Love,

Zlata

PS: Do you have questions for me on violin or viola playing? Post a comment below or send an e-mail to info@violinlounge.com

From Kris Murray
Posted on December 11, 2013 at 6:58 PM

Nice job explaining vibrato Zlata! There are at least some good reminders for me. The only thing I can add is that once you've figured out the minimum speed and wideness for the note you're playing you can try to vary and see what style sounds best for the music you're playing.

It's mostly applicable for middle positions, but good to call out. I remember watching a video by Perlman where he recommends trying varying types of vibrato so that your music won't sound the same all the time.

From Mark Roberts
Posted on December 13, 2013 at 12:43 AM

what do you make of tipbook.com ?

From Zlata Brouwer
Posted on December 13, 2013 at 12:10 PM

Hi Kris,

Thanks for your compliment and your addition: you are absolutely right! Don’t use the same vibrato always, train yourself to be flexible.

From Zlata Brouwer
Posted on December 13, 2013 at 12:11 PM

Hi Mark,

I like the tipbook for violin and viola, I’ve got a copy in Dutch, it can be very useful.

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