Part 3 - Vibrato Usage in Different Musical Genres
From: How to Sing Vibrato Part 2by Camille van Niekerk
Description:
Each musical genre has its own norms surrounding vibrato usage. Of course, individual singers within those genres vary, but following these norms keeps your interpretation stylistically appropriate. Imagine your favorite pop song with crazy vibrato, or your favorite operatic piece without it! It just wouldn’t sound right.
With the following exercises, we’ll move from the most liberal vibrato usage to the most restrained.
Classical and operatic music require the most vibrato. Although you might use straight tone for a fast passage or the beginning of a sustained pitch, you’ll generally always finish with vibrato.
Let’s practice letting our vibrato ring throughout this entire exercise. On a YOH, we’ll sing [5-8-5-3-1]. Channel your inner opera singer, and let’s go!
[Classical exercise: free vibrato on YOH 5-8-5-3-1]
In most contemporary music, including pop, rock, country, and new musical theater, vibrato is typically reserved for the end of phrases. The default is straight tone, and vibrato is used to enhance the singer’s expression.
Let’s practice this with straight tone, ending in vibrato on the following pattern: [1-5-3]. Any vowel you like, but I’m singing on EE. Let’s try it!
[Pop/contemporary exercise: vibrato to finish the phrase on EE 1-5-3]
And finally, a straight tone exercise! Straight tone is used liberally in jazz, North American folk & Americana, Renaissance music, and choral works (both old and new). Sing on a staccato OO, and then we’ll smooth it out. Careful: no vibrato, even at the very end of the phrase!
[Jazz exercise: straight tone staccato 5-3-1-3 legato 5-3-1]
Great job!
Lessons:
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.