WONDERFUL, Robert! I'm so glad! If you want to get the best vibrato lessons there are, you can find them on my website reddesertviolin.com. I have Vibrato parts 1, 2, and 3, each gets more advanced. But either way, GOOD LUCK to you! There is hope! :-)
I have been teaching for about 35 years. I've started watching you because you teach like my mentor, Mary Volker of Greensburg Pa taught. I started reviewing your videos to refresh my mind about technic. I use your examples with students, especially vibrato and bowing.
Vicky, this was a very high compliment. I thank you for that! You must be a good teacher, because you are striving to stay fresh and get new insights. (I do the same....we are always learning, aren't we?) cheers!
I began learning to play the fiddle a short time ago by learning a couple of irish tunes from your videos. I found that there is a lot of "teachers" on youtube but when I recently wanted to learn vibrato I immediately thought of you because I knew it would be taught properly and proficient. Thanks
Thanks for that, Greg! Yes, there is a TON of stuff on UA-cam, much of it is great, but how do you know for sure? I think people can tell when they are being given something good as opposed to....um....not good.
+Red Desert Fiddle I started playing a little while ago off of some other youtubers and when I got a teacher (last month) she had to correct my whole bowing technique. thank you for making clear accurate videos!
i've watched several videos on vibrato. this is the only one that has made sense. thank you! i will be back to refer to this video. i have played violin for 2 years and thought its time to learn vibrato, going into the intermediate level. im learning positions now. thanks again!
Hi, thank you very much for this video. I also have been all over UA-cam watching different tutorials but non were 'clicking' like yours does. For me, the tip in which you said 'like you're knocking on a door' helped me a lot. I feel it helped me relax my fingers (like a change in the mindset) and suddenly I felt to which kind of movement I am working. I feel like a lot of people learn the violin especially for the romantic and nice sound it can create (certainly adult beginners like me) so we really do appreciate this help from a teacher on UA-cam. Greetings from Belgium
Greetings in Belgium, Sara! I'm glad to know the video helped. The reason I tell you to "lead with index, like you are knocking on a door" is to train you to do vibrato by OPENING your wrist away from you, not toward you. (it's a better vibrato motion that way) Good luck! Keep it up! (adults learn violin for the love of it, that's why I love adult students!)
I'm a beginner. I'm playing guitar since last 11 years. I think it help me to learn violin very faster. I'm to much inspired by violin sliding notes & vibrato technique which really gives feel, emotions, piteous feel which are very useful in Indian classical & spiritual rendition. By the way you r my first GURU (Teacher) for this violin instrument. I usually follow your all lessons which already I have downloaded. Ur lessons are useful for learner. Keep it up.
i love your videos..and i keep watching them. i took a music class but it seemed my teacher not really patient. coz i am one of the kind who doesnt part of the faster students. anyway...i started learn by myself by watching your videos and it helps me alot until now. ...and i come to my teacher and show him. what i have learned from you...
+Yomi Linda Hi Yomi, Your teacher should be very patient with you. Everyone learns at different speeds. Please make sure your teacher is CONSTRUCTIVE and SUPPORTIVE. It's fine to be strict, but make sure you are being encouraged and supported! Keep up the great work!
When I try to do the vibrato, my right hand "reacts" and starts moving too, sometimes it stops bowing, it's pretty hard :( Great videos though! Thanks a lot!! Decided to follow your videos on my learning violin journey :)
Gillian, YES.....part of the challenge of violin playing is learning to separate the two hands.....like, you have to split your brain, and put 1/2 in charge of left hand, and 1/2 in charge of right hand. Pretty soon, you'll adapt, and it will come easier. Keep up the good work!
Wuuaaauu. I listen to you and its like listening to poetry. Im learning so much with these videos. Im 37. I started learning some years ago but in 2014 I stopped practicing cuz I migrated to another countrt. I live in Chile now. I have a strong desire to keep on learning and these videos are very helpful. Thank you. 💜
Keep up the great work! People are learning amazing things with UA-cam, hard work, and passion! (you can check out my online classes at www.RedDesertViolin.com) Good luck!
Thank you for this video. I am looking at a lot of violin tutorial videos and I really have to say that I like yours the best. The explanatians are really clear and easy to follow. I am playing the piano and the flute since more than 20 years now and I am teaching the violin to myself right now. Doing it for almost one year now but at some point I will get myself a teacher because I reach some limits now. But it is a lot of fun and gives me a break in my routine as a language teacher. So again, thank you.
YES, different directions, but also that diagonal thing....where the fingers sort of sit on the strings diagonally...but they have to oscillate parallel to the strings.
So, how's the vibrato going? (3 weeks since your comment) I hope it's going well! Keep in mind if you need more help and structure, I have awesome vibrato classes at my website www.reddesertviolin.com. Good luck to you!
Hi Chad! Thanks for the feedback. Let me know how Sophie progresses when she's starting vibrato. I know you like her teacher, so she should be in good hands.
@@RedDesertViolin I saw that on your website, and was really excited about it. I am currently waiting on a new 7/8 size violin to arrive before I really dig into vibrato. I am only 4'11", and I find it rather difficult to learn vibrato on a 4/4. Right now, I am practicing the pinky exercises you recommend to help with my fourth finger reach. Once I have gained some strength, and receive the new violin I plan to enroll in your course.
Hi Laura, I have been watching alot of your violin lessons on UA-cam and have been learning so much! I am so glad you are sharing your talent! I am just a beginner violinist. As soon as I finish my online Medical Transcription course with Canscribe College I want to start your online lessons. In the meantime, I'll be practicing from the videos and beginner violin instruction books with CD's that I have.
+Forest Fedoras Hi Forest! I wanted to get that Medical Transcription certification once upon a time....never finished.....I think it sounds like a GREAT way to work from home! GOOD FOR YOU for finishing!!! I'll be here when you are ready to start up violin!
Thank you that was such a clear way of explaining vibrato. Something clicked for me when you likened the movements to knocking on a door. Will be trying this out tomorrow!! :)
Glad it helped. I just realized something: Be sure you count your UPWARDS oscillations, not your downwards ones. (knocking on the door is a downward oscillation). Just count each time you come UP to pitch. It gets really confusing if you try to count the knocks.
I've just tried this. My left hand was like a wheel clamp and my teeth were ground as firmly as a pitbull terrier's on a juicy bone. But this is a wonderful piece of teaching without any extended annoying preamble and I'll be back to work with it next practice. Thank you!
+Róisín Ní Loirgneain I have known many pitbulls in my life, and they do have a death grip!!! LOL....and clenching your teeth can do lots of damage....so please try to break that tendency! (I actually once had a custom silicon mouthpiece to wear when I practiced.....back in my misguided days before I learned to fix the problem instead of work around it. Relaxing is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing for any violin technique!
I've wanted to learn my whole life, and life always got in the way. Now, that I'm probably way too old (in my 40s), I'm going to do it! Thank you for the fantastic drills and how to's that are going to get me to the place where I have a bit of confidence to start classes :)
Lisa Yahtzee PAWLEEEESE, Lisa! 40's is still INFANCY when it comes to violin! You could have 40-50 more years to play if fortune smiles on you!!! Just think what you could do in 40 years! Take care of your body, and you will have a LONG time to enjoy. Don't ever say you are too old. I have had 70 year olds start violin and enjoy the heck out of it, socially and musically! If you want flexible lessons online, check out mine, they are very good. (RedDesertViolin.com/onlinelessons) But yes, if you have good teachers available in your area, GO FOR IT!
Vibrato can take time. Be patient. Try lots of exercises. And if you need real STRUCTURE, come check out my online vibrato class at www.RedDesertViolin.com Good luck!
Another awesome tutorial, Lora.......many thanks ! I'm just starting to approach vibrato after many hours on just improving my intonation. I'll get there...............hopefully ! ;-)
Glad it helped, Georgia. I have a full 3-level vibrato course at reddesertviolin.com. It goes into painstaking detail, if you need more help. But this video should give you enough to get a really really good start. Good luck!
Hope it helped. Vibrato takes time. Go slow, and just let your muscles learn the motion gradually while learning to stay relaxed. That's the hard part. Good luck!
This was a great vid! It's just a thought, but large men with big hands like myself may actually need to relax the fiddle neck into the crook between thumb and first finger in order to get enough space to play a relaxed arm/wrist vibrato. If I try to keep my thumb on the neck for slower vibrato, it's just too cramped a space. Not that I am an expert, but for a self-taught fiddler, it works for me.
Cliff, if you were a classical violinist, I would encourage you NOT to hold the violin in the crook of your index and thumb, even if you have very large hands. However, there are several really good classical players who hold the violin that way, so I'm not saying it cannot be done....I"m only saying it is not the "norm". Furthermore, you are a fiddle player, and fiddle vibrato has much greater range and flexibility in what is acceptable, so as long as it doesn't impede your finger motion, then go for it!
I love your videos thank you so much for them. When increasing your oscillations from 2 to 4 and so on ehat are the approximate amount when you achieve the actual sound of your vibrato plz?
Thank you so much! Thank you so so much for your wonderful videos. I really enjoy learning and listen to your playing. Just wondering if you could you do a short video playing etudes in fifths, 1st position A 2 please? Suzuki position etudes book. Thank you so much and God bless you
Thank you for great tips. Perhaps you already mentioned, but I think it is worth saying again. When you start playing the violin without vibrato, you must have your left hand fingers correctly curved (box shaped). If you don't, it will be difficult to add the vibrato later. As you mention the vibrato goes down from the pitch, and you cant roll the fingertip down if the finger is already staight. So correct playing without vibrato to be prepared for vibrato!
I still have difficulties on the G string, particularly in 1st thru 3rd positions. My hand position must be wrong; I can't get good spacing between the inside of my index finger and the neck. It feels like my fingers already are laying down too far to even do vibrato. Do you have a vid about proper left hand position? I think that's my problem.
Hi Mazher, No shoulder rests are not "necessary". Some people can play without them, but I find that most people benefit greatly from using them. It frees up the left hand. But some people naturally balance the violin without the aid of a shoulder rest, and there are videos online to show you how to do that. (I teach only using a shoulder rest)
In this video, I am using the Mach One Hook. But others that are similar are the Kun, the Pirastro Korkfer , and the Everest. They all have an "s" shape, plus a little hook/dip for the shoulder.
Thank you this video was really profitable for learning the vibrato. How long would it take to learn the adequate speed of vibrato? I could also not help but notice the two violins in the background haha do you still use them? Thank you again!
An off topic question for you Laura. I see so often in your video's that your violins are wall mounted but I was wondering if you had suggestions of good storage ideas for violins while they are still in their cases? I want to make a permanent spot for my violins in my home but I'm afraid they might get damaged if I mount them on a wall or put them in a stand with no case to protect them.
Oh yeah, the violins you see mounted on the wall are totally unuseable, just for decoration. I would never mount my good violins on a wall, even on good hooks. I have 3 violins. One I use EVERY DAY, and so I keep it on a low book case, and I leave the case open, so I can grab my violin at a moment's notice. (I loosen the bow, of course) The others I have in their cases, standing up on their ends, propped against that same book case. If I need to get them out, I have to move my good violin out of the way, because I only have one book case. That is my system. I don't have any clever ideas besides what my own system is.....if you (or some handyman out there) can think of a really cool idea, I'd LOVE to hear it!
hello nice lesson it helpd me verey much but i wanna ask u somthing.... iam a violist and i wanna now can i start going to the gym without making my heands hevey
Great question. I was always very conservative with my hands.....then 2 things happened. I met a very good violinist who was also a rock climber, and he claimed that it kept his hands healthy to strengthen his upper body, hands, etc.....all the muscles rock climbing uses just kept him in good shape with good support. The 2nd thing that happened.....I slammed my finger in a car door and broke it.....proving that you can try to cheat fate, but whatever will be will be.....have fun in life and be healthy!
These tips seems great! Thank you! But when you said to start practicing vibrato slowly, the finger on the the note is curved, then it has to be flattened, does it always have to work that way for vibrato? For some reason, I can't get my finger do that, it feels unnatural..
Ack, I got behind on comments, Tommy, sorry. Yes, my website has Vibrato part 1, part 2, and part 3. Each one is about 2 hours of instruction, broken up into 8-12 lessons in each part. Maybe you already signed up? I was swamped filiming Suzuki Book 4 which is DONE NOW!
@@RedDesertViolin ~ I actually just dropped a couple of bills (more than a couple) on chinrests, shoulder rests, and every set of strings and singles that you can imagine. I also had a complete makeover done on the monster. I bought some single Lenzners and some Goldborakats, DAddario Predludes, Cleopatras, Optimas, Thomasik Dominants... Cecilios and a few others. I had a luthier put an adjustable bridge on while we figured out where I was most comfortable and then we built a custom bridge. I also bought a pickup that cost more than the violin itself. I'm trying to hold back for now... lest I find myself buying a used old classic for a couple thousand. I do want to get signed up though. I just don't want to scare my teacher off. Not trying to sound arrogant, just being honest. I can break down huge pieces of extremely complicated music through theory, so just applying it to any other instrument is not that great of a chore, especially when you just push something in a designated area marked with frets or keys. The violin challenges my ear, and that is what I like. Testing my pitch is awesome for me. It takes away from the technical side, which makes me sound far less... "musical"
Many thanks, I'm on day ten and this helps a lot. I was wondering if the frequency of the vibrato which seems to begin at zero for each note and then increase to a maximum- does this maximum frequency have a relationship to the key of the tune?
No, no relation between the key and the vibrato speed. But slower pieces tend to utilize a slower vibrato. Fast exciting pieces obviously use a fast exciting vibrato...
I am curious on your demonstration using the tape. I am wondering is actual vibrato sliding your finger (like the tape exercise) or is it more of a rolling and the tape exercise just helps builds those muscles. I have ignored vibrato for years on the fiddle because after 30yr of guitar you know which way my fingers want to move! Your video has helped. TY
Rodney Arcega Rodney, the standard heights are HIGHER for the G, and LOWER for the E, and the other two strings are relative to those. THe G should be 5.5mm off the fingerboard, the E should be 3.5. Of course, there are deviations from that for various reasons, but that is the standard. Here is a thread you might find helpful: www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=18746
You can strengthen 1 and 4 using my "clothes pin exercise for double jointed violinists". If you search that on my channel, it will come up. (it helps more than just double jointed people) But more important than strength is BALANCE. Think about it.....pinky may be weak, but your index finger certainly is not. It feels weak because 1 and 4 are on the ENDS of the hand, they are uncentered, have to rock evenly from an unbalanced position. Once you realize that, you can start learning to center the gravity of your hand for each finger spontaneously, allowing it to pivot smoothly. But it's not easy. It takes time. One guy (William Starr) said if you can just get ONE finger to do a good vibrato, that finger helps the others to learn. And I think it's true. You are normal.....1 and 4 are the hardest, and will be the last fingers you will be satisfied with. Good luck!
My thumb moves quite a lot when does this vibrato but I pretty much got the finger/knuckle part down. Is it normal for my thumb to move when I first start?
+Lil Neko-chan Hi Lil, No, your thumb should not move. YES, it is a common problem when first starting vibrato, but you need to teach your hand to do the oscillations while your thumb is still. It takes practice.....and you MUST learn to use that "vibrato joint".....the joint between your thumb and index finger.
--Dear Ms. Staples. Love your channel and always look forward to new videos! --Considering the subject of vibrato, I have an extremely SPECIFIC question that I have not been able to find an answer to in other videos. The question is, "what are the slowest and fastest speeds of vibrato that are musically usefull?" (obviously, too slow would sound like a sad moan and too fast would sound like an angry hornet.) --When I practice vibrato with the metronome, I use each click as a Dotted Half Note and measure the "back" and "forth" of the finger in SIX 8th notes (yes, I know most count in 16ths but this a problem for me). --So if you (or I) are playing SIX "back and forths" per click in a piece, what would be the metronome range to work towards?
Hey bchill69, I had to sit down with a metronome and try out your method of sub-division.....and I THINK I understand what you are saying, but let me try to rephrase it, to be sure we understand each other. So, for each metronome click, I am sub-dividing it into a triplet feel......and my vibrato will hit the PITCH 3 times on every click. (pitch-back-pitch-back-pitch-back) So, three FULL oscillation cycles per click. Now, I might do 3 or 4 clicks per BOW, but that is irrelevant. At first, I thought you meant SIX full oscillation cycles per click....but that was very difficult to do, so I re-read your message, and I think I understand your method. If we are speaking the same language, then your OPTIMAL RANGE will be 80-100. That gives you a nice calm, slow vibrato at 80, and an energetic full vibrato at 100. That is only your OPTIMAL range. There might be times when you would want a vibrato at 72, or at 108....but those would be extremes, and outside of the "norm". I would focus on mastering the "norm" first, and then, just to expand your control and capacity, you could start trying to increase your range on both ends, slower, and faster. Hope this helps!
@@RedDesertViolin THANK YOU!! Yes, you 100% percent understood the question and your answer is SO helpful to me. I asked a few different people and you are the only one that gave me a complete answer. Most answered "play what sounds good" in a few or many many words. --I am slowly but steadly making progress to 110, but somedays everything feels "sticky" with either left hand tension or "interference" between left hand and bow arm. Thanks again.
HI! So I am making a vibrato video myself, because a lot of people asked me how I learned it.. is it okay if I mention your video? because you helped me so much!! Lots of love Daphne
Hmmmm. That is a very vague request, but I want to invite you to come sign up for a free membership at my website....by doing so, you will get LOTS of tips, organized in topics like "tone", "left hand tips", Bow technique", and more. Seriously, this will help you. Hope to see you there! CLick the link, and look for "free membership". No strings attached. (pun intended) www.RedDesertViolin.com
Good question, Amy. We all need to develop all speeds and all widths of vibrato. My best tool for this is a vibrato chart that looks like this: slow ----------wide medium-----medium fast------------narrow Then, you practice vibrato using every possible combination of these 6 variables. It forces you to expand your pallette, and then you will have JUST the color you want for slow expressive tunes.
It is normal to a point. Until you build up some callouses, the fingertip is "tender", but it shouldn't be excruciating. Sometimes, a nerve gets exposed or irritated, and that feels like a sharp pain, or a needle poking you.....in that case, you must rest for 1 or 2 days, and then you'll be fine. Try not to press harder than you need to on the strings.
I have some videos on youtube called "How to train your metronome". But as far as the metronome system for vibrato, that is in my paid course, at reddesertviolin.com. Is that what you meant? Let me know if I can help further.
hello i started practicing/doing the slow forward and backward i cant seem to make the forward and backward thing and my violin keep shaking .. and is it advisable to play with shoulder rest because its so hard without one coz my neck is quite long and i have to put up my shoulder very high to reach my chin maybe thats also the problem why i can relax my left arm x.x
Andrei, if a shoulder rest helps, USE ONE!!! Some people are so against them.....but LOTS of professionals use them, especially people with long necks!!! If your violin shakes, the shoulder rest will really help. (Check out Bon MUsica shoulder rests.....they are GREAT for stabilizing the violin) BUt also, the shaking is also caused from your thumb pressing and pushing on the neck.....the thumb needs to be feather lite, and MUST NOT try to "help" with your vibrato.
![The most important tip for Violin Vibrato [Scroll Support Method]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OSi3H676qAU/mqdefault.jpg)
I can't believe it. I've watched a ton of videos on vibrato. Only this one gave me hope. Thanks.
WONDERFUL, Robert! I'm so glad! If you want to get the best vibrato lessons there are, you can find them on my website reddesertviolin.com. I have Vibrato parts 1, 2, and 3, each gets more advanced. But either way, GOOD LUCK to you! There is hope! :-)
Wonderful. Thanks.
Robert Lavoie me toi la THÉ on la vidéo qui gave me hope.achieving it
@@RedDesertViolin ok
I have been teaching for about 35 years. I've started watching you because you teach like my mentor, Mary Volker of Greensburg Pa taught. I started reviewing your videos to refresh my mind about technic. I use your examples with students, especially vibrato and bowing.
Vicky, this was a very high compliment. I thank you for that! You must be a good teacher, because you are striving to stay fresh and get new insights. (I do the same....we are always learning, aren't we?) cheers!
Thank you. That ‘door knocking’ movement really put it together for me. In fact, just about everything you said made the whole process much clearer.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for posting!
I began learning to play the fiddle a short time ago by learning a couple of irish tunes from your videos. I found that there is a lot of "teachers" on youtube but when I recently wanted to learn vibrato I immediately thought of you because I knew it would be taught properly and proficient. Thanks
Thanks for that, Greg! Yes, there is a TON of stuff on UA-cam, much of it is great, but how do you know for sure? I think people can tell when they are being given something good as opposed to....um....not good.
+Red Desert Fiddle I started playing a little while ago off of some other youtubers and when I got a teacher (last month) she had to correct my whole bowing technique. thank you for making clear accurate videos!
I am happy to help where I can! Thanks for your nice comment.
i've watched several videos on vibrato. this is the only one that has made sense. thank you! i will be back to refer to this video. i have played violin for 2 years and thought its time to learn vibrato, going into the intermediate level. im learning positions now. thanks again!
SO happy it helped you!
I'm a beginner who's self-taught, and this was the best explanation of vibrato that I've found. Thank you so much!
You're so welcome! Thanks for watching! Keep up the good work!
I love your teaching methods, so easy to understand. Very helpful, thankyou!
Hi, thank you very much for this video. I also have been all over UA-cam watching different tutorials but non were 'clicking' like yours does. For me, the tip in which you said 'like you're knocking on a door' helped me a lot. I feel it helped me relax my fingers (like a change in the mindset) and suddenly I felt to which kind of movement I am working. I feel like a lot of people learn the violin especially for the romantic and nice sound it can create (certainly adult beginners like me) so we really do appreciate this help from a teacher on UA-cam.
Greetings from Belgium
Greetings in Belgium, Sara! I'm glad to know the video helped. The reason I tell you to "lead with index, like you are knocking on a door" is to train you to do vibrato by OPENING your wrist away from you, not toward you. (it's a better vibrato motion that way) Good luck! Keep it up! (adults learn violin for the love of it, that's why I love adult students!)
Very informative video.
It will change my style of playing & way of perception for sustain notes using different vibrato style.
I hope you don't have to change your whole style and perception.....unless you want to! Good luck on your vibrato!
I'm a beginner. I'm playing guitar since last 11 years. I think it help me to learn violin very faster. I'm to much inspired by violin sliding notes & vibrato technique which really gives feel, emotions, piteous feel which are very useful in Indian classical & spiritual rendition. By the way you r my first GURU (Teacher) for this violin instrument. I usually follow your all lessons which already I have downloaded. Ur lessons are useful for learner. Keep it up.
Absolutely fascinating, her vibrato is electrifying, builds up tons of static potential difference.
Gotcha! ;-)
i love your videos..and i keep watching them. i took a music class but it seemed my teacher not really patient. coz i am one of the kind who doesnt part of the faster students. anyway...i started learn by myself by watching your videos and it helps me alot until now. ...and i come to my teacher and show him. what i have learned from you...
+Yomi Linda Hi Yomi,
Your teacher should be very patient with you. Everyone learns at different speeds.
Please make sure your teacher is CONSTRUCTIVE and SUPPORTIVE. It's fine to be strict, but make sure you are being encouraged and supported! Keep up the great work!
saw like 5 videos of vibrato and you are the only one who helped me out, nice video, and thank you so much
so grateful to this lovely teacher who has taught me so many new things, God bless you! thank you teacher, love you!
Thank you! 😃 You are so sweet!
I think you are a gifted and talented teacher ... Thanks for sharing
When I try to do the vibrato, my right hand "reacts" and starts moving too, sometimes it stops bowing, it's pretty hard :( Great videos though! Thanks a lot!! Decided to follow your videos on my learning violin journey :)
Gillian, YES.....part of the challenge of violin playing is learning to separate the two hands.....like, you have to split your brain, and put 1/2 in charge of left hand, and 1/2 in charge of right hand. Pretty soon, you'll adapt, and it will come easier. Keep up the good work!
Me too...
Dear Laura, all your explanations are absolutely fantastic and helps efficiently!
Thank you. Yes, this video is particularly good, I must admit. It gives students everything they need to START.
This is the best video on vibrato I've watched, and I've watched a LOT. Thank you for this!
+Silo F You're welcome! Glad it helped.
I was going to type the same response. Thank you. Subscribed!
hi Iam brazilian and I realy love your tips and your classes !!! thanks , your amazing !
Wuuaaauu. I listen to you and its like listening to poetry. Im learning so much with these videos. Im 37. I started learning some years ago but in 2014 I stopped practicing cuz I migrated to another countrt. I live in Chile now. I have a strong desire to keep on learning and these videos are very helpful. Thank you. 💜
Keep up the great work! People are learning amazing things with UA-cam, hard work, and passion! (you can check out my online classes at www.RedDesertViolin.com) Good luck!
Thank you for this video. I am looking at a lot of violin tutorial videos and I really have to say that I like yours the best. The explanatians are really clear and easy to follow. I am playing the piano and the flute since more than 20 years now and I am teaching the violin to myself right now. Doing it for almost one year now but at some point I will get myself a teacher because I reach some limits now. But it is a lot of fun and gives me a break in my routine as a language teacher. So again, thank you.
thank you Laura for such a simple session. For a person like me from India these lessens are very much helpful. Once again for your helping hand.
GLAD to help! You can also get my free membership at www.reddesertviolin.com. (no obligation at all) it is very helpful and organized.
that is very helpful, particularly the alignment issue, there are a lot of different directions going on, thanks
YES, different directions, but also that diagonal thing....where the fingers sort of sit on the strings diagonally...but they have to oscillate parallel to the strings.
This is the clearest and most informative video I have watched on this technique. Can’t wait to give it a try today!
So, how's the vibrato going? (3 weeks since your comment) I hope it's going well! Keep in mind if you need more help and structure, I have awesome vibrato classes at my website www.reddesertviolin.com. Good luck to you!
Our Sophie is not on vibrato yet, but this was a good tutorial to start her thinking about it. You are expressive, clear and concise.
Hi Chad! Thanks for the feedback. Let me know how Sophie progresses when she's starting vibrato. I know you like her teacher, so she should be in good hands.
This the best video I've seen on how to learn vibrato. You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you!
Very glad you found it helpful! (FYI, I have full blown courses on vibrato on my website, www.reddesertviolin.com) Best of luck to you!
@@RedDesertViolin I saw that on your website, and was really excited about it. I am currently waiting on a new 7/8 size violin to arrive before I really dig into vibrato. I am only 4'11", and I find it rather difficult to learn vibrato on a 4/4. Right now, I am practicing the pinky exercises you recommend to help with my fourth finger reach. Once I have gained some strength, and receive the new violin I plan to enroll in your course.
Super helpful. I'm excited to try these tips. Thank you for creating this video!
I hope you are still working your vibrato!
This is the best vid of vibrato I have seen!
Awesome. Thanks for that!
wow - BEST video i have ever seen on Vibrato THANK YOU this Really helped me a LOT!!!
Thank you sooo mush...u changed my life.love the way you teach.
Thank you for that. I hope I've been helpful!
I bought the vibrato lessons!! They are perfect for learning vibrato, thanks you so much!
+The Wireless Brain You're welcome, and thanks for the endorsement! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
Hi Laura, I have been watching alot of your violin lessons on UA-cam and have been learning so much! I am so glad you are sharing your talent! I am just a beginner violinist. As soon as I finish my online Medical Transcription course with Canscribe College I want to start your online lessons. In the meantime, I'll be practicing from the videos and beginner violin instruction books with CD's that I have.
+Forest Fedoras Hi Forest! I wanted to get that Medical Transcription certification once upon a time....never finished.....I think it sounds like a GREAT way to work from home! GOOD FOR YOU for finishing!!! I'll be here when you are ready to start up violin!
Great! I'm looking forward to it. You are so professional and break down the instructions in bite size portions.
Very easy way. Thanks 👌
Regina Sharma Good! Glad it helped!
Thank you that was such a clear way of explaining vibrato. Something clicked for me when you likened the movements to knocking on a door. Will be trying this out tomorrow!! :)
Glad it helped. I just realized something: Be sure you count your UPWARDS oscillations, not your downwards ones. (knocking on the door is a downward oscillation). Just count each time you come UP to pitch. It gets really confusing if you try to count the knocks.
I've just tried this. My left hand was like a wheel clamp and my teeth were ground as firmly as a pitbull terrier's on a juicy bone. But this is a wonderful piece of teaching without any extended annoying preamble and I'll be back to work with it next practice. Thank you!
+Róisín Ní Loirgneain I have known many pitbulls in my life, and they do have a death grip!!! LOL....and clenching your teeth can do lots of damage....so please try to break that tendency! (I actually once had a custom silicon mouthpiece to wear when I practiced.....back in my misguided days before I learned to fix the problem instead of work around it. Relaxing is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing for any violin technique!
the very best explanation ever. Thank you very much.
Video very helpful and teacher very good and patient..
I'm glad this video was helpful. Thanks for commenting. (I do have a full blown vibrato course available at RedDesertViolin.com if you are interested)
it's really helpful!!! Thank you so much!!
+Anisa Zahra Hooray! How's your vib coming?
Thank youu so muchh
Much appreciated, Youssef!
I love your tips. I watch part of it. The tape part was really helpful for the vibrato. . I need to play for a funnel.
I've wanted to learn my whole life, and life always got in the way. Now, that I'm probably way too old (in my 40s), I'm going to do it! Thank you for the fantastic drills and how to's that are going to get me to the place where I have a bit of confidence to start classes :)
Lisa Yahtzee PAWLEEEESE, Lisa! 40's is still INFANCY when it comes to violin! You could have 40-50 more years to play if fortune smiles on you!!! Just think what you could do in 40 years! Take care of your body, and you will have a LONG time to enjoy. Don't ever say you are too old. I have had 70 year olds start violin and enjoy the heck out of it, socially and musically! If you want flexible lessons online, check out mine, they are very good. (RedDesertViolin.com/onlinelessons) But yes, if you have good teachers available in your area, GO FOR IT!
+Lisa Yahtzee I'm in my 40s too and I'm learning violin. I always wanted to. So I'm glad there's someone else as "crazy" as I am to do it. ;-)
Fantastic video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Thank you. This was very helpful.
You're welcome!
Super explanation. Many thanks.
Great teaching, I can't thank anymore this is just awesome.. now i can give it a try finally
Vibrato can take time. Be patient. Try lots of exercises. And if you need real STRUCTURE, come check out my online vibrato class at www.RedDesertViolin.com Good luck!
Thank you so much. I'm new to violin, and vibrato has been quite a mystery. Your lesson is very helpful.
Nice video. Thanks.
Another awesome tutorial, Lora.......many thanks ! I'm just starting to approach vibrato after many hours on just improving my intonation. I'll get there...............hopefully ! ;-)
Glad to hear it, Enahse! You were wise to wait on vibrato until your intonation was somewhat secure. Keep up the good work!
Extraordinarily helpful. Thank you!
+Jon O'Neil Thanks.....it's enough to get a jump start!
this is the only video that has actually helped
Glad it helped, Georgia. I have a full 3-level vibrato course at reddesertviolin.com. It goes into painstaking detail, if you need more help. But this video should give you enough to get a really really good start. Good luck!
Excellent teaching, Thank you!
Hope it helped. Vibrato takes time. Go slow, and just let your muscles learn the motion gradually while learning to stay relaxed. That's the hard part. Good luck!
thank you sooo much.. your teaching is perfect
Thanks! Glad it was useful to you!
Very useful video 👍👍👍👍
Thanks adelonsi!
so nice explanation
Great! Hope it helps, thanks for watching!
This is so helpful, thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks! Wonderful lesson!
Thanks, Jim. I hope it helps. Hopefully by now your vibrato is well under way! ;-)
I am using ur scotch tape method. It's very useful. It taught me how to move wrist
That makes me so happy! Keep up the good work!
I love your videos! Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching and commenting, Anchesenamon!
Very helpful, thank you!
Great intro, thanks. I haven't tried it yet.
I hope it will get you off to a good start!
This was a great vid! It's just a thought, but large men with big hands like myself may actually need to relax the fiddle neck into the crook between thumb and first finger in order to get enough space to play a relaxed arm/wrist vibrato. If I try to keep my thumb on the neck for slower vibrato, it's just too cramped a space. Not that I am an expert, but for a self-taught fiddler, it works for me.
Cliff, if you were a classical violinist, I would encourage you NOT to hold the violin in the crook of your index and thumb, even if you have very large hands. However, there are several really good classical players who hold the violin that way, so I'm not saying it cannot be done....I"m only saying it is not the "norm". Furthermore, you are a fiddle player, and fiddle vibrato has much greater range and flexibility in what is acceptable, so as long as it doesn't impede your finger motion, then go for it!
Muchos saludos, veo que sus tutoriales ya tienen bastante tiempo, pero creame aún son muy importantes, MUCHAS GRACIAS
¡Me alegra que te ayude! ¡Sigan con el buen trabajo!
Thank you so much, I needed this.
It's enough to get you a GOOD start on vibrato. Good luck!
You are AWESOME... THANK YOU
Aw shucks. Thanks. Good luck!
I love your videos thank you so much for them. When increasing your oscillations from 2 to 4 and so on ehat are the approximate amount when you achieve the actual sound of your vibrato plz?
Thank you so much!
Thank you so so much for your wonderful videos. I really enjoy learning and listen to your playing. Just wondering if you could you do a short video playing etudes in fifths, 1st position A 2 please? Suzuki position etudes book. Thank you so much and God bless you
Your question is hard to understand. Can you tell me more clearly what you are wanting? Which Suzuki etudes book? And what is A 2?
Thank you!!
Mrs Sheridan
(Taking notes like I’m back in College)
Glad to be of help! Keep it up!
Thank you for great tips. Perhaps you already mentioned, but I think it is worth saying again. When you start playing the violin without vibrato, you must have your left hand fingers correctly curved (box shaped). If you don't, it will be difficult to add the vibrato later. As you mention the vibrato goes down from the pitch, and you cant roll the fingertip down if the finger is already staight. So correct playing without vibrato to be prepared for vibrato!
Exactly!!!
Thank you. Mr and moroco
I hope it was helpful!
I still have difficulties on the G string, particularly in 1st thru 3rd positions. My hand position must be wrong; I can't get good spacing between the inside of my index finger and the neck. It feels like my fingers already are laying down too far to even do vibrato. Do you have a vid about proper left hand position? I think that's my problem.
i find hard time to practice vibrato because also violin keeps shaking when i started vibrato, i hope this video will help me.. thanks
dear teacher love u , respect u ,, my question is that ,, shoulder rest is necessary for violin? ,,
Hi Mazher, No shoulder rests are not "necessary". Some people can play without them, but I find that most people benefit greatly from using them. It frees up the left hand. But some people naturally balance the violin without the aid of a shoulder rest, and there are videos online to show you how to do that. (I teach only using a shoulder rest)
amazing!! I love your expressions and the way of telling Miss :^)
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
Omg I GOT SOUNDDDDD TYSMMM ❤❤❤❤
AWESOME! Keep it up!
Thanks a lot!!most helpful one:)
Great video! What shoulder rest are you using please?
In this video, I am using the Mach One Hook. But others that are similar are the Kun, the Pirastro Korkfer , and the Everest. They all have an "s" shape, plus a little hook/dip for the shoulder.
Thank you so much!!
+Howard Logan Glad it helped. Hope your vib is coming along.
Thanks for this! :D these techniques are very helpful! :)
Lovely
thank you so much.
Hope it helped! Thanks for visiting!
Thank you this video was really profitable for learning the vibrato.
How long would it take to learn the adequate speed of vibrato?
I could also not help but notice the two violins in the background haha do you still use them?
Thank you again!
good job done.... one thing, can you upload a tutorial on caprice 24 paganini
That will be a long time before I can get to the Paganini caprices! I bet someone has it already up on youtube!
Red Desert Violin .. I have searched alot but no one has ever done this.. means uploading Caprice of Paganini
An off topic question for you Laura. I see so often in your video's that your violins are wall mounted but I was wondering if you had suggestions of good storage ideas for violins while they are still in their cases? I want to make a permanent spot for my violins in my home but I'm afraid they might get damaged if I mount them on a wall or put them in a stand with no case to protect them.
Oh yeah, the violins you see mounted on the wall are totally unuseable, just for decoration. I would never mount my good violins on a wall, even on good hooks. I have 3 violins. One I use EVERY DAY, and so I keep it on a low book case, and I leave the case open, so I can grab my violin at a moment's notice. (I loosen the bow, of course) The others I have in their cases, standing up on their ends, propped against that same book case. If I need to get them out, I have to move my good violin out of the way, because I only have one book case. That is my system. I don't have any clever ideas besides what my own system is.....if you (or some handyman out there) can think of a really cool idea, I'd LOVE to hear it!
hello nice lesson it helpd me verey much but i wanna ask u somthing.... iam a violist and i wanna now can i start going to the gym without making my heands hevey
Great question. I was always very conservative with my hands.....then 2 things happened. I met a very good violinist who was also a rock climber, and he claimed that it kept his hands healthy to strengthen his upper body, hands, etc.....all the muscles rock climbing uses just kept him in good shape with good support. The 2nd thing that happened.....I slammed my finger in a car door and broke it.....proving that you can try to cheat fate, but whatever will be will be.....have fun in life and be healthy!
What is the reason for making a whistle-like sound while I am playing on the E string?
Mira Elbeltagi I have a video on that! ua-cam.com/video/WGRgMMdz4Ew/v-deo.html
Thnx
These tips seems great! Thank you! But when you said to start practicing vibrato slowly, the finger on the the note is curved, then it has to be flattened, does it always have to work that way for vibrato? For some reason, I can't get my finger do that, it feels unnatural..
How do I get to your course that is a couple of hours long? Through your website I'm guessing....
Ack, I got behind on comments, Tommy, sorry. Yes, my website has Vibrato part 1, part 2, and part 3. Each one is about 2 hours of instruction, broken up into 8-12 lessons in each part. Maybe you already signed up? I was swamped filiming Suzuki Book 4 which is DONE NOW!
@@RedDesertViolin ~ I actually just dropped a couple of bills (more than a couple) on chinrests, shoulder rests, and every set of strings and singles that you can imagine. I also had a complete makeover done on the monster. I bought some single Lenzners and some Goldborakats, DAddario Predludes, Cleopatras, Optimas, Thomasik Dominants... Cecilios and a few others. I had a luthier put an adjustable bridge on while we figured out where I was most comfortable and then we built a custom bridge. I also bought a pickup that cost more than the violin itself. I'm trying to hold back for now... lest I find myself buying a used old classic for a couple thousand. I do want to get signed up though. I just don't want to scare my teacher off. Not trying to sound arrogant, just being honest. I can break down huge pieces of extremely complicated music through theory, so just applying it to any other instrument is not that great of a chore, especially when you just push something in a designated area marked with frets or keys. The violin challenges my ear, and that is what I like. Testing my pitch is awesome for me. It takes away from the technical side, which makes me sound far less... "musical"
Many thanks, I'm on day ten and this helps a lot. I was wondering if the frequency of the vibrato which seems to begin at zero for each note and then increase to a maximum- does this maximum frequency have a relationship to the key of the tune?
No, no relation between the key and the vibrato speed. But slower pieces tend to utilize a slower vibrato. Fast exciting pieces obviously use a fast exciting vibrato...
I am curious on your demonstration using the tape. I am wondering is actual vibrato sliding your finger (like the tape exercise) or is it more of a rolling and the tape exercise just helps builds those muscles. I have ignored vibrato for years on the fiddle because after 30yr of guitar you know which way my fingers want to move! Your video has helped. TY
Hi Lou, Vibrato is definitely a rolling motion (like a rocking chair), not sliding. Good luck with yours!
What is the proper gap of string and fingerboard? I think mine is too high that I have to put much pressure and vibrate with my pinky.
Rodney Arcega Rodney, the standard heights are HIGHER for the G, and LOWER for the E, and the other two strings are relative to those. THe G should be 5.5mm off the fingerboard, the E should be 3.5. Of course, there are deviations from that for various reasons, but that is the standard. Here is a thread you might find helpful: www.violinist.com/discussion/response.cfm?ID=18746
Red Desert Violin ok ma'am thanks
Any tips how to strengthen the 1st and 4th finger? I can barely hear it vibrating :(
You can strengthen 1 and 4 using my "clothes pin exercise for double jointed violinists". If you search that on my channel, it will come up. (it helps more than just double jointed people) But more important than strength is BALANCE. Think about it.....pinky may be weak, but your index finger certainly is not. It feels weak because 1 and 4 are on the ENDS of the hand, they are uncentered, have to rock evenly from an unbalanced position. Once you realize that, you can start learning to center the gravity of your hand for each finger spontaneously, allowing it to pivot smoothly. But it's not easy. It takes time. One guy (William Starr) said if you can just get ONE finger to do a good vibrato, that finger helps the others to learn. And I think it's true. You are normal.....1 and 4 are the hardest, and will be the last fingers you will be satisfied with. Good luck!
My thumb moves quite a lot when does this vibrato but I pretty much got the finger/knuckle part down. Is it normal for my thumb to move when I first start?
+Lil Neko-chan Hi Lil, No, your thumb should not move. YES, it is a common problem when first starting vibrato, but you need to teach your hand to do the oscillations while your thumb is still. It takes practice.....and you MUST learn to use that "vibrato joint".....the joint between your thumb and index finger.
--Dear Ms. Staples. Love your channel and always look forward to new videos!
--Considering the subject of vibrato, I have an extremely SPECIFIC question that I have not been able to find an answer to in other videos. The question is, "what are the slowest and fastest speeds of vibrato that are musically usefull?" (obviously, too slow would sound like a sad moan and too fast would sound like an angry hornet.)
--When I practice vibrato with the metronome, I use each click as a Dotted Half Note and measure the "back" and "forth" of the finger in SIX 8th notes (yes, I know most count in 16ths but this a problem for me).
--So if you (or I) are playing SIX "back and forths" per click in a piece, what would be the metronome range to work towards?
Hey bchill69, I had to sit down with a metronome and try out your method of sub-division.....and I THINK I understand what you are saying, but let me try to rephrase it, to be sure we understand each other. So, for each metronome click, I am sub-dividing it into a triplet feel......and my vibrato will hit the PITCH 3 times on every click. (pitch-back-pitch-back-pitch-back) So, three FULL oscillation cycles per click.
Now, I might do 3 or 4 clicks per BOW, but that is irrelevant.
At first, I thought you meant SIX full oscillation cycles per click....but that was very difficult to do, so I re-read your message, and I think I understand your method.
If we are speaking the same language, then your OPTIMAL RANGE will be 80-100. That gives you a nice calm, slow vibrato at 80, and an energetic full vibrato at 100.
That is only your OPTIMAL range. There might be times when you would want a vibrato at 72, or at 108....but those would be extremes, and outside of the "norm". I would focus on mastering the "norm" first, and then, just to expand your control and capacity, you could start trying to increase your range on both ends, slower, and faster.
Hope this helps!
@@RedDesertViolin THANK YOU!!
Yes, you 100% percent understood the question and your answer is SO helpful to me. I asked a few different people and you are the only one that gave me a complete answer. Most answered "play what sounds good" in a few or many many words.
--I am slowly but steadly making progress to 110, but somedays everything feels "sticky" with either left hand tension or "interference" between left hand and bow arm. Thanks again.
How can I get lessons with you? I don't know how it work online.
HI! So I am making a vibrato video myself, because a lot of people asked me how I learned it.. is it okay if I mention your video? because you helped me so much!!
Lots of love Daphne
Gosh darn it, I meant to reply to this sooner. (maybe I did) YES, it's fine to mention this, and thanks for asking!
Hey!Can give me an advice on how to get better tones please?(left hand) i am really desperate
Hmmmm. That is a very vague request, but I want to invite you to come sign up for a free membership at my website....by doing so, you will get LOTS of tips, organized in topics like "tone", "left hand tips", Bow technique", and more. Seriously, this will help you. Hope to see you there! CLick the link, and look for "free membership". No strings attached. (pun intended) www.RedDesertViolin.com
How do you do a vibrato for slower music that is more expressive and emotional
Good question, Amy. We all need to develop all speeds and all widths of vibrato. My best tool for this is a vibrato chart that looks like this:
slow ----------wide
medium-----medium
fast------------narrow
Then, you practice vibrato using every possible combination of these 6 variables. It forces you to expand your pallette, and then you will have JUST the color you want for slow expressive tunes.
Great lesson, i'm subscribing for more :)
Hi, is it normal that my finger tips hurt when I press on tge strings from moving it back and forth ? I just started learning vibrato
It is normal to a point. Until you build up some callouses, the fingertip is "tender", but it shouldn't be excruciating. Sometimes, a nerve gets exposed or irritated, and that feels like a sharp pain, or a needle poking you.....in that case, you must rest for 1 or 2 days, and then you'll be fine. Try not to press harder than you need to on the strings.
Is there video u explain metronome?
I have some videos on youtube called "How to train your metronome". But as far as the metronome system for vibrato, that is in my paid course, at reddesertviolin.com. Is that what you meant? Let me know if I can help further.
hello i started practicing/doing the slow forward and backward i cant seem to make the forward and backward thing and my violin keep shaking .. and is it advisable to play with shoulder rest because its so hard without one coz my neck is quite long and i have to put up my shoulder very high to reach my chin maybe thats also the problem why i can relax my left arm x.x
Andrei, if a shoulder rest helps, USE ONE!!! Some people are so against them.....but LOTS of professionals use them, especially people with long necks!!! If your violin shakes, the shoulder rest will really help. (Check out Bon MUsica shoulder rests.....they are GREAT for stabilizing the violin) BUt also, the shaking is also caused from your thumb pressing and pushing on the neck.....the thumb needs to be feather lite, and MUST NOT try to "help" with your vibrato.