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Hey everybody!
I seem to have a bit of an odd problem when it comes to using vibrato! I've practiced all the finger, hand and arm movements. I've learned to loosen my hand and arm to allow my fingers to roll. I've practiced in the mirror (and against the wall) and I have to say, it looks great!
But you see, everything falls apart when I finally start bowing!
My coordination is so off, that the second I start bowing, I lose the vibrato motion! If I focus on the vibrato motion, my bowing becomes choppy (starts and stops)!
Can anyone recommend any practices/exercises to help build coordination for vibrato while bowing?
The crazy thing is, I can finger vibrato (gently loosening pressure in my finger & applying more pressure) without problem. But the second I try hand/wrist, my bowing falls apart! There was an instant this morning where the 2 came together, but I got excited, thought about it, and lost it! LOL
Any advise or shared experiences would be much appreciated!
~Eric
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
Maybe try using only one finger,,, what I mean by that is to lift your other finger higher when you vibrato the string. I found it easier doing it that way, but as you say, when you apply it to a song......... it goes to hell.
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It's just a matter of coordination. Like tapping triplets with one hand while tapping eighth notes with the other. It's hard to do.
In your case you need to practice that vibrato till it almost comes by itself then you need to concentrate on the other task while the vibrato just happens. If you keep working on it it will come.
Also, using different rhythms with your bow might help. In other words maybe just playing quarter notes, or slurring notes together....
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Thanks!
I have a feeling it's going to be one of those things where I'll play a song and all of a sudden, it's there! LOL
Years ago, when I learned how to play piano, I had a similar problem with playing 2 different parts at the same time. I stopped worrying about it and a few months later, I sat down and was able to play both parts out of nowhere!
Maybe I'll have to do those "pat your head & rub your tummy" moves kids like to show off!
I'll try using different rhythms now! I can go over old exercises that I have for bow technique and focus on vibrato! (yes, I actually purchased the "Idiot's Guide to Fiddle!" ....back before I found this site! LOL)
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
I had the similar problem with coordination.
Sorry, i'm too lazy to rewright it, so i'll post the link
https://fiddlerman.com/forum/l.....s-so-hard/
In this topic check out the post #19 - there are couple excercises that could help =) 
Regulars
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I'm a little confused about the "Sirena Exercise." How far do you slide? Microtone, half step, full step, all the way up the neck?
I've also tried the other way you suggested and it seems to be helping! The only problem I have with that way is my fingers locking up.......I'm slightly double jointed and like to tense up! LOL
When my hand and tighten up, I have to set the violin down for a while and do a few relaxation stretches.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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You are not alone with the double jointed problem. I had a student that had it bad. All I can say is to lessen the angle in which the fingers can lock up at. Hope that makes sense. Play vibrato with flatter fingers and more angle for now.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
EJKiszenia said
I'm a little confused about the "Sirena Exercise." How far do you slide? Microtone, half step, full step, all the way up the neck?
As far as You feel comfortable =) The point is in motion and coordination.
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Well, both sliding my fingers (Sirena Exercise) and changing the angle of my fingers seemed to do the trick!!
By practicing both, I realized that being on the tips of my fingers, I was pressing down WAY too hard on the fingerboard! My hand and arm may have been loose, but being slightly double jointed, my fingers were just locking down!
When I pulled my fiddle out this morning (and figuring out Nearer My God To Thee by ear), I was able to notice the improvement in my vibrato! It's not that good yet, but I can at least do it on command!
I took both Mad_Wed's & FiddlerMan's advice too heart and just sat in front of the TV last night without my bow and just practiced going through the motions. (watched the extended, director's cut of Gettysburg!) The next morning, it felt much more natural. I'll still wear out and lose it, but that'll just take practice!
I just now have to refigure out a good grip with chin/shoulder rests. If it's too loose, my fiddle shakes into my neck! LOL
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
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