5 exercises to add depth to your singing
What's the story
Vibrato is a rhythmic, pulsating change of pitch used in music to add warmth and emotion to a singer's voice. Learning to control vibrato can greatly enhance a singer's vocal quality, adding depth and expressiveness to their performances. This article provides five exercises to help singers cultivate and refine their vibrato for a more dynamic and emotionally resonant vocal performance.
Breathwork
Breath control for steady vibrato
Proper breath control is the key to a steady and controlled vibrato. One simple exercise is to practice slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try for 10 deep breaths every day, concentrating on maintaining a steady stream of air. This exercise will help minimize pitch fluctuations, allowing for a smoother vibrato.
Pitch practice
Pitch bending exercises
Pitch bending exercises are essential for building flexibility in your vocal cords, which directly influences your ability to create a natural-sounding vibrato. Start by selecting a comfortable note and sing it with a straight tone before gradually bending the pitch upward and downward like a wave. Repeat this exercise with various notes throughout your range to enhance control over your pitch modulation.
Vocal flexibility
The siren exercise
You have to imitate the sound of an air-raid siren with your voice, sliding from the lowest note you can comfortably sing to the highest note and back down again. This exercise is great for building vocal flexibility and smoothing out breaks between different vocal registers, allowing for a more even vibrato across your range.
Timing
Utilizing metronomes for rhythm consistency
A metronome is your best friend when it comes to developing a rhythmic vibrato. Set it to a slow tempo and practice sustaining notes with vibrato, making sure each fluctuation in pitch aligns with the beat. As you get comfortable, increase the tempo. This will train your vibrato to have a steady rhythm.
Instrumental imitation
Mimicking instruments
Listening and imitating instruments with a natural vibrato, like violins or cellos, can help you understand and master vocal vibrato. Simply sing short phrases that these instruments play, paying attention to the speed and depth of their vibrato. This exercise will teach you how to control and manipulate vibrato, adding a new level of versatility to your singing.