Vibrato is one of the most personal aspects of violin playing, and it is also one of the most misunderstood.
In this lesson segment, concert violinist Filip Pogady explains how he approaches arm vibrato, and why the initial impulse begins in the forearm rather than the wrist or fingers.
Pogady demonstrates a simple throwing motion from the elbow that creates the natural oscillation needed for a relaxed vibrato. As the motion becomes smaller and faster, the hand and fingers follow the movement without tension, allowing the pitch to roll smoothly from the note.
You'll also see practical ideas for practicing vibrato with control, including metronome exercises and a simple adjustment that helps prevent the fourth finger from collapsing.
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