Transfixed by Vibrato

As I am back in school, now taking the role of voice student instead of just being the coach all the time, I am facing my own technical flaws and weaknesses.  In many respects, my voice has just always worked and done what I wanted it to do.  It "fit" the kind of sound you expect from a jazz singer, and since jazz was the style of music to which my heart was naturally tuned, the equation worked.  Open mouth, sing jazz, all is well.  Until one day I wanted to know more about what made the instrument work and how to teach others to use theirs more efficiently, not just coach them on style and obvious vocal impediments.

Enter graduate school.  And this week, specifically, we learn about vibrato.

I can't say I understand yet what it is exactly, and from what I've read no one can really tell you what is going on when it happens correctly.  I can tell you it's NOT about pulsating the abdomen or other muscles of the respiratory system.  It is also NOT bending the pitch by wagging the jaw or allowing the larynx to bob up and down like an out of control little monkey.  Somehow the phenomenon of vibrato is something that happens when the air flow and pressure are correct, the larynx and muscles of the neck are relaxed, and the body takes over, creating that beautiful undulation that we all can agree is pleasing to the ear.

So, on my quest to discover the true nature of that pure, spinning, free-sounding vibrato, I've been doing a lot of listening - specifically for vibrato.  Linda Ronstadt, K.D. Lang, Barbara Streisand, and Carrie Underwood have been on my player a lot this weekend.  And you know when you listen to music for a very specific detail, then all of the sudden you hear things completely differently?  Well, in listening for vibrato I have been moved to tears, utterly transfixed and amazed over and over again.  Can anyone tell me why?  Why all of the sudden is this detail of singing that seems so completely obvious stopping me in my tracks?  We all know it's there, but how often do we take the time to listen to it and only it?

I want to know more about it.  I feel astounded at how uplifting and emotional it feels when it's done correctly.  And I want more of it in my life and my singing.  Have you ever been so certain about one of your preferences that when that preference changes you are shocked at yourself?  That would be me, right now, in regard to vibrato. 


I feel like I'm in love.