Vibrato
A regular oscillation heard around a sustained pitch; its rate, extent, onset, and expressive use vary by singer and style.
01 · Define
Say it without the jargon.
One-sentence definition
A regular oscillation heard around a sustained pitch; its rate, extent, onset, and expressive use vary by singer and style.
02 · Understand
How it works in music
Plain definition
Vibrato is a regular oscillation heard around a sustained pitch. Its rate, extent, onset, and use vary among singers, styles, registers, pitches, and musical contexts, so one number should not be treated as a universal target.
How it works
A singer may practise the coordination that supports an even vibrato, but deliberately shaking the jaw or pulsing the abdomen is not the same result. Straight tone is also a legitimate artistic choice; its presence alone does not prove unhealthy tension, and vibrato alone does not prove healthy technique.
Use it in practice
Listen for whether the oscillation is even, intentional in context, and produced without discomfort. If the voice becomes painful, persistently hoarse, unexpectedly unstable, or unusually effortful, stop the exercise and seek qualified guidance rather than diagnosing the sound from this definition.
03 · Use it
Hear it. Try it. Keep it.
Turn the definition into one observation, one controlled move, and one memory line you can carry into the next session.
Hear · Notice
On a comfortable sustained pitch, listen for an even oscillation that appears without a jaw pulse or deliberate pitch wobble.
Try · One move
Sustain one easy note with steady airflow, then compare straight tone and released oscillation without shaking the jaw or throat.
Keep · Memory line
Vibrato is coordinated variation, not a motion to manufacture with the jaw.
One example can demonstrate understanding; it cannot certify hearing, technique, authorship, equipment safety, voice health, or professional readiness.
04 · Continue
Practise “Vibrato” in Main Act.
Open the related school to practise this idea, or add it to a Main Act plan.