A Comprehensive Guide for Learning Cello Vibrato

Abstract

Vibrato has become such a critical technique in today’s instrumental performance that it is surprising to find it only lightly recorded in pedagogical literature, especially with respects to systematic teaching. The learning process for vibrato often comes verbally from teacher to student and is treated as the learning of a mechanism of expression. This study presents a comprehensive learning guide for vibrato on the cello. There are a number of different characteristics in vibrato technique, and based on these characteristics I demonstrate relevant exercises and excerpts for learning and practicing vibrato. I also provide a collection of cello excerpts as different applications of vibrato in performance scenarios. This study will analyze recording excerpts by renown cellists in performance environments using digital signal processing techniques to visualize and discuss the vibrato in selected passages. The goal of this study is to document a systematic method for educators to help students achieve musical expression through a thorough understanding of vibrato.