what is vibrato

Vibrato is a musical effect that consists of a regular, pulsating change of pitch. It is used to add expression to vocal and instrumental music. Vibrato is typically characterized in terms of two factors: the amount of pitch variation ("extent of vibrato") and the speed with which the pitch is varied ("rate of vibrato") . In singing, vibrato can occur spontaneously through variations in the larynx, while the vibrato of a string instrument and wind instrument is an imitation of that vocal function. Vibrato is the result of a balance between muscle systems in antagonistic relation to each other during phonation. When this balance occurs, the antagonistic muscle systems develop an alternating pulse that is a reflection of the continued energy level required of them to maintain equilibrium and muscular health. Vibrato cant really be learned, but it appears naturally only when the voice is ready - when the singer has optimal support, airflow, tone (resonance), and relaxation in balance. Singing with vibrato can help grow the voice.