Vibrato for the Flute

[@flutechannel]

THE FLUTE COURSE IS OUT! Find the course at musogy.com Learn the Flute with The Flute Channel's Amelie Brodeur. If you're a beginner these courses will help you master Tone, Breathing, Posture, Sight-Reading, Rhythm and more. This 15 lesson course will start any new flutist on the right track, even if you're starting up from a long hiatus it can be a good refresher.

[@naeemhassan9639]

dear ron robbins what she said is to make it easier for us to imagine, as she mentioned that if it is through the throat, it would be 'goaty'. but if you are professional flute player, i would humbly request you to please show us a better way, so us beginners can benefit from it. cheers.

[@naeemhassan9639]

thank you emily. i am still practising the vibrato, i am improving through your tutorials. thank you.

[@christinawang3585]

The Flute Channel This is amazing! Thank you so much!

[@amymantoun940]

I’ve been playing flute for a few years. I still can’t do vibrato. I’ll keep practicing

[@jasonchee243]

The robot is cute 🤣

[@karenvasquez4403]

Lol, "remember open throat and no goat" it rhymes!

[@flutechannel]

+Karen Vasquez sure does! glad you enjoy it!

[@eliprotiva789]

Does ash kash approve?

[@M_Hair]

@@eliprotiva789 😭

[@EthanosW]

I’m a throat goat

[@elizabethharris3697]

Finally. After trying to play vibrato incorrectly for years (started flute age 11, I'm now 53) I finally understand. Your diagram and demonstrations really helped me. I'm studying for my master's degree in music and also teach but vibrato has always confused me. Thank you so much. No more goat vibrato from me. So thankful.

[@flutechannel]

Glad I could help! Happy practicing Elizabeth!

[@elizabethharris3697]

@@flutechannel literally. I’m so thankful. I’ve sent a recording to my flute tutor , for my masters , of my practise of vibrato today. Small steps but I finally understand it. One question. When you increase to 4 and 5 per beat does your belly part need to come out each time. Feels like a work out. I have abdomen problems so it hurts if I do it too much. Just wondering if I’m expecting to feel more than I need once it gets quicker. Thank you again

[@flutechannel]

It doesn't matter to much. If you can keep the same sensation without the belly going out it should still give the same effect.

[@ssophiesticated]

Good on you! after 42 years, you've finally done it. Well done!

[@consideratecommentator4284]

Open throat, no goat. Words of wisdom.

[@flutechannel]

glad i could help! :) I gotta make a poster of that

[@debbiehegger952]

Could you do a video explaining how to incorporate vibrato into your music piece when to use it and not use it.

[@flutechannel]

Yes Of course debbie! Ill put it on my list, keep a look out for it!

[@Matt-rp4se]

Oh my god this channel is a life saver!!! I got first chair because of all of the tips! THANK YOU!

[@flutechannel]

Thats so awesome! Congrats!

[@mitchg.5125]

Blew my mind when you upped the pulse to 5 as that's where it begins to get confusingly beautiful, to me. Thank you.

[@MaxLohMusic]

omg 3:13 is similar to what a student did during one of my recording sessions, many years ago. I kept saying "can you make it sound less like hoo-doo-doo-doo" and she looked at me like she had no clue what I was talking about!

[@fransiskusjulian9448]

Sometimes it happened to many peoples 😅😅

[@NoNo-wt9br]

I started doing flute vibrato in seventh grade.

[@flutechannel]

thats awesome! what are some of your favorite things to play on flute?

[@dawnfelty6984]

I'm a freshman and we are just learning how to

[@christian6262]

Dawn Felty I’m in 7th grade and we all need vibrato for our music

[@georgewashingtree494]

at my school we are never really taught how, the only reason that some of us are able to do it is because a girl moved here from another school and taught of us (she’s like the best can i just add lol)

[@kittycatrina1861]

Me too! It was super intentional and totally not because my air flow was choppy

[@aspenx1304]

Does playing vibrato eventually become second nature? like, natural???

[@flutechannel]

Yes and no Isa, eventually you want to be able use different speeds of vibrato for different styles of music styles and phrasing. developing a good foundation can lead to a better understanding and how to use it in music.

[@fabiominerva4543]

You have corrected my vibrato because was too goaty; using metronome and having open throth and thinking at diaphragm and not at goat i'm improving it. Thanks a lot

[@flutechannel]

Hi Fabio! I'm super happy to help! Happy practicing!

[@weili2686]

So far, this is the most helpful flute vibrato video I have seen on KZbin. Thank You!!

[@flutechannel]

Its our pleasure! Thank you for watching! If you have questions let us know!

[@elizabethharris3697]

Totally agree

[@lilylee8038]

This is how my teacher teaches me for Vibrato. Thank you!

[@TheStarNick]

Very helpful. Amazing lady

[@lynneczinski3032]

Thank you for your vivid descriptions. Most helpful.❤️. I love the goat analogy.

[@Sugarandalotsofspice]

I’m a flute player, and I not going to lie, I think I’m pretty good at it. I make 100s on all of my flute test but lately I have been introduced to vibrato. We are expected to learn this at home, and I had tried every video there is and still couldn’t get it! In my whole year of my flute career never had I had something as challenging as this. I don’t know why but every time I try to go faster, it sounds like it’s slowing down, and not vibrating like yours. I can’t past the three pulses and it’s getting frustrating. I have honor band audition next moth and I’m nervous! This would be my second year and I need help, so if you can kindly tell me what I’m doing wrong, I would really appreciate it! -6th grade flute player (I made the band!)

[@random-vl1vy]

Hey that's cool I'm struggling to

[@valerieregina444]

thank you for this! I'm planning to audit ion for a solo in my school's symphonic band, and this is a super helpful video!

[@flutechannel]

It really is my pleasure! Thanks for watching and best of luck in your audition!

[@xxblepxx8421]

Thank you I learned the flute vibrato in 6the gradeee

[@Frosty_43]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@flutechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saravalle1120]

Hi! I'm a student. So open throat and diaphragm that makes "ha ha ha"? Sometimes it seems to me that the diaphragm at a certain stops and that the throat does all the rest. Why? Thanks a lot!!!

[@flutechannel]

will answer that in the liverstream in 30 minutes!

[@isharaudayanga9887]

Best vibrato video ❤

[@vaaaaaaliiii]

I tried vibrato out, but it is so hard to consistently move your stomach region while not loosing your tone! And then with 5 ha ha ha ha ha 's per beat o.O Respect

[@03Venture]

Vali / Fangirl : Agree. “Ha ha ha” worked for me since the beginning.

[@_hihi_0.0]

Hmm, I’ve been playing flute for around 8 months and for someone who’s in sixth grade band, going on seventh, I think I should try to learn how to use vibrato pretty soon. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@flutechannel]

awesome! Happy practicing!

[@_hihi_0.0]

@@flutechannel Thank you so much!

[@pizzadogebrawlstars]

wow my bad must be pretty bad (I mean I know it is but…) because in seventh grade my band can’t even seem to play easy songs with quarter notes. I’m a flute though and I think I sound decent at least

[@mercedesketcherside3385]

8th grade honors flute player thanks for the lesson

[@andromisilibrober]

cool ! merci pour ces explications. enfin une vidéo sur le vibrato, une démonstration, et comment bien apprendre à le faire. (je veux l'apprendre à la flûte à bec).

[@flutechannel]

pas de problème

[@MuMu-fu7qe]

I love the way you explain things!

[@flutechannel]

Thank you !

[@kaylata7532]

hi this is a great tutorial but I always hear the term “open up your throat” especially in my band class but I never really understood what that meant... ik it’s kind of dumb but it’s just never been clear to me:(

[@sophiasliao]

Kayla Ta ik this is extremely late but it’s technically opening the very inside of your mouth, if i’m not mistaken.

[@bsizeindian3966]

You are good in what you are doing. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@flutechannel]

Thank you so much!

[@WitnessSuman]

Wonderful

[@fredemery485]

I'm learning to play flute and so happy that I came across your channel. I know that your instruction will help me develop and play better. Thank you!

[@flutechannel]

My pleasure Fred! I wish you all the best in your endeavors! Happy Practicing!

[@tv-lo1kh]

소리가 웅장하고 듣기 좋아요..😀😀

[@yannkestens8493]

You are just so great . Thanks a lot!!!

[@flutechannel]

Very kind of you Yann! All the best in the new year!

[@yannkestens8493]

@@flutechannel Thank you so much. Wish you also a beautiful year with a perfect health, very nice students, lots of love and light, peace in the heart and a succes in your work. All the best ;)

[@rinkashimeperoja5344]

GOAT Greatest of All Time. :)

[@flutechannel]

Very kind of you Rinkashime.

[@rinkashimeperoja5344]

@@flutechannel ive just started playing the flute.. and I was able to learn so much from your channel thank you..

[@galaxyrosestudios2956]

This is really helpful cause i wanted to ask my teacher but this helps a lot more ( I am a seventh grader)

[@flutechannel]

So happy to help! I wish you the best and happy practicing!

[@gabrielhollander]

Super interesting, thanks so much!

[@flutechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@caiocullison6501]

thanks a lot it helped

[@flutechannel]

awesome!

[@jesuscomforts]

So nice

[@flutechannel]

Thanks!

[@nataliaduarte2161]

This is an amazing video! Thank you!

[@flutechannel]

My pleasure!

[@Farmdafish]

I needed this

[@flutechannel]

happy to help anna!

[@FlorianGuery]

Waw j’ai tout de suite reconnue l’accent français, j’adore ! Et sinon super explication !

[@cassydebijl5869]

Hi can you teach crescendo diminuendo on the flute

[@НинхуэйУ]

Thank for it. It’s usefully.

[@emilyganguly277]

You're freaking awesome! I am honored to be guided by you! I'm so inspired!

[@flutechannel]

Happy to help Emily! Happy practicing!

[@MusicFriends_]

I love it! Thank you so much❤️

[@flutechannel]

my pleasure!

[@TheSoundbar]

Thank you! :)

[@flutechannel]

my pleasure!

[@lizzzzzzzzzzz6095]

Hello i am trying to learn vibrato but i seem to run out of air very quickly while doing it slowly. Do you have any tips of how to not expend so much air while keeping vibrato deep?

[@jubalschoolofmusic3676]

Excelente!

[@raquelvasquez5152]

What an interesting exercise. Can't wait to improve. So how exactly are you supposed to develop the vibration as I start with one note per beat, and then increase the amount each time? Like is the shaky sound being produced by changing the way you blow, or the amount of air, etc...?

[@72secondprize]

Lovely video again. Thank you. Is wobbling the flute back and forth a little an option? Of have I been making a huge mistake?

[@flutechannel]

No, its not a way to perform vibrato, unless a composer specifically asked for it in the music.

[@72secondprize]

@@flutechannel Thank you. How nice of you to respond. I'm trying to teach myself the flute. I absolutely love your videos. Best wishes from here in London.

[@avamyers1758]

I've done vibrato since 5th grade when I started playing

[@ih5726]

The teacher hello Excuse me, do air vibration ha ha ha lower abdomen inward or outward top? thank you

[@dorangauthier9061]

Is the speed of different lengths of vibrato, like sixteenth notes, different based on the tempo of a piece?

[@eleonoradecal3203]

Doran Gauthier usually yes

[@cesarromero1536]

Wow I would do that naturally without even thinking of it sometimes. My teacher was telling me to look a videos of different flute techniques and I do this naturally.

[@cesarromero1536]

at*

[@rexowenby6650]

do you think you'd be able to do a piccolo and explain how do play the notes and everything?

[@flutechannel]

sure we can totally try!

[@akrobeau]

I played oboe before flute so I got vibrato the very first time I played on flute

[@flutechannel]

excellent!

[@thomasthedankengine123]

Oh. Turns out I've been doing natural vibrato since I first started playing, I thought it made it sound pretty lol :) turns out it's not just me exasperatingly exhaling.

[@pancakes4322]

Is it possible to learn the vibrato in a weak?

[@flutechannel]

practice every day and youll get better and better!

[@pancakes4322]

The Flute Channel Alright!

[@kartikjoriya3062]

These players are so talented 😓😟🔥🔥

[@sadokngo9113]

i want on day to be like you . can u show me the process to play in a concerto?

[@hannnah_u]

I appriciate your video so much:) you teach friendly I like it! so you mean controlling the volume of air?? every time? and am I doing wrong if my belly moves up and down so much....? It's toooooo hard for me I donnot have a flute teacher:)

[@flutechannel]

Aww thank you! Hi! You mean your belly goes in and out and not up and down? Yes every time but it eventually it becomes automatic ( if you want it to be automatic ) BUT it if you want to have full control of vibrato and be able to change it on command in a phrase of music to your own personal taste. I hope that helps. But keep practicing it and message me again any time. Thanks for watching.

[@hannnah_u]

The Flute Channel yeah it goes in and out..... so I donot know whether I'm doing well and sometimes I feel like I have a stomachache haha (maybe the muscle of belly?) I am gonna practice more and I'll ask you again!! Thanks for reply♡(sorry for my nonfluent english I am korean)

[@flutechannel]

its the muscle of the belly most of the time. I would not go to intense on it, but eventually, it will be under your control. Its takes a bit of times. Sometimes a week sometimes a month, it depends on the person. Looking foward to hearing more about it from you! Thanks!

[@hardiklucknow]

What is cost of flute which u play....Love from india

[@lenagsponer4722]

How long it takes that the Vibrato works?

[@flutechannel]

Depends on the person. Days or weeks for most.

[@lenagsponer4722]

Okay. Thank you! I look when it works by myself🤔

[@hafizahkhusaini]

what brand of flute are you using?

[@flutechannel]

prima sankyo

[@brothergoodfoot]

Interesting. It sounds like, with flute vibrato, the volume gets modulated more than the pitch. Like what we would call tremolo on an electric instrument. Am I off base? Non-flutist commenting here.

[@03Venture]

Van Hollingsworth : No. As an amateur flutist for over 50 years, I think you have a very valid point there.

[@KimChi-tf8gc]

Hi where do you think I can buy a flute?

[@flutechannel]

Flutes4sale is really amazing. Use our code TFC for some nice perks like trying up to 3-4 flutes. They are all flutists there and will be able to help.

[@KimChi-tf8gc]

@@flutechannel oh okay thank you❤❤❤

[@sierrakim8903]

Since university undergrad auditions are coming up.. how about making a video with some tips & suggestions? :) Great video by the way!

[@flutechannel]

+Sierra Kim Yup were working on one it should be up tomorrow or middle of the week. :)

[@sierrakim8903]

Looking forward to it!! Thank you :) :)

[@flutechannel]

+Sierra Kim here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/maKxYpmrr6iCeZI

[@dorangauthier3017]

Is vibrato supposed to take more air than usual?

[@raquelvasquez5152]

So, how do you prevent that squeaky sound that you made in the last bit of the video? Also, what do you mean by open throat? Can you also explain how to shape your lips to go from 1 note to another? I'm guessing the flute doesn't have every to play every note. I'm guessing it's like a trumpet. Like, there's only 3 valves and so you're required to change the shape of your lips to get all of the notes.

[@camillegreen2471]

How can I get to lower pitched notes on my flute? It is always higher pitched. For some reason I can not play lower octave notes....it is the reverse of what is said here. All I can play clearly are higher pitched notes.

[@acidforblood]

I started flute 2 months ago. My question is do you need to be at a particular level of flute playing before practising it or at least experimenting with it. So far I can play low C up to 2nd octave A with reasonable tone and I'm on page 45 of Trevor Wye's Beginner book and using his tone exercises for the low register in his 6 part spiral-bound book. I know 2 months is a bit of a joke, but I'm making good progress as an adult. When I was 15 and played the flute for 8 months my lung capacity and breathing was not as good as they are now. I would get dizzy but as an adult fast forward 20+ years these past 2 months I've never got dizzy while practising so my breathing is a lot better and more controlled so maybe this will make it easier.

[@flutechannel]

2 months is not a joke, it's great that your persistent and progressing! Your far in Wye, give these exercises a try and keep the ears open. Keep me up to date! Happy practicing!

[@christibustos8132]

can you please make a video on how to use vibrato in songs please???

[@flutechannel]

+christi bustos we totally can! will let you know when it comes out!!

[@tinedc]

Can you tell me how to learn to play without vibrato? It seems I have a natural vibrato and I can't get a clear tone without it.

[@cheekeongang5863]

Hi, u can call me K. Would like to ask, do we push our abdomen muscles when we do vibrato. (If I put my hand on my abdomen, I should feel my hand been pushed away each cycle?)

[@florsaavedra3524]

Subtitulos en español por favor 😊

[@kamaldeep51]

woaaaaah goooood even indians not able to explain like this

[@flutechannel]

I guess we can take that as a compliment! thanks!

[@kamaldeep51]

The Flute Channel you should be

[@darkbeastmikko7971]

How do I play vibrato on quarter notes?

[@k.ravishankar5063]

Thanks for ur vedio. I play indian bamboo flute. Don't know much about this one.how much it costs. How can i get it.👍

[@tranly3452]

I just started vibrato I still having trouble with it do you tongue at the first note and can i take a really quick breath if I can't hold out any longer. what do I have to do to hold my breath out long enough

[@flutechannel]

Will address this in our Podcast today, if you have the time come in and watch live or watch later and let us know if our tip helps. Thanks so much for watching!

[@asiastephens6480]

Cool

[@flutechannel]

thanks!

[@cinnabon9892]

So you just move your embouchure?

[@flutechannel]

No, not at all. Its all inside the body. From the belly and throat.

[@cinnabon9892]

The Flute Channel Ok thanks

[@camillegreen2471]

I adjusted how the flute is put together according to what you suggested in the video. A and B still come out higher octave; the only lower note that I can play is C. Also, I have short fingers, and particularly with my right hand, it puts major stress on my hand to reach the last two keys. It is very uncomfortable. Any suggestions about what i can do? Are there smaller flutes for people like me?

[@magniloquenting.wlspoetjt1808]

Yes, they're called junior flutes and the head joint is curved inwards. I've seen varioua child prodigies who play the flute use that one.

[@fann.9874]

I accidentally found out I could do it when I started playing 5 years ago 😁 I love doing it when I play slow songs just adds to the song I struggle with doing it with high notes though

[@flyse1858]

is it normal that it’s harder for me to have a vibrato on high notes?

[@khenry5729]

Will a how to sing vibrato work to teach you?

[@BartLandstra]

Very helpful lessons you give. Thank you. I think vibrato is often used too much everywhere, as if the straight sound is not enough. I guess some people put ketchup on everything ;-)

[@flutechannel]

Had to find examples of no vibrato in playing. Seems to be in fashion quite a bit. Happy you enjoyed the video! Happy Practicing!

[@thaienawilliamson4937]

For me it would’ve helped if I could see the diaphragm so know what exactly your doing

[@flutechannel]

Well the diaphragm doesn't move by will, it moves automatically its a membrane that is involuntary. Im sorry I thought that was clear. My apologies

[@sophie0207]

It comes from the stomach, right? (Yesterday I could play vibrato the first time! Just like that, without trying it before....^^)

[@flutechannel]

Well done Sophie!

[@melissaq8854]

The fifth element gif made me laugh, also I like how you describe how to start it

[@flutechannel]

+melissa quillin I'm so happy you enjoyed. We loved making this video. Share it around and tell your friends. never be shy to ask questions.

[@jelly6077]

Today my band teacher told me I had a really good vibrato, and asked if I was doing it purposely to which I responded with: “idk what a vibrato is” and now here I am ☠️

[@flutechannel]

And now you know a little bit more. Say hi to your music director and you flute section! Happy practicing

[@doritaIliopoulou]

i love y❤

[@lukekulik4936]

You should back up a little bit for context. It is basically just pushing more air in for the vibrato? Anything with posture and embouchure?

[@landonvalley]

ive never been able to tell if my vibrato sounds like i’m anxious and shaking or if i’m actually doing it right

[@evilcookie6614]

Same

[@belenfica3936]

Hola a mi me había dicho mi profesor que tenia vibrato como de "cabra" y no lo podía entender pero con este video pude comprender la diferencia y espero poder cambiar mi vibrato de "cabra" jaja, muchas gracias!

[@flutechannel]

+belufi Me alegre que mi episodio sobre vibrato te gusta. Buena suerte para mejorar tu vibrato. Puedes preguntar si necesitas ayuda. Hablo espanol un poco, aprendo.

[@bkengineer9516]

Hi Amelie, I like this video. It gives me a good idea how to do start practicing vibrato. Could you give a longer example of vibrato using a song? I think your example was very short and I would love to see a longer example. Your explanation was perfect.

[@flutechannel]

Of course! We can plan to do a new video about that later this month. Please stay tuned for that!

[@bkengineer9516]

@@flutechannel yay thank you

[@sukyzheng3136]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSS IM LOVIN IT #stopthegoat

[@flutechannel]

Ha! Glad you loved it! Thanks for watching

[@caiocullison6501]

lol dancing robot at 2:31

[@flutechannel]

That wasn't there before. hmmm

[@trihandoko2102]

how to control saliva when blowing the flute is not wet..

[@vvurmhole]

I'm trying to get vibrato on my flute so I can sound even better for my 6th grade band fest (only 4 sixth graders got in, including my friend!) so I can sound good! #stopthegoat

[@andreaparker4876]

I am sorry but I still dont understand vibrato. I think I need to see what to do with my support system in order to understand.

[@thaienawilliamson4937]

For me it would’ve helped if I could see the diaphragm to know what exactly your doing