Vebrado

[tlyn]

my daughter has been playing the alto sax for a year. Her band teacher has told her she needs to learn to play vebrado, yet she doesn't seem to understand what he has told her ( he has not showed her) any suggestions while she has the summer off to practice?

[Peterk]

Vebrato? Probably meant vibrato? It's almost like a little vibration at the end of notes (usually long ones at the end of a phrase).
If you want a jazz example- almost any Dexter Gordon or Ben Webster ballad has a very easily recognizable vibrato.

Honestly, I don't think it's fair to tell a young player to use vibrato and then not even give a demo of what it is. Some players try very hard to get RID of their vibrato and not do it so much. There's some demo clips on vibrato on www.saxlessons.com if I remember correctly. But it might be a better idea for your daughter not to worry about it too much until someone shows her how to do it properly. No vibrato is much, much better than a bad vibrato.

[MS]

If there's a good private saxophone teacher in your area, you might invest in some lessons over the summer.

One year of playing (depending on age) might be a little early to start vibrato for some kids. Embouchure and air use needs to be well stabilized and intonation pretty good. I'd really recommend some hands on with a private teacher. Good luck. :D

[colibri]

Half the band teachers don't know what they're talking about. Like MS said, you might want to get her to take some private lessons, because chances are, the band teacher doesn't know how to do it properly also.

[Paul Coats]

The study of vibrato is not only a nice addition to the tone, but also helps the player find the feel of the "center" of the tone. The basic tone quality also improves as a nice side benefit.

Here it is, step by step. Do NOT expect it to sound good at first, but if it is done in the manner I describe, in 3 to 4 months the player can be doing surprisingly well.

Here is my menu page here on Sax on the Web of all my articles. You will find many articles helpful to you at this time:

http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/index.html

Please read and digest this first:

http://www.saxontheweb.net/Coats/tone_production.html

As stated above, a good basic, stable tone is needed before vibrato can be added. It is perhaps a little too early for vibrato. I would wait another year, but meanwhile, work on the tone. Also, check the first URL above and go through the Beginner's Corner series. #3 and #4 deal with embouchure.

Then start on the vibrato studies here:

http://www.geocities.com/harrir/saxophone/vibrato.html

This method is the standard way it is taught in music schools, universities, etc. Yes, it sounds nasty at first, unmusical, but be patient.

I think this will answer your questions, and if not, click on my name just below the title of the articles, and it will bring up an email to me, and feel free to write and ask any questions you may have.