No Vibrato in Singing? You Can Make it Happen!

Vibrato, the natural oscillation in pitch that lifts your singing to the next level, can make your voice stand out from the crowd, captivating audiences with warmth and emotion.

It’s a powerful yet subtle feature of a singer’s voice that comes naturally to many, but can be elusive for others.

While the presence of vibrato can signal vocal maturity and a high level of skill, a lack of vibrato is not something to become disheartened by.

It certainly doesn’t mean that you are not talented, nor is it something that cannot be overcome.

We take singing lessons because singing is an ability that can be learned and improved upon.

So while some people are born with perfect pitch and impressive vibrato, these skills can be gained and developed with a little time and effort.

So don’t be despondent if your voice doesn’t yet have natural vibrato—you can make it happen.

Why Is Vibrato Important?

Vibrato adds an extra dimension to the voice. It makes the sound richer and more resonant, and it can help to add unique style and personality to your performances.

Vibrato symbolises high-quality, professional vocals.

But it’s not just about how your vocals are received or improving the quality of your voice.

Vibrato happens when your throat, jaw and vocal cords are all relaxed and at ease.

The skills required for vibrato are the same skills you need to accomplish tension-free singing, which is excellent for your overall vocal health.

In essence, vibrato arises as a result of excellent technique, so it’s incredibly beneficial all around.

Don’t Force It

Vibrato is something you need to allow to happen, not make happen.

Pushing your vocals to create those oscillating tones is counterintuitive.

You need to create the perfect environment for vibrato, and then it should come naturally. So how can we unlock our natural vibrato?

Relax

Tension is the enemy of vibrato.

Focus on your throat, jaw, and tongue; are they all loose and relaxed?

Then move down to your neck, shoulders, back, and even your legs.

Are you standing tensed up or sitting bent over, restricting your breath? Take a moment to relax your muscles and find a position that is loose and unrestrictive.

Learn Good Breathing Techniques

A lack of steady airflow can also be problematic.

There is a wealth of effective breathing exercises that will help. Just a few minutes each day spent working on your breathing can work wonders for your vibrato.

Ask your singing teacher to show you the best exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing techniques and vocal control exercises.

Practise Vibrato-specific Exercises

There are several exercises that are designed specifically to encourage vibrato.

Practise them often, and you will achieve your vocal goals.

Exercises such as lip trills, pitch oscillations, and humming with oscillation will help you develop an awareness of how vibrato should feel.

Your tutor will be able to teach you these incredibly helpful techniques, and then it’s down to you to put in the work.

Regular practise and consistency, without overdoing it, is the key.

Practise every day if you can, and record yourself regularly so you can track your progress.

Don’t start out trying to add vibrato to those high notes.

Work at a pitch that’s most comfortable for you and focus on one thing at once.

Once you’ve mastered vibrato at that level, you may find it flows instinctively to both the higher and lower notes.

And remember, don’t force it; true vibrato needs to come naturally.

You Will Get There

If it feels impossible right now, don’t give up—you will get there, it just takes patience and commitment.

Eventually, you’ll learn to add vibrato to your vocals, and over time, it will become effortless and spontaneous.

The rewards are well worth it when your voice becomes more full-bodied and dynamic, conveying an extra depth and level of control that previously seemed out of your grasp.

You’re now on your journey to discovering a sound that is truly yours, one that adds an extra flourish to every performance.