My favorite device for training violin vibrato
We violinists don’t have enough gear! Life’s other pursuits require tons of accessories, while we’re supposed to suffer with just a violin, bow, and rosin. Maybe a shoulder rest if we’re so inclined. And, of course, a case to hold it all.
Today, however, I hope to add just one item to your violin case. It’s an accessory that fits anywhere and has become part of my daily warmup. And it will enhance your vibrato, which is the “fingerprint” of your sound.
It’s the Gripmaster from Prohands, and if you click that link you’ll go straight to Amazon where you can purchase the same model I use every day. It’s an affiliate link, which means that if you use that link to purchase then I get a commission even though you pay the same price. It’s only right to disclose that!
But first, watch the video I just made about how I use the Gripmaster. If you haven’t thought about the job of each finger joint, now’s the time! Because I’ve got a training program for you that will change the way you approach vibrato forever:
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8 thoughts on “My favorite device for training violin vibrato”
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Thank you very much for the very informative video. (Thanks also for the “affiliate link” disclosure, which doesn’t at all diminish the pedagogical value of your presentation.)
I just want to comment that the thumb can be considered as having 3 joints as well, just like all our other fingers, its base knuckle being that “knob” situated at the side of our wrist.
Best regards,
Alan, as an anatomist, I’m going to correct your statement about the thumb. Nathan is right. The joint you’re referring to, the first carpometacarpal joint, is not considered to be part of the digit. We have CMC joints for our other digits, too, but they’re buried in the palm. The thumb itself has two phalanges and one interphalangeal joint, while digits 2-5 have three phalanges and two IP joints, the proximal (PIP) and distal (DIP). The DIP is the one Nathan referred to.
This was excellent. I’m retired now but I played the violin professionally for 46 years (Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra) Due to overuse injuries, I changed my playing a lot over the years, but I was never particularly happy with my vibrato. Now I know why.
Yet again you’ve supplied a vital missing link in my technique. Even before I have a Gripmaster, isolating and smoothing out the movement of the final joint with the left hand fingers on a viola under my arm in rest position is working wonders. Thank you!
I became a Suzuki parent over 50 years ago and still have not developed a vibrato. Your video has shown me why what I was told to do was wrong, and why my efforts were unsuccessful. Your explanation has shown me a way forward.
I’ve been tinkering with mine since they came two days ago and I’ve found that working with very light depression of the keys emphasizes the “piano hammer” motion of the fingers. As you note, we don’t need to push down the entire way, so the more we can reinforce healthy mechanics away from the instrument. As a violist primarily, where I need to be rather deliberate and simultaneously malleable to get a timely response, it has made a discernible difference in the rate my left hand “wakes up” for the day.
I’ve observed all of this in addition to the benefits of working on DIP joint.
Thank You for sharing!
Hi, I’m really interested to try this! Wondering which tension you recommend? There is more than one when I click on the link. Thanks
I would start with the very lightest and get the next one once that no longer provides enough resistance.