Finding the Right Balance for Vibrato on Woodwind Instruments

Getting the right balance of how you shape your mouth (called embouchure) and your breath is super important when playing vibrato on woodwinds. Here’s what I’ve learned to make it easier to understand:

1. Embouchure Control:

   • Keep your mouth shape firm but not too tight.
   • Adjust how tight your lips are to keep a smooth sound while still being flexible.

2. Air Support:

   • Always use a steady stream of air; this helps create a good vibrato and keeps your tone strong.
   • Practice breathing from your belly (diaphragmatic breathing) to get better support for your sound.

3. Practice:

   • Switch between exercises for vibrato and holding long notes to find what works best for you.

Try out different things and really pay attention to the sound you make!