An Analysis of Vibrato among High School and University Violin and Cello Students

Abstract

We investigated vibrato performance of university student and high school string players. Forty violinists and cellists performed an eight-measure passage both with and without vibrato. Analyses indicated that the mean rate of vibrato was approximately 5.5 Hz, with no significant differences between instruments or performer experience level. The mean width of violin vibratos was larger than cello vibratos. Violinists' mean pitch levels were sharper than cellists' in both vibrato and nonvibrato performances. Analysis of intonation patterns within the duration of tones showed that performers were more stable when using vibrato. University players tended to become sharper during both vibrated and nonvibrated tones compared to the younger players. Pitch oscillations during vibrato were alternations both above and below conceived pitch, rather than oscillations only above or only below the conceived pitch.