Vocal Music Advice

I am a 15 year old guy who has been singing in choirs for about 8 years. I have come to find that my voice can fluctuate pitch. To my understanding this is called Vibrato. However, people that have heard me sing cannot agree whether it is Vibrato or not. Some say it is and some say it’s not. Some argue it is too slow or thick and some say it’s fine. How can I tell for sure that what I have is Vibrato?

Answer: (Before hearing Roy): I’ll only be able to answer definitively after hearing you sing. However, let me get started with a response prior to that time.

First let me say that it is great that you’ve been singing in choirs for eight years already! Keep it up.

Second, let me also add that finding that your voice, at 15, has the capability for some flexibility as well as a “shimmer” (vibrato) is not unusual. It is also not unusual for there to be some feelings of vocal insecurity during this time in your life. That’s OK. The time of vocal insecurity is not permanent.

Now, a word of caution since you’ve brought up the subject: Don’t be overly concerned with vibrato at this stage in your vocal development. In fact, don’t be concerned about it at all. Especially don’t attempt to “create” it or “make sure you hear it.” Vibrato will, usually, take care of itself when you are using your voice well. I speak from experience in this. I was a teen whose voice changed at 13 or 14 from soprano to bass-baritone. However, long before it changed I was concerned about “sounding mature” and “created my own vibrato.” Unfortunately, I had no voice teacher to turn to for advice and set in some habits that were difficult to undo later when I did study. Beyond this, my experience as a teacher has demonstrated that youngsters (younger than you) who study voice and are forced to “sound mature” prematurely, typically have problem vibratos by the time they are college age (18-21) and require careful remedial training, in some cases without much success because of the damage done to the voice due to overworking it at such a young age.

(After hearing Roy): Roy: That took fortitude to sing and record for a one-person critical audience!  It’s clear that you are developing well.  You have a lovely lyric (“barry-tenorish”) sound right now that is going to develop significantly in the next decade—and especially in the next 5 years.  Vibrato is indeed present in the sound. It is not consistent yet – but don’t worry.  [In the very middle of the song recording (Caro Mio Ben) as you begin the “Il tuo fedel” phrase – there is a moment of uninhibited free (fast) vibrato on the first “Il”!! When you can capture THAT feeling all the time, you’ll find yourself singing with increased freedom.]  However, none of this is anything about which to have anxiety.  Continue to enjoy singing – and along about the time you might normally begin college, find a wonderful voice teacher that will instruct your development.  I think you have a fine instrument.
Best wishes.