Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
C
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
C
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Does anyone know an optimal (or any) way to develop some vibrato in one's voice, or is it just in the genes? Any excellent documentation you'd recommend regarding how to get there? This may be a silly question but I'd love to know!!

Thanks,
cchallum

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
If you have an otherwise good singing voice, vibrato can be learned. You might seek out a choir leader in a church or school or a local voice instructor. And although I can't recommend any in particular, there are CD and DVD courses that teach vocal technique.

From all of the above choices, you can probably spend as much or as little as you want. But you WILL learn vibrato.

Stage fright worked fine for me, though. *g*

HTH,

Richard


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
C
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
C
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Richard,

Thanks....I glad to know that vibrato CAN definitely be achieved. I'm planning to definitely do it.

Thanks again for your comments,
cchallum

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,208
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,208
Hi cchallum,
You could of course fake it Just to "git er done."

This only works if you are NOT playing live.

Just grab the loose skin on your throat and give it a wiggle at the appropriate moment/s

It works.

Regards
Michee


Windows 11 64 bit, Biab 2026 (1237), Realband 2026 (10)
i7 Desktop Computer 16Gb Memory

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
To be on the safe side, let's start with a definition of the term.

Vibrato is actually a very slight change of pitch or frequency, centered on the target note but moving ever so lightly sharp and then flat of it repetitively.

The speed in which you perform this slight pitch change is also a part of the thing.

Sometimes the song calls for a slower vibrato, other times a faster one. Sometimes there are cases where you might use a different speed vibratos for different parts of the same song, too. For example, a long duration whole note, it might be more apropos to start with a slower speed vibrato that gets a bit faster as you hold the note. Or vise verse.

If you already know the above, please forgive the elementary explanation. But if you by chance do not, it will be worth it.

Some folks will mistake Tremelo for Vibrato as well. Two different terms, two different ways of modulating the voice (or the wind instrument for that matter).

Vibrato is that small change in the pitch as described.

Tremelo is a change of amplitude (or loudness, if you will) and can also have differing speeds as "called for" by the job at hand.

To start learning to sing the Vibrato, try matching a long held note with your voice and then try slowly changing the pitch around that pitch center, going upwards above the note slightly first, then crossing back over the note to slightly below that note, back up, back down, etc. not trying for the faster vibrato at first, but trying for the equal amount of pitch shifting sharp then flat, sharp then flat, etc. Good thing to exagerate the pitch shift a bit at first, as you work on this just a short ten minute session twice a day, after a certain unspecified number of days you should find that you are able to narrow the amount of picth shift a bit, and so on.

Important to always take a breath, fill the lungs, and then use the diaphragmatic muscles to expell air over the vocal cords to get sound. Don't ever try to sing by "pinching" the throat. Throat stays relaxed, within reason, of course, there must be some tension there, but the power comes from the moving air, not constricing the throat to create higher air velocity.

Lastly, it is important to decide WHEN it is appropriate to use vibrato in singing - and when it is not. Different genres demand different styles. For example, it is sometimes not needed, or at least not explicit, as in, say, certain jazz and pop genres.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 241
Hey Mac,
Is there anything that you don't know? I'm amazed at that explaination. Best I've ever heard. That even helped an old gezer like me.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quite a few years ago now, I had one teacher who made a great impression on me.

That man got it through my thick skull that one should TEACH IN ORDER TO LEARN.

Things that I could do intuitively, he made me have to put them into words and instruct others.

One time, he told me that the ability to EXPOUND freely on a subject requires us to really know and understand the subject.

He used to have his Graduate Students explain rather complex phenomena in laymen's terms - to the janitor. And he told them that unless the janitor grasped the concept when they were done explaining, they didn't know the subject well enough yet.

That, and he also taught me what the word, "love" can really mean in the sense that he was always telling us that one has to LOVE THE STUDENT and nurture.

That old bromide that "those who don't know, teach" only refers to the number of bad teachers in this world, man.

Whatever thing(s) you know, be prepared to "pass it on" for YOU will be the true benefactor from doing that.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491


"Important to always take a breath, fill the lungs, and then use the diaphragmatic muscles to expell air over the vocal cords to get sound. Don't ever try to sing by "pinching" the throat. Throat stays relaxed, within reason, of course, there must be some tension there, but the power comes from the moving air, not constricing the throat to create higher air velocity.

Lastly, it is important to decide WHEN it is appropriate to use vibrato in singing - and when it is not. Different genres demand different styles. For example, it is sometimes not needed, or at least not explicit, as in, say, certain jazz and pop genres. "

Hi, All of Mac's advice is important....especially, I feel, regarding breath control. Often in the recording studio, we can be asked for "More vib"..."Less Vib".....so you definitely can learn to control vib in the voice....as you can in other instruments. Practising the excersises that Mac suggested, you'll soon find a noticeable improvement....then, it's deciding WHERE to use it! Best of luck. Joe G.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
T
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
T
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Sinatra was the best at holding a long note and then letting a beautiful vibrato end it.He apparently learned this when he was a singer in the Benny Goodman orchestra and listening to certain instruments like the trumpet etc.


AMD Athlon 7550 dual core
processor 2.51 ghz
1 87 gb ram
windows 7 Ultimate
yamaha rev 500 effects
tacam DP-24 DAW
Samson Resolv NF monitors
Yamaha PSR-620 Keyboard
Fender semi accoustic guitar
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
J
Expert
Offline
Expert
J
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,826
Hi

This is the biggest difference between emulations and real instruments mostly in Brass and woodwind after about six years with a WX5 i still have not mastered it if you ever can for it to sound natural

regards Dave


I always play the right notes but not always in the right order
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
The janitor theory is an interesting one, but I've met a bunch that were way smarter than most folks, and especially smarter than me. I like the idea of learning by teaching. In my limited forays into teaching I have learned much, not only about the target subject but all kinds of other stuff. Makes it more fun. I never liked teachers that had big egos and were a bit full of themselves. Anyway, good advice Mac and I too am amazed at your broad range of knowledge on various topics. I'm always ready to read and follow your advice.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 63
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 63
Quote:

Sinatra was the best at holding a long note and then letting a beautiful vibrato end it.




That kind of control is exquisite and difficult to attain. I know many solid professional singers with years of career who never attain that kind of beautiful subtle drift into vibrato.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
There's a lot of info on singing technique on the web. If you go to YAHOO for example (or any search engine) and enter +vocal +vibrato without quotes, you'll get many hits on articles about singing technique and vibrato.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
C
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
C
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,580
Once Again,

Thanks so very much to each of you for your suggestions. I read them with great care and I'm so glad I asked. This has got to be one of the most effective forums that exists. I'm already into doing exactly what Mac suggested and have paid particular attention to the other suggestions as well.

I greatly appreciate each of you,
cchallum

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!

Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!

No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!

In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!

Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!

No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!

In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!

Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane

zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!

Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.

Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music

Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,636
Posts807,797
Members40,179
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
maiyagg, RAYPA, Neveralull, alebasa, Shegzy Empire
40,179 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 94
rsdean 77
WaoBand 48
DrDan 39
vicarn 39
Today's Birthdays
Oom Karel, terryberko
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5