An Analysis of High School and University Cellists’ Vibrato Rates, Widths, and Pitches

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of playing position, fingers used, and level of training on vibrato rate and width, and possible pitch differences between non-vibrated and vibrated tones of cellists. Participants (N = 30) were volunteers from a high school orchestra program (n = 15) and a large public university (n = 15). Cellists performed three ascending pitch sets in first, fourth, and thumb position. Each pitch set included whole notes performed initially without vibrato, then vibrato was added to the second half of each note. Analysis showed that playing position significantly influenced cellists’ vibrato rates, widths, and pitch of non-vibrated versus vibrated tones. Comparisons revealed a slower mean vibrato rate in first position than the fourth and thumb positions. Cellists’ vibrato became wider in higher playing positions (closer to the bridge). Participants’ vibrated tones occurred slightly above the non-vibrated tones in first position, but slightly below the non-vibrated tones in thumb position. The fingers used or level of training did not affect vibrato rate, width, or pitch.