What Is Vibrato in Singing? The Truth About How It Works (According to Voice Science)

What do a trembling hand, an emotional speech, and a soaring operatic note have in common? Vibrato.

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the real science behind vibrato in singing—what it is, how it happens, and why it’s not just a stylistic choice, but a neuromuscular phenomenon grounded in biology.

You’ll learn:

• ✅ What causes vibrato (and why we don’t fully know)

• ✅ The leading theory: The Reflex Resonance Model

• ✅ Why some singers struggle to find their vibrato

• ✅ Exercises that actually work (and which ones to skip)

• ✅ How vibrato relates to balanced vocal technique

We explore insights from voice scientists like Ingo Titze and John Nix, and break down the rate and extent of vibrato in terms every singer can understand.

If you’re a singer, vocal coach, or just curious about how the voice works, this episode is your guide to discovering vibrato through better technique—not gimmicks.

🔗 Learn more & explore resources: 

www.voicescience.org

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast for more science-backed vocal insights.