A resonant, expressive vibrato is one of the hallmarks of great viola playing. But for many musicians, it can feel elusive or inconsistent.

In her Viola Survival Kit course on tonebase, renowned soloist and pedagogue Muriel Razavi introduces a transformative concept she calls the “bird wing” technique, a simple adjustment that connects the hand and arm for a freer, more natural motion.

In this featured lesson segment, Razavi demonstrates how an open hand frame allows the vibrato to flow through the entire arm, creating warmth and depth without excess tension.

She also shares her “pillar technique,” a subtle method of using an extra finger for stability. It helps you control amplitude, while keeping your sound fluid and expressive.


Whether you’re rediscovering your vibrato or refining it for performance, these insights will help you find a sound that truly sings.

⏱️ Every musician chasing growth knows that timing matters. Now's your time.

Lock in your spot on the Black Friday VIP Waitlist and be first to access the year’s best deal for your musical progress —

So you can break through your roadblocks, play with confidence, and reconnect with your love of the craft.

Join the VIP Waitlist →

Learn from the World's Best Violists

Online lessons, courses, and interviews with the greatest minds in viola.

Start Free Trial →
This is some text inside of a div block.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Button Text
This is some text inside of a div block.