Rachel Taylor Geier

Greetings and welcome to a new, albeit late, Flute Friday/Saturday! AI, or artificial intelligence, is a hot topic these days among us writers. Programs like Chat GPT have made it possible for anyone with a phone and a basic topic to request on-demand blog posts, articles, papers, and so much more with a single click. Yet, the substance of these Frankenstein-style writings is often questionable, and at the very least canned, boring, and lifeless. Okay, maybe I am biased as a writer, married to a writing instructor, but I know we can do better! This week I decided to put Chat GPT to the Flute Friday test, and…well, as you will see below, it failed miserably. In today’s blog I will be redlining/commenting on the blog that I requested from Chat GPT on teaching flute vibrato. The results will confuse, shock, horrify, or at least convince you to stick to authentic writing based on genuine experience and expertise. Needless to say, you will never see Dr. G using Chat GPT on Flute Friday blog posts.

CHAT GPT’s MISSION: Write a flute blog post on teaching flute vibrato. 1300 words.

THE RESULT: (My RTG notes/comments/opinions are in red below.)

Title: Mastering Flute Vibrato: A Guide for Flutists (RTG Note: Title is VERY generic and would not show up very high on a Google Search ranking. Weaksauce for SEO.)

Introduction (Word Count: 100) (RTG Note: I do like that they outline how many words are in each section. I wouldn’t keep the content but for newbie bloggers, it may be useful to see the basic structure to help them streamline writing into shorter segments. And you thought today’s blog would be Dr. G’s Reason Why Not to Use Chat GPT.. Gotcha! Dr. G can find silver linings too!)

Flute vibrato is a crucial technique that adds depth, expressiveness, and beauty to a flutist’s playing. (RTG Note: I wouldn’t call it “crucial” as flute playing in non-Classical traditions often does not utilize vibrato and still results in beautiful and expressive music.) Although vibrato is commonly associated with string instruments (RTG Note: And, well, literally every other instrument except percussion and piano.), it is equally important for flutists to master this technique (RTG Note: Comparing strings to flutes is comparing apples to oranges. This statement seems to suggest that flutes are lesser instruments. Uhm, no. Different but equally awesome.). In this blog post, we will explore the fundamentals of flute vibrato and provide a step-by-step guide for learning and refining this essential skill (RTG Note: I am highly skeptical as a Doctor of Flute that a simple how-to guide is all that is needed to learn and refine vibrato. This is a highly individualized skill that we work on and “refine” through our entire flute careers. Convince me otherwise, Chat GPT..).

Understanding Flute Vibrato (Word Count: 250)

Vibrato is the oscillation of pitch and volume (RTG Note: Umn, no. Pitch – yes. Volume – no. If you are isolating volume, you are messing with dynamics. Dynamics and vibrato are two different things.) that is added to a sustained musical note (RTG Note: Nope – Vibrato is not only reserved for sustained pitches). On the flute, vibrato helps to emulate the natural warmth and expressiveness of the human voice (RTG Note: Lofty goal! Not sure that is always what we are trying to achieve. I’m thinking this wording was shoplifted from a violin blog as violin vibrato is often connected to emulating the human voice.). It adds color, emotion, and character to the music, creating a more captivating and engaging performance. (RTG Note: Okay, Chat GPT, I do like the first part of this sentence to outline the various uses of vibrato, but to suggest that using vibrato leads automatically to a more “captivating and engaging” performance is a gross generalization. Vibrato is like glitter. Use it for sparkle but it is not necessary to glitter-bomb your entire audience 24-7.)

Before diving into the techniques for developing flute vibrato, it is crucial (RTG Note: I would avoid using the word “crucial” in blog posts. This is at least the second time we have seen this word in the current post. “Crucial” suggests that you HAVE to do something or you are doing it wrong. Black and white thinking is limiting and discourages creativity. Avoid.) to understand that vibrato must always be controlled, controlled both in speed and depth (RTG: Nope. Wrong again! Overly controlled vibrato is boring and colorless. Vibrato can be wide when the music calls for it and tighter/faster at climatic moments in the music (particularly in French flute music). I would argue that vibrato must be flexible or variable. We are not vibrato machines. There is no Vibrato GPT, sorry.). An overly fast or wide vibrato can sound excessive and distracting (RTG: Nope – it can be used to enhance the color or mood of the line.), while an inconsistent or absent vibrato can make the music sound flat and lackluster (RTG Note: Nope – Not always true. It depends on the type of music and the expression of the line. There is plenty of music that doesn’t call for vibrato and composers that specifically indicate to play passages without vibrato. These lines are not “lackluster” and are often beautiful in their own right.).

Steps to Mastering Flute Vibrato (Word Count: 750) (RTG: Again, I am skeptical that a simple list like this is all it takes to “master” vibrato. I would avoid using the word “master.” Mastering something takes a lot more time/practice than a simple how-to guide can offer. “Learning” would be a better choice here.)

1. Establishing a Steady Tone: Before attempting vibrato, ensure you have a solid foundation in producing a steady tone. Practicing long tones will help build a strong breath support and steady airflow, both of which are fundamental to executing vibrato effectively. (RTG Note: This is actually relatively good advice, albeit generalized. In a good flute blog, the writer may use this opportunity to discuss books, resources, and tips to establish a steady tone. This often takes beginners several weeks/months. I might also suggest words of encouragement if finding a sound on the flute is not instant or even point to another blog for tips on achieving a steady sound. Sound is not a snap-of-the-fingers sort of thing and to list it so simply here may discourage beginners who might be struggling. More content and context is needed on this first point.)

2. Start Slowly: Begin by practicing a slow, controlled vibrato (RTG Note: Again, I don’t really like this word “controlled.” It is a super tense word and vibrato, or literally anything to do with flute playing, should never be tense (hello, Tendonitis, nice to meet you). “Measured” or “steady” might be a better choice.). Start with a comfortable speed (RTG Note: This will need to be determined under the guidance of a teacher. A beginner is not going to know exactly what a “comfortable” speed means. Way too generalized here.), and choose a pitch in your flute’s mid-range to work with (RTG Note: Example…? A true flute blogger would give an example of basic notes to start on. Middle A? Low B-flat? Also, it might depend on the student. One student may be super comfortable on a C while another on an F. More examples and suggestion are needed here.). Focus on keeping the pitch centered and even throughout the vibrato. Use a metronome to maintain a consistent tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable (RTG Note: I would avoid suggesting the use of a metronome to practice vibrato, especially for a beginner. This will likely lead to unnecessary tension, artificially controlled, machine-like vibrato, and mere suggestion breeds perfectionism. There are exercises that can be used to count beats of vibrato that do not require a metronome. Keep it flexible. Keep it simple. Make it fun and easy.).

3. Experiment with Different Techniques: There are various techniques to produce vibrato on the flute, including wrist (RTG Note: WHAT? No. Just no. Tendonitis-city!), finger (RTG Note: Again, WHAT? No. Just no. Carpal-Tunnel city!), and diaphragm vibrato (RTG Note: I sort of understand what this might mean, but you can’t just drop a generalized term like “diaphragm vibrato” without explaining a.) what is meant by this term, and b.) how to achieve it. How can a beginner “experiment with each technique,” (as suggested in the next sentence) if they are not left with any idea how to practice each technique. There is a VERY generalized sentence for each below, but more info is needed (including pictures if available) inserted here in the paragraph for context – even as separate bullet-points. This should actually make up a bulk of the blog post.). Experiment with each technique to find the one that feels most natural for you. Remember that everyone has a unique physiology, so what works for one flutist may not work for another (RTG Note: While this is true, it contradicts the “controlled” language above. Again, more explanation is required here. I would start with this to invite beginners into test-driving vibrato in an exploratory space.).

– Wrist vibrato involves gently shaking the wrist from side to side while playing a sustained note. (RTG Note: Literally don’t do this! You will likely develop Tendonitis and it won’t produce vibrato. This was shoplifted from a violin blog. Wrong instrument, Chat GPT!)

– Finger vibrato requires a controlled movement of the finger pads, producing a subtle pulsation in the pitch. (RTG Note: Also, literally don’t do this. It won’t produce vibrato and instead will lead to Carpal Tunnel. I am suspicious that this was shoplifted from a guitar blog.)

– Diaphragm vibrato involves using the breath and diaphragm muscles to create a fluctuation in intensity and pitch. (RTG: Note: Also, no. Just no. This sounds painful!!! We use air, yes, but muscles in a diaphragm…uhm…don’t think so. We’d probably need to check ourselves into a hospital after each recital. Chat GPT, are you shoplifting vibrato tips from a vocalist’s blog, by any chance? Yeah, Dr. G just busted you!)

4. Develop Control: Vibrato should always be under your control (RTG Note: Who else’s control would it be under????? A conductor cannot hijack your vibrato. Nor can an evil flute nemesis. This sentence instills fear – Avoid.). Practice slowly and gradually increase the speed and depth of your vibrato. Develop the ability to start, stop, and change the intensity of your vibrato at will. Pay attention to the pitch accuracy and consistency throughout the vibrato. (RTG Note: The rest of this paragraph is not so bad, but again it screams for examples and more explanation. How would you practice paying attention to pitch (I know Trevor Wye, for example, would agree that it isn’t that easy – He wrote an entire practice guide on the subject). Resources would be great to add here as well.)

5. Listen and Learn: To truly master vibrato, listen to the playing of professional flutists known for their expressive vibrato. Study their techniques and listen to how they control the vibrato speed, depth, and character in different musical contexts. (RTG Note: This is actually good advice and I would probably ask beginners to start here! Listen to examples from the experts. I often ask students to listen to Pavarotti, Hillary Hahn, or Jasmine Choi for examples of beautiful vibrato and encourage them to find other examples of vibrato styles they dig.) Incorporate their techniques into your own practice and performances (RTG Note: And then, Chat GPT, you ruin your shining moment. Yes, emulate techniques that you admire but make them your own! Avoid copying someone else’s vibrato. We are not vibrato robots. Think creatively.).

6. Apply Vibrato to Repertoire: Once you have developed a consistent and controlled (RTG Note: Icky word alert (“controlled”). See above and avoid.) vibrato, practice incorporating it into your repertoire. Start with simple melodies and gradually progress to more complex pieces. Experiment with different styles and genres to explore the versatility of vibrato. (RTG Note: Yes, good general advice, but needs more examples. What type of repertoire from which books would you recommend starting on? (Hi, Rubank, I’m looking at you.) What pieces might you try it on next? (Hi, Mozart Concerti or Bach Sonatas, now I’m looking at you.) This would also be a good opportunity to insert a storytime example. How did you learn vibrato? What was your journey? Chat GPT does not have a journey.)

7. Seek Feedback and Guidance: Feedback from a flute teacher or experienced flutist can be invaluable in refining your vibrato technique. They can help identify areas for improvement, provide guidance, and fine-tune your vibrato to suit different musical contexts. (RTG Note: This is really where you should start and should not be the last step in “mastering” vibrato – It should be #1. An experience flute teacher will help you develop vibrato based on your individual skill and style and will be there to troubleshoot along the way as you learn new repertoire and practice incorporating vibrato into various types of genres. This is also a great opportunity to plug your own availability for lessons (both in-person and online) like this: https://racheltaylorgeier.org/instruction/. If you want to learn to produce vibrato properly, sign up for a lesson with Dr. G (not Chat GPT).)

Conclusion (Word Count: 100)

Flute vibrato is an indispensable (RTG Note: That is overly dramatic. You can still be a flutist if you do not yet know how to produce vibrato. Chill, everybody! It will come with time and practice.) skill that all flutists should strive to master (RTG Note: Again, “all flutists” is an overly black/white statement. I very much doubt folk flutists would agree. Invite them into the conversation by instead explaining what type of music is enhanced by vibrato with specific examples). It adds a layer of expressiveness, emotion, and beauty to their playing, enhancing their musical interpretation (RTG Note: How? If interpretation is individualized, this would be an opportunity to further explain how vibrato works it’s magic.). By following the steps outlined in this guide and dedicating consistent practice, flutists can refine their vibrato technique and bring their performance to life (RTG Note: Was it dead without vibrato???? I don’t think so..) in a more captivating and engaging manner (RTG Note: Not always true. I haven’t seen anything in this blog post yet that convinces me that vibrato makes a performance more captivating. Perhaps if there were more examples, even videos, the use of the word “captivating” would have more weight here in the conclusion..). Embrace the journey of learning and enjoy the process of discovering your unique vibrato style. (RTG Note: Nice closer but a beginner might be so totally and utterly confused at this point that discovering their unique style may seem daunting. Instead, encourage exploration under the guidance of an experienced flutist to find that style. Learning is not an instant process like Chat GPT. It is slower, more exploratory, and is best accomplished in a safe, gradual manner under the guise of an expert. You know, a lot like writing…)

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I hope today’s blog encourages you to use Chat GPT with caution as the content may be full of generalizations and inaccuracies shoplifted from other sources. Use it for an example of structure and word count ideas, sure, but create content from your own experiences and expertise. That is what makes a flute blog popular. That is what makes a flute blog useful. That is why I, as a flute blogger, do what I do.

Do you use Chat GPT? What types of content do you create with Chat GPT? What type of inaccuracies or generalizations have you found and how have you transformed them into stronger writing examples? Please comment below!

Happy fluting (and happy writing – for reals)!