Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio
In modern singing styles like rock, blues, soul, and even contemporary pop, a little bit of grit can add power, emotion, and character to your voice. One technique singers use to achieve this effect is the growl onset. When done correctly, it can bring intensity and attitude to your performance. But when done incorrectly, it can strain or even damage your voice. What Is a Growl Onset? A growl onset is a way of beginning a note with a slightly…
Articulators are the parts of your vocal tract that shape sound into words. While your vocal cords produce the initial sound, articulators refine and form that sound into vowels and consonants. The articulators help turn “noise” into language. The Main Articulators Why Articulators Matter in Singing Strong articulation improves: Common Mistakes Final Thoughts Articulators may be small, but they play a huge role in how your voice is heard and understood. By training these parts of your vocal system, you…
A smooth tone is one of the most desirable qualities in a singer’s voice. It creates a polished, effortless sound that feels pleasing to the ear and emotionally engaging. Whether you’re singing pop, R&B, jazz, or even classical music, developing a smooth tone can elevate your performance and make your voice more enjoyable to listen to. What Is a Smooth Tone? A smooth tone is consistent, even, and free of harshness or strain. It flows naturally between notes, without sudden…
Have you ever heard a singer whose voice feels full, warm, effortlessly powerful and wondered how they do it? The answer often lies in vocal resonance. While breath control and pitch are important, resonance is what gives a voice its depth, richness, and carrying power. What Is Vocal Resonance? Vocal resonance refers to how sound vibrations produced by your vocal cords are amplified and shaped as they travel through the spaces in your body. Those spaces are primarily the throat,…
If you’ve ever wondered how great singers always seem to hit the right notes, blend beautifully with others, or improvise effortlessly, the answer lies in a skill called ear training. While vocal technique gets a lot of attention, a well-trained ear is just as important, it’s what allows a singer to truly understand and control sound. What is Ear Training? Ear training is the process of developing your ability to recognize pitch, intervals, chords, rhythm, and tonal quality by listening.…
What makes a great singer? When we think of a “great singer,” it’s easy to assume it’s all about having a powerful or naturally beautiful voice. But in reality, greatness in singing goes far beyond raw talent. It’s a combination of skill, discipline, emotional depth, and artistry that truly sets exceptional singers apart from the rest. Strong Vocal Technique At the core of every great singer is solid technique. This includes breath control, pitch accuracy, tone quality, and vocal flexibility.…
Here’s how you can tell, if you’ve been taking singing lessons for a few weeks, or even a few months, you’ve probably asked yourself “Am I actually getting better?” Progress in singing isn’t always obvious. Unlike learning piano (where you can see improvement as the songs get harder to play), vocal improvement is internal, gradual, and sometimes subtle. But there are clear signs your singing lessons are working. One of the first signs of real progress isn’t what you hear,…
One of the fastest ways to sound better as a singer isn’t learning harder songs, it’s choosing smarter ones. Even incredible artists like Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Sheryl Crow select songs that highlight their strengths. The right song makes your voice shine. The wrong one makes you strain. Here are some tips to help you choose songs that truly fit your voice. Know Your Vocal Range Before picking a song, understand your comfortable range. You don’t need extreme high…
Do you want to instantly improve your singing voice? You don’t need expensive gear or years of training to start sounding better. Most vocal breakthroughs come from mastering a few foundational techniques. Artists like Bruno Mars, Christina Aguilera and Ariana Grande rely on the same core fundamentals: breath control, vocal placement and confident delivery. Let’s break it down into three powerful, practice steps. Master Your Breath Support If your breathing isn’t controlled, your singing won’t be either. Breath is your…
Every songwriter faces it at some point: the blank page, the silent room, the melody that won’t come. Inspiration can feel unpredictable and the truth is, it’s not magic. It’s something you can invite, cultivate, and recognize when it appears. Even legendary writers like John Lennon, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars don’t rely purely on sudden bursts of creativity. They build habits that allow inspiration to find them. Draw From Real Life Your everyday experiences are powerful material. A conversation…