Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio

There are different ways to sing in your head register. You can sing in a classical way, the sound feels like it’s going to the top of your head. That can be done with some power or a lighter tone. You can also sing in your head register with a mixed voice. This gives a fuller, richer and more powerful sound. What is the difference? It’s where the sound is vibrating. When singing classically or old school, the sound feels…

It’s important to know how your voice works and what is going on when you sing. We will discuss the chest and head register today. The difference between the two registers is where you feel the vibration. When singing in your head register, you will feel the soft palate lift. The soft palate is located to the rear, roof of your mouth. When singing in chest register, you will feel your larynx drop. Let’s start with the chest register. To…

No matter what age you are, always remain a student. Never stop learning, learn to listen to others and hear what they have to say. Two people can experience the same incident and walk away with two different stories, because they have different perspectives. What they see and translate in their mind will be different than what you see and how you process the information. You must have grit with purpose to create a good mindset for your singing performance.…

Why do you want to be a singer or pianist? Is this something you would like to do as a career? Or are you just having fun and want to learn? Or do you have deeper intentions? Are you trying to get a message out? Is there a desire to share your experiences and feeling to touch other lives? Whether it’s a career or you are just having fun, you need to dig deep and let yourself be vulnerable. This…

As an artist and singer, you need to envision what your performance will look like. What is your look, are you going to play an instrument, will you dance or have dancers on the stage with you? What will your colors be (what colors do you love), will you stand still, what will your stage be like? Will you hold the mic, keep it on a stand, or use a head piece? What performances from other artists inspire you? Use…

This blog is a continuation of “Different Ways To Make A Song Your Own” (Part 1). In the previous blog we discussed phrasing, articulation, bending notes and runs (or riffs). Today we will look at vibrato, dynamics, using different vocal onsets and inflections to create your own spin on a song. Vibrato can be used to add a little texture and emphasize certain places in a song. Vibrato is not a natural thing that happens for every singer. Some singers…

Putting your own spin on a song is never easy, it takes work. You need to add your own personal touch and technical adjustments. You have different ways to put your own spin on it, such as phrasing, riffing, bending notes, dynamics, using different vocal onsets and inflections. Phrasing is a way for musicians and singers to personally put their own spin on a song, by shaping sections of the song. It’s very important to be aware of how you…

In order to sing a song with your full potential, it’s not just about technic, you must connect to the song. What songs are you passionate about and love to sing or play? Have a journal to write down your thoughts on the songs. These are the things you want to look for when choosing your songs First, you must have that personal connection to the song. Does it move you and take you on an emotional journey with a…

Early morning warm-ups should be less dramatic and gentle. If you a morning performance, take it easy with the warm-ups. Use a less aggressive approach with humming, the bubble (or lip trills) and the r-roll (or tongue trills). We will look at the best ways to start vocal warm-ups. If you are warming up in the afternoon or later in the day, you can be more aggressive with your warm-ups. After the less aggressive warm-up exercises, you can get a…

This is part one of Christina Aguilera’s warm-ups. Warming up is quite different than performing. You want to keep everything relaxed without any tension. In a live performance you need to convey facial expressions and emotion which is not a relaxed facial expression. For these warm-ups keep your face, neck and body relaxed as you do these warm ups. Relax everything in your body, face, neck and anywhere you feel tension. Take in a deep breath and exhale slowly releasing…