Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio
Shaping Vowel Sounds When it comes to mastering vocal technique, few skills are as crucial and often overlooked, as shaping vowel sounds. Whether you’re a classical vocalist, a pop singer, or exploring musical theater, the way you form and project vowels can have a significant impact on your vocal tone, pitch accuracy, and overall performance. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of vowel shaping in singing and offer practical tips on how to refine this essential technique. Let’s dive…
Read MoreThe Consequences of Singing Incorrectly: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Singing is a powerful form of expression, but like any skill, it requires proper technique to ensure longevity and vocal health. Singing incorrectly can lead to vocal strain, diminished performance quality and even long-term damage. In this blog, we’ll explore common mistakes singers make and how to correct them to keep your voice strong and healthy. What Does “Singing Incorrectly” Mean? Singing incorrectly refers to using improper vocal…
Read MoreCommon Singing Mistakes and How to Fix Them Many aspiring singers face challenges as they develop their skills. Without proper guidance, common mistakes can hinder vocal growth or even damage the voice. Understanding these pitfalls is crucial for improving technique and ensuring long-term vocal health. Here’s a list of the most frequent singing mistakes and tips on how to avoid them. The Problem: Many singers rely on shallow chest breathing rather than engaging their diaphragm. This leads to a weak…
Read MoreVocal Articulation Vocal articulation in singing is just as important as in spoken language, if not more so. It refers to how clearly and precisely a singer forms and delivers words within a song. Proper articulation enhances both the clarity of the lyrics and the emotional delivery, allowing the listener to connect with the music on a deeper level. For singers, mastering articulation is crucial for making their performance not only beautiful but also intelligible and expressive. Here are some…
Read MoreVocal Articulation When singing, vocal articulation refers to the technique used to shape and enunciate the words of a song. This involves the moment and coordination of the lips, tongue, jaw, soft palate, and other vocal elements to clearly deliver each syllable. Unlike speaking, where clarity of speech is often the main focus, singing requires balancing articulation with musical elements like pitch, tone, and breath control. Why is Vocal Articulation Important in Singing? One of the main purposes of articulation…
Read MoreLong-Term Consequences of Singing Incorrectly Singing incorrectly can lead to a variety of vocal problems, from temporary discomfort to long-term damage. By focusing on proper technique, breath support, relaxation, vocal placement and warm-ups, you can prevent strain, improve your vocal performance, and ensure your voice stays healthy for years to come. Proper training and awareness are key to unlocking the full potential of your voice. Singing incorrectly has serious long-term effects on your voice, including: How to Protect Your Voice…
Read MoreBreath Control Techniques Improving breath control takes practice, patience, and a conscious effort to engage the right muscles. Here are some exercises and techniques to help you build better breath control: Lie down and breathe! Lie on your back with one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Breathe deeply, focusing on expanding your abdomen as you inhale while keeping your chest relatively still. This helps you feel how your diaphragm works and trains you to use…
Read MoreBreath Control in Singing Breath control is a foundational skill for any singer, directly impacting tone quality, vocal range, stamina, and overall performance. It involves managing the flow of air through the vocal cords to produce a stable, sustained, and resonant sound. While it might sound simple, mastering breath control takes practice and understanding of how your body and voice work together. Understanding Breath Control Breath control in singing is the ability to regulate the amount, speed, and pressure of…
Read MoreVocal flexibility is a crucial skill for any singer looking to improve their range, control, and overall performance quality. It allows singers to move seamlessly between notes, shift dynamics smoothly, and adapt their voices to different styles and genres. But what exactly is vocal flexibility, and why is it so important? What is Vocal Flexibility? Vocal flexibility refers to the ability of a singer to easily maneuver their voice across various pitches, dynamics and timbres. It’s not just about hitting…
Read MoreVocal technique refers to the methods and practices used by singers to control and improve their voices. It encompasses a wide range of elements, including breath control, posture, diction, vocal range, pitch resonance, and more. Good vocal technique is essential for singers of all levels, as it helps maintain vocal health, expands vocal ability, and enhances the quality of sound produced. Key Elements of Good Vocal Technique Conclusion Good vocal technique is not just about hitting the right notes or…
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