Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog
Singing techniques are the foundation of vocal mastery, offering singers tools to develop their voices, express emotions and perform with confidence. Each approach has its history, philosophy and application, catering to different vocal goals and styles. Here’s a closer look at three popular singing techniques, Bel Canto, Estill Voice Training and Speech Level Singing. Bel Canto Technique Bel Canto, means “beautiful singing” in Italian, originating in the 17th and 18th century during the rise of opera. This technique emphasizes vocal…
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Voice training is an essential journey for anyone looking to develop their voice, whether for speaking, singing, acting or professional communication. The type of training you pursue depends on your goals, natural vocal abilities, and interests. Let’s explore the diverse types of voice training and how they can benefit you. Classical Voice Training Classical voice training is rooted in centuries-old techniques designed to create powerful, versatile voices. Ideal for opera singers and those who perform art songs or sacred music.…
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As an artist, you need an instant identifiable musical identity to make you stand out of the crowd of other singers and musicians. Your musical identity goes beyond mastering your vocals or an instrument. To craft your own authentic musical onstage presence that is unique and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Here are five steps to discover your musical identity. Your life experiences and stories will shape your musical identity. Look back on your personal story, your family…
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The Unique Voices of Piano Brands: If you’ve ever explored different pianos, you may have noticed that each brand and model have its own unique “voice” or tonal character. This tonal diversity stems from factors like materials, craftmanship, string length, soundboard construction, and the philosophy guiding each brand. Whether you’re drawn to a warm, mellow tone or a crisp, bright sound, understanding these tonal qualities can help you find a piano that resonates with your musical style and preferences. In…
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Writing a great hook is all about creating a memorable, catchy, and emotionally resonant part of your song that grabs attention and sticks in the listener’s mind. Here are some key tips to help you craft a great hook: A hook usually stands out because it’s easy to remember and sing along with. Short phrases, repeated words, or catchy rhythms work well. Aim for something that someone can hum or sing after one listen. Experiment with melodic lines that feel…
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Performance anxiety, or stage fright, can affect anyone, whether you’re an athlete, musician, public speaker, singer, or even a professional in a high-stakes job. The pressure to perform well often triggers anxiety that can be overwhelming and, at times, paralyzing. But the good news is that performance anxiety is manageable, and with practice, you can transform that nervous energy into focus, confidence, and even excitement. Performance anxiety often stems from fear of judgment, failure, or a strong desire to meet…
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Singers with a great voice have some commonalities when singing. These characteristics are ability to adapt and grow vocally, a passion with authenticity, good vocal range and flexibility, longevity, endurance, inspiration and influence. Let’s look at these additional characteristics of top singers. Adaptability and Growth Top singers evolve with the times without losing their artistic essence. This adaptability keeps them relevant in an ever-changing music industry. Some singers successfully experiment with different genres over time. By adapting their sound while…
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What are the characteristics of a top singer? What makes a singer extraordinary? Whether it’s Christina Aguilera’s jaw dropping power, Adele’s emotional storytelling, or Lady Gaga’s unique vocal flair, top singers share a combination of talent, skill, and personality traits that allow them to stand out from the crowd. In this blog, we’ll break down the 5 key characteristics that define the best singers across genres and styles. Top singers have mastered the fundamental elements of good vocal technique: breath…
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There’s nothing quite as thrilling as nailing those powerful high notes! Whether you’re a pop singer aiming for that show-stopping chorus, a rock vocalist belting out an anthem, or a musical theater performer hitting a climactic note, mastering the art of belting requires technique, control, and practice. Belting is the art of singing high notes with a full, powerful sound that feels like a controlled shout. Unlike classical head voice techniques, belting uses more of the chest voice (mixed voice),…
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Building and Maintaining a Repertoire Having a well-rounded repertoire is essential for any singer, whether you’re pursuing music professionally or singing for the joy of it. A carefully curated repertoire allows you to adapt to different audiences, perform confidently, and seize unexpected opportunities. But building and maintaining this collection requires strategy, effort, and continuous refinement. Let’s explore the steps to create, grow, and sustain an impressive repertoire. When building your repertoire, it’s tempting to dive in and learn a wide…
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