Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog

MASTERING SINGING INTONATION

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 6, 2025

There is nothing quite like hearing a singer knock it out of the park with vocal precision, not just technically correct, but beautifully in tune. That’s the magic of good intonation. It separates a decent performance from one that truly resonates. But what exactly is intonation, and why do even skilled singers struggle with it sometimes? Let’s look at what singing intonation really means, why it’s tricky, and how you can train your ear and body to find perfect pitch…

WHAT CREATES A UNIQUE VOCAL SOUND?

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 4, 2025

Have you ever wondered why no two voices sound exactly alike? Even among trained singers, there are some voices that stop you in your tracks, they feel instantly recognizable, almost like a fingerprint made created with sound. What gives each singer their own unique sound? It’s part biology, part technique, and part creativity or artistry. Let’s look at the elements that shape the one-of-a-kind vocal sound. Your Anatomy The human voice begins with the body. Every instrument has its own…

FIXING A WEAK VOICE

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 30, 2025

One of the most common frustrations singers face is feeling like their voice sounds thin, breathy, or powerless. A weak voice can hold you back from expressing emotion, hitting notes with confidence, and delivering performances that connect with our audience. The good news? A weak voice doesn’t mean you’re stuck, it simply means your vocal muscles, breath support, or technique need strengthening. With the right approach, you can build power and stability in your singing. Why Does My Voice Sound…

LAUNCHING YOUR MUSIC CAREER WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 28, 2025

In today’s world, social media isn’t just a place to share selfies or keep up with friends, it’s one of the most powerful platforms for building a career, especially as a singer. From viral TikToks to YouTube covers that lead to record deals, countless artists have proven that social media can be the stage that launches dreams into reality. But how does it really work, and what should you know if you’re hoping to grow your career online? The Power…

ACHIEVING VOCAL PERFECTION

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 23, 2025

Many singers dream of achieving vocal perfection, that flawless, powerful, and emotionally moving voice that never cracks, strains, or wavers. But here’s the truth: vocal perfection isn’t about being flawless, it’s about being your best, most consistent, and most authentic self as a singer. What “Vocal Perfection” Really Means Perfection in singing doesn’t mean hitting every note like a robot. In other words, vocal perfection is not a destination, it’s a journey of mastery. Vocal perfection is about: The Pillars…

UNLOCK YOUR SINGING POWER!

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 21, 2025

Every singer aspires to delivering those big, goosebump-inducing notes that fill a room and command attention. But true vocal power isn’t about shouting or forcing your voice, it’s about control, resonance, and confidence. Singing with power means sounding strong while staying healthy and effortless. What Does “Power” in Singing Really Mean? When we talk about singing with power, we’re not just talking about volume. A powerful voice feels both strong and free, not heavy or tense. Power is: The Foundations…

WHY DOES MY VOICE CRACK WHEN SINGING?

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 16, 2025

You’re in the middle of a song, everything feels smooth, and then suddenly, your voice flips, squeaks, cracks or drops out completely. Almost every singer has experienced this at some point. While it can feel embarrassing or frustrating, a voice crack is actually your body sending you a message. Understanding why it happens is the first step toward fixing it. What Exactly Is a Voice Crack? A voice crack occurs when your vocal folds suddenly shift between different registers (like…

FINDING WEAK AREAS IN YOUR SINGING

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 14, 2025

Every singer, no matter how experienced, has areas in their voice that need improvement. The best vocalists in the world didn’t get there by ignoring their weaknesses; they got there by identifying them, working on them, and turning them into strengths. If you want to grow as a singer, you need to know how to spot those weak spots in your voice and address them head-on. Why Identifying Weakness Matters It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, singing only…

SECRET EXERCISE EVERY SINGER SHOULD TRY!

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 8, 2025

If you’ve ever struggled with vocal strain, pitch control, or stamina while singing, there’s a surprisingly simple tool that can help: a straw! Yes, that little plastic or metal tube you’d normally use for sipping a drink can actually transform your voice. The exercise is called “singing through a straw,” and it’s one of the most effective vocal training methods out there. What Is Straw Singing? Straw singing is a type of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) exercise. That’s just a…

HOW TO BECOME A GREAT SINGER

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 6, 2025

Becoming a great singer isn’t just about hitting notes or having a natural gift. It’s about discipline, expression, and learning how to use your voice in a way that feels both effortless and powerful. The truth is, great singers are built through consistent practice, awareness, and passion. So how do you get there? Let’s break it down. Master the Basics of Vocal Technique Every strong voice rests on solid technique. Great singers understand how their instrument works and know how…