Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog

THE QUIET POWER WHEN SINGING

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | May 5, 2026

There’s a moment every singer encounters when technique alone is no longer enough. You can hit the notes, stay on pitch, and still feel like something is missing. That “something” is often self-awareness when you are singing. Self-awareness in singing isn’t just about knowing how you sound. It’s about understanding how your voice feels, how your body responds, and how emotions shape every phrase. It’s the bridge between simply performing and truly connecting. Developing Self-Awareness At its core, self-awareness begins…

SINGING IN FALSETTO

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 30, 2026

Falsetto is one of the most expressive and recognizable vocal techniques in singing. Known for its light, airy, and often ethereal quality, falsetto allows singers to reach higher notes that might be difficult to access in their full voice. When used correctly, it can add beauty, contrast, and emotional depth to your performance. What Is Falsetto? Falsetto is a vocal register that sits above your chest voice and is typically lighter and healthier in tone. In this register, the vocal…

AUDITION TIPS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 28, 2026

Auditions can be exciting but they can also be nerve-wracking. Whether you’re auditioning for a musical, a band, a choir, or a competition, it’s your moment to showcase not just your voice, but your artistry, preparation, and confidence. Success in auditions isn’t just about talent. With the right approach, you can walk into any audition feeling prepared and leave a lasting impression. Choose the Right Song Your song choice is your first impression. Avoid songs that are overly difficult or…

USING THE GROWL ONSET

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 23, 2026

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…

THE MAIN ARTICULATORS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 21, 2026

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…

SINGING WITH A SMOOTH TONE

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 16, 2026

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…

DEVELOPING VOCAL RESONANCE

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 14, 2026

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,…

CORE EAR TRAINING SKILLS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 9, 2026

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.…

KEY QUALITIES OF A GREAT SINGER

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 7, 2026

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.…

ARE YOUR SINGING LESSONS WORKING?

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 2, 2026

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,…