Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog
Singing is a deeply personal and emotional experience. Whether you sing for fun, in a choir, or as a professional, receiving feedback can feel intimidating. But feedback is one of the most powerful tools for growth. Learning to embrace it with an open mind can transform your voice and confidence. Shift Your Mindset: Feedback is a Gift I love the statement “feedback is a gift,” instead of seeing feedback as criticism, view it as a gift for improvement. Even professional…
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Have you ever watched a professional singer perform live, you may have noticed small earpiece in their ear. It is called in-ear monitor (IEM), and it plays a crucial role in enhancing a singer’s performance. The IEM can be in one or both ears. Whether you are an aspiring vocalist or a seasoned performer, understanding what in-ears are and how they benefit singers can improve your stage experience significantly. Why Do Singers Use In-Ear Monitors? There are several key reasons…
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Tongue tension is a common issue for singers, often leading to strained vocals, limited range, and reduced clarity. Learning to manage and reduce tongue tension can significantly improve your vocal performance and overall comfort while singing. Here’s a guide to understanding and addressing this challenge. What Causes Tongue Tension Tongue tension occurs when the muscles of the tongue become overly tight during singing. This can happen for several reasons: Techniques To Reduce Tongue Tension Reducing tongue tension requires a combination…
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You’re minding your own business when suddenly, a tune starts playing in your head on repeat. It could be a catchy chorus, a jIngle, or even a song you haven’t heard in years. This phenomenon, often called an “earworm” is both fascinating and frustrating. But why does it happen? Let’s explore the science and psychology behind why certain songs stick in our minds. What Are Earworms? Earworms, also known as involuntary musical imagery (INMI) are snippets of music that play…
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Lip syncing, the practice of miming along to a pre-recorded track during a performance, is a common yet controversial topic in the music industry. While some see it as a betrayal of authenticity, others recognize its practical and artistic purposes. So, why do singers lip sync? Let’s explore the reasons behind this practice. Ensuring Consistent Quality One of the primary reasons singer’s lip sync is to ensure a high-quality performance, especially in high-stakes settings like televised events or large scale…
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Have you ever noticed that your voice sounds deeper and raspier when you first wake up? This phenomenon is common and has a scientific explanation rooted in the physiology of your vocal cords and the effects of sleep. The Science Behind Morning Voice Your voice is produced by the vibration of your vocal cords, which are located in your larynx (voice box). Several factors contribute to why your voice sounds lower in the morning: Tips to Reduce Morning Voice If…
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Have you ever wondered why your voice sounds different when you hear it in a recording? The experience can be unsettling, and it’s a phenomenon that nearly everyone encounters. When you speak, your voice reaches your ears through two primary pathways: external and internal transmission. The external pathway involves sound waves traveling through the air, entering your ear canals, and being processed by your auditory system. This is the same way you hear other people’s voices. The internal pathway, however,…
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Have you ever listened to a recording of your voice, speaking or singing, and cringed. Did the thought cross your mind “I really don’t like the way I sound.” Most people experience discomfort or even embarrassment when hearing their own voice played back to them. But why does this happen? The answer lies in a combination of biology, psychology as well as perception. Biological Factor When you hear a recording of your voice, you’re only hearing the external sound, without…
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Vocal projection is an essential skill for singers of all levels. It allows your voice to carry clearly and powerfully across a space, engaging your audience and ensuring your performance resonates both emotionally and physically. Whether you’re singing in a small room or a large auditorium, improving your vocal projection can elevate your artistry and protect your vocal health. Here’s how to get started. Tips for Improving Vocal Projection: Common Misconceptions About Projection Conclusion Improving vocal projection takes time, practice,…
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Singing is an art form that combines technique, emotion, and physicality. Among the many skills a vocalist must master, proper projection is one of the most crucial. But what does it mean to sing with projection and why is it important? Vocal projection is the ability to make your voice resonate and carry across a space without straining or losing clarity. It’s not about singing louder; rather, it’s about using our voice efficiently so that it fills the room and…
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