Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog
Whether you’re an aspiring vocalist or a seasoned professional, having a sold repertoire is essential to thrive in the music world. A repertoire refers to the collection of songs that a singer or pianist has mastered and can perform with confidence at any given time. But why does building a repertoire matter so much? Let’s explore the benefits and how it shapes a singer’s career. A singer or pianist with a well-rounded repertoire can adapt to different audiences and occasions,…
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The difference between British and American singers’ sound can be quite nuanced, but there are several key distinctions in terms of accent, style, and vocal technique. The British singers sound often captures a distinct coolness that many people notice and admire. Several factors contribute to this unique vocal quality: Unique Vocal Timbre British singers often have a slightly different timbre or tonal quality compared to their American counterparts. There can be a brighter, more nasal sound in some voices and…
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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…
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The 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…
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Common 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…
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Vocal 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…
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Vocal 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…
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Long-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…
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Breath 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…
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Breath 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…
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