Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog

5 MORE CHARACTERISTICS OF TOP SINGERS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 31, 2024

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…

Read More

5 CHARACTERISTICS OF TOP SINGERS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 29, 2024

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…

Read More

HOW TO BELT HIGH NOTES

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 22, 2024

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),…

Read More

HOW TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN A REPERTOIRE

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 17, 2024

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…

Read More

A KEY TO MUSICAL SUCCESS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 15, 2024

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,…

Read More
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. vocal coach voice lessons singing lessons piano lessons voice coach voice teacher singing teacher piano teacher

WHY DO BRITISH SINGERS SOUND COOL?

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 10, 2024

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…

Read More

THE ART OF SHAPING VOWEL SOUNDS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 7, 2024

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…

Read More

Consequences of Singing Incorrectly

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 3, 2024

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…

Read More

Common Singing Mistakes

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | October 1, 2024

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…

Read More

Techniques To Improve Vocal Articulation

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | September 26, 2024

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…

Read More