Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog
There is a unique mix of qualities in a person with star potential. Have you ever wondered what sets apart the singers, performers or artists who seem to shine the moment they step into a room? That intangible quality we often call “star potential” isn’t just about talent, it’s about a unique mix of skill, presence, mindset and authenticity. The good news? Star potential can be nurtured and grown, and it often starts with self-awareness. Your Voice and Skill Talent…
Every singer, from beginners to seasoned professionals, has likely felt the grip of stage fright. The rush of adrenaline, the shaky hands, the dry mouth, the racing heart, it can feel overwhelming. But the truth is, stage fright doesn’t mean you’re unprepared or incapable. It means you care deeply about your performance. The key is learning how to transform that nervous energy into a force that fuels your singing. Why Stage Fright Happens Stage fright, or performance anxiety, is your…
Have you ever started singing only to find that your voice feels weighted down like you’re dragging it through mud? Maybe your high notes feel unreachable, you tone lacks clarity, or your throat feels tight and unresponsive. You’re not alone. When your voice feels heavy, it’s often your body’s way of signaling that something is out of balance physically, vocally, emotionally, or all three. Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons your voice might feel heavy and what you…
Every singer dreams of that magical performance, the one where every note lands, the audience is captivated, and you walk off stage floating. But the real magic lies in falling in love with the process, the warmups, the vocal breakthroughs, the off-key moments, the quiet practice sessions. When you fall in love with the process of singing, you stop waiting for “someday” and start finding fulfillment in every step of the journey. The Process Is Where the Growth Happens Perfection…
Always remember volume alone doesn’t equal vocal power. In fact, pushing your voice to be louder without proper technique can cause tension, fatigue, and even long-term damage. The secret to a commanding voice isn’t just singing loud, it’s singing smart. What Does It Mean to Sing Smart? Singing smart means using good technique, vocal efficiency, and mindful body awareness to produce a resonant, expressive sound. It’s about knowing how your voice works and working with it, not against it. Loud…
As a singer, it’s easy to get comfortable within a genre that feels like home, where you voice naturally fits, where your audience knows what to expect, and where your training supports your performance. But what happens when you feel the pull to explore something different? Maybe jazz calls to your pop-trained voice, or soul tempts your classical foundation. Venturing into a new genre can be intimidating, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do for…
If you’ve wished you could belt higher notes or reach those rich, low tones with ease, you’re not alone. Expanding your vocal range is one of the most sought-after goals for singers but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. You can expand your vocal range, but it doesn’t happen overnight, and pushing your voice can cause more harm than good. Extending your range requires time, technique, and a whole lot of vocal care. Warm Up Before Anything Else Think…
When you think of an athlete, you probably picture someone running a marathon, diving for a volleyball, or pushing through an intense training session. But what about a singer standing under a spotlight, pouring out emotion through lyrics and melody? It may not look like it on the surface, but singers are athletes too, just in a different arena. Singers are athletes of emotion and energy. We train like an athlete, perform under pressure like athletes, and push ourselves mentally,…
There was a time when singing felt magical. You’d lose yourself in the sound, the lyrics, the emotion. Whether it was on a stage or in your bedroom, singing made you feel alive! But now? It feels more like a chore or maybe you’ve stopped altogether. If you’ve lost your passion for singing, you’re not alone and you are not broken. Passion isn’t a constant flame it flickers, it fades. But the beautiful thing is, it can always be reignited.…
Stress is one of the most overlooked but powerful factors that can interfere with your vocal performance. Whether it’s nerves before a show, personal pressure, or the everyday tension of life, stress affects your body, breath, and mind, all of which are crucial for healthy, expressive singing. Let’s break down exactly how stress can sabotage your singing voice, and what you can do about it. Stress Causes Physical Tension When you’re stressed, your body naturally tenses up, especially in the:…