Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog

RESONANCE DISORDERS WHEN SINGING

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

Resonance is the lifeblood of a singer’s voice. It gives vocal tones their richness, clarity, and emotional depth. But what happens when resonance is disrupted? Resonance disorders can significantly affect a singer’s ability to produce clear and harmonious sounds, limiting vocal performance and expression. This blog dives into how resonance disorders impact singing and their causes. What is Vocal Resonance in Singing? In singing, resonance refers to the amplification and enrichment of sound as it travels through the vocal tract.…

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STEPS TO ACHIEVE PERFECT ONSET

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 28, 2024

When singers talk about onset, they’re referring to the way a note begins, the precise moment when breath and vocal cords work together to create sound. A perfect onset is the gold standard for vocal technique. It’s clean, effortless, and balanced, enabling you to produce a resonant tone that sets the stage for the rest of your phrasing. Focus On Breath Support The foundation of a perfect onset lies in proper breath support. Practice diaphragmatic breathing to ensure a steady…

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MASTERING THE ART OF PERFECT ONSET

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

Achieving the right onset when you sing, the moment when your vocal cords engage and sound begins, can make a world of difference in how your voice resonates and connects with your audience. Perfect onset is a hallmark of skilled vocal technique, enabling you to sing with clarity, control, and emotional impact. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer, understanding and mastering this aspect of singing can elevate your artistry. What Is Vocal Onset? Vocal onset refers to how…

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UNLOCKING THE WORLD OF SINGING TECHNIQUES

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 21, 2024

Singing techniques are the foundation of vocal mastery, offering singers tools to develop their voices, express emotions and perform with confidence. Each approach has its history, philosophy and application, catering to different vocal goals and styles. Here’s a closer look at three popular singing techniques, Bel Canto, Estill Voice Training and Speech Level Singing. Bel Canto Technique Bel Canto, means “beautiful singing” in Italian, originating in the 17th and 18th century during the rise of opera. This technique emphasizes vocal…

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VOICE TRAINING

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 19, 2024

Voice training is an essential journey for anyone looking to develop their voice, whether for speaking, singing, acting or professional communication. The type of training you pursue depends on your goals, natural vocal abilities, and interests. Let’s explore the diverse types of voice training and how they can benefit you. Classical Voice Training Classical voice training is rooted in centuries-old techniques designed to create powerful, versatile voices. Ideal for opera singers and those who perform art songs or sacred music.…

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FINDING YOUR TRUE MUSICAL IDENTITY

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 14, 2024

As an artist, you need an instant identifiable musical identity to make you stand out of the crowd of other singers and musicians. Your musical identity goes beyond mastering your vocals or an instrument. To craft your own authentic musical onstage presence that is unique and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Here are five steps to discover your musical identity. Your life experiences and stories will shape your musical identity. Look back on your personal story, your family…

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Finding The Perfect Tone!

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 12, 2024

The Unique Voices of Piano Brands: If you’ve ever explored different pianos, you may have noticed that each brand and model have its own unique “voice” or tonal character. This tonal diversity stems from factors like materials, craftmanship, string length, soundboard construction, and the philosophy guiding each brand. Whether you’re drawn to a warm, mellow tone or a crisp, bright sound, understanding these tonal qualities can help you find a piano that resonates with your musical style and preferences. In…

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HOW TO CRAFT A GREAT HOOK

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

Writing a great hook is all about creating a memorable, catchy, and emotionally resonant part of your song that grabs attention and sticks in the listener’s mind. Here are some key tips to help you craft a great hook: A hook usually stands out because it’s easy to remember and sing along with. Short phrases, repeated words, or catchy rhythms work well. Aim for something that someone can hum or sing after one listen. Experiment with melodic lines that feel…

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DEALING WITH PERFORMANCE ANXIETY

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | November 5, 2024

Performance anxiety, or stage fright, can affect anyone, whether you’re an athlete, musician, public speaker, singer, or even a professional in a high-stakes job. The pressure to perform well often triggers anxiety that can be overwhelming and, at times, paralyzing. But the good news is that performance anxiety is manageable, and with practice, you can transform that nervous energy into focus, confidence, and even excitement. Performance anxiety often stems from fear of judgment, failure, or a strong desire to meet…

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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…

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