Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog

FOUNDATION FOR A STRONG MIXED VOICE

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | January 6, 2022

The foundation for a solid, thick sound for any voice register is possible. To have a strong vocal sound while singing in all registers you need to develop your mixed voice. All singers are working to create that sound in their singing. You will not create a power vocal sound without having balance in your upper register and lower register. In order to create that powerful mixed sound you must have a solid foundation. In order to create a solid…

FREESTYLING AND IMPROVISING WITH MUSIC

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | January 4, 2022

Freestyling and improvising with notes are important skills for a singing or pianist. A good musical ear is crucial for creativity! Freestyling or improvising in music is like an actor saying what comes to mind instead of reading off a script, except with notes. It’s a freedom that can be scary and freeing at the same time. It is a fun and creative process for playing piano or singing. While improvising may seem scary, particularly if you feel you barely…

DIFFERENT TYPES OF RHYTHMIC PATTERNS

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 31, 2021

There are different types of rhythmic patterns for songs. A good rhythmic pattern is an essential element in every song. Singers and pianists need good rhythmic patterns when performing a song. You can mix together sounds from singers and instruments, but without a rhythmic pattern as the backbone for the song, it will falls flat. There are many rhythmic musical instrument and they are used to provide a strong beat to a piece of music. The bass guitarist (John Entwistle)…

WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT AS A SINGER?

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 30, 2021

What makes one singer stand out from the rest? The tone, enunciation, inflection of words and technique are a few reasons. Next time you listen to a song, notice how they sing the word “you.” How do you interpret the lyrics for a song? What do they mean to you? What feelings do the words awaken in you, and how can you evoke those feeling to the audience? Every successful singer has a distinct and recognizable sound. This has to…

THE ONLY WAY TO BECOME A GREAT SINGER OR PIANIST!

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 28, 2021

To become the best singer or pianist you must practice. It is absolutely VITAL and the only way to take you to the next level.  What you put into it is what you will get out of it. First thing to do is change your mind set about practice. Think of it as an exciting time to enrich your brain, expand your mind and enlighten you soul. The best musicians spend hours practicing. It isn’t rocket science nor is it…

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SONGS TO SING OR PLAY

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 27, 2021

Choosing the right songs to sing or play on the piano will be different for everyone. Singing or playing piano with a specific style depends on a few things. One of the most important things is how you connect to the song. How do you interpret the lyrics for a song? What do they mean to you? What feelings do the words awaken in you, and how can you evoke those feeling to the audience? To choose the right songs…

Understanding Vocal Registers

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 23, 2021

There seems to be some confusion amongst singers with regards to certain vocal terminology. The term vocal range refers to the distance between the highest and lowest pitches that a singer is able to sing. Vocal register refers to vocal fold (vocal cord) function and the resulting sound quality. While there are general sets of notes for each register according to voice type, there’s plenty of overlap!  Research by vocal pedagogues revealed that the vocal folds are capable of producing distinct vibratory patterns. Thus…

WHAT IS INTONATION FOR SINGERS & PIANISTS?

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 21, 2021

When you sing, intonation refers to the WAY your voice rises and falls as you sing. If you were telling a story and got to a scary part, you may raise you pitch higher and no one does it exactly alike. As you tell the story your voice will become softer or louder depending on words. It’s the same with singing. The accuracy of your pitch (hitting the note or notes) is also part of it. The rise and fall…

Don’t Hold Back When Singing Or Playing Piano!

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 17, 2021

Singing is a primal and healthy activity for every human being. Music is a wonderful release; taking you to another place, just like reading a book. So, whether it is learning to sing or play the piano better, you want to put your heart and soul into your activity. So many singers will hold back when they sing. Professional singing require energy and pouring out the emotions and feelings inside you. It’s like pouring water out of a cup, it…

ACCENTS FOR SINGERS!

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | December 16, 2021

There are many different ways to describe emphasis on a note. The emphasis can be placed on a word being sung or a note being played on the piano. It seems minor, but the impact of this particular technique will really make a difference in the sound of the performance. In voice lessons you learn about a “Hard Onset” which is attacking the note or putting emphasis in particular places in the lyrics, or to start a song. When playing…