Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog

The most important fundamental technique in singing is that of a coordinated or balanced onset. The onset is how you start a note or phrase and a coordinated onset is when breath and sound are initiated together. It is the coordinated onset that gives you a clean start to initiate your singing; it’s a well-supported first note. There are different ways to approach a note when you are singing to create a mood or feeling. You can use a coordinated…

Improper piano technique can prevent you from reaching your full potential and it can even cause injury. Many pianists have learned how to play with good technique after they have suffered from pain. Many permanent injuries are a result of overuse and poor form. The first improper piano technique would be sitting too close to the piano and too low. Sitting too close or too low will cause pain and tiredness in the hands, arms and wrists. Your knees should…

Whether you are a singer or pianist, it is important to develop your musical ear. One of the most important characteristics of vocal control is the ability to listen to yourself and sing “on pitch” (singing right on the note)! A good voice embodies fine technique, which requires you to sing notes correctly, not singing a little higher (sharp) or lower (flat). If you have ever heard someone sing and thought, they can’t sing. That’s probably because they are not…

Technique is a skillful way of executing a song, whether it is singing or playing the piano. Technique deals with the concept of tone, musicality and expression in your performance. It is the ability to exert optimal control of the piano or your singing voice. Improving your technique entails practicing exercises that strengthen your muscular sensitivity and agility. Proper vocal technique allows singers to produce a warm, rich sound that is conducive to achieving a good vocal performance. Your posture,…

Staccato in Italian means detached or disconnected, applied to singing or playing piano the technique is with individual short, clear-cut notes with a small rest (silence) at the end of each note. It is the opposite of legato, which means to sing or play the notes smoothly and connected. Staccato is a short note (not holding it); it’s separated from the other notes that may follow. When singing staccato, it is a quick, precise, cut short, detached note or notes.…

Songs are made up with patterns, repeated rhythmic patterns made up of particular types of sound. Rhythm is the most essential element in a song. You can mix together any sounds you want, but without a rhythmic backbone to the sound there is no music. A rhythmic musical instrument is used to provide a strong beat to a piece of music. Think of the song “We Will Rock You” which has a distinct rhythmic pattern you can identify in the…