Explore the Michelle Ostrove Blog

LUNG IMPACT FROM COVID

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | April 3, 2025

Many people experience breathing difficulties, lingering lung damage, and long-term complications. Understanding how COVID-19 affects the lungs can help individuals recognize symptoms, seek timely medical care, and take steps toward recovery. How COVID-19 Impacts Lung Health COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs by causing inflammation and infection, which can lead to various short-term and long-term complications. Below are some of the key ways COVID-19 impacts lung function: COVID-19 has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, which can lead…

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HEALING ASPECTS OF MUSIC AND FREQUENCY (Part 2)

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 27, 2025

While the scientific exploration of sound healing is still unfolding, its benefits are being increasingly recognized in both holistic and mainstream medicine. By incorporating healing frequencies into daily life, whether through music, mediation, or sound therapy, we can tap into the profound ability of sound to enhance our well-being, reduce stress, and promote healing. The Power of Healing Frequencies Throughout history, different cultures have recognized the healing properties of specific sound frequencies. Here are a few notable examples: Often called…

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HEALING ASPECTS OF MUSIC AND FREQUENCY (Part 1)

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 25, 2025

Music has long been recognized as a powerful force capable of evoking emotions, enhancing moods, and even shaping cultural identities. However, beyond its entertainment value, music and more specifically, sound frequencies, possess profound healing properties that can positively impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The ancient practice of sound healing is now being validated by modern science, revealing the intricate ways in which frequencies influence the human body and mind. The Science Behind Sound Healing At its core, sound is…

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A girl singing on stage with her band.

REPETITIVE PATTERNS IN A SONG

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 20, 2025

Repetition is one of the most fundamental and powerful tools in music. Whether in classical compositions, pop songs, or electronic beats, repetitive patterns create structure, familiarity, and emotional impact. From simple motifs to complex loops, repetition plays a crucial role in how we perceive and enjoy music. What Are Repetitive Patterns in Music? Repetitive patterns in music refer to recurring elements such as melodies, rhythms, chord progressions or lyrics. There patterns help establish musical themes, making songs memorable and engaging.…

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SINGING MUSICAL THEATER VS. POP MUSIC

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 18, 2025

Singing is a powerful form of artistic expression, but not all singing styles are the same. Two of the most popular styles, musical theater and pop music require different vocal techniques, approaches, and performance styles. While both involve storytelling and emotion, the way singers use their voices in each genre varies greatly. If you’re a singer looking to explore both styles, understanding these differences will help you adapt your technique and deliver a performance that suits the genre. Vocal Technique:…

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A woman standing on the side of a road with a microphone.

FOUNDATIONS OF VOCAL PEDAGOGY (PART 2)

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 13, 2025

Vocal pedagogy explores how the voice functions and how to train it effectively. It involves several key areas. Whether you’re a singer, a voice teacher, or someone who relies on their voice professionally (such as a speaker or actor), vocal pedagogy is essential. It provides a structured way to develop and maintain a strong, expressive, and healthy voice. If you’re interested in voice training, working with a knowledgeable vocal coach trained in vocal pedagogy can help you maximize your potential…

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A woman holding a microphone in front of a mural.

FOUNDATIONS OF VOCAL PEDAGOGY (PART 1)

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 11, 2025

Vocal pedagogy is the study of the art and science behind voice training. It combines elements of music, anatomy, acoustics, psychology, and education to help singers and speakers develop their voices efficiently and in a healthy way. Whether you are an aspiring singer, a professional vocalist, or a vocal coach, understanding vocal pedagogy is essential for mastering vocal technique and maintaining long-term vocal health. Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice To train the voice effectively, it’s important to understand how…

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A woman in purple dress singing on stage.

HOW VOCAL FOLDS (CORDS) WORK

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 6, 2025

Singing is a complex process that involves various parts of the body working in harmony. At the core of this process are the vocal folds (cords), which play a crucial role in sound production. Understanding what happens to your vocal folds when you sing can help you develop better vocal technique, prevent strain, and improve overall vocal health. The vocal folds are two bands of muscle and tissue located inside the larynx (voice box). When air from the lungs passes…

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MASTERING DIFFICULT VOWEL SOUNDS TO SING

By Michelle Ostrove Vocal & Piano Studio | March 4, 2025

Singing is both an art and a science, requiring precise control over breath, resonance and vocal placement. One of the most challenging aspects of singing is mastering vowel sounds, as they play a crucial role in tone production, clarity, and vocal ease. Some vowel sounds are naturally harder to sing than others, particularly in higher registers. Let’s look at these tricky vowel sounds and learn how to navigate them effectively. The Hardest Vowel Sounds to Sing Vowel difficulty arises from…

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