How to Start Singing What to Know Before Your First Lesson

How to Start Singing What to Know Before Your First Lesson Suzy S. Ready to learn how to start singing? Theres no need to be nervous about your first lesson check out these top tips from Valencia, PA teacher Melody M.: So you want to start singing? Great! You might be so excited you can’t wait for your first lesson. If you are like most people, you may also be filled with a little trepidation or even outright anxiety. Here are 5 pieces of advice to help make that first lesson a great one. 1. You Are Not Supposed To Know Anything Yet. Your teacher is not a judge on American Idol. Remember that when you walk into your first lesson and first learn how to start singing, it is their job to teach you, not your job to impress them. Relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy learning how to sing from someone who has dedicated their life to it. They will appreciate you acknowledging their expertise, and you will be relieved from the pressure to perform. 2. Love Your Mistakes. Mistakes are not mistakes, they are part of the learning process. Imagine that instead of learning to sing, you were learning to play guitar. Would you cringe and crumble every time you plucked the wrong note? Probably not. Guitar players understand that the best way to learn is to experiment with their instruments. The same goes for singing! Learn to love your mistakes they will make you a better singer. 3. You are not Beyonce. One of the most common complaints I hear from students is, “I want to sound like Beyonce Kelly Clarkson Ed Sheeran The truth is, you will probably never sound like the famous person you want to sound like. This is because each person is born with their own unique instrument, and there is no changing that. You wouldn’t yell at a ukulele because it doesn’t sound like a Fender Strat. Go into your first lesson excited to discover your own unique sound, and I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised. 4. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Before you begin your lessons know that singing well takes a lot of time, energy, and dedication. How long it will take you to sing well depends on your level of natural talent, the technique you are learning, your practice schedule, and how often you take lessons. Singers are vocal athletes, and muscle memory training takes time. Also remember that your teacher has been studying singing for many years. Don’t expect to match his or her level of mastery overnight. 5. Enjoy the Ride. You and your teacher have one very important thing in common you both love to sing. Remember what inspired you to start singing in the first place? Was it a concert you went to? A music video you watched? Perhaps a Broadway show that blew your mind? It is that fire that burns inside of your teacher, too. So much so, in fact, that they decided to make a life out of it. Never lose sight of this shared passion and allow yourself to enjoy the process as your journey unfolds. Melody M. teaches singing, Broadway singing and songwriting to students of all ages in Valencia, PA, as well as through online lessons. A certified SLS (speech level singing) instructor, Melody joined the TakeLessons team in March 2009. Her specialties include pop, musical theater, jazz, rock and blues styles. Learn more about Melody  here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by Candice Linkie

Surviving Long Business Dinners Can Require a Strategy and Tactics - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Surviving Long Business Dinners Can Require a Strategy and Tactics - Introvert Whisperer Surviving Long Business Dinners Can Require a Strategy and Tactics There are times in the professional world where large teams, especially those that are geographically dispersed, come together for a few days of meetings. Inevitably there will be at least one dinner outing, which for an introvert can be a harrowing experience, unless you have a plan. At the very outset, you have to acknowledge these are great opportunities to expand your relationship with these super important people in your life. But, no matter how well you have trained yourself at the rather meaningless banter, you will get bored and uncomfortable and that will be noticed by the team leaders. Having survived my fair share of these events, here are a few tricks I’ve used for getting through the evening and actually enjoying the experience. First, pace yourself, it’s a similar commitment to watching a long sporting event and in fact treat it as such. These events provide a number of brief intermissions and these dinners typically have a pace about them as well, so take them for what are, segment the experience and break up the totality of the evening with these simple tactics. When everyone is seated don’t sit where it will be difficult to get up, this is key to the strategy. Once you’re settled, make a game out of studying the menu. Listen to what the extroverts are saying about the different selections. Sometimes this process goes on a little too long, just relax and observe the surroundings. Sit back and relax … Make some small talk with those near you who seem a little quiet. Start with the menu, ask if they have made a choice? With any luck there will be someone near you will do the same and engage with you. Again, take things slowly, there’s no rushing anything at these events, nibble on the bread, sip on your drinks be the first to offer a toast to a coworker, congratulate them on a recent accomplishment or good luck on a pending project. Once the table has ordered you can figure there will be quite a long gap before the food arrives. Now’s the time to have some fun. Watch for it … someone will get up from the table and visit the laboratory, this is a great time to do the same. While you are away from the table, take some time to scope out the restaurant, take in the scenery, if there’s any interesting artwork for possible viewing later on. Wander around a little and take a peek back at the table, as long as you’re not the only person missing don’t worry about getting back there immediately. Once back at the table conversations will be in full swing. Listen in and find discussions that seem interesting, you don’t have to participate, just laugh when everyone else laughs, that’s really all the extroverts expect of you. When your food arrives, be thankful to Almighty God what you ordered made it to your place setting. And by all means, make eye contact with the server and thank them for serving you. Continue to pace yourself. Remember, this isn’t a home cooked meal where the table is five steps from the oven. More than likely your food is warm, but accept that it will be cold by the time you’re finished. Practice slow chewing, count to ten with each bite of food in your mouth. Anything to make the meal last longer. Savor each bite. Look around at what other people ordered, if you’re lucky they’ll share! When the plates are all cleared, I have found there is typically another quarter of the game left. Batteries charged the talkers are ready to talk and talk more and tell stories they are good at telling … it’s going to get loud and louder. Have no fear, your strategy is still at work, you’ll get through this. Once the table is fully engaged watch again for one or two people to leave. Maybe they are headed to the bathroom or outside to smoke. Once again, time your departure with others. Do some more sightseeing, step out for some fresh air, take a few minutes to study the artwork you spotted on your first intermission. Visit the bar for a glass of water… Now, as you head back to the table, you may find some still empty seats near someone who doesn’t appear to be engaged. More than likely they’re feeling the same pain of this long evening and you can share a few thoughts on the restaurant’s artwork, which you have become an expert on. Once back at your seat it will be the ninth inning and you’re only minutes away from the hailing and squeezing into the cab and then back to the awesome quiet of your nice and clean and quiet hotel room.         What not to do: don’t obsess over your phone, don’t text anyone, don’t doodle or gaze off into the distance, in other words, when you are at the table, do your very best to stay engaged with people there and use your tactics to redirect your energy and focus when you need a break from the action. Your goal is to give everyone the impression that you are enjoying every minute of the evening, and with this strategy, there is no reason to believe you won’t! Guest Author Bio: Brian Bourque is an industry veteran and subject matter expert in corporate communications. He sails and lives with his family in the Metroplex of Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today! Start watching now: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

The 8 Key Changes to the SAT

The 8 Key Changes to the SAT The 8 Key Changes to the SAT In spring 2016, the College Board will introduce a completely redesigned SAT, which will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need for college and career readiness. Here are the eight major changes your students can expect to see on the new SAT: Relevant words in context Obscure vocabulary memorization will soon be a thing of the past. Although vocabulary is still an important part of the SAT, the redesigned SAT will focus on relevant vocabulary in contextwords that students will use throughout college and their careers. Command of evidence In the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Essay sections, students will be asked to demonstrate their ability to interpret, synthesize and use evidence found in many different sources. Essay analyzing a source The optional Essay section will have students read a passage and explain how the author builds a persuasive argument. Students may analyze areas such as the authors use of evidence, reasoning and stylistic elements. Focus on math that matters most The Math section will focus on three essential types of math: problem solving and data analysis, the heart of algebra, and passport to advanced math.These areas of math are used in a wide range of majors and careers. Problems grounded in real-world contexts The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math sections will require students to answer questions that are grounded in real-world issues directly related to college and career contexts. Analysis in science and in history/social studies The redesigned SAT will have students apply their reading, writing, language and math skills to answer questions in science, history and social studies, both in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section and the Math section. Founding documents and great global conversation Students will encounter a passage from one of the U.S. founding documents (such as the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers) and must answer thought-provoking questions about such passages. No penalty for wrong answers The redesigned SAT will move to a rights-only scoring system, removing any penalty for wrong answers. Learn more about the specific changes to the SAT at www.collegeboard.org. Questions? Huntington can help. We are in the forefront in preparing for the SAT and can help you and your student stay informed. Students can take the ACT as an alternative to the SAT during this period of transition. The ACT is accepted by all 4 year colleges and universities in the United States. More than 1.84 million 2014 graduatesa record 57percent of the national graduating classtook the ACT. Learn more about Huntingtons test prep services at www.huntingtonhelps.com.

How to Pay for College

How to Pay for College Whether youve been saving a lot or a little, the cost of college is a source of stress for all parents of college-bound students. Heres the good news: there is financial assistance availableand there are many resources to make the process of securing that aid easier. Huntington Learning Center recommends the following to go about paying for your teens college education: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Every single year, billions of dollars are awarded to college students in the form of grants, federal student loans and work-study awards. Your teen should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 prior to the school year that your teen will attend college. (So, for the 2019-2020 school year, students/parents have between October 1, 2018 and June 30, 2020 to complete the FAFSA). Remember: Grants are free money and do not have to be repaid. These are often awarded based on student need. Loans are borrowed money that you or your teen must repay with interest. There are Direct Subsidized Loans (need based), Direct Unsubsidized Loans (not need based), Direct PLUS Loans (for graduate/professional students) and Direct Consolidation Loans (letting borrowers combine all federal student loans into a single loan). The Federal Work-Study Program provides students with financial need part-time jobs so they can earn money and pay for education expenses. Apply for scholarships. Never assume that your teen isnt likely to be eligible for scholarships. There are of course national scholarship programs for students who excel in academics, make a difference in their communities, demonstrate leadership or have financial need. There are scholarships for students with certain skills or talents (e.g. sports or music). But there are many other possibilities out there, including local scholarships awarded by your towns businesses, community associations, nonprofits and more. At a minimum, your teen should explore/contact these resources to learn about possible college scholarships: The high school guidance counselor, who will have a checklist to keep your teen on track and information about all possible sources of aid. Online resources like com and scholarships.com. The colleges to which they are applying (by contacting their office of financial aid and visiting the website). Communicate with colleges financial aid offices. The colleges to which your teen is applying are invaluable resources of help and information regarding paying for college. They will use the FAFSA to assess your teens eligibility for student aid (other than federal aid) and to create your familys financial award package, but it cant hurt to contact them, especially if The gap between the financial aid package your teen has been offered and the actual costs is too wide for you and your teen to cover. Your circumstances have changed since you submitted the FAFSA and you want to make sure theyre aware of how these changes impact your ability to fund college. You want to make absolutely certain youre exploring every possible avenue for financial aid help. Do your homework. Bottom line: do the research and check out every option. Take the time to get familiar with the Federal Student Aid website and make sure your teen is on a first-name basis with the high school guidance counselor. If you have a financial advisor, get their insight as well. There might be financial planning opportunities, tax benefits or other loopholes of which youre unaware that can help. College is expensive, but its an important investment in your teens futureand yes, it is within reach. Talk with the professionals at your teens high school and the colleges your teen is considering and leave no option unexplored. The earlier in high school you and your teen start doing your research, the better!

Why international schools are demanding digitally literate teachers

Why international schools are demanding digitally literate teachers The role of the international teacher in the 21st-century classroom is quickly evolving. If you’re an international teacher looking to stay ahead of the curve, you need to have a game plan up your sleeve. And there’s no better time than this summer to seek out professional development options to help you brush up on your teaching skills, specifically in the biggest area of growth in international education: digital literacy. Why digital literacy? A recent survey, carried out by the International Education Research Panel (a research collaboration between ISC Research and C3 Education), of more than 800 international schools around the world, indicates that the international schools worldwide are poised to make considerable investments in digital learning over the coming years. Here’s a quick recap of the IERP survey findings: 41% of international schools currently use digital resources in the classroom. A little under two thirds of international schools say they are likely to source and purchase new digital tools and technologies over the coming year. 59% of international schools believe that incorporating digital tools and technologies into their classrooms will help raise quality standards. So far, this all sounds promising, but while it’s undoubtedly an exciting time to be working in international education, the study did identify a key stumbling block on the road to this new digital future. What was the main barrier to technology use in classrooms, according to schools who took part in the survey? Right now, there is insufficient training in place for teachers looking to leverage digital technologies to enhance their teaching practice for the 21st century classroom. The growth of international schools is, quite simply, staggering, Right now, an estimated 4.5 million students are being educated at international schools. And according to ISC Research, demand is set to rise even further - the number of international schools is set to double to more than 16,000 schools and 8.75 million students worldwide. What does this mean for teachers looking to work internationally? It means a booming job market for qualified, internationally-minded educators - particularly those from the US, who are typically in high demand globally. However, experts, like Dr. Detra-Price Dennis from Teachers College, Columbia University, have pointed out the fact that many US teacher preparation programs continue to fall short when it comes to preparing teachers for the realities of the 21st century classroom. As a result, under-trained teachers entering the international classroom for the first time often struggle to figure out how to teach effectively using digital technologies. And without adequate training, international teachers cannot create a learning environment that truly supports students in a way that fully prepares them for the digital world that awaits them. Digital literacy - it’s not just for students Digital skills are skills required for learning, work and for life in general. Without first becoming digitally literate, students who receive an international education will have little chance of benefiting from the advances in technology that are profoundly reshaping the workplace and the way they live their lives. While digital learning is essential for international students, it is also vital for teachers working in the field. Digital tools and technologies, when used effectively, can allow international teachers to create curriculum and lesson plans in ways that can deepen student learning. International educators must work proactively in order to keep pace with the best practices in digital literacies and learning if they are to adequately prepare their students for success in the digital age. How digital learning will shape the future of international education Leaders in education worldwide recognize that besides having a transformative impact on society in general, technology also holds huge potential when it comes to promoting better student learning and preparing students for life after school. In an attempt to keep pace with the demands of an increasingly digital world, international schools are making a big push towards technology-driven learning. At more and more international schools, technology usage is being integrated into the curriculum at various levels. Schools are investing considerable resources in digital tools and technologies in the classroom, whether it be introducing iPads into the classroom or adopting BYOD policies. From the school’s perspective, the focus of technology use must always be directed towards the ultimate end goal: better student learning. In an increasingly crowded market, improved student outcomes is key to keeping schools competitive. When used correctly in the classroom, digital tools and technologies can facilitate international students in their thinking, creating, researching, communicating and collaborating skills. Make digital literacy training your top PD goal this year So, what does this all mean for aspiring as well as current international educators looking to gain a competitive edge? The research highlights shortage of teachers with relevant digital literacy training. With this skills gap comes an opportunity for job-seeking teachers to set themselves apart on their international teaching job application. International teachers who can respond effectively to this opportunity are set to be very much in demand at schools globally. As an international educator, it’s up to you to be at the forefront of teaching with digital technologies, supporting digital literacy in your classroom so your students can continue to thrive in the global digital community.

Top 12 Christmas Movies to Watch with the Kids

Top 12 Christmas Movies to Watch with the Kids Weve put together a list of some of our favorite family Christmas movies to get you inspired for some post-turkey sofa time. From comedies to stories about the true meaning of Christmas, theres plenty to keep you and little ones of all ages occupied. Pause the holiday rush for these great Christmas movies for the whole family: Arthur Christmas Santa delivers gifts to every child in the world in one evening with the help of an army of elves coordinated by his son, Steve. But when one child is missed out, its up to Arthur, Santas youngest son, to deliver a present to the forgotten kid before Christmas morning dawns. Merry Madagascar Kids who loved Madagascar simply cant resist this short TV Christmas special, which stars their favorite characters in a festive new adventure. Anyone else should enjoy the films positive messages and quirky humor. Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire When Homer receives no holiday bonus, he hopes to make extra money by becoming a Mall Santa, in an attempt to bring the family a happy holiday. The Flight Before Christmas This Christmas cartoon features a young reindeer who is scared of heights. To overcome his fear, he takes flying lessons from a flying squirrel before heading to the North pole to save Santa and his reindeer. A great Christmas film to watch with younger kids. A Charlie Brown Christmas The perfect Christmas cartoon for any Snoopy fan. A Charlie Brown Christmas is ideal for even tiny tots. Love Actually Made up of nine intertwined stories, Love Actually has a brilliant cast including Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Andrew Lincoln, Martine McCutcheon, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson the list is long and distinguished. Elf Viewers cant get enough of funnyman Will Ferrells antics as a human raised as an obstreperous elf who finally meets his real-life dad. The Santa Clause When a man inadvertantly kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. Home Alone Left at home accidentally while his family heads off on a Christmas vacation in Paris, Kevin played by Macaulay Culkin is left to defend his home against two bumbling burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern who are taking advantage of the fact that so many families are out of town. Its a Wonderful Life The holiday classic to define all holiday classics, Its a Wonderful Life is one of a handful of films worth an annual viewing. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Nearly 50 years old, this one of our top kids Christmas movies is still a unique animated classic. Dont be surprised if the kids are singing Youre a Mean One, Mr. Grinch until New Years. Miracle on 34th Street Macy’s hires gentle Kris Kringle to be its department store St. Nick, but his stellar commitment to the job (as well as insistence on being the genuine article) has all the kids in awe and sets off a media firestorm that ends up in a court of law. Its a classic that continues to appeal to kids generation after generation. What Christmas movies are you looking forward to watching this holiday season? Please let us know in the comments below! At this magical time of the year  take a look at our list of can’t-miss holiday activities for the whole family  to  make the most of your Christmas.

Foreign Policy in Election 2012 A Reflection After the RNC

Foreign Policy in Election 2012 A Reflection After the RNC Republican presidential candidate, Mitty Romney. Photograph by Cletch at Flickr Many politicians at this year’s Republican National Convention criticized President Obama’s foreign policy, calling for a stronger American position.   Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated, “Dictators in Iran and Syria butcher their people and threaten regional security.   Russia and China prevent a response, and everyone asks, where does America stand?” The foreign policy debate is becoming more relevant as we enter the last two months before Election Day.   Over the past four years, the world has seen massive turmoil.   European countries are in the midst of economic meltdowns; the Iranian government is further developing a nuclear program; and the Middle East was shaken by the revolutions of the Arab Spring. Compared to the Bush Administration, the Obama Administration has received favorable foreign policy marks both at home and in countries like England, France, and Japan (although his rating has slipped since he took office, and Muslim countries remain critical about his foreign policy).   His reluctance to dive into foreign entanglements and his willingness to participate in the United Nations has been better received by the international community. However, the Obama Administration has also faced criticism, and it hasn’t just come from the Republican Party. Obama has been criticized for the increased use of unmanned drones in countries like Yemen and Pakistan.   The legality of targeted drone strikes in other countries has been a source of debate, and many analysts believe that the unmanned drone strikes are a violation of other countries’ sovereignty. Obama’s handling of the Arab Spring has also been heavily critiqued.   The Obama Administration’s reluctance to get involved in conflicts abroad has led to a fairly irrelevant position in the Middle East.   As the 18-month long bloodshed continues in Syria, rebel groups have turned to countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar for assistance.   Despite the magnitude of the revolutions sweeping the region, the United States has played a minor role and has been cautious to provide support. Yet, aside from calling for a stronger American position, the Republicans seem unable to provide a uniform foreign policy front.   Few politicians were able to provide a specific foreign policy platform, and many didn’t even touch the subject.     As our national election approaches, the lack of detail is a little daunting.   Mitt Romney will have to provide a clearer picture of his foreign policy that isn’t just a discussion about America’s military prowess. Over the next two months, I hope the American people will pay close attention to the proposed foreign policy ideas of the two candidates.   I want to see the candidates address questions about Iran, the Arab Spring (and U.S. relations with the new governments), Chinese-U.S. relations, and the European debt crisis. In our heavily globalized world, how we choose to participate abroad is important for economy building and domestic security; and, I believe a strong foreign policy is just as important as a strong domestic policy.   After listening to the speeches made at the Republican National Convention, I want both candidates to detail their foreign policy ideas for the American people. I want both candidates to answer the question, “Where does America stand?” What do you think?