Wednesday, October 31, 2012

How to Find the Best Singing Coach For You

Singers tend to get all of the glory. They get the applause, they get the attention and they get the awards. However, one thing that they didn't get is there on their own. In fact, the great singers always credit their singing coach with helping them to attain greatness. It is easy for anyone to claim that they are a top notch singing instructor, but what truly makes a wonderful singing coach?
Singing coaches come in a variety of different disciplines. Some of them specialize in classical techniques, while others prefer pop music, and others prefer the Broadway genre. In order to find the best one for you, you must determine what type of singer you want to be. If your dream is to sing opera working with an R&B singing coach will not necessarily prepare you for the demands of your chosen music field.
Next you will want to take a look at the educational background of your prospective singing coach. You want someone who has a technical background in music. Ideally, you want someone who has a master's degree in music. However, at the least you want someone that has a bachelor's degree in vocal performance. That degree will certify that they have gone through the necessary training to tell you what to do and how to do it safely.
Professional experience is also important in evaluating a singing coach. The old saying may say "those who can't do teach," but that is not what you want in a singing coach. Instead, you want someone who has had experience in what they are teaching you to do. Ideally, if they have had extensive performance training that is what you want. However, extensive teaching experience may be another indicator of a good teacher. See if you can get some reference letters from students or colleagues to give you an idea of their professional prowess.
How much a singing coach charges is important to many people as well. Unfortunately, we are living in difficult economic times and that means that not everyone can afford extra lessons. Generally singing lessons range from half hour sessions to a full hour. Typically singing teachers charge a dollar a minute which means that your lesson could cost you as much as $60 an hour if not more.
For some aspiring singers this is simple not possible. In those cases you may want to look for a singing coach in a setting other than a private lesson. Some teachers offer group lessons. This type of lesson includes several different people at a much more affordable lesson rate. While you will not get the individualized attention of a private lesson you will still get the education that you are looking for.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Exciting Central Florida Attractions

There are many Central Florida attractions available in Polk County, but every Spring it's aviation that takes the spotlight. For one week, thousands of aviation enthusiasts come to Sun 'n Fun Fly In, one of the largest airplane conventions, trade shows, and events worldwide. Many pilots fly their own planes to Sun 'n Fun, a unique way to experience a Central Florida vacation! But even if you can't enjoy the Central Florida attractions of Sun 'n Fun from the cockpit of your own vintage aircraft, there is still a wealth of fun things to do. Central Florida residents also love this fun event.
A Central Florida Vacation to Sun 'n Fun
If you are coming in from out of town, you don't want to miss Sun 'n Fun. Whether you arrive via your own plane, a commercial flight, or plan to drive, ensure that you have the dates right and have rented a car, accommodations, and any other necessities long enough to fully enjoy your time. Once you have settled the basic logistics, you can get to the fun part - planning what you're going to do!
Viewing the restored warbirds that come in for Sun 'n Fun is one of the best Central Florida attractions. These planes are hand-restored historical relics, many of them restored to peak flight condition and displayed exactly as they would have been waiting on the tarmac years ago. You'll see every variety of plane, from WWI and WWII bombers to more modern civilian aircraft. There are competitions for the best planes from a number of different classes, highlighting just how many planes come in every year.
Educational Central Florida Attractions
Sun 'n Fun also emphasizes the amazing educational value that aeronautics can have. This event features more than 400 different presentations and forums, many of them hands-on. These are targeted at veteran pilots and new flyers alike, and include offerings of interest specifically for kids! Sun 'n Fun is truly an event for the entire family.
After a day of learning about planes, enjoy activities from the social to the spectacular. Many pilots camp with their planes and are happy to chat about them or let you take pictures with them. There are also demonstration flights, including a night airshow, that will astonish anyone who loves aircraft. People looking to build or refurbish a plane will enjoy the Parts Exchange, a massive consignment opportunity that can offer some incredibly rare parts.
Never A Lack Of Things To Do During Sun 'n Fun
Even if you want to leave the main campus, the entertainment goes on at offsite events like Mustangs & Mustangs and the Splash-In. Mustangs & Mustangs brings together the WWII fighter planes and the Ford automobiles from all eras in the only event of its kind, including demonstrations, photo opportunities, and more. The Splash-In is a unique opportunity to observe some of the most innovative amphibious craft take off and land in the water. All kinds of rare craft will be featured here, and you'll get a chance to talk with pilots afterward.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

How to Answer Commonly Asked Telephonic Questions

Telephonic interviews have a particular format. Generally, such interviews are arranged to know your competence. The way you face this interview, make you win or lose the job. Prepare for the common interview questions which generally are regarding your attitude and personality. Here are some of them.
1) Why do you want to leave current job?
This interview question is very tricky and you must answer this question calmly but firmly. Do not blame your previous company for internal politics, low salary package and such other reasons. It is the most unprofessional approach towards your company. You can answer such questions mentioning career scope, learning environment and larger exposure. Some negative reasons like salary increment, monetary benefits should be avoided.
2) What is your current designation?
Here you are supposed to mention the nature of your work. So, just mention your duties and responsibilities. Do not boast while answering this question. Instead, you can mention your experience in this firm and work profile.
3) When will you join if you are selected?
You have to give clear idea about the approximate date of joining. You must inform about the formalities to be completed at your previous company. So, mention the reason and have enough time to sum up your previous job.
4) Introduce yourself:
The most frequently asked question is: tell me about yourself. You should include three basic points while answering this question.
- Personal background: mention your hometown, parents and their occupation. Do not be too narrative while mentioning this. If you have a big family, do not provide details of every candidate.
- Vocational and educational qualification: Mention your educational qualification, professional courses done and achievements. It is not necessary to specify marks of every course of yours but maintain your self esteem while mentioning some extra ordinary performances in your academics.
- Experience and career profile: Talk about your experience and mention the name /names of all the organizations you have worked for. Mention your designation and career profile there. You can name some good projects handled by you while working there.
5) Weaknesses and strengths:
This question is almost asked at every interview. So, be prepared for the question. Do not mention laziness, ill-tempered attitude or lack of confidence as your drawback. You can mention some of your emotional drawbacks like sentimental, introvert etc. You can mention your realistic drawbacks like unable to adopt specific skill.
While mentioning your strength, do not boast. Give an honest reply to this question. Positive attitude, hard working nature, learn from mistakes, problem solving ability, helping nature, team player, excellent interpersonal skills etc are some of ideal answers.
Be true to yourself: that is the most brilliant way to reply effectively. Have extensive knowledge of your subject and keep your general knowledge updated. Adopt proper manners and communicational skills. Face the telephonic interview confidently and start preparing for the next round. All the best for your career search.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Video Editing Degrees

Video editors edit film, film soundtracks, and video for motion picture and soundtrack recording industries, publishing industries, advertising, and educational services. From editing shot sequences and developing post-production models to collaborating with music editors and conducting film screenings, video editors work with producers, directors, and technical staff on all facets of a production. Depending on the industry and type of production, video editors may supervise and coordinate the activities of workers involved in assembling, editing and recording activities.
In order to become a video editor, you will need at least a bachelor's degree in film studies or film, digital film & video, video production, or digital film making & video production. The degree must be from an accredited college or university, design school, art & design school, or film school. A technical certificate or associate degree is adequate for assistant or support positions, junior video editing, or other entry-level positions; however, most employers prefer a bachelor's degree or higher for anything outside of a support positions.
If you are interested in a career in video editing, you're in luck. The industry is expected to grow by 12.7%, or 2,707 annual job openings, between now and 2016. To get started all you need to do is choose a learning format - online or on-campus. If you are a working student and flexibility is necessary, the online format is a good choice. An online video editing degree program will allow you to work on completing your degree while working in the field or other position. You may log on any time of the day or night to complete the required coursework.
Coursework for an online video editing program should be the same as a traditional (on-campus) program. A quality, accredited online video editing degree program will include courses such as avant garde film, final cut pro, media aesthetics, storyboarding, video art, and video lighting and color.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Argument For Legislation Limiting Children's Exposure to Second Hand Smoke

Children and infants are especially susceptible to the effects of second hand cigarette smoke. This is because young children their lung capacity as related to their body weight is larger than that of an adult, their immune system is not as developed as that of an adult, and they are less likely to complain and/or remove themselves from the environment that causes the exposure. In other words, children are biologically geared to inhale more of the toxins present in cigarette smoke than their adult counterparts. Second hand smoke exposes children to a number of carcinogens (cancer causing substances), and when the environment is such that air flow is limited, such as inside a home or vehicle, those carcinogens are especially concentrated. There are more than four thousand substances present in tobacco smoke, more than forty of which are known carcinogens. These substances include formaldehyde, arsenic, vinyl chloride, lead, cadmium and nickel, as well as a host of other chemicals that are completely unpronounceable.
The effects of environmental tobacco smoke range from the relatively benign to serious health consequences. The irony of tobacco smoke is that the chemicals that are present in second hand smoke are often more concentrated than the smoke that a smoker takes into his or her lungs. Among the effects that second hand smoke has on children are increases in the frequency of upper and lower respiratory tract infections, an increase in the severity or frequency of existing asthma episodes and/or symptoms, a reduction in the flow of oxygen to tissues and reduced lung function in general, and an increase of fluid in the middle ear. Second hand smoke has also been associated with frequent ear infections, throat infections, an increase in the frequency and severity of colds and sore throats, poor or slowed growth, childhood cancers, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Second hand smoke is thought to be responsible for more than 10% of all cases of childhood asthma, more than 16% of all physician office visits for cough and more than 20% of all lung infections in children under the age of five. Smoking is also responsible for a number of children's deaths from cigarette-related home fire.
There is little doubt that adults are aware of the overall dangers of cigarette smoke. Less than 10% of individuals believe that second hand smoke presents no danger whatsoever to the non-smoker. However, many people are not aware of how the effects of second hand smoke are compounded in children. Because of the increased danger of tobacco smoke, several states are considering legislation that would ban smoking around children under a certain age (generally fifteen) in any enclosed area, especially a vehicle.
Arguably, smoking is not against the law for any individual over the age of eighteen. Therefore, many adults do not consider their smoking as anything other than a legal right. Any attempts to limit that right are generally met with significant resistance and protest. However, as cigarette smoke is so dangerous to others, especially children, it can be argued that the only way to prevent harmful effects to non-smokers is to effect legislation that limits the rights of smokers. To date, most states have initiated some form of indoor smoking bans. These bans have been met with protest and resistance from smokers and non-smokers alike. The smokers protest that they have a legal right to smoke and the non-smokers protest that the government is limiting the rights of the smoker, and that those limitations may lead to the limitation of other rights. Non-smokers that are in favor of legislation that limits the rights of smokers argue that the legislation would not deny the right of a smoker to smoke, but would instead enforce the right of the non-smoker to remain healthy. Much like the use of alcohol, the use of cigarettes would, under the enactment of such legislation, be legal only in the sense that such use would not violate the rights of others. As alcohol is legal only in as much as it does not endanger others, so would the use of tobacco be legal only in as much as it does not endanger others.
To date, Arkansas, Louisiana, Washington, Vermont, and Texas have already initiated some form of legislation that bans smoking around young children. Many states are ordering that children involved in custody disputes and/or divorce cases are provided with a smoke free environment. However, these cases are often the result of one parent complaining about the other parent's smoking around the children. Additionally, as the courts are intervening in a child's home environment, there the legal system must either stop requiring a smoking ban in such cases or that it must apply the ban uniformly across every household, not merely the ones involved in civil litigation. Children's rights groups are calling the exposure of young children to second hand smoke a form of child abuse and are rallying for legislation that limits the smoking of any individual around children. In Arkansas, any individual who is caught violating the ban against exposing children to second hand smoke can be fined $25, but can avoid the fine if they show proof of enrollment in a stop smoking program.
It can be argued that legislation that bans smoking around children, in cars, homes, or other enclosed areas, is a position that places the health of children above the bad habits of the adults that care for them and above the civil liberties of those adults. Regardless of their oppositions, adults must realize that current research overwhelmingly indicates that the effects of second hand smoke on children are predominantly negative and that these effects must be curbed in any way possible and as quickly as possible. With many states already employing statewide smoking bans that protect all non-smokers from the effects of tobacco smoke, it must be realized that states cannot enact such legislation without also considering what they can do to protect children. Smokers have been presented with the knowledge that second hand smoke is harmful to others for many years, yet parents and other caregivers continue to smoke around their young charges. Obviously, something other than educating smokers to the harmful effects must be done to prevent smoking around children.
It can be argued that such a ban would be inherently difficult to enforce. It has also been argued that seat belt laws and drunken driving laws would be difficult to enforce, yet fewer people drink and drive and more people buckle up on the nation's highways. However true the argument regarding enforcement is, remember it is often not the legal system itself that prevents individuals from violating ordinances such as smoking bans, drunken driving laws, and seat belt laws, but the fear of the legal repercussions of violating the laws. Additionally, many individuals have found that the enactment of smoking bans have given them the incentive they needed to stop smoking themselves, just as states' enactment of new seat belt regulations spurred more individuals to employ the use of their seat belts, regardless of their initial resentment of the legislation. For some people, the right to harm themselves just isn't worth the fight in the long run.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Tips For Teaching Your Child Spanish

1. Sing a Song
Songs are one of the easiest ways to learn a new language. There are many Spanish songs available which are fun, upbeat, and educational. By singing, your child is encouraged to practice the words in a non-threatening environment. Many Spanish songs "canciones de cuna" also have dances which encourage the child to reach, touch, or jump. These songs use movement to teach your child new words. By adding physical objects such as toys you can easily illustrate the objects or actions that are sung. In this way songs can stimulate many of your child's senses in a fun, relaxed environment which encourages learning.
For toddlers and babies, singing in a higher pitched, softer voice has been shown to peak interest, relax and comfort while introducing spoken language. Don't be shy if you are not a great singer, your soft voice will soothe your child and enable them to focus on your words.
2. The "Abuelita" Factor
If you have a Grandparent that speaks Spanish this is the perfect time to get "Abuelita" involved in your child's learning. Have "Abuelita" speak to your child only in Spanish; she will likely cherish the opportunity to pass on the Spanish language and culture to future generations. Having a loved one or parent speak in only Spanish creates a clear distinction in your child's mind as to what words are being said in English and what words are being said in Spanish.
3. Let's get Comfortable
Speak to your child in Spanish for everyday communication like vamos a comer (let's eat) or abre la puerta (open the door) this increases their comfort level in everyday communication and creates an informal learning environment where learning comes naturally. Using real world situations reaffirms the words they've previously learned.
4. Reading is Fun
If you are comfortable reading to your child in Spanish, read from a storybook each night. At the end of the story ask questions to ensure your child is grasping the concepts. If you are not comfortable with reading aloud, use audio books that can be borrowed from your local library to ensure your child is learning. Get your child involved in their learning by allowing them to choose which book they want to read next.
5. Use Movement
It is no secret that kids like to be active. In helping kids to learn Spanish we can use this to our advantage. For example, associating the act of jumping with the word "brinca" is a quick way to build your child's comfort level with Spanish. Acting out the word is a quick and easy way to get your child involved in Spanish.

Monday, September 10, 2012

How to Get College Grants If You Are a Single Mother

Even though the economy is not good at this time but it doesn't mean that it'll be like this forever. It's going to improve and as a single mother you can improve your chances to get a good job by obtaining a college degree that'll help you in long run.
Remember, being a single parent is not an easy job. It'll test your patience, determination and your luck in this messy economy. It's not easy but it can be done.
How can you do this? Here are simple ideas and tips that'll help you.
1. Apply for scholarship at colleges - If you are planning to get back into the college and earn a degree that'll help you then it's pretty easy to apply. Federal government provides everything these days to help single mothers to go back to college and earn and improve their living by getting the right education.
2. How to apply for scholarship with federal government?
You have to find a licensed institution which provides a training course and apply. You need to apply and fill the federal loan application to obtain help after you've submitted your college application.
This money will go towards your tuition, books and other college related expense. Remember, only those people who cannot afford their education can actually get this scholarship.
Other random yet important tips.
3. Organization - Often colleges or govt bodies requires you to submit application in an order. So you have to take care of the complete forms and other papers that are required to be sent as an application.
Always read the forms and prospectus in complete detail. It'd do no good, if your application got rejected because you missed a small detail.
4. Send your application with registered mail service - Often government bodies do not send any confirmation of the receipt of your application. So it's better for your mental health to send them through a registered mail. At least you'd be sure that it reached into right hands.