Infographic 14 Career Paths for Singers Pro Advice

Infographic 14 Career Paths for Singers Pro Advice Suzy S. Want to do what you love for a career? As an aspiring singer, you have several paths you can take including full-time gigs and side jobs to ensure music stays a part of your life. In this career guide, voice teacher Liz T. shares how much a singer can make, and the many tips she used along her own journey to become a professional singer Many people dream of becoming a professional singer but are unaware of the certain steps and criteria that will help them achieve success. It takes a lot more than natural talent if you want to become a famous singer, especially, youll need the right attitude and a strong business sense to make it in the music industry. Read on as I answer the common questions my voice students ask when it comes to how to become a professional singer and what to expect. 1) What kind of training does a professional singer need? Sure, some singers are discovered seemingly out of the blue, based on raw talent and without having much training but thats not the route I would advise taking. Think of it the same as any other profession; if you want to be a doctor or a nurse, you must practice in that field before you can get anywhere in your career. Similarly, if you want to be taken seriously as a singer, then you must invest time and money to study your craft properly. Training from an Early Age If you started taking voice lessons at a young age, youre at a huge advantage in your training! Personally, I started taking music and acting lessons at the age of five, and I was also in my first live musical theater performance then. Doing that helped me internalize the proper techniques and hone my talents, as well as get used to being in the spotlight. So my first piece of advice: commit to those weekly music lessons! No matter what age you start, a private voice coach will teach you valuable techniques that are sometimes difficult to learn on your own. Find a teacher who you trust and enjoy working with, and make sure he or she understands your goals. Continuing Your Training If youre in high school and are thinking seriously about becoming a professional singer, its time to start thinking about college music programs.  Whether youre interested in pursuing classical/opera, musical theater, jazz, or contemporary rock/pop, there are many music colleges to look into. Some of the best music schools for singers include Berklee College of Music/Boston Conservatory, Juilliard, The New School, Oberlin, and University of the Arts. While going to music school requires time and money, it will benefit you greatly. Youre investing in your future, and youll have the opportunity to meet other singers, professors, and performers that can help you throughout your career. Youll also be able to explore other styles of music and become a more well-rounded singer. I went to the Berklee College of Music for my Bachelors in Voice Performance and am now working on my Master of Music in Voice Performance there as well, and it’s something I will never regret! 2) What does it take to have a career in singing? As I think about my advice for how to become a singer, two things come to mind. First, you need to be prepared to work hard. Youll always be working at your craft even famous singers continue to take lessons!  In addition to performing regularly, youll also want to continue networking with other musicians and attending others performances to stay in the game. Second, you need to have thick skin! Your music will be out in the public eye, whether it’s at a performance, in an audition, on your website, or streaming on Spotify or YouTube. Even great singers face criticism, so you need to learn to handle rejection and not be so hard on yourself. Youll hear the word “no” at auditions more often than yes; if singing is your passion, its your job to pick yourself back up, listen to the feedback you received, and continue working hard. 3) What are the pros and cons to becoming a professional singer? There are many advantages and disadvantages to having a career in the music industry. Its not for everyone, but often the benefits make up for the struggles. Heres what Ive learned over the years. Pros: Rewarding career Being a singer is an extremely rewarding career overall! You have the opportunity to share your talents and love for music in front of many people. Music is healing, and its something that we all enjoy in both good and tough times together! Network of friends Throughout your schooling and performances, youll find an incredible network of people! Ive met some of my best friends this way. And since this business is all about who you know, establishing this network is also key to your success. Cool jobs and travel As a professional singer myself, Ive been fortunate to travel to almost 10 different countries to perform. Ive worked as a performer on cruise ships and at theme parks around the world. I’ve also performed at small intimate jazz clubs, big venues like Carnegie Hall, and even at events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! I’ve performed in front of Presidents and Popes, and if it werent for singing, I probably wouldnt have had these experiences. Cons Instability Singing careers certainly have ups and downs, and it’s a very tough path to pursue. There arent many “safe” jobs for singers that come with steady benefits, income, or hours. Most jobs are seasonal, only lasting for the summer or for that tour, and they may not even be full-time. Sometimes you may be offered 10 gigs in a row, and sometimes you may go a few months to a few  years without getting a single offer. This is standard in the industry. Furthermore, the gigs youre offered may not always pay much and if youre busy with rehearsals, you may not have the time to work a second job. If you want to be a singer, you have to be able to juggle your finances and be comfortable with instability. Physical demand Performing as a professional singer in a major production may mean anywhere from seven to 10 shows a week. This is physically and mentally exhausting on the brain and body, so you must be healthy and in top-notch shape all the time! Also, while touring may be fun, being away from family and friends can be lonely, and traveling long distances can be tiring. Cost Lets face it: pursuing higher education is costly, no matter what you study. As a singer, youll also need to factor in your voice lessons and the costs of auditions (applications and possible travel). If you want to get signed, you may also have to pay upfront. Nowadays, most singers that get noticed from AR Executives have already spent anywhere from $5,000-$50,000 to create their demo or EP. Recording costs, copyrighting songs, and hiring other musicians and engineers is costly, and many singers have to save up for this or take out loans. Also, many of the singers you see that have become famous from their YouTube or Facebook account or website did not do this without investing any money. They may have paid an extraordinary amount in hiring people and the space to film their music video, a photographer to take photos, and a manager to run their social media and web marketing. Pro and Con: Settling down in a major city This can be seen as a pro or a con! If you want to be a professional singer, you must be where the action is. Some of the big cities for music are New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas, London, and Paris. While some singers are able to avoid these big cities, its something to consider if you want to get seen and heard by industry professionals. The only problem? Youll be competing with thousands of other aspiring singers who move there. 4) How much does a singer make? Weve all heard the struggling artist jokes so if youre seriously considering a career in music, you might be wondering, How much does a singer make, exactly? The average singers salary  depends on many different factors. First, what types of gigs are you performing at? As a singer who performs standards in restaurants and clubs, or as part of a wedding band playing covers, you can expect to earn anywhere from $40-$300 a night but you may not be working every night. If youve worked your way up the ladder and are an in-demand performer, you could land a steady gig (and paycheck),  earning anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 a year. Joining your local musicians union (such as the American Federation of Musicians or the American Guild of Musical Artists) can help you earn better income and benefits while performing. If you or the show youre performing in is a member of the union, youll also receive health benefits. You will, however, need to factor in monthly or quarterly dues to be a member. Other factors that can affect how much you make as a singer include  your overall level of talent and the type of company youre working with. Luckily, youve got a lot of options!  While the financial struggles of being a singer may be discouraging, don’t let it bring you down. There are many ways you can get creative with your income as a singer. I encourage you to put your good voice to use and find them! Scroll down to the end of this guide to check out the average salaries of professional singers. 5) How much does a backup singer make? How about other singing career paths? If you dont want to be right in the spotlight, youve got options! Backup singers can make a decent salary, but keep in mind you may not land the gig with Beyonce right away. Other career paths include being a session singer, working as a songwriter, hosting karaoke, or even teaching voice lessons to others. Again, check out the infographic at the end of this guide to learn more! To conclude If you’re still reading this article, I applaud you for your patience and determination! To be a professional singer, you must be strong-willed, determined, and in touch with your emotions. I hope this article has given you much to think about on your journey! And if youd ever like to learn more about my career as a professional singer, or if you want to schedule a voice lesson with me, please send me a message through my TakeLessons profile! Post Author:  Liz T. Liz T. teaches singing, acting, and music lessons online.  She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal performance and currently performs/teaches all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, RB, and Country. Learn more about Liz 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

Powerless or Powerful at Work. Its your choice. - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Powerless or Powerful at Work. It’s your choice. - Introvert Whisperer Powerless or Powerful at Work. It’s your choice. I’m sure we all have experienced the moment when a co-worker (and maybe you as well) has been negatively impacted by decisions management has made. You might be very concerned the most for your friend.   Yet, you feel you should do something because of just how unfair the issue is or how serious the impact is.   But, you feel powerless to do anything. Many times things happen at work that negatively impacts us or those we work with.   We can feel powerless and out of control about a situation.   We feel victimized and frustrated because of this sense of powerlessness or we feel that for our co-worker/friends. What should you do? First, you can’t go fight for your friend.   You can help them, counsel with them but any actions done on behalf of your friend; need to be done by them.   Otherwise, you are going to muddy up the situation and if it’s already bad, making things worse isn’t helpful. Be a role model of what to do.   In other words, you can empower you to take whatever actions you need to do to help improve the situation.   Your co-workers can also do the same.   Remember, your parents couldn’t go fight your fights when you were a kid and the same thing applies now. Many people think when it comes to “management” that they are powerless to do anything but that’s simply not true.   We are more powerful than we realize and we don’t have to turn into a jerk to be that way.   Management is people like you and wants the same things out of life and career.   Also like you, they don’t always know everything they need to know about decisions they make including the impact to you.   You see, people are the single biggest resource any business has.   Without you and others, there would be no business.   That means you have to communicate with management.   They need to understand the implications and you can’t assume they always know. At the same time, you also have to understand that management has more information on the business and takes a broader view than you do.   It’s their job and with it may come unpopular decisions born out by conditions you know nothing about.   You may never know the entire scope of information that goes into any given decision.   That means that while a decision might be made that negatively impacts you or others, you do have to place a certain amount of trust that management is making the best decisions they can.   Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share your concerns because those concerns might not have been considered. You have to also keep in mind that even if you voice your concerns that the best you can hope for is for management to listen.   It may not change anything but they will gain insight from you stepping forward.   It’s okay to hope it influences change. You may not be comfortable being assertive like I’m suggesting.   I know many people aren’t but it’s like this:   Which is worse? The discomfort of feeling powerless and victimized or the discomfort of stepping forward? Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

English Expressions with Speak and Speech - Intermediate Level English

English Expressions with Speak and Speech - Intermediate Level English In this post I would like to review the topic of speech and in particular English expressions with speak and speech.I was raised to believe that  freedom of speech is one of the cornerstones  (something of great importance)  of society.  However,  as I get older my belief is challenged time and time again.  Now I understand that in reality I have the right to freedom of speech  provided that I generally agree with what the general population now accepts. Unfortunately,  this is not my view of freedom.The following are English words and phrases connected with speech  and hopefully you will find something useful for you. English Expressions with Speak and Speech Going back to my earlier point we all have the right to  SPEAK OUR MIND (to say what we feel)  provided we do so with respect to other people’s feelings and beliefs. When we were young we were advised by teachers,  trainers and parents to learn to SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF (  not to be afraid to put your hand up and give an opinion or view or simply get involved).  Alternatively,  if you were not able to speak up for yourself you tried to get someone  to SPEAK ON YOUR BEHALF  (someone to say what you want to say but cannot).There are many phrases and expressions connected with speech.  The following are the key and important expressions with examples.SPEAK CLEARLYEveryone can speak but not many speak clearly,  pronounce words  in a way that makes it clear to the listener exactly what you are saying. Some mumble (speak very quietly under their breath) and we have to ask them to PLEASE, SPEAK UP  (to raise their voice a little so that we can hear what they have said)  some SPEAK TOO QUI CKLY  (so quick that we have to ask the person to slow down or repeat what they have said). Some even speak so slow  that we are tempted to finish the sentence for them!Parents, grandparents and teachers are often heard to correct the tone and language of young people by chastising them  (complaining and correcting them)  when they speak perhaps rudely to them. DON’T SPEAK TO ANYONE LIKE THAT!!  (speak more mannerly) English Expressions with Speak - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do next: Collocations with Speak SPEAK THE TRUTHHow many times did you hear this as a kid. Don’t lie always tell the truth. (Of course,  when  we grow older it is not always the best policy.)Example: I believe if you want to be heard, you need to speak the truth.WELL SPOKENWe consider someone to be well spoken when the speak clearly, concisely and in an assured fashion. They do not have to raise their voice  (shout or scream), they do not use too many words but speak with authority and knowledge in an understandable way.Example: He is a very well spoken man he has a lot of life experience.SPEAK OUTIf we feel strongly about a topic we are often encouraged to speak out about it. This means to make ourselves heard.Example: Recently the “Me too” movement has raised the issue of women and sexual exploitation particularly in the movie and entertainment industries. Women have spoken out about their experiences and feelings.ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDSEveryone can talk and tell you what they will or will not do but doing something is often seen as more productive. What somebody does is more important than what they say.Example: Don’t tell Auntie Paula that you miss her, just go and visit her. Actions speak louder than words! Collocations with Speak SPEAK OF THE DEVILWhen someone we are thinking of or talking about suddenly and unexpectedly appears then we can say ‘ah speak of the devil!’Example: You are discussing your friend David with another friend Susan. You are talking about something funny or interesting he did recently when you suddenly see him approaching you in the coffee shop. ‘Ah David, speak of the devil, we were just talking about you.’THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAKA great piece of advice at any age. We often speak our minds  but occasionally it might not sound the way we intended and someone might get offended  (be upset or hurt) so it is always a good idea to think before you speak.SPEAK WHEN YOU ARE SPOKEN TOAnother reminder of my childhood. How often did your  mother or father say this? It means that someone is only allowed to say something when they are asked for an opinion.Example: Speak when you are spoken to and not until!!SPEAK FOR YOURSELFThis is a way of reminding people that they are only expressing the ir own opinion and that other people might think differently.Example: ‘This year’s test was really easy.’ ‘Speak for yourself! I thought it was really difficult.’I have a much more relaxed attitude to communication these days and always encourage my younger students to express themselves in a calm and clear manner. Words can be easily misinterpreted so speaking clearly but never be afraid to speak.

New Tutor Spotlight - Sam

New Tutor Spotlight - Sam Improving Academic Performance MyGuru is proud to announce that Sam Ribnick has joined its elite team of private tutors in Boston, MA. Sam is also a capable of providing online tutoring in Math, Physics, and the ACT and/or SAT. Sam holds a BS in Physics from MIT, and currently teaches high school physics in Boston Public Schools. His classes have outperformed on standardized tests, with a 90% passing rate vs. a 70% passing rate prior to his start date. At MIT, he tutored students in physics and various math subjects. He’s worked as a recitation instructor leading a section of multi-variable calculus. For 3 summers at the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University, he was the TA for summer physics classes for gifted high school students. He has tutored students from many colleges around Boston and has a strong background in physics, chemistry, biology and all math subjects (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, etc). Furthermore, Sam has experience in the business world, having worked for the prestigious Boston Consulting Group after MIT and before returning to the world of education to become a high school physics teacher. Sam is a great example of the tutors we work with at MyGuru.

4 Things Every High School Freshman Should Do Now

4 Things Every High School Freshman Should Do Now Fullerton Tutoring Tips: 4 things every high school freshman should do now High School freshmen have survived the first half of the school year and are enjoying a couple of weeks off during winter break. Hopefully, they have settled into the responsibilities that being a high school student require and are getting used to the new workload in each class. Each student will have an individual experience and their adjustment period will vary depending on their circumstances but, there are some things every high school freshman can do now to ensure success through the end of the school year its not too early to sign up for your Spring Semester Fullerton tutoring. 1. Stay organized Its essential for freshmen to stay organized throughout the entire academic year. During winter break this means going through old notes and archiving assignments that are no longer important and saving important study tools like flashcards or test and quiz grades that they can use to study for midterms and finals drink spring semester. Students should also clean and organize their study space both at home and at school and should focus on making sure their digital study environment does not have any unnecessary distraction or clutter. 2. Take a look at final grades Its also important for newer high school students to take a look at all the grades they got on their final exams. They should determine which concepts or topics they need to work harder on and which ones they already know. Students who are having trouble with this step should consult their classroom teacher or a one-on-one tutor to help them go through old assignments. Final grades are an excellent indication of how a student has been doing over the entire semester and can give students great insight into what they need to focus on once they start back to school in January (READ: Irvine Tutoring Tips: Improve your Study Skills This Winter). 3. Make a game plan for spring semester Freshman should also make a detailed game plan to help them be successful throughout the spring semester. Students will need to take a look at what worked, and perhaps more importantly what didnt, during fall term to figure out what changes they need to make next semester. How efficient were the student’s study habits? How long did it take to finish the average homework assignment? Were test and quiz grades consistent? These are just a few of the questions students should ask themselves to improve grades next term. 4. Remember to take breaks With all of this studying, its also important for students to remember to take a break now and then. The first year of high-school requires a lot of responsibility and hard work, but students also deserve to have some time with friends, have some downtime so their brain can relax, and enjoy an overall work-life balance. Students who take adequate brakes are more likely to study efficiently, maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the love of learning throughout their entire high school career. How students feel about school now can effect how theyll feel about applying to college and determine how motivated they’ll be once they get into AP classes and test prep in upcoming years. Improve your grades in the winter and spring semesters with the help of private Fullerton tutoring. Call us today to book your Fullerton tutor. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

San Diego Admissions Consulting How many schools should my child apply to

San Diego Admissions Consulting How many schools should my child apply to Tips from a San Diego College Admissions Consultant: How many schools should my child apply to? It can be a challenge to figure out just how many colleges a student should apply to. This is a very individualized question because each student will have different needs as well as different goals for college and career. The average high school senior applies to around ten colleges these days but that is by no means a hard and fast number. The most important thing is to ensure success into at least one college where a student will have the opportunity to get a great education and graduate with a potential to work in their field. Additionally, students want to make sure theyre applying to several schools with a range of admissions requirements our San Diego college admissions consultants have a 97% success rate. 1.   Dream schools As has been true for many years, students are encouraged to apply to a range of schools. Students put the colleges they apply to in three tiers: their dream schools, target schools, and safety schools. Dream schools are those colleges that a student would love to go to but that are difficult for anyone to get into. They often include Ivy League schools, a legacy school or any other university with hefty admissions requirements. Students should always take a chance and apply to their dream school but should also have several other options in mind. 2. Target schools The majority of students will end up attending one of their target schools. These are colleges and universities that are right in line with any particular student’s current GPA and test scores. No one, aside from admissions departments themselves, really know why one target school accepts a student but denies another. Thus, its a good idea to have two or three target schools in mind. If students live in a large state, such as California, they can consider applying to several different University of California campuses or California State schools by using just one application. If students are looking out of state, there may only be two or three public schools per state. 3. Safety school Safety schools are colleges that the student may not consider to be their top choice but that they are very likely to get into. Usually, the applicant’s test scores and GPA are much higher than the average accepted student, making them a likely choice for the admissions department. Theres not a specific range of safety schools because different students have different goals. Its important to apply to at least two schools in this group (READ: 6 Tips to Complete a Private High School Application). 4. In-state and out-of-state schools Many students choose to apply to in-state universities because this also qualifies them for in-state tuition. However, they might be at somewhat of a disadvantage because those colleges receive so many applications from local students. Students who want to stick out as a unique individual should consider applying to schools out of their home state as well. However, dealing with tuition is an entirely separate matter to consider. 5. The community college system Students who are considering the community college system in California do not have to apply in the same way that they would apply to a four-year university. Any student who meets the minimum requirements can sign up for classes at their local junior college. However, they will be required to meet deadlines, take entrance exams, and possibly sign up for prerequisite classes depending on their high school transcripts. Students who are sure that they will be attending a community college during their first two years are encouraged to meet with an academic counselor on that college campus during their senior year of high school to get an idea of what they will need to do and what important deadlines they need to meet. Our experienced San Diego college admissions consultants are here to help you get into your dream school. Call us today for more information. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Advantages of Becoming a Tutor

Advantages of Becoming a Tutor Different people might have different motivation for entering the private tutoring world. Here I will expose some of the benefits of tutoring that are considered most important. Free schedule. This is perhaps the main advantage of becoming a Tutor. There will be more time to pay attention to your family. You will be able to go on vacation whenever  you want, even 2 or 3 times a year and not when the boss lets you go. Life will stop just passing by. You will have  enough  time for reading, self-development, rest and for household chores. Good sleep. Especially Owl-type (those, who goes to sleep late and wakes up late) persons will understand me. Doctors have found out that this  behavior  can not be cured, but nevertheless, the world continues living according to the early bird schedule. No transport problems. For those who live in big cities, there is an advantage of avoiding trips in public transport, which looks more like a race to the bottom. But of course it applies if you invite students to your home. But even if you are a visiting Tutor, you can compose a special itinerary in order to avoid the rush hour. Healthy lifestyle. You can always have a home-cooked meal, not just a cold snack or a sandwich. Eating at home is a significant savings. Your budget will thank you. Tutor can choose a student. So the stress can be minimized. There is no such option in school (University, Collage, Institute). You cannot say to a bad behaved student: That’s it! I will teach you no more! And if you are a Tutor you are free to decide. Your income will depend only on you. Tutoring is a very well paid job, depending on your experience, professionalism and the ability to promote your services (for example placing your profile in a popular and specialized site) Tutor  chooses  methods and learning style himself. There is no need to adjust to the school or collage  program. No Boss. Tutor’s job is an individual work. No comments needed, I think. This advantage is a great relief. The economical crisis will not scare you anymore. Tutoring is always in demand. Especially now when  educational requirements in Schools, Collage and Universities became more strict now is a golden age for Tutors. In a career of a Tutor, the age is an advantage, not a heavy burden. Since it means experience and quality in the educational process. There are many more good reasons, I would kindly appreciate if you add some in the comments.