Learning to Sing The Truth Behind 4 Common Misconceptions

Learning to Sing The Truth Behind 4 Common Misconceptions Suzy S. Descartes once said, Im tone deaf, therefore Im hopeless. Wait, no, thats not right.  But the debate is certainly real: Is there such a thing as being tone deaf?  And if so, should the hopeless few bother with singing lessons if their dream is to one day perform on stage? Much like mastering any other skill, learning to sing comes with many common misconceptions from outsiders.  So read on were about to debunk them! 1. Singing lessons are for people who cant sing. Think again!  While professional training can definitely help students who dont have the natural talent people often refer to, you may find that youll see even more benefits if you already have a decent foundation.  For one, a voice teacher will be able to hear (and see) things that you may not while youre focusing on your breathing or another aspect of your performance.  The guidance youll receive can be incredibly valuable.  Moreover, a great singing teacher can help you keep your focus and set realistic goals, and may even be able to open doors for you through networking, audition opportunities and more. 2. I can learn enough by watching YouTube videos about singing. Not so fast.  YouTube definitely has some great tutorials, but similar to misconception #1, working with a professional will do wonders for your technique.  Still learning proper breathing?  Your teacher can point out where to place your hand to feel your breath.  Preparing for an audition? A teacher can help you build your stage confidence.  Without the individual feedback from a private teacher, students may end up with bad habits, or practice the same thing over and over with little progress. 3. I cant sing that song, because my range doesnt go that low/high. While you certainly dont want to strain your voice, the beauty of private singing lessons is that you can work with your teacher to extend your vocal range and prepare yourself to sing even more songs than before.  Youll notice a difference with even simple changes, such as engaging in effective vocal warm-ups and recognizing your chest voice versus your head voice. 4.Im tone deaf theres no hope for me. Tone deafness (also called amusia) describes a persons inability to recognize relative pitches in music, and is the ultimate fear of many karaoke singers all across the world.  But can it be corrected? Fortunately for you, vocal lessons can definitely help.   Singing off-key often has more to do with poor vocal habits, which can be corrected with private lessons.  For example, beginners might try to force a high note, which inevitably leads to falling out of key.  Sometimes it even stems from something deeper, like feeling self-conscious about your tone.  With proper training, even the most cynical of singers can begin to recognize notes and pitches.  The more exposure you have, the easier it will become. 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  ruifernandes.

Business Geniuses in Prison

Business Geniuses in Prison Normally when I  think of prison in the United States, I  think of a violent, dangerous place where not much good happens.The TED video were using for this English listening exercise challenges my ideas of what prisons and prisoners are, and also challenges most peoples beliefs for what they could be in the future.This listening exercise is based off of a popular lesson that we give in our live English classes. Interested in talking to a teacher about this lesson? Schedule a live, individual English class.Before starting the video, youll want to study the many English phrasal verbs used in the video. The words below often have several meanings, were using the ones intended in the video.Come up with:  To think of something, especially a new idea.Figure out:  Similar to come up with.  To think of something, especially a new idea.Cut out:  To eliminate.Get around:  To bypass something.Get on:  A way of asking someone to continue.Go through:  To examine or review.Set up:  To schedule or arrange.Call off: To cancel something, especially an appointment.Call for:  To request, especially used in public requests.Come around:  To accept an idea you  originally opposed.Comprehension questions.  Write your answers in comments, and well respond.1. What was BJ’s vision?2. Why were most of the other inmates locked up?3. What was Jeff Smith’s job in prison?4. What were some of the ways to hustle in prison?5. What are some of the problems Jeff Smith mentions with the reinitiation of people with a criminal record into the world after they complete their sentence?6. Why did Jeff Smith go to prison?Discussion questions. Write your answers in comments, and well respond.1. Do you agree with Jeff Smith’s ideas about how to treat prisoners?2. What ideas can you think of to help prisoners readjust to the “real world” after getting out of prison?3. Do you think taxpayers should be asked to pay for better conditions for prisoners? For toothbrushes for them? For a rehabilitation /real-world initiation program for them?We hope you enjoyed this lesson! Please let us know if there are any videos you would like to see us use in Future English listening exercises.