Are you part of a music group or bank looking for a great place to practice your music out of the earshot of your family or the general community? Maybe you have outgrown your parent's garage and need something a little more roomy or soundproof? A steel building may be the perfect solution for you then.

Steel buildings are great as music studios because they are both economical and easy to build, with many options for soundproofing. Steel buildings can be added to existing structures our located at a distance from your home or other buildings, like your neighbors' homes or commercial offices. They come in many different plans and budgets so you are sure to find one that will work for you. Steel buildings are perfect to use as music studios because they have a great deal of interior space and they can be temperature controlled for safe instrument storage. They also allow room for musicians to spread out and they are great for acoustics for recording or live performance purposes.

If you are considering building a steel building for your band or organization, here are some ways you can design yours to be the perfect music studio and avoid any potential problems in the process.

Decide where you should put the steel building

If you live in a medium to large-sized town, you will need to check with local zoning boards to determine if you can build within town limits for a music studio. You may have to stay away from heavily populated areas to reduce noise disturbances. If you have an existing structure that you want to add on to, be sure to get the proper permits before building your new steel building music studio.

The building's purpose

If you are just adding a space onto your home to become a small recording studio, obviously you won't need as large of a steel building as you would if you are planning on holding concerts there. You also want to think about how you will access the building, what security needs you may have and what components you will need to ensure it is a climate controlled, sound proof environment. What size air conditioners or heating systems you may need can impact what size building you should build based on cost. Also, do you need to accommodate the general public and if so, what safety issues or accommodations are needed, let's say for example possible handicapped people?

Additional features of the music studio

A music studio is going to require a lot of soundproofing and airtight recording areas for the best sound quality when using it. You will want to find out about wall coverings or sound barriers that will work within the structure of the steel building. Keep in mind that the walls of the steel building are thin enough that sound will bounce off the interior, but it will also pass through if you do not insulate it enough. There are many choices when it comes to soundproofing options, so be sure to determine what will work best for you.

If you plan ahead and take into consideration the unique features that a steel building can afford you with your plans as musicians, you will find that a steel building is the perfect solution for an affordable music studio.

I began playing a musical instrument late in life - in 4th grade, at the ripe old age of 9 - when my public school offered classes. I chose violin, and loved it. My teachers recognized my ability, and supported my decision to become a professional. But when I reached conservatory, what a shock! Most of the other students had begun years younger, in kindergarten or earlier. I had to practice 5 to 7 hours a day to catch up to those 'virtuosos.'

Today, a growing body of research confirms what I sensed: There are neurological benefits to musical training from an early age, when the brain is forming. Research also associates childhood music lessons with higher grades, test scores, and self-esteem. And starting young means children have a better chance at becoming accomplished musicians, if that's where their interests take them.

But not TOO young! Along with being a musician, I am a mother of three (including two teenagers who are pre-professional musicians, and a 6-year-old budding cellist); and I am the director and a teacher at a school that has taught music to hundreds of youngsters of all ages. Here's what practical experience has taught me about launching children happily and successfully into the world of music.

1. ENRICH THE BABIES. Teaching an instrument to a child under 3 is an exercise in frustration. Instead, bring them to hear live music. Give them simple toy instruments, like keyboards - kids love pressing buttons. If you ever played an instrument, dust it off and start playing again, in front of them.

2. THERE IS A MAGIC NUMBER. It's about 3 ½ . For many children, that's the age when they can begin to concentrate long enough for instrument lessons - especially if the instrument is a piano.

3. CAN YOUR PRESCHOOLER FOCUS? If the child can focus on a task like a puzzle or shape sorter for 20 minutes, that child is probably ready. (If he doesn't sit still for more than 20 seconds, don't despair - he'll get there later!)

4. START WITH PIANO LESSONS. Although violins are made in baby sizes, they are extremely difficult for most youngsters under 4 ½. Piano is so much better. The child can sit comfortably. There's a palette in front of them - black and white keys They can concentrate on listening for high and low tones - basic ear training. And there's gratification from the beginning: Press the key and it sounds good!

5. MAKE IT SOCIAL. The best classes for this age are like a great big playgroup, with the instrument as the focus. Children can't wait to see their friends. If there are no classes like this in your area, consider finding another preschooler or two to join your child's beginning lessons.

6. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Get at least three recommendations from other parents. You and your child should meet the teacher in advance, and tour the facility (whether it's a music school, or the instructor's house.)

7. SEEK RECITALS. Most preschoolers love to perform for family and friends. The children dress up; they shop for a special outfit; they even get new shoes! During or after the recital, there should be a reception (We call it a "party!") The kids will run around, eat cookies and carrots, accept congratulations, and feel great!

8. KEEP THE REWARDS FLYING. Children are very goal-oriented, so hand out a LOT of rewards, stickers and small toys. When your child gets antsy, you can say, "If you can play these three measures, you get a sticker." It works like a miracle!

9. GOT FIVE MINUTES? While lessons require a child to focus for 30 to 45 minutes, set the bar lower for home practice. If she can only put in five minutes, that's great. She'll go longer as she gets older. Consistency is FAR more important than duration.

10. CREATE A ROUTINE. Pick a regular place and time of day for practice.

11. BREAK THE ROUTINE. Some nights, I create an audience of stuffed animals for my 6-year-old. On "backwards" night, she does the measures in reverse. Sometimes she serenades me in the kitchen, while I cook. The wackier, the better.

12. DON'T BUY THE INSTRUMENT. If you have a choice, rent or borrow. Reducing your investment will help you achieve the right, laid-back attitude. When parents buy a new instrument for a beginning class, it's practically a guarantee that the kid will fail. They feel they made this big investment, so their kid had better follow through. That's too much pressure.

13. BE POSITIVE. Always see the bright side. Praise them for trying, and for their improvement. Your approval motivates them to stick with it.

14. GIVE IT FIVE WEEKS. After five sessions, parents and children understand exactly what's required. That's the time to ask yourself:

- Did my child learn something?

- Will he or she practice for at least a few minutes a day?

- Did I do ok? Can I handle the investment of time and energy?

If you answered 'yes' to at least two of these questions, keep going with music lessons. Most of our preschoolers do move on to private lessons. Or, if they're old enough (4 ½ minimum) some switch to a stringed instrument. The piano lessons help enormously when they face the increased complexity of holding and playing a violin, cello or guitar.

But even if your child isn't ready to continue, you have not wasted your investment. Everything they learned in those first five weeks as will still be there when they're mature enough to continue making music, whether in 3 months or 3 years.

© 2008, Susan Pascale, All Rights Reserved.

In general, the best preparation for gaining entrance to music school or conservatory for violin is to hire a top-notch violin teacher, who can guide you through the entire process. Ideally, this teacher should have a history of helping other students gain access to conservatories, and should be prepared to assist with the details, as discussed below.

First, take advantage of the opportunities available to you locally. Participate in youth symphony and school orchestra; take part in local competitions; play for events or in your church or synagogue; volunteer your music to a nursing home or retirement community; look for opportunities to play in groups with your peers.

Use your summers wisely. Attending summer music camps such as Madeline Island Music Camp, Tanglewood, or Interlochen is a great way to focus with great intensity on improving your skills on the violin in the company of some of your most gifted peers from around the world.

Learn the literature. Although you may have started with the Suzuki books, your pre-college musical education should take you through the full tour of materials for auditions, technique, and musical development, from such great works as the Mendelssohn, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky violin concertos to invaluable technical exercises for development of dexterity and tone written by Kreutzer and Rode.

Devote time, practice, and activity towards pursuing violin at the highest level. Take private lessons, practice at home, go to concerts, listen to recordings, watch videos of your favorite performers.

Above all, perform, perform, perform! Learning to perform is vital; while you may initially experience "stage fright," the best way to overcome this is to put yourself out there as often as possible. Look for opportunities to play with orchestras. Many local youth symphonies also have solo competitions, but your school orchestra or a local adult community group can also put you center stage. In addition, if your teacher offers recitals, make sure you play in them. Volunteering your time performing in nursing homes can be very rewarding -- they really love to hear you play!

Conservatories usually require auditions. Sometimes these are in person, and other times you may need to send a tape. There are schools that make the rounds to major cities for auditions, but for other schools you may have to travel. In planning for your audition, make sure you follow the guidelines for each school. Usually, you will need to have at least two pieces in contrasting styles, such as two selections from the romantic and Baroque eras, or selections with contrasting tempos, such as adagio and allegro. Make sure you know your major and minor scales in three octaves and can play them in every key. Many schools list audition "requirements" but you are also sometimes given a blank slate. In this case, I suggest going with the music that you think shows you at your best, rather than choosing difficult material aimed at impressing your listeners.

Also, be prepared to offer a recording of yourself. This recording should, if possible, be made in a recording studio. It is very difficult to make a good home-recording, particularly on violin. They have thousands of dollars of equipment dedicated to capturing your sound.

In addition, find yourself a professional level piano accompanist. He or she is an absolute necessity for auditions and competitions. You may want to work with a few before settling on one that you use repeatedly. I keep a list of trusted, experienced accompanists for my students.

You might also want to consider schools such as Oberlin or Yale, which offer academic programs that confer double degrees such as the BA/BM or BA/MM. This pursuit ensures that, should you choose a path other than a career in music, you also have the college experience to back up your candidacy for opportunities in other fields.

Do you know that all of us including yourself, have something that we are good at?

It could be something that makes you proud to be a parent, spouse, son, daughter or relative. Is there a special skill or talent that someone has commended you on. Did you accomplish something extraordinary at some stage in your life when people recommended that you must seriously consider pursuing something more permanent in that particular regard?

Hypnosis has been identified as a very low cost technique that can boost your confidence in record time.

Do you often find it difficult to converse confidently and easily with strangers? Are you one of the shy types that experience immense difficulty in reaching out to new people and colleagues that you have recently been introduced to? Is it not about time that you raise your self esteem through hypnosis? If you make a minor slip or mistake in a personal or social environment, do you find that you constantly rebuke and inwardly reprimand yourself?

Hypnosis is widely known to have assisted others and could help you eliminate a multitude of unfavourable and harmful practices once and for all. It could even help you to see your mistakes as a journey towards improving your life in general. The specific sector linked to this are also referred to as self esteem hypnosis. This will make you realise that each mistake contributes towards your self development and acceleration of self confidence. You might sometimes display tendencies of self pity and being the victim, because no-one takes you seriously.

But have you ever questioned the underlying factors?

Are you not suffering from insecurity? What kind of messages do you articulate when talking to yourself? What are you hearing and unconsciously thinking in your mind? Are these positive or negative messages? If you live with too much negativity, then you have just found a way to overcome it. Hypnosis has the ability to refocus from negative towards the transmission of positive messages instead.

Could there perhaps not also be additional reasons why you might want to try hypnosis? What about a healthy state of mind or feeling good about your mistakes, which after all is part of life's learning cycle?

Smile, because it is not the end of the world and your life is destined to still deliver many positive surprises, which is all amazingly possible with the power of hypnosis.

Eating Italian food is almost like romancing a woman. Italian food is more than just a meal, it's an experience. That's why when you go into an Italian restaurant, there is just nothing like it. The atmosphere is like no other place on the planet, from the music being piped in from old Italy, to the paintings on the walls. A good Italian restaurant feels like you've walked into 17th century Italy.

The trouble is, these days, it's very hard to find a good Italian restaurant. With everything being fast food today, most of your Italian places are either pizzerias, Pizza Huts, or fast food chains like Sbarros. Finding a classic Italian restaurant in the states, like they used to have back in the 60s and 70s is like looking for the missing link. But when you do find one, this is what you can expect to get there.

For starters, a good Italian restaurant will have a wine list of just about every Italian wine you could possibly want. The list reads like a who's who of Italian wineries. Don't even think of asking the waiter for a mixed drink as he's likely to deck you. Oh and by the way, the waiters are all Italians.

The appetizers are absolutely to die for. You've got your usual fair which includes fried zucchini, roasted garlic, stuffed portabello, mushrooms stuffed with crab meat and fried provolone, just to name a few. The appetizers alone are enough to fill you up so you won't even need the main course.

And the salads. Italian restaurant salads can be a meal in themselves. You don't just get a dish with a little lettuce and some carrots. You get a salad the size of Manhattan Island. And don't ask for any kind of dressing other than Italian or oil and vinegar. Yeah, the waiter will deck you for that too.

As for the main dishes, just about every Italian main dish has something to do with pasta, whether it be spaghetti, linguini, ziti or whatever. Most of the dish, as it is with Chinese food, is made up of the pasta. However, you do get quite a bit of meat with your meal too. Italians love to eat and they love to feed you. Without a doubt there is no type of restaurant that gives you more food than an Italian restaurant. It would take three Chinese restaurant meals to make up one Italian restaurant meal. Some of the more famous Italian dishes are chicken catchatori, veil parmesan and spaghetti and meatballs. However, there are literally over 100 Italian dishes you could choose from in a good Italian restaurant.

Italian desserts are probably the most unusual, at least to Americans. They include things with names like spumoni and tortoni. If you don't know what they are, find yourself a good Italian restaurant and experience them. I promise you that it will be an evening out that you will never forget.

Just don't forget to tip your waiter. Yeah, he'll deck you if you don't.

Buffet catering is one of the most popular catering services that people use to entertain their guests during an event. Buffet catering gives freedom to the guests and allow them to choose how much food they want to have.

To prepare a buffet, there are certain things that you need to take note of. You should always engage a professional caterer to assist in setting it up. Before you pick up your phone and start hiring, let me share with you 5 tips to prepare for your buffet before you hire a professional caterer:

1. Find out how many people are attending your event. Before you hire a buffet caterer, you need to know the number of attendees. However, it is impossible to get an accurate number of people who will turn up on the actual day. You should take note that there will be around 5 to 10 percent of people who will not turn up at the last minute even though they have registered for your event. So with this, you will not over-order the amount of food needed.

2. Which type of buffet do you want? You can either choose a normal buffet or a BBQ buffet. If you choose a BBQ buffet, you will make your event more relaxing and it also allow more interaction between your guests.

3. Pick the type of food for the buffet. You can choose different types of food for your buffet catering. There are Western, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc. Whichever type of food you choose, your buffet caterer should be able to fulfil your request.

4. Plan out the space for the buffet. Your buffet caterer will need a huge space to set things up on the day itself. So make sure that you plan out a space for him or her to work on. The place that you cater for buffet should be spacious enough for your guests to move around and interact. If it is too small, it can get crowded easily and make your guests feel unpleasant.

5. Brief your caterer on every single detail. To ensure a successful catering, you should let your caterer know all the necessary details before the event. Make sure that your caterer knows what time he or she needs to set things up and what time to clean up the setup area.

With these, you are now ready to hire a professional buffet caterer for your event.
With a smooth-flowing buffet catering and good food quality, your guests will be impressed with your hospitality.

Nothing makes you feel as special as getting a flower delivery at work or at home. To think that someone put forth effort and money to buy you flowers can instantly make your day better. Whether it is for your birthday, anniversary, and "I am sorry," or just because, a flower delivery can make the perfect gift for any occasion.

Do you want to say "Happy Birthday" to a friend, but are unsure of what to get them? Flowers are the perfect gifts! You can even customize the flower arrangement to your friend or family member's likes and interests to help make it even more personalized and fun.

Is your anniversary coming up? Your local florist can help you to come up with the perfect flower arrangement to celebrate your anniversary. You can customize it to make it look like your wife's bouquet that she held as she walked down the aisle, or you can just choose to incorporate your wedding colors in the arrangement.

Is a friend or family member celebrating a new birth or another event? A customized flower arrangement to the occasion can be the perfect flower delivery gift. Whether it is celebrating a new job, new home, or a birth, you will find that flowers can say it all with great style and class.

Apologies are often difficult to make in person, but with flowers, it is made easy. Flowers can be the perfect way for you to say "I am sorry." From a colorful flower arrangement to a dozen roses, you will find that flowers can give you the perfect apology for any situation.

Do you want to proclaim your love to someone? The perfect way to do that is with flowers. Whether you choose to proclaim your undying love with red roses or another flower arrangement, saying "I love you" is made even more beautiful with a flower delivery.

Is your friend down in the dumps or having a bad day? Sending flowers "just because" can instantly lift the spirits of that friend or family member and give them a new lease on life. Florists can help you to pick just the right flower gift for this occasion to allow you to brighten the day of that special someone.

Are you having a bad day or need a pick me up? You can send flowers to yourself-you deserve a treat every once in a while. This allows you to choose exactly what type of flowers that you want and have them delivered to help brighten up your office, your home, and your life.

Flowers can be an excellent gift for men and women alike. Although the thought is that women only enjoy them, a man will enjoy a flower arrangement as well, especially if it includes some candy or cookies. Your local florist should be able to assist you to choose a flower gift for your man with very little trouble.

Whether you choose to send plants or flower arrangements, you will find that a flower delivery can say so much to the receiver. A simple card and flowers can speak volumes to the person that receives them. No matter what you want to say, a flower delivery can help you to say it clearly and concisely.

If you enjoy planning parties and working intimately with people, one of the top bridal consulting schools can teach you how to be a professional wedding planner. With good training in bridal consulting, you can quickly learn all about wedding planning and how to professionally organize special events.

Wedding planning courses teach the fundamentals of event planning, and provide opportunities for earning certificates, diplomas, and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees. Bachelor degrees (BA) in hospitality and event planning are also offered. Bachelor degree programs will prepare students for managing intensive event and wedding planning careers.

The top schools for bridal consultants can help students develop skills for attracting and maintaining clients by imparting methods of management, marketing, communications, and negotiation strategies. Graduates of wedding and event planning schools will be proficient in assisting families and brides and grooms with special event etiquette, scheduling photographers, planning and coordinating ceremonies and receptions, making seating arrangements, choosing floral themes and arrangements, choosing invitations, and contracting security. Adding basic business courses can also help prepare graduates for starting and operating event and wedding planning businesses.

Training is often provided as a specialization of hospitality programs, and this can get you on track for a very enjoyable profession. Depending on working conditions, education, expertise, and dedication to the profession, beginning wedding planners and bridal consultants can earn upwards of $30,000 or more annually.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on our website.

Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

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To learn more about becoming a wedding planner and bridal consultant, search SchoolsGalore.com today for top bridal consulting schools, and send a request for further information to help you get started on a new career.