Marka

I'm looking for a nice and romantic restaurant to spend the evening of my birthday that is coming up in a few days. I wouldn't prefer Indian or Chinese but would like anything Medditeranean/Italian (not cheap but resonably priced). Something with live music perhaps? (tried Cubana but they're shut on that day) Please help...I'm running out of options... Thanks!

Singing lessons are especially important at the beginning when the danger of overusing/misusing your vocal instrument is particularly eminent. Yes, of course you need to practice while you're having the lessons (no teachers will do miracles) but you need to know how to practice, which exercises are particularly good for you and what to avoid. There are many examples of people that have damaged their voice just because they didn't know what was safe to sing and what was not. To summarize it: the laryngeal muscles are quite sensitive so are our vocal chords. Having lessons with a suitable teacher at an early stage will ensure you don't harm your voice.

Having a group lesson is always an option although it couldn't really be more than 3 people...It's difficult for the teacher to concentrate on what everyone's doing and it would end up being a chorus instead of a private lesson. Not a bad idea though considering that the cost would be lower (it wouldn't be as low as the 1/3 of the usual fee however..). Of course, you would have to form the group yourselves and agree on the days and times that you're free to have the lesson. This is my usual practice and that's what I would expect from my students although other singing teachers may disagree... Hope this helps

...oh, and I loved the view from the Empire State Building...long wait to get in but it was truly worth it (unless you're afraid of hights)...

oops...reading my previous post it's 'tone-deaf' and not 'deaf-tone'...

If the weather's good you can walk almost everywhere in Manhattan. Very nice food and groovy atmosphere can be found in al lot of bars/restaurants etc. Enjoy

Fair enough...Our voice colour can't be changed. Everything else can.

Singing lessons can definitely help improve everyone's singing voice. There are actually far less deaf-tone people out there than the general public thinks... What is true is that a lot of times, limited singing skills are associated with lack of self-esteem and singing lessons (provided they are with someone who is qualified and has specialized in teaching voice) can be a great boost to one's confidence. After all, the voice is an instrument and like all instruments needs training. I am an experienced musician and singing teacher and have met numerous people who were initially insecure about their ability to sing and after taking lessons with a suitable teacher managed not only to sing in tune but more importantly to feel proud of themselves. Of course, some individuals are more talented than others but you don't have to be a professional to enjoy singing; singing is a basic human activity that can fill us with joy and shouldn't be a source of frustration. I currently teach singing in the Sheffield area, if anyone is interested to learn more about my teaching methods, fees etc. please PM me.

Thanks everyone! I finally decided to move elsewhere...

Thanks everyone. No, indeed I haven't lived in Crookes long...In fact I'm moving there soon. I need internet access until BT decide they are free to come and connect the line...(pathetic service for the money they charge)

Does anyone know of any net cafes or cafes with free wireless access in Crookes/Broomhill area? Thanks

Hi, I'm a qualified and experienced singing teacher and musician, hold conservatoire diplomas and an MA in music and have extensive performing experience as a soloist. My teaching method is based on explaining how the vocal instrument works and learning basic singing and breathing techniques that can help you sing the genre you prefer. I believe that everyone can learn to sing and have taught people of different ages, abilities and musical preferences. I offer a free 'taster' - consultation lesson/discussion so that all pupils feel certain that they are comfortable with my teaching style. If that sounds interesting let me know and perhaps we can arrange to meet and discuss your needs. M.

Hello, I'm considering renting a house that is just accross Ponds Forge (over the bridge and tram way) but am a bit sceptical about the neighbourhood...I don't know Sheffield well and as I've only lived in the centre for a short time I have not a clue about other areas. People say that S2 is not as safe as other areas but I'm particularly concerned about crossing the bridge in and out of the centre in the dark winter evenings (female insecurities). Does anyone know if that area (Bard street, S2) is relatively safe? If not, can you suggest any areas, as close as possible to the centre, that are considered ok to live in? Thanks a lot!