Creative Careers

A potential college student interested in pursuing the performing arts as a career or hobby may not look to a community college as their first choice in realizing that dream. However, many community colleges nationwide offer state-of-the-art facilities and first-class instructors in theatre and music today. Whether you are looking for a college major program or simply a place to ham it up onstage after class time, a community college might be the perfect place to explore your creative side.

The Benefits of Music in Higher Education

Music is a beneficial component to add to the higher education experience, whether it is a major course of study or something to enjoy on the side. According to Tarpley Music, some of the benefits of music in education at any level include:

• Social Benefits – Studies show that students who participate in some sort of music program while in school have a lower incidence of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
• Scholastic Benefits – Music students also tend to score higher on standardized examinations, whether in primary, secondary or post-secondary schools. They also earn more “A’s” and “B’s” in their coursework than students who are not in music.
• Behavioral Benefits – Research from the National Data Resource Center shows that students in music programs are less likely to be classified as “disruptive” in school
• Intellectual Benefits – One study suggested that music training is superior to computer training in enhancing abstract reasoning skills used in math

Are you looking for a whole new field of study at community college? Why not give glass blowing a try? This popular hobby is now being offered in courses at community colleges across the country. Whether you are looking for a profession as a glass blowing artisan or simply want to add another piping hot hobby to your repertoire, glass blowing might be the opportunity to let your inner artist shine. This article will explore the history and craft of glass blowing and provide a few samples of colleges that are offering formal training in this skill.

What is Glass Blowing?

According to Wise Geek, the history of glass blowing dates back to approximately 200 BCE. During those very early years, glass blowing was primarily used to create vessels to hold liquids. Through its long evolution, glass blowing has become an art form used for creating beautiful pieces that lovers of the craft can proudly display in their homes and office buildings.

The process of glass blowing requires very hot conditions, created by heating ash and limestone in a fiery furnace. The glass is heated to a molten state, where it can be molded and shaped into everything from large vessels to tiny detailed forms. The shaping takes place through a blowpipe that the artist blows into to form a bubble within the molten glass. Details can be added to the glass during the blowing process, using tweezers to pull and shape the glass into

Leisure has become a multibillion-dollar business in the United States, with camps, cruises, and other recreational activities gaining steam across the country. As the industry grows, so does the need for qualified professionals working in the various aspects of leisure and recreation. To answer the call, community colleges are beginning to offer degrees in "leisure" to help those interested in this profession get started on a lucrative, rewarding career.

About the Leisure Industry

Recreation workers deal with a wide range of environments and duties, from organizing arts and crafts at a children's camp to running organized sports leagues for corporations or communities. Jobs may be seasonal or permanent, and the large majority of positions are part-time. Because competition is stiff for full-time positions within this industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, additional education and training can go a long way in helping you secure the position you want.

Recreation employees may work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Cruise ships
• Nature parks
• Summer camps
• Community centers

While many employees in this industry spend many of their working hours outdoors, directors and managers primarily enjoy a desk job, organizing activities, and managing staff from an office. The employment outlook for this industry is good, with faster than average growth expected in many areas.

This video reports on the recreation and leisure services programs at Georgian College.

Training in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Community

Cosmetology has traditionally been the realm of trade schools that specialize in training and licensing hair stylists, nail technicians and skin care specialists. Many of the current trade schools are directly tied to a specific product brand, such as the Aveda chain of training institutes. However, the face of cosmetology is changing - and not just with new makeup skills. Today, cosmetology programs are expanding into community colleges that recognize a background in basic business principles, as well as cosmetology training, will help graduates move into and advance in the field of cosmetology.

Career Outlook for Cosmetology

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the general job outlook for the field of cosmetology is favorable, with employment expected to grow at a faster than average rate in this industry. The industry is also considered one of the few recession-proof areas in which to work today. Cosmetology may incorporate the following positions:

• Barbers who are responsible for cutting and styling men's hair
• Hairdressers and stylists who cut, shampoo and style hair
• Manicurists and pedicurists that work specifically with polishing nails and applying extensions
• Estheticians or skin care specialists that offer facials and full body treatments

Nearly all of these positions will require licensure by the state in which the individual will work, although specific requirements vary by location and position.

This video explains the pros and cons of being a cosmetologist.

Bringing Business to Cosmetology

When people think of the music industry, they usually imagine the artists on stage as the bread and butter of the field. However, the real action in the music business takes place behind the scenes.

If you are interested in a career in the business side of music, there are plenty of community colleges offering degree programs that will get you out of the books and into the action much more quickly than the four-year degree route. Consider these opportunities waiting for you in the music business, as well as where you can obtain the training you need to jumpstart your entertainment career.

This video gives us an overview of the music industry.

Career Opportunities Behind the Scenes

Whether you have a head for numbers or fashion, you can find a job you love in the music industry. Below, we have listed just a few examples of music-related careers found at the Berklee College of Music website for your consideration:

• Artist Manager/Agent – This professional handles the career for a single musician or an entire band. The artist manager may be responsible for making both business and creative decisions to further the musician's career and hopefully guide him to the top of the charts.
• Concert Promoter – If you enjoy organizing and promoting large events, this is the job for you. The concert promoter will also secure the financial backing for