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FAQ for Teachers

  1. I recorded a class as a Voice Memo on my iPod and am now trying to convert the file to an MP3, but the only option is "convert to AAC". What do I do?
  2. What audio recording equipment do you recommend I get and how much will it cost?
  3. How do I edit more of the recording than the start and stop time, like adding a different ending to my class or adding a music track, or removing sections from the middle of class?
  4. I created my video as a Windows Movie File (WMV), but it's not uploading to your site.
  5. I want to know who has been downloading my classes? How do I get a list of my YogiChocolate students?
  6. Can I make my class downloadable for free, or donate my Royalty Payments to charity?
  7. Can I play music in the background when I record my class?
  8. Do I need to get releases from the students to record my class?
  9. Do I need a written agreement to be a teacher on YogiChocolate?
  10. Who owns the classes I post on YogiChocolate?
  11. How do I see the donations I've received?
  12. How do I put up a CD of my class recording?
  13. How do I become a teacher on YogiChocolate?
  14. What is the difference in sound quality on the Low and High settings?
  15. How long can I record on the iPod?
  16. I downloaded the LAME MP3 Encoder for Audacity, but every time I try to open it, it shows that there's no default application and when I try to open it with Audacity, it doesn't work.
  17. Where can I get more help to use Audacity?
  18. How do I get paid?
  19. What video camera do you recommend?
  20. How do I edit details about a class I posted?

  1. Rating: +1

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    I recorded a class as a Voice Memo on my iPod and am now trying to convert the file to an MP3, but the only option is "convert to AAC". What do I do?

    You'll need to change your import settings to get iTunes to import the track as an MP3. In iTunes 8, go to Edit / Preferences / General and click the "Import Settings" button. In older versions of iTunes, click on Edit / Preferences / Importing (or Edit / Preferences / Advanced / Importing). Your goal is to change the "Import Using" setting to "MP3 Encoder".

    Click OK to save this setting.

    Now when you right-click on your voice memo (right-click on a PC, ctrl+click on Mac; or go to the Advanced menu), there is an option to "Convert to MP3".

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    What audio recording equipment do you recommend I get and how much will it cost?

    This is a good question. You'll need 3 parts to turn your iPod into a hands-free recording device. But let's start with the iPod itself.

    Get an iPod or Nano that is 2005 or newer (generally the iPod Video/5G or newer). Cost: $149-$249 new
    If you're confused about which generation is which see the iPod Evolution here:
    http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2037089,00.asp

    PART 1: iPod/Nano Case with Belt Clip
    Cost: ~$25

    There are many belt clip cases out there (way better than using an armband when demonstrating yoga and adjusting people). You'll want to wear the belt clip on your hip or sacrum. Whichever case you get make sure there is an opening at the bottom where the recorder plugs into the iPod. The recorder will need to be pressed flush up against the entire length of the bottom of the iPod or it won’t record. We do not recommend hard plastic cases. Silicone and rubber cases are great because you can easily cut an opening in the bottom and the iPod sticks to the material. Sometimes the opening is at the top and you can just put your iPod upside down in the case. I use the Marware Sportsuit Convertible, but it’s being discontinued so get it while you can. Only $5 now (as of Dec 2008) + $3 s&h on their website:

    http://www.marware.com/PRODUCTS/Products-for-iPod-video/Sportsuit-Convertible-for-iPod-video

    The rubberized Speck ToughSkin case is good too – just make sure you get the right size for your specific iPod model. This one is for the iPod Video.

    http://www.amazon.com/Speck-Products-iPod-Video-ToughSkin/dp/B000BV7ZPQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232246570&sr=8-2

    The armband cases work okay, but generally the armband will slide around on your arm throughout class.

    Don't even think about setting your iPod down in the middle of the room to record. The sound quality will be so terrible we won't accept the recordings.

    PART 2: AUDIO RECORDER
    Cost: $20-$60

    There are 3 brands of audio recorders that plug into the iPod/nano.
    --Belkin (TuneTalk - one size fits all)
    --Griffin (iTalk Pro - one size fits all)
    --XtremeMac (MicroMemo - iPod size and Nano size) *Unless you already have an XtremeMac lapel mic (the MemoMic), do not buy this recorder.

    We recommend searching on Amazon.com for these products as they are often not carried in the Apple stores.

    PART 3: LAPEL MIC
    Cost: ~$15

    Lapel mics are mandatory for CD quality sound. It is a tiny mic that plugs into the recorder and clips to your lapel so the mic is close to your mouth. Without a lapel mic, the sound of the iPod's hard drive spinning is picked up and the voice sounds far away.

    Our favorite lapel mic, the XtremeMac MemoMic, was discontinued Dec 2008.

    The only inexpensive, consumer-level lapel mic we have found is the Griffin brand "Multi-Use Stereo Microphone", available at Amazon here:

    http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-0404-LAP-Multi-use-Microphone/dp/B0007SVA0Y

    **IMPORTANT:** THE GRIFFIN LAPEL MIC DOES NOT WORK WITH XTREMEMAC RECORDERS, ONLY BELKIN AND GRIFFIN RECORDERS.

  3. Rating: +1

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    How do I edit more of the recording than the start and stop time, like adding a different ending to my class or adding a music track, or removing sections from the middle of class?

    There are 2 programs we recommend. One costs money and is for Mac users. If you’re a Mac user (or even if you’re not) you’ve probably already heard of it. It’s called Garage Band.

    The other program is called Audacity. It’s available for both Mac and PC users and is free. You’ll need to download a little piece of software to work in conjuction with it called a LAME MP3 Encoder.

    --Install Audacity for Windows or for Mac. Here's the link:
    http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download

    --Install the LAME MP3 encoder for Mac and PC and follow the instructions in this link:
    http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3

    You will edit your recording in Audacity first and then go to the File menu to export it to mp3.

    Then you can open your mp3 in iTunes to add album artwork, include track details like title and artist, and change the album genre to “yoga” or “meditation” or whatever is appropriate.

  4. Rating: +0

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    I created my video as a Windows Movie File (WMV), but it's not uploading to your site.

    We take MOV and MP4 files so it will work with iTunes, QuickTime video viewer and the iPhone. Here are links to free video format converters:

    For iPhone using Windows or Mac:
    http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/iPhone

    For iTunes & QuickTime using Windows:
    http://www.download.com/Any-Video-Converter/3000-2194_4-10661456.html?tag=mncol;pop

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    I want to know who has been downloading my classes? How do I get a list of my YogiChocolate students?

    Email us at Qs@yogichocolate.com with the subject line: STUDENT LIST REQUEST.

    If you’d like to specify a time period, please do so. If the email is left blank, we’ll assume you’d like a list of all your students from day 1. We like to honor the privacy of your students’ donations, so the amounts given by each student will not be revealed.

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    Can I make my class downloadable for free, or donate my Royalty Payments to charity?

    Students downloading your class can donate a minimum of $2. The minimal cost covers a portion of our costs and provides at least some kind of energetic exchange between teacher and student. Your classes are worth it!

    You may donate all of your Royalty Payment (the 60% of the donations you receive for your YogiChocolate classes) to a single charity of your choosing. We will add a “sticker” to your profile picture denoting your charitable status and we recommend you also mention your charity’s cause in your bio.

    The only requirement we have in order for us to handle the donation of your Royalty Payment to your charity is that you commit 100% off your Royalty Payment to it. If you wish to give just a portion (say 20%) of your Royalty Payment to charity, or you want to give to multiple charities, then we just pay you as usual and it is on your honor that you make this charitable donation. This actually works out better for you as a tax deduction so you can personally claim it.

  7. Rating: +0

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    Can I play music in the background when I record my class?

    If we're talking about sound quality of music playing in the background, then the answer is that it comes through pretty clearly on a medium volume.

    But if we're talking about the legality of playing music in the background while recording, that's another question. Insofar as the Creative Commons Podcasting Legal Guide concludes, playing copyrighted music “for the intros and outros of a yoga podcast” is unfortunately “likely not a fair use.” You can see the legal guide here: http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Podcasting_Legal_Guide#Using_Music

    To play it ultra-safe with distribution and reproduction copyrights, you have a few options.

    1) Use Creative Commons licensed music. Check out artist community websites like Jamendo.com and Beatpick.com.

    2) Get in touch with local artists and get their nod of approval for playing their CD in your class, or better let having them perform live! We also recommend getting in touch with the record label, Nutone, and the artist collective OmStream.com.

    3) Record your classes without music. As the proverb goes, silence is golden.

    4) If part of your yoga teaching is to infuse the practice with “mainstream” music, then make sure you do your homework and get the proper reproduction and distribution licenses.

  8. Rating: +0

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    Do I need to get releases from the students to record my class?

    Release forms aren’t required if you are recording just audio. If you are filming video and the students are shown, then yes, the students in the video need to sign a release form. You can use the release form here:

    http://yogichocolate.com/howto/moreinfo/ReleaseForm_Students_multiple.doc

    You may also want to bring a release form for use of the location:

    http://yogichocolate.com/howto/moreinfo/ReleaseForm_Location.doc

  9. Rating: +0

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    Do I need a written agreement to be a teacher on YogiChocolate?

    The User Agreement on YogiChocolate serves as your written agreement. You can see the User Agreement here (or at the bottom of any YogiChocolate page): http://www.yogichocolate.com/user_agreement.php

    When you create a user profile on the site, you are required to check a box that states "I have read and agree to the user agreement and have read and understand the privacy statement."

    Once your first class is uploaded to the site, the teacher portion of the User Agreement goes into effect. If you have an additional agreement you’d like us to sign, please email it to Qs[at]yogichocolate[dot]com.

  10. Rating: +0

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    Who owns the classes I post on YogiChocolate?

    You do! You have the right to post your classes whenever and wherever else you’d like.

  11. Rating: +0

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    How do I see the donations I've received?

    When you sign in to YogiChocolate, you will automatically be taken to the "my home" tab. Click "edit my profile" (next to “my downloads”) and you'll see your total portion of donations received.

    We recommend you keep on file the notification emails you receive when a student downloads your classes.

  12. Rating: +0

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    How do I put up a CD of my class recording?

    Your CD needs to be copied to your computer and converted to MP3 format. If your class is broken up into separate tracks, they must be consolidated into a single MP3 track.

    --To convert to MP3 format: Import your Audio CD using Audacity, Garage Band or iTunes. (Make sure the importing default in iTunes is set to MP3.)

    --To consolidate into one track: download the free sound editor Audacity (or if you’re on a Mac you most likely already have Garage Band). Here’s the link: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download

    Open each mp3 file and copy+paste them into one big file. If you used iTunes to import your CD, all the mp3s of that CD will be stored in a folder under My Document / My Music/ (Artist Name). Export that one big file as an MP3.

  13. Rating: +0

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    How do I become a teacher on YogiChocolate?

    We recommend you email us: friends[at]yogichocolate[dot]com to introduce yourself and provide your qualifications, studios where you teach, and any web links like your own website or a studio site that lists you as a teacher. You may also be referred by another yoga teacher.

    Create a free account on YogiChocolate by clicking "register" at top right, then submit your first class for review. The approval process may take a few days. Upon approval, you’ll receive a congratulations email. At this point you can create your profile with your picture and bio and upload as many classes whenever you want.

    To post your first class on YogiChocolate, sign in.
    --You’ll automatically be redirected to your “my home” page.
    --Click the “post your class” button on the right.
    --A new window will open called “add a class”.
    --Fill out the form and click the “Browse” button.
    --A window will open with a Java player and you'll be prompted again to Browse for your file.
    --Now you can find your mp3 file on your computer that you want to upload.
    --When the file has finished uploading, the progress and Java window will automatically close.
    --Click the “Save” button on the remaining “add a class” window.
    --That window will close leaving you on the original YogiChocolate "my home" page.

  14. Rating: +0

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    What is the difference in sound quality on the Low and High settings?

    While there is a little variation in sound quality, the bigger difference is in file size and battery life.

    Size per 1 minute recording
    low: 3MB (I always use this setting)
    high: 10MB

    Battery life:
    low: 3 hours
    high: 1h 45m

    If the sample rate means anything to you, it's 22.05 kHz on low and 44.10 kHz (CD quality) on high.

  15. Rating: +0

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    How long can I record on the iPod?

    Battery life is extremely shortened when using an audio recorder. It's approximately 1h 45m on the Low quality setting and 3 hours on the High quality setting.

  16. Rating: +0

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    I downloaded the LAME MP3 Encoder for Audacity, but every time I try to open it, it shows that there's no default application and when I try to open it with Audacity, it doesn't work.

    The key is to not open the LAME MP3 Encoder program. It works with Audacity "behind the scenes." Just make sure you followed the download and install instructions:

    http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3

  17. Rating: +0

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    Where can I get more help to use Audacity?

    http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/17-audacity-tutorial.htm
    For a basic overview of how Audacity works to record, edit, and export to mp3. 6 short lessons, 20-30 minutes total

    http://www.msiwebvideo.com/pod/pod.html
    5-minute tutorial on how to combine multiple tracks and move them all around in a certain order. The guy works pretty quickly, so this would be better to view after you've looked at the first tutorial above, or if you already have a basic understanding of Audacity.

  18. Rating: +0

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    How do I get paid?

    A teacher recieves 60% Royalty Payment of the donations received for their classes. You receive the payments monthly via PayPal when your account has accumulated $50 or more on the 1st of each month. If your account doesn't hit the $50 minimum, it's kept in your account and rolled forward until the next 1st of the month.

    See the detailed Royalty Payment guide here:

    http://www.yogichocolate.com/howto/moreinfo/Royalty_Payments.pdf

  19. Rating: +0

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    What video camera do you recommend?

    To record video of classes, I personally set up on a tripod my little Canon Optura 50 (MiniDV - it's not digital, it runs on tapes) that I bought used for $250. Here's an Amazon link:

    http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Optura-MiniDV-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B0007W2H2K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1233265455&sr=1-1

    There's the new Sony Webbie HD camera that came out early 2009. It's tiny, light and only $200. The only catch is that the battery lasts for 85 minutes, then it needs to be plugged in.

    http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MHSCM1-Webbie-HD-Camera/dp/B001P3O3MC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1233265999&sr=1-2

    When shooting video, keep in mind that for best sound quality you'll also need to be hooked up to your iPod audio recorder and then sync the video and audio together afterward in a video editing software program.

  20. Rating: +0

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    How do I edit details about a class I posted?

    Sign in to YogiChocolate. You'll automatically be redirected to your "my home" page showing "my downloads".
    Click the "edit my profile" tab next to "my downloads".
    Click on the title of the class you would like to edit. The "Edit a Class" window will open.
    Write over any of the details you wish to change. Click "Save" button.