Finding a Tutor in Denver

Finding a Tutor in DenverTutors in Denver, Colorado are a very popular choice for students. These people have a wide range of abilities and can offer a great service to those who are in need of help in a school setting. There are a few basic things that you will want to consider when choosing a tutor.One of the things that you will need to consider is whether or not you want a person with a full time or part time job. If you need someone who works an eight to ten hour day, this may not be the best option for you. However, if you are flexible and only need a tutor on occasion, then a part-time tutor may be suitable. Another thing that you will want to consider is whether or not you would prefer someone to teach online. A lot of people choose to hire someone online because they don't have the time to fit a tutor into their schedule.A lot of people will choose to hire a tutor from the Internet. This makes it easier for you to get a fast response. Online tutors tend to specialize in one area of study. For example, a general English tutor will have the ability to go into more detail about how to do specific types of grammar, including those in colloquial American English. However, you should also take into consideration the time frame that your tutor has.When you are trying to find a tutor in Denver, it is important to take the time to check on reviews. Check out the ratings of each individual tutor. These sites usually provide a large amount of information about the people that they have rated. From there, you can narrow down your choices, based on which ones have the best reviews. You should also look at how long the people have been teaching.A common term for a tutor is 'mentor'. The best ones are people that you know are good at what they do. This could mean that you are lucky enough to have some type of training or education. However, these people should be certified or at least have a certificate from a recognized school.Consider whether or not you want to pay for the tuition. It is perfectly fine to choose someone for less money than others, but keep in mind that there will be a small fee associated with their services. Keep in mind that the person's experience will go a long way in determining how much they charge. Some people will charge a set rate, while others will work out a fair fee based on the services that they offer.If you are searching for something more specific, you can look at full price rates. While these may not be the most expensive, they can be reasonable for the quality of the tutoring that they provide. To get a better idea of what you can expect, check out various sites and forums so that you can compare prices.

Finding Your Musical Passion

Finding Your Musical Passion Suzy S. Music has a way of impacting us to our very core no matter if youre listening to it, playing an instrument or singing. Cultivating that passion will help you go far in your music lessons. Read on as Mesa, AZ teacher Karen R. explains My musical passion was ignited as a little child because I was raised in a musical family where I was surrounded by music. My parents, sisters, and I were singers and instrumentalists. Through private music lessons, musical ensemble, and group experiences, I learned to sing and play instruments well. I latched on to music as a child because it gave me joy, hope, inspiration, self-esteem, delight, and enjoyment, especially during difficult circumstances. It became my flotation device in hard times. Through music, I could escape into a world of beauty and joy.   I have seen “The Sound of Music” innumerable times, because it captures the truth of how music powerfully transforms lives by creating joy, encouragement, and healing. Therefore, it is important that we, as musicians and music teachers, not only find our passion for music, but develop and sustain it. The first step for musicians is finding their musical passion. For beginning music students, they can start by researching different instruments and talking with music teachers to find out what instrument/instruments would suit them. They can reflect on what instrument they feel passionate or excited about. Budding musicians can also discover their musical passion by journaling about how listening to and playing music makes them feel. This will get them in touch with the powerful, healing and inspirational impact of music on their souls. Second, we need to envision and reflect on how we want to develop as musicians and what and who we want to become. All musicians including beginning, intermediate, and advanced, and even music teachers need to set short and long term goals and assess daily, weekly and monthly if they are where we want to be as musicians. Also, imagining and seeing ourselves as that musician is powerful. My short-term goals was to get back into musical theater and recently I landed the role of Mrs. Paroo in “Music Man!” My long-term goal is that I want to get a doctorate and do my thesis on the powerful impact of music on people. I envision myself as a musical theater actress and having a doctorate in music! Furthermore, all levels of musicians who want to grow and develop should practice with their instruments regularly, take private lessons, read musical literature, go to concerts and musical theater so they can listen to and observe other musicians and artists. Finally, we need to work on sustaining our musical passions on a daily and ongoing basis so we won’t become bored, disheartened, and discouraged. When I was a music major, there was a time that I felt discouraged and defeated because I felt so criticized. I then wrote self-affirmations on notecards about who I am as a musician, my strengths, and that this is God’s gift to me. I carried these notecards with me and looked at them frequently. Also, what is equally helpful is to write a mission statement about why we are musicians and music teachers. What is our purpose? My purpose is to perform music to lift, encourage, and give joy to people. My purpose as a teacher is to help maximize my students’ musical potentiality so they can create joy. Like this post? Dont miss out on any of our tips, tricks and advice! Sign up for a free email subscription and receive our updates! You   might also like Jumpstarting Your Music Career: 5 Tips Nobody Talks About 7 Tips for Working as a Freelance Musician When is the Right Time to Start Music Lessons? Karen R. teaches guitar, piano, singing, Broadway singing, music theory, Opera voice and songwriting lessons in Mesa, AZ. She received her Bachelors degree in Music Education from  Grand Canyon University, and joined the TakeLessons team in December 2012. Learn more about Karen, or search for a teacher near you!   Photo by fluffisch

How is the SSAT Scored

How is the SSAT Scored The SSAT, or Secondary School Admission Test, is offered at three levels for students in grades 3-11. All three exams Elementary (3-4), Middle (5-7), and Upper (8-11) are held on eight standard Saturdays per year, as well as a number of flex dates. The test measures quantitative, reading, and verbal skills. It also emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving above memorization. Score reports are distributed with an overall and per section scaled mark, norm groups (or percentiles), and a copy of your essay. What is a norm group? The SSAT is highly competitive, with norm groups composed of all individuals (divided by gender and grade) who are completing this exam for the first time in the past three years. This percentile ranking is thus a sign of how well you performed in comparison to others, rather than which percentage of your answers were correct. How is the SSAT a standardized test? Although each edition released on a specific date will be different, results are utilized interchangeably across North America and the world when considering student scores. Therefore, a scaled mark earned by a student in Alaska in January is comparable to a student of the same age receiving the same score in Florida in May. Results are interpreted in a standard method based on the same exam underpinnings. About scores and timing Scores are available roughly two weeks after the testing date, and they can also be accessed on the SSAT website under My Scores. Keep in mind that your raw results are simply those questions you answered correctly, minus a quarter of a point for each wrong response. Thus, if you do not know the answer and cannot make an educated guess, skip it! At nearly three hours in length, the SSAT is substantial. Practice each section in a timed environment to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Here are some great SSAT practice teststhat can help you prepare. You may also want to check out these SSAT flash cardsas well. The exam is partially about knowing yourself as a student and as a test-taker. Keep your timing in mind throughout your study process! A note about preparation for the SSAT The SSAT company does not release retired or previous tests to the public, so while they offer practice problems, and while we may possess a general idea of what material is on the test, no aid can perfectly predict what your score will be. It is also impossible to determine percentile rankings based on your raw results alone as they change according to the cohort with which you test. Aim to do your best, rather than focusing on the perfect score. This is a highly competitive test that is only one part of the application process. Here are some great tips on how to improve SSAT scores that may help you succeed.

The Best History Revision Resources Online Apps and Podcasts

The Best History Revision Resources Online Apps and Podcasts Find a Different Way to Study with the Best History Revision Apps and Podcasts. ChaptersGet Revising for History with the Gojimo App.Study History Better with Quizlet’s Revision App.Learn Everything You Need to Know with the GCSE History App.Improve Your Study Strategies with Get Revising.Listen and Learn with the GCSE History Revision Podcast.Perfect Your Knowledge with Mr Allsop’s History Podcast.Nail that History Exam with BBC Bitesize Online.Learn to Love History with the History Resource Cupboard.Make Use of Youtube to Ace Your History Exams.Gain the Grades you Want with Tes’s History Podcasts.Conclusion.Whilst history can be an endless source of wonder and inspiration, studying for any examination isn’t exactly fun. It can feel like those weeks before your exams just move from classroom to textbook to essay to lecture to homework. And this can be too much for even the most confident and conscientious candidate.So, regardless of whether you are studying history for A Levels or GCSEs, iGCSEs or the Baccalaureate, we’re here to help with preparing f or your exams and with achieving the grades you need. However, we’re also here to show you how to do that in the most engaging way, without you having to sit down and learn by heart your timelines, texts, or handout. There are better ways to study.In this article, then we’ll guide you through the best apps and podcasts designed to teach you history so that you can revise just by listening, or by creating your own digital flashcards. So, if you need to nail modern history or the early modern world, the Second World War, empire, or revolution, these online history resources will give you everything you need.  Make history come alive with the best revision apps! MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5 .00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGet Revising for History with the Gojimo App.The Gojimo app is run by The Telegraph and it now claims that a third of all GCSE and A Level students use it â€" which, honestly, is quite an impressive number. It now covers twenty-eight GCSE subjects and twenty A Level â€" from psychology to sociology, politics, English Literature and maths â€" and its content is catered to the specifications of each exam board. So, whether you are being taught OCR, Edexcel, or AQA, Gojimo will help.The app works with you choosing your course and downloading the relevant quizzes. These quizzes test you on your knowledge of the syllabus and give you an explanation following every answer. It allows you to track your strengths and weaknesses and let’s you check off each topic once you have gained the right knowledge.Once you are in the exam period, it provides info on revision strategies and managing stress â€" and even provides you with tips on how to apply to universities and higher education, and how to impress a potential employer.Study History Better with Quizlet’s Revision App.Quizlet is a popular revision app for students of all subjects, whether geography, chemistry, or mathematics. It’s so popular, in fact, that thirty million students across the world use the app monthly as part of the exam preparation.The app gives you access to millions of flashcards created by other students â€" and you can make them yourself. These give you the opportunity to test yourself whilst on the move and to consolidate your history knowledge from wherever you have your phone. Teachers are increasingly using Quizlet in the classroom too.For history students, you will find flashcards with key terms, personalities, and concepts â€" from the growth of nationalism, the Holocaust, and the role of medicine throughout history.The right revision tools can be as engaging as history museum.Learn Everything You Need to Know with the GCSE History App.Specifically designed for those studying GCSE History, the company Revision Buddies has built an app called â€" you guessed it! â€" GCSE History. Again guided by exam board specification, it covers popular GCSE topics from the contexts and consequences of World War II to the Cold War.Whilst the app itself is free, you will need to pay for the course content, which is set out in order of micro-modules, upon which you will be tested. The app includes past papers, mark schemes, and detailed explanations of each important event.For its user-friendly navigation and its engaging, interactive content, the GCSE History App is worth your time.Improve Your Study Strategies with Get Revising.The Student Room, the famous forum for students worrying about applying to university or learning the best exam technique, has launched an app â€" and it’s called Get Revising.This app is less about teaching you things and more about giving you the structure, organisation, and timetable to get what you need out of your revision. It gives you reminders of when â€" and which subjects â€" you should be studying, and allows you to set notifications of homework and coursework deadlines to manage your time effectively.If you are the sort of student who needs a bit of discipline and structure to your study life, then Get Revising may well be the perfect app for you.Listen and Learn with the GCSE History Revision Podcast.Whilst apps are a little more interactive, podcasts are a wonderful way to learn at your leisure, to free up your hands to take notes, and to add a bit of diversity into the way you revise.The GCSE History Revision Podcast is a particularly good way to build on your GCSE learning â€" as it compiles information essential to your course into entertaining, engaging, and huge ly interesting little audio files. If you are looking into the revolutionary movements of sixteenth-century Britain or the imperialism of the United States in the twentieth century, this podcast will make learning actually enjoyable â€" and you can revise while sitting on the bus, walking down the street, or even with your eyes closed.Note, however, that this is only for GCSE students! MarkHistory Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JohnHistory Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarjotteHistory Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErinHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChantelleHistory Teacher 5.00 (2) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndriyHistory Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeterHistory Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SerenaHistory Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPerfect Your Knowledge with Mr Allsop’s History Podcast.An incredibly famous history revision podcast is that run by Scott Allsop â€" a Cambridge graduate and history teacher. Its fame comes from the fact that it is hugely comprehensive, with episodes covering everything in the history curriculum â€" at GCSE and sixth form.Mr Allsop’s podcasts are available on iTunes and on his own website and they range from modern global history to the ancient world. They are all organised by syllabus and are catered to the content of the exams. As any experienced history student will tell you, you won’t go wrong with Mr Allsop’s podcasts!Nail that History Exam with BBC Bitesize Online.The wildly popular revision site, Bitesize, is run by the BBC and is something of an authority on revision of all secondary school topics. Whilst it’s known primarily for its articles, quizzes, and easily digestible information, Bitesize now has plenty more to offer â€" with their considerable selection of downloadable audio revisio n guides. Available for both A Level and GCSE, Bitesize’s free revision resources are a gift for any student who is struggling or who may just want a recap. It’s a fantastic site, and its content covers everything in the humanities, sciences, and literally every other subject you could think of.Learn to Love History with the History Resource Cupboard.The History Resource Cupboard is something of a gem for history learning. Set up by teachers for teachers, tutors, and students, it offers one of the most humongous arrays of secondary education resources in the history world.The website offers paid membership alongside free resources with a focus on GCSEs, giving teachers homework resources, teaching materials, and lesson plans. However, as you know, we are talking here about podcasts. The History Resource Cupboard has only a handful of podcasts available for download â€" on Versailles, the League of Nations, America in the Roaring Twenties, and on the causes of World War II. Altho ugh they are few in number, they are rich in quality â€" and they come with a variety a suggested ways that they may best be used.Make Use of Youtube to Ace Your History Exams.Youtube isn’t all videos of cats being scared by cucumbers or clips of the worst X Factor performances. These days, it’s rather loaded with great educational content by helpful members of the public who want to make your studies as smooth as they possibly can be.Just a quick search of ‘history revision’ brings up an overwhelming variety of options on every GCSE, A Level, or Key Stage 3 topic under the sun. Some great channels to follow are Revise GCSE History or the by now familiar Mr Allsop History. But really, just enter the name of your course and the exam board and you’ll find hundreds of videos designed to make it all easy.Your computer can unlock a world of possibilities for your history revision.Gain the Grades you Want with Tes’s History Podcasts.The last on our list is Tes’s history podc asts. You might remember Tes if you have seen our article on the internet’s best websites for history revision. But, for those who don’t know, it’s a site for teachers to post resources, discuss teaching practices, and share ideas.Whilst that may not sound exactly like something a student might want, this sort of behind the scenes peek at teaching is actually very helpful. There is a series of podcasts on every module in the GCSE syllabus, and you’ll find exactly the same for A Levels too.Conclusion.So, without overwhelming you too much with options, there you are! Check out our pieces on the best history books for revision and the most helpful history revision websites  in our series on history revision resources whilst you are here!

Learning To Write a Cover Letter In English

Learning To Write a Cover Letter In English How To Write A Cover Letter In English? ChaptersWhy Write A Covering Letter?Make A Definite Plan For Your Cover LetterTips For Writing Your Covering LetterYour English Level And Writing Your Cover LetterFormatting For Your Covering LetterWhen you are applying for a new opportunity, your CV will be the most requested thing that they will use to determine if you are suitable for the job. While you can just send your CV off to the employer without any other communication, it is advisable in all cases except where explicitly asked not to. To submit your CV and write a motivation letter in English which helps you to present your CV in the right light to any employer.When you have gained your experience in a foreign country, it may not seem obvious, but when you apply for jobs or opportunities in English speaking countries, you will have to translate your application into English for it to be considered at all.Internships abroad, secondments abroad, seasonal jobs, student employment, job applications and other kinds of applicati ons. Knowing how to write a compelling cover letter that is fitting and representative of your experience. Is the key to opening yourself up to new and desirable opportunities that can build your knowledge and give you the chance to speak English.a great covering letter is not easy but it is essential. Photo Source: UnsplashBut replying to an advert and highlighting your strengths and experience isn't always easy, even for English native speakers let alone ESOL Students. Writing a response to encourage someone to give you a chance in an application involves planning the letter, organising your experience, making it interesting to read and showing yourself in your best light.Whether you are writing your resume or your cover letter. You will be required to write these things using excellent English incorporating great spelling and grammar. Here are some tips to help you to get that job interview that you are dreaming of. JulianESOL (English) Teacher 4.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Dis cover all our tutors EugeneESOL (English) Teacher 4.90 (58) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HelenESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (20) £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SuzanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (2) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (8) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelESOL (English) Teacher 4.83 (41) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (43) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Write A Covering Letter?The greeting, the layout, the first sentence, showing your experience and demonstrating your personality are all essential parts of the covering letter. If you want the best chance at being noticed amongst lots of other hopeful applicants, then you cover letter must be convincing.Many international industries such as tourism and commerce will expec t their staff to speak English, especially in tourist zones. Not to mention companies who are actually based in English speaking countries. Speaking English is a strong skill to have on your CV and can bring you to the front of the list for employment if you know how to communicate in English.Speaking in English can be for many experienced professionals the skill that sets them apart from the other applicants especially in companies which require English speakers but are no based in an English speaking country.The only way to highlight your fluency in English is to write a convincing covering letter. Your cover letter then is the opportunity for you to show all of your linguistic talents and your other skills. It is a potent part of your application.The letter must be written in a clear and precise way which highlights your skills and know how. It should also make it clear why any employer should give you a position. You English lever should be clearly reflected in your writing so t hat the employer can determine your level.Make A Definite Plan For Your Cover LetterIt is possible to write your cover letter without a plan, but this style is best for people who are strong writers already. Also, people who have experience successfully writing letters to employers and have no issue presenting themselves positively and concisely in writing.For the rest of us, however, we should put a plan into place which helps to put order into your ideas and ensures that you do not repeat or forget any important details. Thus to start your covering letter, it is essential to establish a writing plan. Cover letters are typically divided into three or four paragraphs or take up one A4 page.The opportunity for you to show all of your linguistic talents. Photo Source: Unsplash1. Paragraph one â€" Here you will introduce your interest in the company and a brief introduction of who you are and your education. 2. Paragraph two â€" Explain what attracts you to the position for which you a re applying and which skills you have which makes you a viable candidate. 3. Paragraph three â€" Describe your experience in detail and how you as a candidate could make a success of the role. Tip: Using the job description as a guide can help you highlight the most relevant skills and experience. 4. Paragraph four â€" This is the closing paragraph where you can secure your final thoughts, thank the recruiter for their time and invite them to ask you further questions to clarify any questions that they may have. JulianESOL (English) Teacher 4.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EugeneESOL (English) Teacher 4.90 (58) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HelenESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (20) £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SuzanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (2) £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (8) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelESOL (English) Teacher 4.83 (41) £15/h1st l esson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneESOL (English) Teacher 5.00 (43) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTips For Writing Your Covering LetterIt is imperative to know what it is that you want to say in the covering letter and even more so is vital to make sure that you make it easy for the recruiter to understand what it is that you want to say. Once you have the plan ready and have an idea of what your targets are you can start to write and fill in the blanks. Creating more opportunities for yourself in line with the positions that you are applying for.An excellent tip for the writing part of the process is to write down key terms from the job description that match your experience and insert them into your text while you are creating your cover letter. Once you have written the letter, it is essential to make sure that you edit the content to be as precise and powerful as possible.Al so, you should match the tone when you write your cover letter to the style of the company that you will be working for. If the company is formal like a bank, then your covering letter should be formal, but if you are applying for a casual company like a cool tech startup where people dress casually and are more relaxed, then your cover letter should match that tone.There is no correct style of writing, but your covering letter should represent you and your experience entirely.Your English Level And Writing Your Cover LetterAlthough it is important to make sure that you have no mistakes and are well understood in your cover letter it is also important to make sure that the cover letter is representative of you and who you are. Essentially if you don't have the best English, your letter shouldn't indicate that your English is perfect because when you are interviewed, they will find out any issues that you are trying to hide.So finding the balance of who you are and what passes for a great covering letter is not easy but it is essential for you to do to ensure that you are authentic in your application. Remember that in most cases the covering letter is the first part of the application and that you will have a face to face interview with the recruiter. In the interview, you will be expected to be the same person that was presented in the covering letter and CV.But if you find that in English while speaking you make lots of mistakes. It doesn't mean that you should translate those mistakes into your covering letter, but you should not use words that you would not usually use, and you should, of course, try to correct any spelling mistake and grammar while being authentic to your actual level of English.A tip for doing this is especially if your English is not the best is to highlight your English level on your CV and mention that you are in the progress of learning and improving. Employers often like when people are engaged in personal development, and this can really help you if you don't have the best English but plan to study to improve over time.While writing a cover letter can be daunting it’s not the same as writing an essay. Letters are short and you have to remember that the reason for writing it does not end with the writing, but you have to send it off in the hope that it can persuade an employer to interview you and hire you.Formatting For Your Covering LetterThe format for your covering letter is necessary because it is the formatting and visual presentation of the letter that will get the attention of the employer/recruiter.LetterheadAdd some basic personal information here such as your address and contact information.DateDate the letter with the long form date as date formats are not the same worldwide. i.e. use 7th September 2019 not 07/09/19FontsUse a basic clear font when editing your letter, fonts like ‘Arial' are professional and easy to read.Write your cover letter without a plan. Photo Source: UnsplashOther TipsAdd ress the recruiter by name if you know it or by a formal title such as To whom it may concern if you have no direct point of contact.The job Reference should be quoted if they are shown on the job description to help the recruiter know which job you are applying for.Show your interest in the position at the start of the letter with sentences such as I am writing to apply for the position of.Explain why you want to join the company and why you would be good for the company. Sentences such as I know your products very well and I would love to talk to you about how I can help you increase your international presence can be powerful.Explain your ‘relevant' experience and skills, for example, a sentence like my skills are an ideal match for this position.End with letting the recruiter know that you are motivated and available for an interview. With sentences like I would appreciate the opportunity to meet you to talk to you in person. A formal closing such as Sincerely or best regards. Editing your covering letter for grammar and spelling is very important at this point. You should also proofread the letter for mistakes, sentences that are too long or anything that is hard to understand.Remove industry terminology from the covering letter, This is ok in the CV, but the cover letter may be read by an assistant or recruiter that isn't specialised in your industry. If they don't understand what you are saying, then they may not pass your application forward.I hope that this will help you in your approach to writing a professional letter in English and I wish you luck with your application.Learn how to write a dissertation in English.

Getting Started Playing the Guitar if Youre Left-Handed

Getting Started Playing the Guitar if Youre Left-Handed How to Learn to Play the Guitar Left-Handed ChaptersHave a Good Look at Your Guitar!Being Left-Handed Isn't a Handicap on the GuitarThe Left-Handed GuitarAre There Guitars for Lefties?Is There Another Solution for Playing the Guitar as a Lefty?As you've likely noticed, we live in a world dominated by right-handed people and music is no exceptionâ€"most musicians are righties as well.So, how do you get along if you're left-handed? Can you learn how to play the guitar?What are the methods, the techniques, things to know?Are there left-handed artists and musicians who've succeeded in learning how to play the guitar?It's not fair but that's how it is, and you should be aware.But don't worry... Kurt Cobain, Paul McCartney, and Jimi Hendrix were all lefties. Despite that fact, they didn't have any problems during their first guitar lessons.There are lots of left-handed guitar virtuosos!Bear in mind that the principal methods are for righties, which includes tablatures, songbooks, and chord grids.Being a lefty is not a handicap for l earning to play the guitar, rather it's an opportunity to play differently and will never prevent you from advancing: it's all a question of motivation and choice. It won't stop you from learning how to play the guitar more quickly or from taking guitar lessons online.While righties don't have to ask themselves this question, a lefty must consider which type of guitar to play.Should this be a guitar designed for lefties, a guitar for righties, or even a reverse guitar?The decision will influence all of your training to come.

Singing Lessons for Kids 10 Ways to Support Your Child

Singing Lessons for Kids 10 Ways to Support Your Child Suzy S. If your son or daughter loves to sing, a private teacher can teach him or her how to sing correctly and stay excited about learning! Here, St. Augustine, FL teacher  Heather L.  shares 10 ways you can support your child throughout the journey Kids are simply made to sing. In most of the lessons that I teach, no matter the students age, I inevitably find myself teaching her how to be a kid in some way. Shaking out tense muscles, dancing to the beat, making animal sounds, keeping it simple, opening your heart these are things that kids do naturally all the time. That, in turn, makes it easier for most children to learn how to sing correctly and well. Be that as it may, it can seem difficult at times to find ways to support your young singer effectively. Heres a list of 10 ways to support your child. 1. Say positive and encouraging. Humans, especially children, will desire to live up to the qualities that are expected, or even  simply named to them. Telling your child that youre proud of him simply for choosing to take  voice lessons or calling that song that hes been working on beautiful can make his entire  week. On the other hand, one harsh, overly critical word could make him want to quit  altogether. 2. Encourage healthy speaking habits. What we call the voice is really a group of different muscles and tissues working together to create sound. They may be fairly resilient in adults, but in children they can be easily damaged, sometimes temporarily and sometimes permanently. Encourage your child to learn and practice healthy speaking habits: • No whispering • No screaming • No vocal fry (a phonation that sounds like popcorn popping) • No straining or belting (unless being trained by a specialist) Listen for swelling of the vocal folds uneven vocal tone, breathiness, roughness and ask your  child to go into low voice mode for a few days, where their voice is warm, but low in volume.  She could pretend to be talking to a secret fairy or a bug right in front of her nose. 3. Provide a healthy diet. Healthy diet means something different to everyone. One thats supportive of singing  (and staying well-behaved in a voice lesson or choir practice) includes lots of non-dairy  fluids for hydration, raw vegetable and fruits to combat inflammation in the vocal folds and  surrounding tissues (especially apples and dark, leafy greens), and fish for focus and  concentration. Now, as a parent, I understand how impossible this diet can be at times. But  whats great about highly nutritive food is that even a little bit can make a difference. 4. Help with home practice. Sit down with your child, look at her schedule, and plan out practice sessions. They dont have  be very long (15 minutes a day is fine) but they should be daily. Set a timer,  encourage gentle warm-ups, like humming or lip bubbles, and let your child sing his assigned  songs in as much privacy as youre willing to give. Feeling self-conscious affects a singers voice  more than anything, so try to give some space. That is, unless your child invites an audience! 5. Experience live music together. So much of the music that our children experience these days is from a phone or tablet. Give your child the special gift of experiencing live music with you. This gives you the chance to talk about it together: What did you like? What didnt you like? Was the music fast or slow? Loud or soft?  Getting your kid thinking critically about music, even if youre not a musician yourself, is so  important in keeping music interesting and fun. 6. Load fun music games onto your devices. Look for apps like NoteWorks or Junos Piano. Theyre fun, educational, and easy to learn.  Your little one will know her musical alphabet by heart in no time. 7. Get a keyboard. Even keyboards that arent the full 88 keys are beneficial for singers, especially young ones.  The voice is a musical instrument that essentially is the human body itself, so being able to  go to an outside instrument for reference and support can be really helpful. 8. Play animals. Getting kids to understand vocal language like space  or registers can be tricky. Pretending to be specific animals, like an owl to demonstrate  an open, floating, and well-supported sound, can be a lot of fun and supports what your childs  teacher is teacher. Consult your childs teacher for more exercises. 9. Eliminate secondhand smoke. If you or someone in your household smokes, then consider smoking only outside or in the  garage. Secondhand smoke is harmful in many ways, most notably to the voice. 10. Be there. Be the parent who attends the big recitals and concerts. Knowing your mom and dad are in  an audience means the world to a kid. You, as a parent, could be the single most important part of your childs vocal education. The trust and confidence that your child places in you every day is so precious. Use it wisely to motivate, nurture, and guide your young singer, and shell learn much more than just how to carry a tune. Heather L. teaches singing, piano, acting, and more in St. Augustine, FL, as well as through online lessons. She is  a graduate of the prestigious Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, and has performed with the New York and Royal Philharmonics, the New Jersey and Virginia Symphonies, the American Boy Choir, and the internationally renowned opera star Andrea Bocelli.  Learn more about Heather here! 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  Nick J Webb

Ask 4 Questions Before Hiring a GMAT Tutor

Ask 4 Questions Before Hiring a GMAT Tutor GMAT MBA Admissions Blog Your GMAT score is obviously a critical component of your business school application (although, I’d argue, perhaps not as important as many people make it out to be), and most folks need to invest a significant amount of time in preparing for it. Certain GMAT preparation approaches can work better for some people relative to others. The four basic options with GMAT prep are: Self-study Online prep In class GMAT prep course Using a GMAT tutor There are some basic guidelines to consider when choosing across these four options. For example, self-study or online prep generally works best when you have a significant amount of time to prepare, are generally very structured and good at managing your time, and tend to be a good problem solver who enjoys figuring things out. A prep course tends to be a great basic way to get the fundamentals, and works well for anyone that feels they just need a baseline of knowledge from which to build. GMAT tutors are a great option for folks that are either a) top performers striving for a 700+ score or b) struggling, and in need of customized guidance to help explain concepts in a way that they will understand. A private GMAT tutor, at the right price, is an attractive option due to the customized, personalized approach. That said, we realize it’s not for everybody (far from it). In any case, this post is for individuals considering private tutoring, and will offer up four key questions to ask during the process of choosing a GMAT tutor. After all, if you’re going to invest in private GMAT tutoring, you want to identify the best tutor for you. Some Context There is a pretty wide variety of factors to consider when evaluating potential GMAT tutors or tutoring companies, such as the tutor’s own GMAT score (have they proven they can ace the test), tutor’s GMAT tutoring or teaching experience (have they proven they can teach strategies for success to others), GMAT training received, materials used, confidence which each section of the test, price, location, teaching style, “fit” with student, availability, whether they tutor actually went to business school (and which one) and many more. All of these factors matter, but it’s probably intuitive that some matter more than others. It might be difficult to determine which factors really matter, and which should be considered “nice to haves.” The four ideas below are an attempt to capture all the relevant considerations when choosing a GMAT tutor â€" they are a way to synthesize a long list of factors into some key guidelines. Four Key Questions #1 Expertise: Does the tutor have a well-rounded mix of experience and personal success with the GMAT? Say your goal is getting into an average business school and you thus need to score a 600 or higher. A great tutor for you might not be a great tutor for someone committed to breaking 730 and going to Harvard Business School. The second person probably needs advanced guidance on the most demanding questions, while you may not. But, the following three rules will hold true for any student studying for the GMAT, regardless of skill level or target score: Someone with a perfect 800 GMAT score but no tutoring experience is probably not going to be a great tutor. Someone with a 620 GMAT score but lots of tutoring experience is probably not a great option either â€" they don’t appear to have a great mastery of the material themselves. Some amount of professional training in GMAT prep is clearly desirable, all else equal. When it comes to“expertise” tutoring for the GMAT, the best tutors display an attractive mix of the above characteristics. At MyGuru, we often get questions such as “did the tutor score in the 99th percentile.” Or, “how many years of professional training has the tutor had.” These are fine questions, but a holistic view of the tutor’s expertise is what’s really important. The answer to the above two questions is “No” and “0” for several of our best GMAT tutors. But, if the tutor scored in the 93rd percentile, and has been tutoring privately for 6 years, they could be a fantastic fit for you (as is the case with several of our tutors). #2 Approach: Does the tutor focus on core concepts and use official practice tests? In our view, there just aren’t huge differences between all of the GMAT prep materials available online or in a book store. Some are certainly better than others. Most cover in reasonable detail each section of the GMAT and the core concepts tested. It is these core concepts which you need to master and be able to apply on test day. When discussing materials to use, your tutor should be comfortable working with whatever GMAT prep materials you already have, although they might have their own personal preferences and we always recommend starting with the Official Guide to the GMAT. They should certainly suggest that taking official timed practice tests is an important part of the process. Official tests under timed conditions are key â€" that’s the only true way to test progress. A tutor that relies too heavily on a particular set of materials or methodology may not fundamentally be comfortable enough with the core concepts tested on the GMAT to answer questions or explain things in different ways that may make more sense to you. #3 Style: Do you want an GMAT genius or a trusted guide and mentor? We, in general, see two types of tutors from a style perspective. The first is simply a GMAT genius. She can clearly and crisply articulate the key to the most complex GMAT questions. The Mentor/Guide, on the other hand, focuses more on helping you develop a study plan, provides motivation, time management through the preparation process, and helps you structure your journey towards business school. Often times, the first type of tutor completely aced the GMAT, but never went to business school. The second type of tutor may have scored pretty well on the GMAT, but didn’t ace it. However, they ultimately went to a top 10 business school and can put the test in perspective for you and help calm your nerves. Of course, most tutors display characteristics of both generic tutor categories. But, you should ask yourself, what type of tutor, if I had to choose, would I prefer? After speaking with a potential tutor or reading an introductory email from one, you can often get a sense for whi ch category they fall into. #4 Logistics: Will this tutor be easy to work with? Studying for the GMAT and applying to business school is stressful enough, especially if you’re currently working full time. You don’t want to choose a tutor with the potential to increase this stress by responding to emails slowly, being difficult to schedule with, or being located far away requiring you to sit in traffic on the way to a session. So, while certainly the expertise, approach, and style of the tutor are probably more important than logistical concerns, don’t ignore logistics. If you work full time, and you find the perfect tutor, but he or she is located a 45 minute drive from you, think about whether that’s really going to be practical. Choosing an online tutor can often alleviate many logistical concerns. If you have the right mindset and the tutor is using the right technology (video camera, electronic tablet/pen, etc.), an online tutor can actually be extremely convenient. But, it’s certainly different than in-person tutoring, and if you aren’t comfortable with it, stick with in-person tutoring. Again, if you choose an online tutor but really aren’t comfortable with it, that will be stressful. By asking these four questions of any potential tutor or GMAT tutoring company, you’ll be well on your way to choosing an effective partner to aid you on your journey towards a top business school. Visit the GMAT Tutoring pageto learn more about achieving your best score on this tough exam!