Benefits of Using VOA - Learn English Through VOA

Benefits of Using VOA - Learn English Through VOAThe goal of VOA or Voice Over Internet Protocol or networking is to allow business people and marketers to communicate over the internet using a common protocol and thus learn English while doing so. As a result, it does not require individuals to invest huge amounts of money to be able to communicate with those who are in different countries with different dialects and vocabularies.VOA is an internet protocol that enables people to communicate with those who are far away. This protocol has come about because of the internet of today that allows people to communicate and connect to each other even if they do not speak the same language.Some businesses and individuals are running VoA as a means of marketing their business to those who are not fluent in English. At the same time, it can also help you to learn more about English language better so that you can better communicate with those who have very little or no knowledge of English.H owever, learning English does not require a huge amount of money or any additional investment on your part. When you can communicate at a greater level through VOA, you will also be able to understand the people who are in your life in a better way.So, what are the benefits of using VOA? They include the fact that you will be able to communicate in a much faster manner, you will be able to speak much better English, as well as you will also have a greater opportunity to learn English.To become familiar with the vocabulary of VOA, you should read some books and online articles. This will help you to learn English without spending too much time. Aside from that, you will also be able to know which words are most commonly used by native English speakers.Also, you can listen to some audio material that will help you learn English. These materials are available in the form of VOACOB in the market. These audio materials are usually written by native English speakers so that you can unders tand.

Healthy Diets

Healthy Diets Diets for Losing Weight ChaptersLose Weight with the DASH DietLose Weight with the Mediterranean DietShed a Few Pounds with the Flexitarian DietLosing Weight with the Okinawa DietLosing Weight with Weight WatchersIntermittent Fasting for Weight LossKeeping the Weight Off with the Low-GI DietThe Light Dinner Diet“Healthy does NOT mean starving yourself EVER. Healthy means eating the right food in the right amount”. - Karen SalmansohnDon’t get caught up in fad diets that promise spectacular results. They can lead to deficiencies and cardiovascular problems and can be dangerous to your health. However, most of us will try a good number of them throughout our lives.If you want to lose weight, you just need to make a few changes and you’ll start to see a change. Drastic diets can be a source of frustration and can also lead you to give up on them altogether.The diets in this article are more likely to lead to sustained weight loss and fewer risks to your health. And a decreased chance of yoyoing. Rebecca Nutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FernNutrition Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JehanNutrition Teacher £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FazNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AsherNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DelNutrition Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YusefNutrition Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLose Weight with the DASH DietHave you heard of the DASH diet?It was created by the National Institute of Health in the US. DASH stands for Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertension. By losing weight and reducing blood pressure, you reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease.   The DASH diet has nothing to do with running but a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain a healthy weight. (Source: sasint)It’s an eating plan rather than a diet. Everyone in the family can do it, which can help whoever’s trying to lose weight.There are very few saturated fats and sugars, which are bad for your heart. It’s designed to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol. You can lose around 4 to 6 pounds a month if you also exercise.So what do you eat? Whole grains with every meal.Five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.Two or three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy products per day.Six or fewer servings of meat, poultry, or fish per day.Two to three servings of fats and oils per day.Four or five servings of nuts, seeds, dry beans, and peas per week.A maximum of two servings of natural sugars per day.Find out more about eating healthily.Lose Weight with the Mediterranean DietThe Mediterranean diet is one of the best in the world. While quite high in fats, Medi terranean populations have some of the best cardiovascular health in the world.Why?Thanks to olive oil, vegetables, nuts, fish fats, seafood, and very few processed products. Olive oil is a core ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. (Source: stevepb)How can you adopt a Mediterranean diet?Here are the rules to follow:A lot of cooked or raw fruits and vegetables as the foundation for every meal.Olive oil, dried fruits, herbs, and spices.Whole grains and dried vegetables with every meal.Lots of water.Fish and seafood at least twice a week. Eggs are also regularly consumed.White meat a bit less. Red meat is quite uncommon in the Mediterranean diet.Small amounts of dairy products other than a few goat’s or sheep’s milk yoghurts.A moderate amount of red wine.Very few sweets and processed foods.Discover the best meals for losing weight.Shed a Few Pounds with the Flexitarian DietThe flexitarian diet was born in the 1990s in the US and is both good for you and the planet. The goal is to eat less meat and fish without becoming vegetarian or vegan.While no particular foods are forbidden, there are certain foods that you should eat less of. This isn’t a regime for losing weight but it can lead to it.So what do you eat?White meat once or twice a week.Fish once or twice a week.A lot of cooked or raw fruits and vegetables as the foundation for every meal.Vegetable proteins: soy, dried fruits, pulses, wholegrain cereals.Organic and natural products: buy local and avoid processed foods. RebeccaNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FernNutrition Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JehanNutrition Teacher £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FazNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AsherNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DelNutrition Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YusefNutrition Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLosing Weight with the Okinawa DietThe Okinawa Diet is from Japan, the country with the highest number of peop le reaching the age of 100. The lifestyle and diets of the inhabitants have led to them leading longer lives. To avoid weight gain or lose weight, the Okinawa Diet is rich in Omega 3 and micro-nutrients.The Okinawa Diet at a glance:A lot of fruits, vegetables, and fish.Don’t keep eating until you’re full and only eat small portions.Opt for a variety of colours on your plate.Eat slightly cooked foods and don’t use microwaves or barbecues.Cook and consume foods separately.Here’s an example of a semi-vegetarian daily diet:7 to 13 servings of vegetables.7 to 13 servings of whole grains.2 to 4 fruits.2 to 4 servings of soy or cabbage.2 to 4 servings of high-calcium foods (broccoli, fish, yoghurt, cheese).1 to 3 servings of foods rich in Omega-3 (fish, seafood, nuts, grains).1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and condiments (herbs, spices, soy sauce).Tea.8 glasses of water.Discover some great ingredients for weight loss.Losing Weight with Weight WatchersIf you’re looking for an effective diet and a community to support you while you lose weight, Weight Watchers is what you’re after. The programme is based on eating a healthy and varied diet with weekly meetings to keep you motivated. Weight Watchers is a diet that also comes with support from others. (Source: silviarita)It works on a system of points according to your age, gender, size, weight, and activity levels. You can lose around 15% of your weight after just two months by following these principles:Eat a varied diet.Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day.Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.Eat three dairy products per day.Reduce the amount of fat consumed.Exercise regularly.Intermittent Fasting for Weight LossIntermittent fasting is an excellent way to effectively lose weight in the long-term. This is done by only eating for a given 8 hours during the day and fasting for the remaining 16 hours.For example, you can only eat between 12:00 and 20:00 and you don’t eat the rest of the time. While we say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, in this case, you can’t have it.During the fasts, you can drink water, tea, or coffee, without sugar, of course. This will encourage your bod y to burn fat and you’ll lose weight. Similarly, intermittent fasting can reduce cholesterol.The advantage of this is that you’ll lose weight progressively, which will help you keep the weight off.Learn how to lose weight healthily.Keeping the Weight Off with the Low-GI DietMany studies have shown that sugar is as addictive as several banned substances. Much like these banned substances, sugar can be really bad for your health. The Low-GI Diet consists of consuming slow-sugars. You'll want to swap out certain sugars for other ingredients. (Source: fancycrave1)Quick sugars will raise your glycemic index and the secretion of insulin, leading to fat being stored.So what can’t you eat?White bread.Soft drinks and fruit juices.Sugary desserts.Potatoes.Pasta (except for whole-grain pasta).Rice cakes.Instead, you can have brown bread, pulses, brown rice, whole grain pasta, fruits, and vegetables. You’ll soon start feeling it and losing weight. You’ll also feel less bloated and have more energy.The Light Dinner DietLet’s finish with the easiest diet to follow. Most of us eat a balanced diet throughout the day and have dinner later on. Dinner is usually the meal where we gain the most weight. This is because we don’t do anything after dinner.  If you’re hungry before bed, eat an apple or drink herbal tea.For dinner:A vegetable-based starter.A light protein-based dish cooked on the grill or in the oven.An apple for dessert.So which healthy diet will you be trying?If you'd like to learn more about healthy eating, nutrition, and cooking, consider getting help from one of the many talented and experienced private tutors on Superprof. There are several different types of tutorials available but they all fall into one of three main categories: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face tutorials take place between just the tutor and one student. This means that all the tutor's attention is on you. While this is great for ensuring that you learn quickly, it also comes at a cost. Outside of your tutorials, the tutor will be preparing and planning your lessons and will factor this extra time into their hourly rates. Face-to-face tutorials are usually the most costly type of tutorial but they're also usually the most effective.Online tutorials are similar to face-to-face tutorials as they have the same tutor-student ratio. However, your tutor won't be in the same place as you. Instead, they'll teach you remotel y using a computer, webcam, and video conferencing software like Skype. Since the tutor doesn't have to travel to their students and can schedule more tutorials each week, they tend to charge less than their face-to-face counterparts.Finally, group tutorials are between one tutor and several students. With each student paying for the tutor's time, these tend to work out as the cheapest per student per hour. Unfortunately, the tutor won't be able to tailor the tutorials or the course to each student.

Going to Porto

Going to Porto What You Need to Know Before Travelling to Porto ChaptersWhat Are the Different Neighbourhoods in Porto?How Much Does it Cost to Visit Porto?Where Should You Stay in Porto?When Should You Visit Porto?“Everything you need to know you have learned through your journey.” - Paulo CoelhoWhile Spain and Portugal share the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal covers a much smaller part of it than its larger neighbour. However, as any travel guide will tell you, there are plenty of things to see and do in Portugal and Porto, in particular.Porto is Portugal’s second city and an increasingly popular destination for spending a weekend or longer. From the historic centre with its typical architecture to cruises on the River Douro, the fine examples of Azulejo, or the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Porto has a few tricks up its sleeves.Porto was voted the best tourist destination in Europe for the third time in 2017.Not bad, is it?There are plenty of reasons to visit northern Portugal, the Douro Valley, or the paved streets of the old port city.Port o is a large city with a lot to offer.So how can you get the most out of Porto? So what should you know about Porto before you visit it? Is the tram expensive?All these answers and many more can be found in this article. IrineuPortuguese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GabrielaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouisePortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £27/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RodrigoPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BlancaPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarolinaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (6) £11/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Are the Different Neighbourhoods in Porto?Like most cities, Porto is divided into neighbourhoods and areas, each with a different vibe, famous monuments , and hospitality. When you visit this beautiful, romantic, and welcoming city, you might feel a bit lost with so much on offer. Certain neighbourhoods are better than others if you fancy a night on the tiles. (Source: olafpictures)Don’t panic, we’re here to help.You can divide Porto into two main sections: the city centre and the suburbs.Porto City CentreOf all the different neighbourhoods in Porto, the historic city centre, or old town, is home to plenty of typically Portuguese streets and buildings.The Ribeira neighbourhood is adjacent to the historic centre. This area includes the most important sights in Porto, including:The Lello Bookstore, which inspired J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter.The Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s must-see sights.The Bolhão Market for an authentic experience in Porto.The São Bento Railway Station and it’s fine Azulejo.Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building) is wonderful.Cais da Ribeira, the quays by the banks of the Douro in the Ribeira neighbourhood are a great place to go for a walk.And many others!This neighbourhood leads onto Vila Nova, one of Porto’s surrounding suburbs.Porto’s SuburbsVila Nova de Gaia can be accessed by crossing the famous Dom Luís I Bridge and is home to plenty of wine cellars filled with Port, the famous wine from the city itself.We should also mention São Nicolau, an area of the city that’s just as interesting as the city centre and home to the Soares dos Reis National Museum, Palácio de Cristal, and Quinta da Macieirinha romantic museum.Boavista is one of the more typical neighbourhoods with its fashion boutiques and trendy restaurants. This is a great place to make the most of the nightlife in the city!Find out more about Porto's neighbourhoods.How Much Does it Cost to Visit Porto?Of all the money you’ll have to spend to visit Porto, the flights there are the most significant costs. The cheapest way to get there is by air using a low-cost airline such as Ryanair, Vueling, or EasyJet. For as little as £30, you can get flights to Porto and get yourself a pasteis de nata. You'll probably be flying to Porto, but how much does it cost? (Source: bilaleldaou)There’s a good choice of accommodation in Portugal and you can find hotels, furnished holiday flats, youth hostels, or even guesthouses and you can spend between £15 for a dormitory in a youth hostel and £50 for a hotel room or Airbnb. You should keep in mind that CouchSurfing is free and you’ll stay at somebody’s home.It’s much cheaper to eat in the Porto than in the UK. You can pay around £10 for a meal in a basic restaurant and around £1 for a coffee. This is where your money will go the furthest and where you can get the most enjoyment out of Porto.You should bear in mind that you’ll have to pay to visit most of the city’s monuments, excluding the Palácio de Cristal, and the Centro Portugues de Fotografia.Lello Bookstore: €5Stock Exchange Building: €8 (adult) and €4.50 (child)Porto Cathedral: €3Clérigos Tower: €5Casa do Infante: €2.20Serralves Foundation: €10When it comes to getting around the city, the most cost-effective way is to get an Andante Card, a €0.60 travel card that you can top up for €1.20 a journey on the bus and metro and use on the tram and the funicular railway.A taxi ride will cost you between €4 and €6 (and €20 if you’re going to the airport).You can also get a Douro river cruise for €12 for 50 minutes and see another side of the city and even the mouth of the river at the Atlantic Ocean.You might want to get Portuguese tutorials before you go!Where Should You Stay in Porto?“I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list.” - Susan SontagWe’ve just mentioned the different types of accommodation you can get, but where should you stay in Porto?With Airbnbs, pensão (Portuguese guesthouses), hotels, flatshares, and even youth hostels, each neighbourhood has its specialities. In terms of accommodation, you can also split Porto into the city centre and suburbs. Your budget will affect where you can stay when you're in Porto. (Source: nuno_lopes)In the centre, you’ll be closer to all the tourist attractions and the River Douro, where you can walk in the evening.What’s better than having a drink on the quayside opposite the Dom Luís I Bridge?On the other hand, this all comes at a cost and the most expensive accommodation, especially during the high season, will be found in the city centre. Availability can also be an issue as the city centre is very popular. Of course, these neighbourhoods are touristy, central, and can sometimes burn a hole in your pocket.The surrounding neighbourhoods and suburbs have the advantage of being cheaper, quieter, and each has a particular feel. Be careful though as some might be very far from the monuments you want to see:Boavista, in the northwest of the city, is full of shops and restaurants.Miragaia, near the old town and the Douro, is very quiet.Massarelos, to the west of the city centre, is full of stu dents and is the best value for money.Porto is a very accessible city and you’ll want to choose your neighbourhood based on what you want to see.Don't forget that you can find Portuguese tutorials on Superprof, too.Find out more about the cost of visiting Porto.When Should You Visit Porto?Over the years, more and more people have decided to visit Porto thanks to cheap flights. Some periods throughout the year are better than others for visiting the city.So when should you visit Porto and why?Let’s have a look. Ideally, you'll want to visit Porto when the weather is nice and it's not too crowded. (Source: nuno_lopes)Your first criteria when choosing when to visit Porto should be the weather. We often want to go on holiday when the weather’s at its best but the winters in Porto aren’t that bad either.The summer period runs from April to November and it’ll be warm with July, August, and September being the warmest months. The other months of the year aren't that bad either!However, if you want to go at the hottest time of the year, you need to bear in mind that plenty of other tourists will also descend upon the city. If you want to go for quiet walks through the city, you probably want to opt for the low season.Spring and autumn are a good time to visit because the weather’s still nice and there are fewer tourists about! If you’re looking for peace and quiet, avoid the summer.There are also events throughout the year in Porto, especially once the summer arrives.Whether you’re vis iting for a couple of days or a whole week, there are plenty of things to do in Porto including wine-tasting and visiting gardens.So while there’s something for everyone at Porto, there are certain activities which are better at certain times of the year. In short, Porto is home to everything Portugal has to offer.Are you ready to go?Whether you're interested in seeing a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cruising down the Douro River, drinking some Port Wine, the largest city in the north of Portugal is waiting for you.Before you go, you might want to learn some of the lingo from one of the many talented tutors on Superprof. If you get a tutor from Porto, they could also act as your travel guide!

TakeLessons Music Lessons Guide - download a free copy for a limited time

TakeLessons Music Lessons Guide - download a free copy for a limited time Suzy S. Free Guide to Getting Started with Music Lessons. TakeLessons Guide to Music Lessons TakeLessons Discover Your Music. TakeLessonsâ„¢ loremipsumdolorsitamet Music Lesson Guide  TakeLessons they learn much more than just how to perform! Benefits of Music Voice Lessons Older adults find that music lessons are a great way to stay mentally active. Many will resume lessons for an instrument they played in the past to polish up their skills while others are interested in learning something brand new and acquiring a special talent. Music is known to be therapeutic and a great way to keep ones mind young! Did you know that music When people of all ages take music and voice lessons, Parents find that music and voice lessons for kids not only improve their childrens memorization and small motor skills, but strongly contribute to the building of their childs self-confidence. This in turn helps children succeed not only in music, but in school and other outside activities. Both children and their parents find it truly rewarding when a child reaches a pre-set goal or milestone; whether that is learning a new song, performing in front of others or just finding enjoyment in music. Adults in their 20s and 30s see lessons as a creative outlet and something to help them de-stress after a long day. For many, music and voice lessons are the beginning steps of a career in live performance or recorded music. For others, music lessons are a way to express emotion or impress others with their new-found talents through a birthday, wedding, or special event performance. • Helps develop skills needed in todays workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork, and confidence • Keeps kids engaged in school and less likely to drop out while helping them achieve in other academic subjects like math, science, and reading • Helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations Finding the right instructor The Instructor Its About Chemistry For most students, music is about having fun, living your dream, and discovering your music. Youll want to be paired with an instructor that understands where you currently are and can relate to where you want to go. When you begin, you may not even know where you want to go â€" and thats ok. Your instructor should be able to help you take small steps that help guide you and help you see the picture of what you want to accomplish. The chemistry between the student and the instructor is really important. There should be a natural respect and friendliness between the two. There are many styles of instruction, so find someone that fits your personal style. Some people learn better with a more disciplined instructor that pushes them. Others learn better with a more laid-back, assertive style. Be honest with what works for you. When speaking to your lessons company, express the style of instructor that you think will work better for you. Chris Waldron, Director of Recruiting for TakeLessons Learning Centers, has hired thousands of instructors and says a key to good instructors is not only their musical aptitude, but their attitude as well. A good instructor will share in your success and help you through the rough patches. He or she will challenge you to get better while giving you insight, tools, and training on the best way to improve. They are there to help you achieve higher skill levels and maximize your potential while providing constructive feedback that leads to continuous improvement., Waldron says. Remember, however, that private lessons are a two-way street and the relationship should be mutually beneficial. Instructors are not baby-sitters or therapists and they will expect you to uphold your end of the bargain by practicing, trying hard, coming to the lessons prepared. They cannot make you great. YOU make yourself great. They are there to encourage and challenge you, but ultimately, your success is going to depend on your own motivation levels and how much you decide to apply yourself. Heres a checklist of what to look for in an instructor. Your instructor should: • Have passed a criminal background check • Have positive feedback from other students • Have a degree in music, working on a degree, or several years of experience • Enjoy the style and genre of music you wish to learn • Be a good listener • Focus more on you, and less about themselves • Helps you discover your strengths • Help you set high, yet attainable milestones • Be clear on what is expected of you each week • Hold you accountable for practicing and continued growth • Provide you with timely and specific feedback • Use technology to help keep track of lessons and monitor your growth • Offer the option for you to perform at a local concert or recital • Help you get excited about learning and staying involved with lessons • Be constantly growing themselvesâ€"musically and as a teacher  Picking the Right Program Instructor When moving forward wi th lessons, its best to work with an established music learning company. When you call and speak with them, they should be friendly, excited to help you, and focused on what YOU want to learn instead of what they want to teach. Beware of instructors or programs that have an air of arrogance about them. Normally, these instructors are focused more on what you can do for them instead of what they can do for you. Also, beware of programs that are so strict that the lessons no longer are fun. Your lessons company should also have a documented, thorough application procedure for their instructors. This includes interviews, reference checks, background checks and ongoing quality certifications. They should also require liability insurance for their instructors. Feel free to ask them to see their liability insurance paperwork. If they cannot provide documentation, you are risking a higher liability with the instructor. Finally, working with a lessons company helps ensure your money is safe. There have been many stories from unsuspecting students who write a check or pay cash to an instructor they found online or in a classifieds ad, and that instructor never showing up after the first lesson. Others have paid for a semester or years worth of lessons, only to find their instructor has left town or shut do wn their studio. A Reputable Learning Company  A Reputable Learning Company • The company should offer several instructors in your area. This way, if the first one doesnt fit your style, you can switch to another at no cost to you. pellentesque: Checklist • The lessons programs should be focused and tailored around what you want to learn, and the company should provide an instructor that is suited for your style of music and your skill level. Namvestibulumdolorquislibero. • The company should always protect your money. If their instructor does not show up, their policy should be to issue you a quick and full refund. • The company should allow you to obtain a refund if, after your first lesson, you do not wish to continue. • Never pay for more than a quarters worth of lessons upfront (three months). • Always pay by credit card or debit card. This way, if there are billing issues, you have recourse through your bank or card company. • Check the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company treats its customers well. • Check the companys web site for the owners and employees. They should be transparent about who runs the company. Also check for press releases, financial backing, advisory boards, and partners. All of these items help you see if they are an established, reputable company. • Look to see if they have partnered with community organizations such as the YMCA or PTA and if they run programs for private schools after-school programs, or corporate wellness. If they have proven themselves by working with these partners, there is a good probability they are reputable. • Look for a company that has instructor certification processes which includes criminal background checks and ongoing quality ratings. Ask the percentage of instructor applicants that get hired. If its more than 40%, the company may be accepting anyone who applies and may have a quality problem. • The pricing should reflect your skill level. If you are a beginner, chanc es are you dont need the instructor with a PhD and 30 years of experience. Youll overpay. Find a company that has a selection of instructors with differing levels of experience and reasonable rates. • Make sure the company has an established online lessons tracking system. This allows you to access your lesson notes from anywhere on the web and creates accountability between you and the instructor. If you are a parent, this allows you to see what your children are working on during the lessons, thus ensuring you are getting your moneys worth.  Why Take Lessons? Tak eL essons Discover Your Music. Why Not Learn on your Own? There are a myriad of music self-study courses, books, CDs, and DVDs. Add in the hours of video on YouTube and across the Internet, and youve got an endless supply of information. But information alone isnt the key to having fun and learning. Its the application of the information that makes the difference. When you take lessons with a live instructor, you get added benefits that simply cannot be attained through all the do-it-yourself media. Speed Up Your Learning Curve, Slow Down Your Frustration When you first start with music, it will most likely be a bit odd to you. Thats ok. Its normal. It takes some time to understand the fundamentals and mentally digest why notes, chords, and songs sound good together. Working with a private instructor helps you quickly understand the fundamentals while making learning fun. You will learn faster, which helps build your confidence and increases the likelihood of you continuing with your lessons. The First Step is the Hardest With music, theres a phenomenon called the First Month Hump. During the first month, youre at an important stage that determines whether you keep going or whether you call it quits. Everything is new. Some things make senseâ€"other things do not. And inside, youre trying to decide whether the dream of making music is worth the fear of failing at it. Its at this stage where priv ate instruction really starts to make a difference. With the help of a good program and instruction, you see more improvement, which helps build your confidence and increases the likelihood of continuing. Your lessons are customized around you, so you get to learn the things youre most interested in. This naturally speeds up your learning curve as well. You also have personalized attention that helps you fast-track through the First Month Hump and into the next phase of learning. Staying Motivated Without a doubt, there will be times during the first few months when you feel disappointed with your playing. Perhaps you didnt find time to practice, or you cant quite figure out how to work your left and right hand with the proper timing. Again, thats ok! Its normal. The benefit of working with a private lessons company is that you have the support of your music counselor, your instructor, and a community of other people learning at your level. A good lessons program will help you A.I.M . High! A â€" Accountability I â€" Inspiration M â€" Milestones Accountability Private or group lessons help you become accountable to yourself, to your instructor, and others. As a general rule, we always work harder when we know someone else is counting on us. By telling others what our goals are, we trigger something inside the mind that helps us give a little extra effort. A good program will help you set your first goal and then help you share that goal with others. Inspiration A good lessons program helps inspire you by having people that believe in you. You get to hear stories of how other people are living their dream and can then apply their learning to your own situation. By taking lessons, youll tap into the wisdom of instructors that have been through your situation before, and are willing to help you get to where you want to be. Milestones Part of the job of private instruction is to help you see yourself living your dream and discovering the music inside you. A good le ssons company will understand your current skill level and help you set reasonable milestones for your growth. Using online tools, your music program should be able to help you keep track of your progress with lesson notes and practice pages that can be accessed via the web. They should provide you with candid feedback after each lesson to help you see where youre doing great, and where you need help. “Nobodys a natural. You work hard to get good and then work hard to get better. “ -Paul Coffey With music, youll never hit your target if you dont know what youre shooting for. With a solid lessons program, youll always know where youre heading. TakeLessons Discover Your Music. For questions or to find a certified instructor in your area, please contact TakeLessons 1-877-231-8505 TakeLessons 624 Broadway Suite 504 San Diego, CA 92101

5 Lessons Adults Can Learn About Playing Music From Kids

5 Lessons Adults Can Learn About Playing Music… From Kids Suzy S. Learning how to  play an instrument as an adult can be daunting, from finding the right teacher to finding time to practice, and even maintaining your confidence. But fear not just bring out your inner kid! Find out how in this guest post by  John Gotsis from Vibe Music Academy I’ve always had a hard time being taught by teachers who are younger than I am. Call it pride, call it skepticism, whatever. It’s just tough for me. I’m guessing most people can relate to the feeling; when we think of teacher-student relationships, we usually assume that the teacher is older than the student. And why wouldn’t we? People who are older have more life experience, and more life experience is better than less, right? Well… not in every way. I’ve been teaching music for about five years, and the majority of my students have been children. And though I wouldn’t have guessed it going into it, after all this time spent with these young music students, I’ve found myself learning from them even as they learn from me. I consider myself a lifelong student of music, and many of my younger students have taught me valuable lessons about how to be the best student that I can be regardless of my age. Today, I want to share five of those lessons that I’ve learned from those kids. 1. Learn from someone who’s better than you. What’s with adults always thinking that we can conquer the world on our own? How does that “go-it-alone” mentality turn out in other areas of life? Music is no different. Kids tend to quickly recognize the need for guidance, and adults should too! There’s tremendous growth that can happen when you learn from someone better than you, and there’s plenty of ways to do it. Private lessons, online classes, masterclass clinics, and simply seeking advice from musician friends can dramatically improve your progress  as you learn how to play an instrument as an adult. 2. Bring it back to the basics. I spend a lot of time going over the fundamentals with every young music student that I have. There are only so many ways to make a major scale interesting, but fundamentals are important for  everything we play! This is an important takeaway for adult  music students  to remember: Even when we feel like the ground-level stuff is beneath us, a strong foundation actually helps us grow faster. 3. Find opportunities to play with real people. Kids get involved in school music programs, group lessons, summer camps, garage bands, and so on. And adults… play along with YouTube videos. Slight difference, eh? Music is meant to be played with others, performed for audiences, and learned from and alongside fellow music lovers. Sure, there’s a ton that we can and should learn on our own, but that’s only skimming the surface of what music has to offer! Consider getting involved in an amateur performance workshop, finding a local jam session, or getting together with friends to play music. 4. Be teachable. This goes along with point #1, but being teachable goes beyond simply finding a teacher. In fact, this life lesson even goes beyond the scope of music itself. Aldous Huxley (author of the book  Brave New World) once said, “Experience teaches only the teachable.” How true is that!   Kids learn by being taught. We can take after them by always remaining teachable. 5. Don’t believe the lie that “you’re too old.” I’ve always had a tremendous amount of respect for those who learn how to  play an instrument as an adult. They know its never too late to learn, making a mockery of the “old dog can’t learn new tricks” cliché. There’s a great article in the New York Times about a woman in her sixties who decided to pick up the cello after having never played before. Eleven years later, she was performing with orchestras and string quartets and loving every minute of it. If you’re like me an adult music learner then there  are  plenty of takeaways that we can grab simply by observing the way the best learners in the world (children) learn music. If we stay humble, enjoy ourselves, and don’t buy into to the accusation of being too old, then we will attain the satisfaction that comes from being able to call ourselves “musicians. John Gotsis, M.M., Owner and Music Instructor at Vibe Music Academy  in  Fishers, Indiana, is a full-time teacher and performer. He has worked with the likes of Rodney Whitaker, the Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University,  and Blue Note Records guitarist Peter Bernstein. Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

How Calculus Teachers Can Plan And Conduct Tutoring Sessions Successfully

How Calculus Teachers Can Plan And Conduct Tutoring Sessions Successfully Calculus is a tough branch of Math testing one’s critical thinking and problem solving skills. At the same time, it has been a great mathematical breakthrough from the time of the ancient Greeks. Without Calculus, we would not have got today’s space flights, jet places, sky scrapers, economic modeling and other such great things. Teaching this is a great task for Math teachers and it involves lots of mental drill and demands hard work from students. Without proper planning of their classes, teachers and tutors would find it hard to make their sessions successful and productive. Here are some tips for tutors and teachers to make their Calculus classes successful, interesting and constructive. How To Ensure Better Scoring In #Calculus @ http://t.co/rkM9SKjGUu #mathhelp #backtoschool â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 3, 2015 Incorporate step by step analysis for introducing a problem and for examining the underlying concept in it Introducing Calculus concepts is tough and complex and the tutors need to see to it that students do not get confused over Calculus problems that are founded on subject concepts. They can start with real life examples for a concept, go ahead with explaining the concept through a problem, analyze it step by step and make students understand the concept well by sample problems. It is a known factor that Calculus is replete with problems and the problems vary in their difficulty levels. Online Calculus tutors use white board as an effective tool for explaining Calculus problems through step by step analysis. Read more How To Find Expert Online Tutors For Calculus Introducing flash cards for making students learn formulas Students cannot help memorizing Calculus formulas and tutors need to find out ways to make this process an easy one for students. Or else it becomes an unending process and students get confused over remembering the formulas. Calculus tutors can make small flashcards for formulas and help students learn the formulas through these flash cards. They need to prepare flash cards beforehand while introducing the formulas and help students learn them with ease. Assigning different calculus problems for reviewing students’ problem solving skills Calculus needs lots of practice and tutors need to make their students improve their problem solving skills via practice of different problems. When they can introduce a set of problems in the middle of the class after explaining the concept, they can assign problems of various categories in the end of the class. They need to discuss these homework problems on the next day for reviewing students’ problem solving skills. If the tutors choose problems that pertain to the knowledge obtained by students in the previous classes, they can assess student performances through their homework and help them in their difficult areas of learning. Online Calculus Tutor from Tutor Pace to Crack Even the Toughest Sums @ http://t.co/tGaCBgEP2a #mathhelp #backtoschool â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) September 3, 2015 Using calculus resources like graphing calculator Tutors can make use of tools like graphing calculator in their classes to minimize student struggles. At the same time, they should teach students how far these tools are useful and in what situations they should use them. Making use of interactive lesson plans with online apps and games reduces the stress in teaching intricate Calculus topics and sets the right tone of learning for students. Calculus Homework Help For Hassle Free Homework Hours from Tutor Pace Conclusion It is true that Calculus is mind boggling and intriguing to many students. With prior planning and good start up activities, teachers and tutors can make their classes interesting and unique. Online Calculus tutors are of the best sort in this matter with their one on one sessions where they have scope for reading the minds of students and catering to their educational needs accordingly. When students chat with live tutor online, they are able to interact with the tutor and seek solutions for their learning problems in Calculus. Thus making Calculus struggle free is in the hands of the tutors who teach the subject. Read more Who Needs Online Calculus Tutor

Must-See Video Shows Power Of Feedback, Expectations

Must-See Video Shows Power Of Feedback, Expectations Must-See Video Shows Power Of Feedback, Expectations Must-See Video Shows Power Of Feedback, Expectations March 20, 2015 Educators, tutors and parents: This precious six-minute video from the Center For Student Work is a must-see! “Austin’s Butterfly” demonstrates how our specific feedback and high expectations can help students do work they never imagined was possible. This video was presented at SXSWedu in Austin last week by Ron Berger from Expeditionary Learning, and it was the centerpiece of HEART’s Monday team meeting this week. It inspires us to ask more of our students, who are working to build a thorough understanding of how numbers work and explain their thinking. Often, our students get close to mastery and make progress, but they need to try again â€" check their work, explain it another way, use complete sentences.   It is our job to let them know what they have done well and where they need more work, so that when they are finished, they have accomplished something truly great.