3 Things That Can Make Learning English Difficult

3 Things That Can Make Learning English DifficultA good learning English language course is very important if you want to be successful in English. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who end up feeling dissatisfied and unhappy after using a certain learning English language course. But, you can learn from their mistakes so that you can not only excel but also become the best learner.In the beginning, it is not always easy to learn English. Some people need a little bit more than others to learn English and still others find it hard to learn it at all. There are a lot of factors that can make learning difficult. You have to be aware of them if you want to succeed in English.Reading and listening are important. There are some people who need lots of reading and listening and there are others who just read a lot but they can't pay attention to what they read. In this case, you can find a reading or listening course to help you. It is very important to understand the words and the grammar and the other way of communicating if you want to be successful in learning English.One thing that you need to do is practice with someone who is a native speaker. Ask your friends to tell you what they understand and what they don't understand. You should also take the initiative and get to know the local people in your area. Get to know about their way of life. You should be very aware of the native speakers in your area because this will help you a lot to understand what they are saying.The next step you can do is going to a native English speaking school. You have to understand that most English language courses provide you with internet access. This is great because you can take English lessons with native speakers anywhere you want to.If you think that this is something too difficult for you, you can even ask for the help of experts. A professional language teacher will help you to understand English better and will teach you to speak it effectively.And lastly, you can try to visit a certain website that can teach you how to speak English very easily. This will help you improve your skills very quickly. After all, you have to be confident and very confident if you want to succeed in this language.

A Guide to Finding Dance Classes

A Guide to Finding Dance Classes How to Start Dancing Lessons Today! ChaptersWhy Should You Learn to Dance?Where to Find Dance LessonsWhat's the Cost of Dance Lessons?Learning to Dance on a BudgetFind a Dance InstructorEven More Reasons to Dance!“Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.” - Martha GrahamLots of people in the UK have tried learning about dance at least once in their life and most people probably attended several dance classes when they were a child.Dancing lessons are popular both because of how fun it is and how creative it allows you to be, but have you ever tried dancing with the help of a private dance tutor or dance instructor?Whether in a dance school, conservatoire, or in private classes with an instructor, tonnes of Brits are enjoying learning more about the art form and different dance styles through dance classes.In this article, you'll find out how you can get dance lessons in the UK and learn more about the different types of dance instruction for all ages.Where to Find Dance LessonsWhether you attend a school of dance, a dance academy, get in touch with a dance company or get private dance lessons, there are plenty of places in the UK where you can find a dancer or choreographer who teaches dancing classes for all ages. In fact, some places even offer drop-ins.If you want to attend a university or conservatoire, you may be expected to do an audition. (Source: pixabay.com)It’s important to choose the right place to learn to dance. When a beginner chooses the wrong class for their level or the wrong teaching style, they can quickly become disinterested in dancing. Make sure you carefully read the course description and make sure the tutor’s personality is going to work with yours.Group classes, workshops, and camps can be useful for learning how to work with your partner, improve your verbal communication, and change the way you move. Group classes are also a great way to meet people, work out what your level is, and establish an objective to reach after a certain period of time. Making friends with the other dance students can help you better understand the lessons and share your concerns and achievements.Here are some of the places you can get lessons in the UK:Regional conservatoiresNational conservatoiresCultural centres, gyms, or leisure centresCertified schoolsPrivate schoolsDance associationsYou won’t have to worry about finding a dance studio since these types of places have their own studios,  other specialised facilities, and they provide top-notch dance education.Of course, some students prefer getting dance tutorials because they can learn more quickly than they would with traditional dance training and have the flexibility of scheduling the lessons when it suits you whereas in a dance school you have to stick to the class schedule.When you learn to dance with private tutorials, you benefit from a personalised approach and can study between lessons with the online and printed exercises your tutor gives you. You can find tutors offering classes for all ages, be them adult classes, classes for teens, or kids' dance classes.To find private lessons, students should check out:Tutor profiles onlineAdverts in newspapersPrivate agencies offering classesWord of mouthAdverts on school bulletin boards, etc.Learning how to dance at home gives you more autonomy to develop as a dancer and work on your choreography and a specific dance technique you've been struggling with. A private lesson usually takes place in a rented dance studio but can also take place at the student’s home if the tutor has the right equipment. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all ou r tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat's the Cost of Dance Lessons?Taking classes sounds like fun, but how much do they cost?Those with experience performance will have higher rates than those without. (Source: Thibault Trillet)If you’re not familiar with the market, you may end up underestimating or overestimating the cost of an hour with a private tutor or end up not getting the service you’re after. You can find a fair price with just a bit of research and clearly defined criteria.Firstly, remember that some schools and associations offer discounts for the unemployed, students, children, etc.Some dance associations require an annual fee for membership. Nevertheless, you can still get the first lesson from a private tutor for free if you’re not sure.Conservatoires and universities offer co urses in dancing, but since these often include high fees and a long-term commitment from students, you have to be sure that this is what you want to go.You need to consider the types of dancing that the teacher is teaching, too:Argentine tango or Cuban tangoBachataBallroom dancingBelly dancingBreakdancingBroadway dancingCha chaContemporary dance or modern danceDance fitnessFlamencoHip hop danceJazz danceLatin danceMerengueOriental danceRagga dancehallSalsaSambaSwing danceTap danceThe foxtrotWaltzThe more demand there is for a lesson, the higher the price will be. While the uptake in ballroom dance classes is encouraging for tutors, it does mean those wanting to learn to dance will probably have to pay more.When it comes to private tutorials, the student needs to keep in mind that their geographical location can affect the price of the lessons. The market for tutors will be more competitive in large cities which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.Local economies will also a ffect prices as expensive cities will tend to have tutors charging higher rates than places with a lower cost of living.  To make sure you don’t lose money by choosing the wrong tutor, remember that most tutors on Superprof offer their first hour of tuition for free. This taster session is a great time for the tutor and student to see if they get along and decide which styles of dance are right for them.If you're a beginner and don't know any of the fundamental dance moves, you should learn to dance with a tutor who can help you build some confidence. An introductory workshop might be useful, too, if you're happy to take a group class or don't have the budget for private tuition.If you're looking for an intermediate classical ballet class, there are plenty of dance schools and academies offering lessons. However, if you're after a tutor who focuses on posture or footwork, then it might be worthwhile getting private lessons.Teens' and kids' dance classes are a whole different kettl e of fish. While all dance classes require the tutor to have a good knowledge of their style and teaching techniques, these classes require the tutor to be good with kids and keeping them interested in the discipline.Find the best prices for private tutorials on Superprof!Learning to Dance on a BudgetStudents who just want to impress people on the dance floor at dance parties shouldn't go out looking for trained professionals who've performed on Broadway. You can learn to dance on a budget with a teacher who can introduce you to dancing and teach you at a pace you're comfortable with.Alternatively, there are plenty of ways to learn to dance online for free. Check out these websites, apps, and consoles that will allow you to learn to dance for free.Find a Dance InstructorBefore you start learning how to dance, you need to choose the right dance teacher or instructor! You also need to think about the dance styles you're interested in and the abilities you want to work on. No matter wh at type of performer you want to be, you can find a tutor.Why not start learning to dance from a young age? (Source: pixabay.com)Beginners often struggle to find the right tutor or dance workshop as they’re not sure what they’re supposed to be paying for. That’s why you should have a look at the reviews and testimonials left by the tutor’s other students so you can see how popular they are.However, a teacher that works for one student may not work for another. It’s therefore essential that you make the right choice when choosing your tutor. Private dance lessons are becoming more and more popular and thanks to the huge variety on offer, you'll soon see why.You should take the following into account when choosing your tutor:Dance qualificationsReputationExperience as a dance tutorExperience as a dancerRatesLevels they teachDance equipment and resources they provide to their studentsWhere the lessons take place (dance hall, gym, dance studios, etc.)Style of danceVersatilityT eaching styleDuring the free taster session with your Superprof tutor, you should evaluate the potential tutor. While some students prefer a careful and calculated approach to learning choreography, others may prefer an intensive and quicker approach to learning and working on a full routine rather than the minutiae of a dance performance.You should encourage your tutor to talk about how they like to teach their students. Think of it a bit like an audition for your tutor.To find the best prices for your lessons, you should also check out the lessons offered by students looking to earn some extra money during their studies.While students might be excellent dancers, you should keep in mind that these self-taught tutors mightn’t be as skilled when it comes to their teaching skills in comparison to an experienced or qualified teacher.A lot of couples enlist the help of a tutor for wedding dance tutorials. If you want an impressive choreographed routine for your first dance, learn how to dance with a trained professional.Even More Reasons to Dance!Recently, a new dance style known as fit ballet has become popular as a replacement for classical ballet classes.As you could probably guess, with fit ballet, you can learn how to dance and get into shape. It's a great way to study traditional dance moves while toning your muscles. Your shoulders, legs, and abs will also be hard at work during an energetic session and, after a lot of practice, you’ll start to see that dancer’s body emerging.It relaxes muscles as well as being great at the end of a stressful week which is why a lot of couple and families choose to do classes together in leisure centres and gyms.As you’ve probably gathered by now, there are few things better for your body and mind than dancing! Want even more reasons to dance? Check out our top 15 reasons to dance.So why not start learning how to dance today with the help of a professional dancer?All dance classes london are different so if one's no t working for you, pull up your leg warmers and go out on the hunt for another talented tutor.

The Benefits Of Learning Portuguese For Use In Your Job

The Benefits Of Learning Portuguese For Use In Your Job Why Learn Portuguese: To Use It In The World of Work ChaptersLearn the Portuguese Language to Work in PortugalPortuguese Language Classes to Teach in BrazilPortugal's Standing in the World Makes it an Enticing Place to WorkBrazil: One of the World's Largest EconomiesThe Benefits of Learning Portuguese: To Take Advantage of the Brazilian Boom!Maybe you are looking for a second language to enhance your employability, or perhaps you are thinking about which language will help your children out most later on in life.Either way, carefully choosing which  foreign language to learn is an important decision  in order to facilitate the immersion process into the world of business. So when it comes to decision making time, what's better?Learning French?Learning Spanish?Learning German?Learning Italian?Learning Chinese?What about learning Portuguese?You probably haven't considered the last one, but there are many reasons why you should learn Portuguese.While it is often less popular with national education programs, Portuguese is a Latin language that is estimated to have 335 million speakers by 2050, according to UNESCO.You should know that Portuguese is an official language in countries on four different continents, and it is one of the official languages of many international organizations such as the European Union.Not convinced yet? Let's see what the internet says about this important language so that you know how to use your portuguese lessons london in the world of work!BRICS. These 5 countries hold great influence over international goings-on due to their rapidly growing economies in the first decade of the 3rd millennium.For this reason, companies from around the world are keen to tap into the Brazilian market as quickly as possible, but to do this they need Portuguese speakers!Here is a great table from Wikipedia which introduces you to Brazil before making the move to South America!  BrazilCoat of ArmsFlagPopulation207,700,000Area8,516,000  km2  (3,288,000 sq mi) (86% the size of the U.S.)Population Density24.66 /km2  (15.32/sq mi)CapitalBrasiliaLargest CitySão Paulo  â€" 12,040,000 (21,242,939 Metro)GovernmentFederal  presidential  constitutional republicFirst Head of StateEmperor  Pedro ICurrent Head of StatePresident  Michel TemerFirst Head of GovernmentEmperor  Pedro ICurrent Head of GovernmentPresident  Michel TemerOfficial languagesPortugueseGDP (nominal)US$1.798  trillion  ($8,727  per capita)[5]The Benefits of Learning Portuguese: To Take Advantage of the Brazilian Boom!What administrative procedures are necessary before setting up in Brazil?There are many reasons for learning Portuguese. Particularly for younger generations who are planning to learn Portuguese in the coming years, read on to see exactly how this choice will turn out to be a great one.Despite its social and political crisis - more worringly, the elements of corruption still arising - Brazil is an emerging market comprised of over 200 million people.The country known for giving birth to Ronhaldino, is a thriving con sumer market seeing the emergence of a very consumer-driven middle class.This has been enough to attract foreign companies who see Brazil as their entry ticket to the rest of the Latin America, such as Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.Add to that a leading role in the G20, its great power over Latin America, and its immense potential in sectors in which America has always been a pioneer such as:Urban infrastructureTransportationEnergyICTIn short, a boom that goes on and on and will continue to attract foreigners in their search of budding business market opportunities.

Essential Tools for your Computer Courses

Essential Tools for your Computer Courses All the Equipment You’ll Need for Computer Lessons! ChaptersGet Ready to Give or Receive IT TuitionFrom Computer Classes for Beginners to Coding Courses!Should You Get Online IT Training or Face-to-face Computer Tuition?IT Training that will Help You Improve Your BusinessIf you know nothing about computers, then you’ll probably benefit a lot from this article (and computer tutorials!). Whether you’re looking for some IT training in word processing, making a presentation with Microsoft PowerPoint, carrying out web research for a class on algorithms and machine learning, or just wanting to learn some basic computer skills, you’ll need the right equipment.This equipment might also be useful for those wanting to teach computer classes.Before you take start your computer training, you should remember that you’ll need a few things in terms of equipment:A computer. You can’t learn computer basics without one, to be fair. You can choose either a PC (personal computer) or a Mac (Apple). You won’t need to spend a fortune on IT equip ment. You can get your first computer (including the screen and the tower) for around £200 on some of the bigger websites. If you’re going to use your computer to watch films or edit images (you could get tutorials on how to use Adobe Photoshop), you might consider looking into buying a Mac. While they’re more expensive than PCs, they make up for it with their sleek design, ease of use, speed, and the quality of their screens. There are also tutors who specialise in tutorials for those wanting to learn how to use Apple products and the Mac OS (operating system) which differs from Windows. We’ll talk more about this later on in the article.The programmes: the Microsoft Office suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is available on both Windows and Mac and now come with a renewable licence. There are also free computer programmes such as Apache’s OpenOffice which includes a word processor and spreadsheet and presentation programmes.You can get IT tutorials in a group, on your own, or over webcam. (Source: pixabay.com)Programming languages usually require a specific programme such as Microsoft’s Visual Basic or Java. Some of these are free, others you’ll have to pay for. You should do some research before you start. If you’re a graphic designer taking tutorials in editing photos (via Photoshop training) or layouts (Indesign and Illustrator), you’re probably going to have to invest, often heavily, in the programmes required by paying for a monthly or annual licence from Adobe.The Internet, of course! Whether it’s to find your future tutor, get online computer tutorials (over webcam), or even send and receive emails and documents with your private IT tutor. Here’s a brief summary of the main internet service providers (ISPs) and their offers:Remember that a lot of the deals come with contracts over a year so choose wisely!TalkTalk: £19.99/month (for 12 months). 12 month contract.Vodafone: £20.00/month (for 18 months). 18 month contrac t.Plusnet: £18.99/month (for 18 months). 18 month contract. £5 setup costs.Sky: £18.00/month (for 12 months). 12 month contract. £9.95 setup costs.Post Office: £19.00/month (for 18 months). 18 month contract.If you want to get or give IT tutorials over the internet (via webcam), you’ll need to invest in a webcam yourself so you can see one another clearly and invest in a quality microphone so that you can be heard better. While even an entry-level laptop comes with built-in webcam, the quality isn't always great.For in-home private tutorials, a tablet might come in handy. While you’re probably going to think we’re pro Apple, their tablets do include a built-in camera and microphone.How much do IT tutorials cost?From Computer Classes for Beginners to Coding Courses!The classic desktop personal computer is made up of a tower and a screen (as well as the mouse and keyboard). Nowadays, there are many all-in-one models which take up less space in your house but also make them harder to repair yourself.Find some of the best programming courses on Superprof.Once you've learnt the basics of PowerPoint, you'll be able to create simple presentations. (Source: energepic.com)You should also consider investing in external hard drives if you want to back up your documents.Once you’ve got this equipment, you should be ready to get your first private tutorials in using computers.Here are a few of the types of classes you can get as a beginner:Learning about the basics of computer hardware, the fundamental parts of a computer (like the central processing unit and the RAM), and computer technology.Basic skills for those new to computers like typing, using a mouse, setting up a printer over the WiFi network.and how to create a file.An introduction to computers and internet basics like navigating the world wide web and searching for informationSetting up an email (electronic mail) client and using emails.Various IT projects (word processing, presentations, spreadshee ts, and using Microsoft Office or OpenOffice)These are just a few of the things you could learn about with webcam or face-to-face tutorials. Or you can go a step further and learn coding with programming courses!Learning about IT is also learning about how your PC or Mac works (the hardware) or learning about the software (internet browsers, office suites, and your operating system).You can also learn the absolute basics like turning your machine on and off with weekly tutorials and become an autonomous user within a month or two.There are plenty of beginners’ computer courses available on Superprof and their price will vary depending on where you are and your tutor’s experience.A computer class can benefit very young children as well since they’re probably already used to using smartphones and tablets in their everyday lives. Beginners can learn to use programmes just like they would a foreign language and by the time they reach secondary school, they’ll be able to conduct research and find verified sources to help them with their studies and homework.There are a number of programming languages and they each take a significant amount of time to learn. (Source: pixabay.com)If you work in IT and would like to teach digital literacy, a programming language, or improve your own skills by taking tutorials in cybersecurity, algorithms, or machine learning, you should head on over to Superprof. Superprof can put you in contact with programming language experts (C++, Python, Java, Scilab, Fortran, Visual Basic, etc.) and web developers with HTML and CSS skills, app developers, or even IT network administrators.Should You Get Online IT Training or Face-to-face Computer Tuition?We’d recommend that absolute beginners opt for at-home computing tutorials since the tutor can interact directly with the student to correct mistakes (which are bound to occur at this early stage).When it comes to programming and other focused classes with more advanced users, using Sk ype or other videoconferencing software can be a better option:Consider choosing professionals who are currently working in the IT sector or provide IT services for large companies.Or you can get cheaper tutorials from an IT student if your studies are less intensive. In some cases, you can do a like-for-like trade by offering them another type of tutorial.You could get in-home tutorials on computer maintenance to help you deal with bugs or when your computer crashes and learn important skills like backing up on external hard disks and the cloud, rebooting your computer, and reinstalling programmes.  This could help you save a lot of precious time and money if you take care of your own computer maintenance.If you want to learn more about Apple, why not take specialised classes from one of our Apple experts on Superprof?You can find tutors who’ve previously worked at Apple Stores or studied the platform at university on Superprof, too. Learn more about using Snapchat filters and ho w to stream films onto your TV from your Mac or just learn more about Mac OS and iOS, the latter being present on the Apple iPhone.IT Training that will Help You Improve Your BusinessIf you’re a business owner or are planning to launch your own business, you’ll probably need a website to promote your business or sell products if you’re opening an online store.If you want to have your own website, you’re going to need:a domain namea host for your siteto build your website (possibly with the help of a web developer)to fill your site with contentIn order to do this, you’re going to have to get in touch with providers, take tutorials in building websites (if you’re doing it yourself), familiarise yourself with CMS (content management systems like WordPress), know how to build and manage a database, edit photos, and learn how to write for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) so that your website shows up when people are looking for it.You can use WordPress to create your own web site. (Source: pixabay.com)To make any business nowadays, you’re probably going to need to make sure it has an online presence. You should consider learning how to browse the internet, search the web securely, use professional networking platforms, and crowdfunding platforms if you’re looking to raise funds from investors or individuals.It classes are very varied since there are plenty of different fields within IT like programming, using office suites, or using the web effectively. There are IT tutorials for everyone.Don’t forget you can combine different IT tutorials depending on what you need to learn!Also, consider ways you can efficiently use your time in between tutorials or classes.

SAT Registration Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace

SAT Registration Online SAT Prep Online Tutoring Tutorpace SAT, also known as Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardized test owned by the College Board and is conducted many times a year. SAT is generally taken by students in their junior or senior year of high school and most of the students take it twice as they get a chance to score well the second time. SAT is a very popular and recognized test and high school students who plan to study in colleges and universities in the United States take this test. Most colleges and universities expect SAT scores of the students as the results reflect the academic knowledge and skills of the students. SAT scores are reliable and valid and the test gives an opportunity for the students to showcase their mastery over the subjects. SAT test is preferred because it prepares students to be able to handle college level courses later in their academic life. In order to take the test, the fastest and easiest method is to register online on the official website of the College Board. Students can follow simple instructions online and can register on the website and after registering, students can select their preferred date and time according to their convenience. In this method, students get immediate confirmation and can print their admission ticket. Students can also register through mail only if they have to pay by check or money order (to College Board) and in other important circumstances. Students can contact the office or can check the particular information on the official website of the College Board.

9 Thoughtful and Affordable Christmas Gifts for Teachers

9 Thoughtful and Affordable Christmas Gifts for Teachers Sign up successful 4. Gift Card or Gift Certificate Take time to pamper your or your childs teacher by giving them an indulgent gift card. A $5 gift card to a coffee shop may not seem like much, but getting to splurge on a fancy latte they might not usually purchase for themselves is a welcome treat. And dont forget, TakeLessons offers gift certificates, too! Whether your teacher wants to improve their cooking skills, work on their fitness, or learn a new language, theres so much to explore! 5. Cookie Jar Fill a clear jar with all of the dry ingredients necessary to make your favorite homemade cookies, layering each ingredient. Tie the recipe to the jar with a fancy ribbon and you have a beautiful, simple gift. This idea also works well with homemade hot cocoa powder. 6. Tote Bag Teachers and tutors who travel to students are always carrying books and supplies around with them. Help your teacher out by giving them a tote bag so they can carry their materials to you in style! You can select a pattern you think the teacher would enjoy or have a plain bag embroidered with their name or initials. 7. Travel Mug or Cup Because teachers (especially singing teachers!) use their voices constantly throughout the day, many of them always have a drink with them for when their throat gets dry or scratchy. Reusable travel mugs or cups make wonderful Christmas gifts for teachers. You can find them almost anywhere in a wide variety of colors and prints. If you have a young child, you might even pick a customizable cup that they can decorate just for their teacher. 8. Handmade Crafts Feeling crafty and want to make something unique? Pinterest is filled with creative ideas ranging from extremely simple to fairly complex, so you can pick the idea that fits your level of skill and the amount of time that you have. Your teacher will love your  one-of-a-kind gift. 9. Hand Sanitizer During the winter, children tend to become walking petri dishes for cold and flu germs, depositing them on every surface they touch everywhere they go. In an attempt to keep everyone healthy, teachers and tutors tend to use a lot of hand sanitizer for both themselves and their students during the colder months. While it may not be one of the most exciting Christmas gifts for teachers, hand sanitizer is certainly a practical gift that will be well appreciated. Have a happy holiday season! 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  lorenkerns

Advantages Disadvantages of a Fretless Guitar

Advantages Disadvantages of a Fretless Guitar Shanika Fretless instruments are not uncommon in the world of music, however, a fretless guitar is an instrument that isnt often mentioned. The fretless guitar lacks the frets that one would traditionally see on a guitar. This means that there is no interruption in the string from the bridge, up the neck of the guitar. The lack of frets create an entirely unique, warm, but less amplified sound that works across all types of music. In order to truly understand what a fretless guitar is, it is first important to understand the purpose of the fret. The fret segments the neck of the guitar into multiple sections. The frets serve as the tension point to alter the sound of the guitar. The fretted guitar adheres to the Western standard of semitones. They also serve as a guide for musicians. Unfretted guitars, while uncommon, are incredibly rewarding instruments to learn to play. With that being said, these fretless instruments have specific advantages, disadvantages and tricks that must be considered before heading out and picking one up. Advantages The fretless guitars greatest advantage is the range of sound it can produce. Without frets to space the strings, the guitar is capable of producing sounds outside of the Western music scale. Fretted guitars, while traditional and beautiful in their own respect, have limitations imposed upon them by the frets. The freedom of a fretless guitar is especially useful for those who are interested in Eastern music and more exotic sounds that are difficult to reproduce on a traditional guitar. The fretless guitar also offers players a chance to truly perfect their craft as the removal of frets force students to rely on their own skill, technique and ear while playing. It also offers players a fluidity and a truly unique sound. Slide guitar, a method of guitar playing that relies on a cylinder slide across the strings, produces the same fretless sound. This sound is warmer and more fluid, with almost no stop between pitches, which creates a truly full and aesthetically-pleasing sound. Learning to play fretless guitar is an incredibly rewarding endeavor and something of particular interest to many who have mastered the traditional guitar. Fretless instruments add a new layer of difficulty, along with greater freedom of sound, that many avid musicians enjoy immensely. Disadvantages While the fretless guitar offers musicians more flexibility and a wider range of potential musical options, there are also disadvantages to consider. The fretless guitar following remains relatively small, and much of its underground popularity is rooted in the difficulty that accompanies the instrument. Fretless guitars are difficult to come by and difficult to truly master. The fretless guitar, because it lacks the typical guidance of a fret, requires a great deal of training to truly master. Ear training is required for all players to denote the differences in sound between the notes. While this can be accomplished with the correct instruction and practice by any guitar player, it is not a particularly easy skill to master and leaves some students feeling frustrated. Additionally, it should be noted that the fretless guitar is far less common than the traditional, fretted guitar, and few outfitters ship fretless versions of their more popular items. While the fretless bass has gained popularity and many outfitters ship them as part of their normal inventory, this simply is not the case with fretless guitars. In many cases, a consumer must purchase a fretted guitar and have a luthier remove the frets. There is a small grouping of luthiers who specialize in fretless guitars, but they come at a premium. Tips and Tricks When buying a fretless guitar, you can request that the luthier make markings were the fret would normally be. These painted (or notched) frets allow users to employ the marking as a guide while they learn unfretted techniques. As your skill progresses, markings can be removed, or a new neck can be used. Instead of bending strings to achieve sounds, the fretless guitar enables easier slide mechanisms. Avoid bending strings as it can damage the fretboard. Instead, focus on learning slide techniques. Before heading into the world with a fretless instrument, it is important to train the ear and fingers to play on an unfretted guitar. Intonation exercises and pitch exercises are necessary. While fretless instruments allow for more fluidity they also allow for users to make bigger mistakes that are more noticeable. Photo by alikins 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

The Motivation to Learn What Inspires It

The Motivation to Learn What Inspires It Improving Academic Performance Have you ever wondered what motivates students to learn something new, especially when the subject or material might be rather complex or difficult? What helps students stay focused, engaged, excited, and diligent? According to data gathered from various schools and grade levels, there are three major areas that impact a student’s likelihood to stay motivated and tackle complicated subject matter. Hands down, the number one thing that students claim makes a difference in their motivation is the investment and care from the teacher or tutor. This is especially essential when the material is more difficult than usual or likely to overwhelm certain students or create stress. When teachers have high expectations, this sends the message they believe that, though the material might be advanced or the assignment might be lengthy, they fully believe their students are capable of success. This also sends the message to students that the teacher cares about the content herself and finds it useful or interesting, and that she herself had to tackle such complex material at a certain point, which further inspires students to go forward with the learning process. (Shout out to all the fantastic teachers out there doing this!) A second factor in maintaining motivation is integrating subjects and linking the learning process to something relevant and relatable. EduTopia agrees that students learn best when subjects like math, science, and history, for example, are linked together and applied to one another, rather than taught in isolated fragments. They also stay motivated when they feel that what they are learning is not only engrossing but purposeful, when it applies or somehow connects to the world in which they inhabit. When I was in college, my algebra teacher always required us to study the mathematicians and scientists who developed our formulas and theorems. He then explained how certain theorems were at work right this very moment, for example the formulas used when Apple was creating the very first iPod! This made learning demanding equations more exciting and enriching. It gave us something to talk about. I certainly never looked at my devices the same. When students are asked to create projects that integrate across their curriculum and prove relevance to the culture of today, they are especially likely to put forth maximum effort and stay engaged with the class. A final factor in inspiring students, as encouraged by Annie Murphy of the website mindshift.com is to challenge them to “beat,” even in very minuscule ways, their personal best. This does not mean they have to actually do this in order to be successful! We all have ebbs and flows with our assessments while in school, but studies show that when a student has a benchmark and an opportunity to go beyond a previous accomplishment, they are more likely to put forth the necessary investment and care than if the grade or outcome didn’t matter at all. Good examples of this are scoring a bit higher on a test, developing a stronger thesis statement for a paper, explaining a scientific theorem more clearly and accurately, expanding upon a project in new and creative ways that maybe weren’t assigned, meeting with the teacher, fellow students, or family members to discuss the material and have a thoughtful discussion about what everyone is learning, or even taking better notes in class t o support a final assignment. When one feels motivated to go above and beyond their own previous achievements, they are likely to feel enthusiastic and determined, which makes for the best recipe of a student! Increasing and maintaining motivation and drive fall on both the teachers and the students, as well as families and communities, but when we can see ourselves as human beings who were made to learn and grow and thus cater to these areas that nurture learning and growth, we are unstoppable! In addition, I recommend you go hereto TeachHub for more resources on how to motivate students and create energy and enthusiasm in your classroom! Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you! About the Author Stephanie Ingraham is a former English teacher turned writer and tutorwith a BA in English from UCLA and a Masters in Education from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. She is deeply passionate about education, psychology, child and adolescent development, literature, and writing. She believes the education world can benefit greatly from the meditation world - mindfulness and self-compassion are key! In her free time she loves reading and writing, music, baking, yoga, dance, animals, and exploring new cities. She currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Huntington Learning Center Celebrates Read Across America Day

Huntington Learning Center Celebrates Read Across America Day Calling all children, parents and others who love to read: March 2, 2017, is Read Across America Day. Huntington Learning Center joins millions of elementary and secondary teachers, administrators, higher education faculty, education support professionals, librarians, students and others in the education industry as well as members of the National Education Association (NEA) to celebrate this annual literary event, now in its 20th year. Read Across America Day also marks the birthday of revered childrens author, Theodor Seuss Geisel: the beloved and prolific Dr. Seuss. The celebrations goal is to inspire children and adults alike to read by offering reading resources and organizing fun events and activities. While March 2 is the official day of celebration, the NEA strives to build a nation of readers all year longthrough events, partnerships and a range of reading resources that make reading more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Everyone at Huntington loves Read Across America Day because it is a day that we join our community members and celebrate reading for the entertaining and worthwhile escape that it is. A good book can inspire the mind and nurture the soul. We stand behind the NEAs goal with this annual celebration of one of the worlds most influential authors to help more children discover new knowledge and adventure through books. Here are several suggestions for parents to encourage their children to read: Visit the library often. The library is free for everyonetake advantage of the books, e-books and other resources that it offers. Most libraries also host many activities for children of all ages. Make visiting the library a weekly tradition. Download a free e-reader app. Open eBooks puts books in the hands of everyone. Learn more about President Obamas ConnectED initiative to make books available to all children and how to download and use Open eBooks. Have a happy reading hour. When everyone in your household gets into the habit of reading, your child will be more likely to associate it with fun family time. Spend time together at least a few nights a week with books, blankets and mugs of hot chocolate. Engage with other readers. Part of the joy of reading is talking about the stories youre reading. Websites like Goodreads are a wonderful way for children to engage with peers and share their thoughts about the books theyre enjoying and seek book recommendations. Ask your childs teacher about book clubs or groups through school, too. Try it all. Magazines, comic books, newspapers and blogsthese are all great ways to engage reluctant readers who are less enthusiastic about books for one reason or another. Remember that reading is reading. If your child isnt excited about books, there are many other ways to get him or her reading, so keep trying. To learn more about Read Across America or to get involved, visit www.nea.org/readacross. For more reading tips and ideas, visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.