How to Develop a Growth Mindset

How to Develop a Growth Mindset What You Need to Know about Developing a Growth Mindset ChaptersWhat are the Key Aspects of a Growth Mindset?Strategies to Develop a Growth MindsetHave you ever tried to learn a new thing and stopped, thinking ‘oh, I’ll never be able to do this â€" I’m just not made for it’. Have you ever described someone else as being ‘naturally clever’? Have you ever shied away from doing karaoke, say, because you claim that ‘you just can’t sing’?If you have done any of these things, you may well have what the Stanford University psychologist, Carol Dweck, calls a ‘fixed mindset’, an attitude towards or an outlook on the world that tells you that your intelligence â€" as well as your character and your creative ability â€" is innate and that it is set in stone.Such a belief has a variety of ramifications that you can read in our article on fixed vs growth mindsets. However, briefly, the fixed mindset makes us more averse to take risks, less appreciative of the success of others, and less willing to put in effort and to persevere.W e All Have a Growth MindsetDweck tells us that we all have a bit of a fixed mindset. All of us sit on a continuum between a fixed mindset â€" the conviction that we have an unchangeable, innate ability â€" and its opposite: a growth mindset, which gives all those who have it in their possession a belief that intelligence is, in fact, a process, something that you can learn and grow. Hence the name growth mindset.Yes, despite much of the stuff that you will read about this online, there is a continuum between a growth and a fixed mindset. It’s that continuum that prevents people from harbouring the possibility of learning how to fly, or from thinking that all guitarists were born being able to play the guitar.We all have a bit of the growth mindset in us. Yet, in order to increase our chances of success in life, it is worth trying our hardest to develop this to the greatest extent that we can.Because whilst the fixed mindset tells us, when we suffer a setback, to give up, the growt h mindset tells us that every failure, every challenge is an opportunity for personal growth. It helps us in cultivating perseverance, and it helps us to praise others in their achievement and success.So, whilst you may once have thought ‘oh no, I’m not a natural singer!’ or ‘I’m just not a maths person’, it’s time to change that. Because we all can.Check out our introduction to growth mindset first if you need to - but here’s how to develop your growth mindset! Teach your child a growth mindset from an early age.The Importance of Praising and Being Able to PraiseDweck’s theory was born from the studies that she undertook in the education system as a professor. Here, on returning test scores to students, she either praised their effort or their intelligence. Those whose effort was praised went on to much greater academic achievement than those whose intelligence was flattered.The theory of the growth mindset came from this finding. Because drawing attention to the level of effort rather than the amount of intelligence drew attention to the process of learning rather than the starting point.Throughout schools in the UK, effort is one of the basic qualities to be measured in schools, rather than their ‘natural’ talents and abilities.Failure and PerseveranceOne of the defining characteristics of the growth mindset is its attitude to failure. Whilst fixed mindsets take failure badly â€" as an indictment of their natural, innate ability â€" people with growth mindsets are more likely to see failure as an opportunity for learning and growth.The fixed mindset’s belief in the way our brain works is more than just an epistemological assumption. Rather, according to Dweck, it involves all other aspects our lives too.Find out the difference between a growth mindset and fixed mindset! Develop your growth mindset in the classroom.Strategies to Develop a Growth MindsetSo, how do you go about developing your growth mindset? How can you go from believing that intelligence is innate and immovable to believing that one can develop it?The most important answer to that is that a mindset is not just an opinion you consciously hold. Because, according to Dweck, your mindset is shown through your actions: your habits of mind, the ways you respond to making mistakes, the simple ways that you go about living your life.Just as intelligence is not a static thing, nor is your mindset. And changing our mindset needs to be conceived of as a process too: you do it through your daily behaviour, not through a simple change of opinion.Having said that, let’s look at some ways in which you can change your mindset.Rethink What It Means to Be a GeniusWhat do you understand geniuses to be? People who were born smart and who changed the world just through easy thoughts and actions? Or peo ple who worked hard, who gave their life to a love of working?The stereotype of the genius is wrong â€" and you need to relearn this. Geniuses don’t have innate genius; they work at it. And you can too.Remember that Being Clever is Worth Less than Becoming BetterTo develop your growth mindset, stop that pose in which you believe you are clever and want everyone to know it.Great, you’re clever â€" who cares? Now what? Success doesn’t come through being clever at all, but what you can do with that and where you head with it. Rather than focusing on being anything at all, focus on becoming something better.Take Criticism Well (It’s Not an Attack)People with a fixed mindset are generally not very good at taking criticism. It rings in their ears like something of an attack.This shouldn’t be the case. And if you are hoping to develop your growth mindset, this is something you need to work on. If someone gives you advice, don’t get defensive. Take the value from it and use it t o help you to become a better person. Stay curious about learning with your growth mindset.Turn Failures into LessonsFailures aren’t reasons never to try again. That’s what the fixed mindset tends to convince people of.Rather, you should see failures as lessons â€" as reminders that you are not perfect, as mistakes that you never need to make again.So, when you fail â€" which you will, inevitably â€" pick yourself up and keep on keeping on.Share Your Successes â€" and Those of OthersDweck suggests that people with a fixed mindset do not like to acknowledge the successes of others. Rather, they feel intimidated or threatened by successful people.Rather, in your pursuit of a growth mindset, you should find ways to see that which is inspiring about other people. Always look for what you can learn from in others.Ditch the Desire for Instant ResultsPart of the growth mindset is knowing that results never come quickly.  And so, if you are after instant wins, remind yourself to slow down.Check out growth mindset resources!

What is it Like to Attend University of Missouri-Kansas City

What is it Like to Attend University of Missouri-Kansas City The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Marianne is a Kansas City tutor specializing in English tutoring, French tutoring, Public Speaking tutoring, and a number of other areas. She is currently a senior at University of Missouri-Kansas City majoring in Theatre and French. See what she had to share about University of Missouri-Kansas City: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Marianne: Kansas City is not your typical Midwestern town, and University of Missouri-Kansas City is not your typical state school. The universitys location is urban, hip, and directly in the middle of the best shopping and touring area in town. The public bus system runs right by the campus, and it runs all the way downtown to the soon-to-be-built arts campus area. In addition, University of Missouri-Kansas City students receive free bus passes with their student IDs. I do not think it is a very good city for bikers, as cars are the preferred method of transport. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Marianne: I have never felt ignored at University of Missouri-Kansas City. All of my professors, advisers, and teaching assistants are very open with me, and they are willing to work with me on a one-on-one basis. I feel very encouraged by the entire faculty. Most of the general education courses have teaching assistants, but your major classes will usually have just one teacher. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Marianne: There are both apartment- and suite-style dorms at University of Missouri-Kansas City, as well as a wide variety of dining options. We have lots of different types of restaurants on campus or very close by. I have never eaten at the cafeteria. Though a mostly commuter campus, University of Missouri-Kansas City students are social, and most of the clubs are active. I have had absolutely no trouble finding great friends here, and I live off-campus. There are university houses located very close to campus with cheap rent, as well. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Marianne: The MFA Acting and Technical Directing programs are two of the best in the United States, and I hear that the Henry W. Bloch School of Management is also ranked very highly. I study Theatre and French because they are my passions, and I knew that University of Missouri-Kansas City would be a great place for me to hone my talents. The faculty and my fellow students inspire me every day, and I feel fully supported in both of my majors. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Marianne: Because I am in Theatre, it was absolutely no problem for me to make friends quickly. I would say that you must involve yourself to make friends at University of Missouri-Kansas City. There are plenty of clubs and student activities where you can meet people. Greek life is not huge on campus, but we do have many sororities and fraternities. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Marianne: The Career Center on campus is a good starting point for freshmen who need to write a resume and find a part-time job. I still use the online career network periodically to find part-time opportunities. I know that University of Missouri-Kansas City has a close relationship with many reputable companies because of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management, and there are frequently recruiters on campus. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Marianne: The student union and the library attracted me to University of Missouri-Kansas City because they are new buildings with great options for study and relaxation. We also have an internationally renowned research library here. The library and union are quite spacious. Sometimes I think the university is trying to be too cutting edge because they have a RooBot that fetches your books at the library instead of having books on shelves. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Marianne: Kansas City is a blast! It is a diverse, up-and-coming city full of young people doing great things. It has an amazing theatre, music, and arts scene, and the downtown area is vibrant. There is a public event called First Fridays that occurs every month, and it draws thousands of people to the downtown art galleries and restaurants. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Marianne: There are roughly 15,000 students at University of Missouri-Kansas City. I feel like University of Missouri-Kansas City is a small school because the campus is fairly spread out, and most classes are around 20 students. The biggest class I have ever had was about 75. If you need help and you ask for it, you will get it. You just need to be proactive. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Marianne: I am currently taking a beginning Directing class, and we recently collaborated with the beginning Playwriting course to perform short plays. This was a great experience because it not only allowed me to direct, but my classmates and I were able to combine two theatrical disciplines to produce new work. There is nothing more exciting than producing brand new theatre! Check out Marianne's tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Write an Email to Your Professor

How to Write an Email to Your Professor In high school, emails were often delivered to your teachers through your school's online portal or via your parents. In college, however, things are a bit different. When reaching out to a college professor, you are the one crafting the message and sending it from your school account. Sending emails to your professors might seem like no big deal. However, you should think twice before hitting send. Constructing professional emails when corresponding with your professor is an integral part of the student-teacher relationship. Things to remember when writing an email to your professor include properly structuring the introductory portion of your email, avoiding informal or relaxed language, and doing your research before sending your email. Writing appropriate emails to your professor can make you seem earnest about your education. It also prompts your professor to take you seriously, and helps you get in the professional mindset that college demands. Keep reading to learn how to write an email to your professor. Properly structure the introduction of your email to your professor The introductory paragraph is likely the first thing your professor will read after receiving your email, so pay it special attention. If you have just begun the course, introduce yourself, and mention what class youre taking. This can be as simple as, My name is Kelly. Im in your Literature 101 course. If you feel its necessary to include more information, such as the class section number or the days of the week that the course meets, dont hesitate to do so. You dont want your professor to reach the end of the email and have no idea who you are. Yes, if your class is large or your professor is teaching many courses this semester, he or she might not be able to precisely place your face. But if you can provide clear details, you have a better chance of him or her remembering you. Once you establish who you are and what class youre in, dive into your question(s). You can say something along the lines of, Im reaching out to you because or, The reason for my email is These are both great ways to introduce your question or concern in a professional manner. Explain your question or concern, as well as any ideas you have to remedy it. If you go to your professor with no solution in mind, expecting him or her to fix the problem, your email may not be well-received. Your professor would like to see that you thought through this problem before reaching out. It makes you look prepared, mature, and serious about the class. [RELATED: 5 Reasons Students Should Meet with Professors During Office Hours] When writing an email to your professor, avoid informal or overly relaxed language Even if your professor has a relaxed attitude toward students and allows you to call him or her by their first name in class, still make an effort to send formal emails. Rememberat the end of the day, your professor is your teacher, not your friend. Unless your professor specifically states that it is okay to address emails by first name, avoid it if possible. Some professors who hold the title of doctor also like to be addressed as such. Keep this in mind when reaching out to a professor. Always check what his or her formal title is, and address the email accordingly. As previously stated, its important to have a structure to your email: Introduce yourself State your problem Include any solutions you may have in mind. By jumping right into the issue without an introduction, you risk using an informal tone. Avoid relaxed language, such as words you are likely to use when around friends. Reread your email once it is composed, and see if there are any words or phrases you can switch out for more formal language. When doing this, however, make sure the new words you choose actually fit the particular meaning. Often, students will try to sound professional and misuse words in the process. [RELATED: 4 Confusing Grammar Rules Cleared Up] Do your research before hitting send on an email to your professor Before you hit send on your email, verify that you cant find the answers somewhere yourself. Check to make sure the information you are asking for cannot be accessed through your student portal or in the syllabus. Also ask your classmates if they can help with your concern. Yes, your professor is there to help, but make sure the help is actually warranted. The last thing you want to do when trying to reach out and make a good impression on your professor is appear unprepared. At the end of the day, your professor is happy to answer any questions you may have about the course. He or she is likely teaching the class because he or she is passionate about the topic. When reaching out to professors via email, make sure to properly set up your introduction, avoid informal language, and research your question before sending your email. [RELATED: How Students Can Improve Their Research Skills] Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Introduction to Proper Guitar Posture

Introduction to Proper Guitar Posture Megan L. As a beginner, proper guitar posture is one of the most important beginning steps before you learn about chords, picking, and strumming. Sadly, learning proper guitar posture is often an afterthought to learning to play. Although whether you choose to sit or stand has little effect on your tone or technique, proper guitar posture is important for many other reasons. Why Is Proper Posture Important? Proper guitar posture makes the work of your hands and fingers easier, conserving your energy. It also dramatically improves your skills as a guitarist, and prevents injuries from overuse. Pitfalls of Poor Posture: Poor instrument tone Difficulties playing fast or advanced passages Players may tire more quickly Sprains and injuries, such as tendonitis, particularly in the wrist Proper Guitar Posture: Modern Seated Position Sit with your back straight and your feet slightly apart. While sitting, rest the waist of your guitar â€" the indented part between the guitar’s upper and lower bouts or curved parts on your right leg. Rest the guitar lightly on your right forearm, on the base bout, balancing the guitar. Note: You should be able to able to take your left hand completely off the fretboard without the guitar dropping toward the floor. Elevate your guitar using a support arm between your left thigh and the guitar’s lower side so that your left foot can remain on the floor. Proper Guitar Posture: Classical Seated Position For those on the path to pursuing a classical guitar career, its traditional to play in the seated position only, with the guitar resting on your left leg. This is because this position puts the guitar closest to the center of your body, in the optimum position for executing the difficult fingerings of classical guitar music. The steps for proper guitar posture for the classical guitarist are as follows: Sit with your back straight and your feet slightly apart. While sitting, rest the waist of your guitar â€" the indented part between the guitar’s upper and lower bouts or curved parts on your left leg. Rest the guitar lightly on your left forearm, on the base bout, balancing the guitar. Note: You should be able to able to take your right hand completely off the fretboard without the guitar dropping toward the floor. Elevate your classical guitar by raising the left leg using a specially made guitar foot stool. Don’t Neglect These Important Tips for Maintaining Proper Guitar Posture While in Seated Position: Your legs may be crossed or uncrossed, but your knees should be high enough to support the guitar at or just below chest height. Rest the dip of the guitar on your lap and the body of the guitar flat against your chest. Don’t hunch your back. Point your elbow toward the top corner of the guitar, resting it so that your forearm and wrist can pivot over the strings while supporting the guitar against your body. Be aware of the angle of your fret hand. Don’t bend the arm of your fret hand beyond a 90-degree right angle. Don’t be obtuse acute angles put less strain on your wrist. Proper Guitar Posture: Standing Add a guitar strap for support in standing position. Choose a new, quality strap over an old, worn strap to prevent dropping and damaging your guitar if the strap slips off a pin. Adjust the length of the guitar strap and the height of the guitar until you can reach the fretboard and strings comfortably. You don’t want the guitar hanging too low as this will result in the need to bend your wrists at an awkward angle to play, making fast passages more difficult. Your body should make the adjustment from sitting to standing naturally. However, keep the following tips in mind to ensure proper guitar posture when standing: Keep your back straight, but relaxed. Hold the elbow of your strumming arm forward and square with your body (toward the top corner of your guitar â€" not back behind you) to provide an optimum pivot point for strumming. Be aware of the angle of your fret hand. Don’t bend the arm of your fret hand beyond a 90 degree right angle. Don’t be obtuse acute angles put less strain on your wrist. Bend your left leg slightly for support, so you don’t have to hunch over if you need a better view of the fretboard. Selecting the right tools also helps ensure proper guitar posture: Find your perfect chair. The ideal chair should have no arms. The height of the chair should be such that your feet rest flat on the floor and your lap is flat, not angled. If you are standing next to the chair, the seat of the chair should fall right in the middle of your knees. Pay attention to your stand â€" your music stand, that is. Don’t place it too low or too high. Prevent the head tilting that leads to headaches, back, and neck strain by adjusting your music stand so that your don’t have to tilt your head to read music. Find a great teacher. Opt for private, one-on-one lessons with a great teacher who is well-versed in the ins and outs of playing and proper guitar posture to avoid misinformation and to ensure you reach your fullest potential. While imitating your favorite player may be fun, don’t make it a habit if that player’s posture is poor ­. Remember, proper guitar posture results in better guitar playing and a pain-free body â€" so save your Alice Cooper impressions for when you’re goofing off with your friends. Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of prescreened teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for safe, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  afunkydamsel

How to Record Your Voice

How to Record Your Voice Everything You Need to Record Your Singing at Home for Vocal Training ChaptersMicrophones and Audio Equipment: The FundamentalsHome Studio EssentialsAudacity: The Must-Have Programme for Recording at HomeDigital Alternatives for Listening to YourselfYouTube: Bringing Singers an Audience“To become a singer requires work, work, and again, work!” - Enrico CarusoGene Kelly’s global classic “Singing in the Rain” is without a doubt a product of this lesson and there are far too many other hard-working and talented singers to mention.How many of you occasionally (or always in my case) sing in the shower? Do you dream of becoming a famous singer? Where do you begin?The first step is to record yourself and see how you sound. However, it's almost impossible to turn your bathroom into an Italian opera house without a lot of money and tonnes of pro tools. You’re not a professional musician, after all, and you don’t have a myriad of assistants and record executives to help you do it.Someone who sings alone is barely a singer at all. In order to exist, a singer has to produce music. Whether this takes place in a concert hall or a more intimate venue, they should have recordings in order to show off their music.There are plenty of artists who made it big because somebody important came across their demo.  There are also a number of people who’ve become very popular following some buzz on YouTube or social media.While you don’t have to share your recordings all over the world wide web, it’s important to have some recordings of your voice (if you want to become a singer) in order to share them to the right people at the right times.It’s also useful to have recordings in order to train yourself to sing better so you can see where you’re going wrong.If you want to make a digital audio recording, you're going to need to get some mics, recording equipment, recording software, and turn your guest room into a home recording studio.With that said, let’s have a look at the best ways to make quality recordings from the comfort of your own home. Recording music needn't cost that much. TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMicrophones and Audio Equipment: The FundamentalsThough the answer might seem obvious, do you need to choose top quality equipment?You’ll definitely need a microphone. You'll need to pick a song to sing, too! However, you needn't buy a digital audio workstation straight away, you could always record the audio using a digital voice record er or Dictaphone.While older models could only record onto cassette, you now have the option to put your recordings onto CD, hard disks and pendrives via mp3 files without taking a trip down the studio.The recording quality can vary massively between low- and top-of-the-range products. For what we’re interested in, it’s worth investing in a digital device with a quality microphone that’ll allow you to directly work on audio files with storage for several GBs of audio files.  Brands like Panasonic and Tamashi have been popular amongst amateurs for years and continue to advance with the latest technology. However, the perfect solution is to record your voice directly onto a computer workstation in a studio in your house with a quality sound card.If you’re reading this, we’ll assume that you have a computer (even though you could be reading this on a tablet or a smartphone).  Even if your computer has a built-in microphone, you should consider investing in decent recording ge ar or at least an external microphone since the quality of sound for integrated devices tends to be very low. This isn’t for Skype, after all!Download a free programme like Audacity and start recording your own music. (Source: Thibault Trillet)The best option is to have a large static hanging microphone like they do in professional recording studios or radio stations so that you can avoid picking up vibrations.  Otherwise, you could choose a dynamic microphone with a stand like they use for concerts and stage performance.A preamp is sometimes used. This is particularly useful if you’re using virtual instruments.A pop filter is also recommended so that your microphone doesn’t pick up plosive sounds. It should be placed around 5cm from the mic itself.  Prodipe, Shure, and Behringer make some of the best which can set you back between £25 and £70. However, there are significantly cheaper options.While speakers or headphones aren’t absolutely necessary for recording programmes , it’d be almost impossible to work without them since you wouldn’t be able to hear yourself or cut and edit parts of your audio.  When it comes to speakers, there’s a wide range available that can be connected via USB, headphone jack, bluetooth, etc. Headphones can vary massively in terms of quality and comfort, too.If you want to make high quality recordings, you’ll need to ensure that you record in the best possible conditions. You should opt for wired products as they’re usually both cheaper and better than the wireless products powered by batteries.  JBL and Sennheiser are some of the most highly recommended manufacturers.For all of these products, you can either check online or at specialised music retailers.  We wouldn’t recommend trying to find the right products in massive department stores or supermarkets.Home Studio EssentialsA home music studio can be built (and improved) in stages. Firstly, you’ll need to start with a computer and basic equipment.Small str eams make big rivers and oak trees grow from acorns, after all. By adding new equipment every year, you’ll eventually end up with an impressive setup that could be used to record instruments as well as your voice.The goal is to get the perfect equipment without bankrupting yourself, after all.  You could invest in a USB audio interface with MIDI ports in order to record both the vocals and instruments at the same time.  The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Presonus AudioBox, and the Alesis IO2 Express offer the best value for money.The best programmes offer virtual mixing desks. (Source: Stephen Niemeier)In any case, you should build your home studio in a quiet room so that you can start recording immediately.You could opt for an acoustic screen to isolate the sound you’re recording and there are also “vocal recording kits”, available for around £100 if you’re investing in quality equipment and are sold by most of the biggest brands.Find out more about the best karaoke apps, too. TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAudacity: The Must-Have Programme for Recording at HomeAs we said, if you want to become a singer, you have to sing! However, if you want to get better, you’ll also have to listen to yourself.  This will help you effectively evaluate your own performance, range, and accuracy.Audacity is one of the most popular programmes amongst both amateur and professional singers.  Undoubtedly, the program me is only as popular as it is because it’s available for free. However, it’s also very easy to use and comes with a large range of functions.  It’s not hard to find video tutorials online explaining how to use the programme, either!Digital Alternatives for Listening to YourselfWhen looking at free options, it’s hard to find programmes that are better than Audacity.  However, there are a number of options for testing your microphone, messing about, or doing some serious recording.For example, you could always use the programme that comes pre-installed on Windows: Sound Recorder.  However, this software is very very limited.On the other hand, there are plenty of programmes you could buy. A lot of them also have free trials available so you can see if you like them before you pay for them.Music Creator 7, a semi-professional solution, for example, is available for around £30 (depending on the options you choose).To listen to audio, you can always opt for something like Window s Media Player or VLC and you can also compress audio files (while retaining most of the quality) into mp3s so that you can send them to people you know via Dropbox, for example.  The files you make in your “recording studio” can also be converted for free thanks to a variety of different solutions.YouTube: Bringing Singers an AudienceYouTube’s for more than karaoke videos!While not everyone has the chance to study music or singing in a top university or music school, almost everyone can find a decent music teacher providing private tutorials.In fact, you can even benefit from private singing lessons online with digital resources and a virtual voice coach. Nowadays, you can get better at singing without even leaving your house.  Additionally, making digital recordings is a new way to share your music with friends and people you know.YouTube is arguably the best resource for this. A new singer can find their audience quite easily using this platform.Check out more about singing lessons online.You don't need modern equipment to start recording yourself. (Source: stock.tookapic.com)A video (which could just be the song over a static image) could garner a few views and generate some buzz and positive (and negative) comments from other web users.  Thanks to combining YouTube with social media channels like Facebook, you can get your music out there quite easily nowadays.You should also check out some of the best sites for learning music theory. Or check out singing lessons Manchester, London, Leeds and more.

Professores da LOI English Brad Burgess

Professores da LOI English Brad Burgess Dar a conhecer os professores da LOI English tem sido um trabalho divertido. Afinal de contas, falar com pessoas interessantes é sempre enriquecedor. Esta semana conversei com Brad Burgess, um dos professores nativos da LOI English. Embora seja do Canadá, Brad vive atualmente em Tóquio, no Japão, tendo vivido anteriormente em New York City, EUA.Brad contou que o seu interesse por ensinar Inglês veio da sua vontade de conhecer pessoas de diferentes países, ter contato com diferentes culturas e viajar, sendo que a forma mais fácil que encontrou para poder realizar esses seus sonhos foi exatamente ensinar Inglês. Além disso, Brad disse que se diverte muito ensinando, que gosta da variedade de personalidades com as quais lida diariamente e que isso faz com que o seu trabalho como professor nunca seja enfadonho.Segundo ele, a maior parte dos seus alunos é do Brasil e, por norma, têm níveis de Inglês que variam entre o intermediário e o avançado.  Questionei Brad sobre a pro veniência dos alunos brasileiros que costuma ter, de acordo com as estimativas do professor, cerca de 90% dos brasileiros a quem deu aulas é de São Paulo e buscam melhorar os seus conhecimentos de Inglês para negócios.Por causa dessa grande procura, por parte dos alunos, para a aprimoração do Inglês de forma a conseguirem uma evolução na sua carreira, perguntei se a especialidade de Brad era essa, mas, afinal, não é. Brad disse que o ensino do Inglês é a sua especialidade. Porém, normalmente, é procurado por pessoas que pretendem ter aulas de Inglês para negócios ou que vêm na sua experiência como programador e produtor musical uma mais valia para melhorar os seus conhecimentos de Inglês nessas áreas em específico.Tal como fiz com os outros professores da LOI English com quem falei, perguntei ao Brad quais eram as maiores dificuldades dos brasileiros que estudam Inglês. De acordo com a sua experiência, a pronúncia é, de fato, um problema que tem que ser tr abalhado. Brad acredita que a prática é a melhor forma de melhorar as capacidades linguísticas de um estudante de Inglês. Por isso mesmo, quando perguntei se tinha alguma dica para brasileiros que querem melhorar a sua pronúncia, a sua resposta foi simples: praticar o Inglês, seja lendo ou conversando.Além disso, ter atenção às correções feitas pelos professores, já que é a partir delas que o aluno consegue compreender exatamente onde está o problema, e tentar aprender mais sobre a cultura dos países anglófonos são pontos fundamentais para quem quer aperfeiçoar o seu conhecimento da língua.Brad comentou também que os seus assuntos preferidos quando dá aulas de conversação são cultura, artes e psicologia. Tendo isso em consideração, se você pretende seguir a dica dele e aprender mais sobre a cultura de países que têm o Inglês como língua oficial, ele parece ser a pessoa certa para ajudar!

Free practice SAT and ACT tests at San Jose and Palo Alto offices

Free practice SAT and ACT tests at San Jose and Palo Alto offices As we head into the holidays, just a friendly reminder that AJ Tutoring offers free practice SAT and ACT tests for current clients at our San Jose and Palo Alto offices.   Practice tests are offered most Saturday mornings at 8:30 am, and the tests are concluded by 12:30 pm.   The tests are administered and timed by one of AJ Tutorings test proctors, and tutors provide detailed feedback on test results.Practice SAT and ACT tests are an integral part of AJ Tutorings SAT and ACT prep programs.   Students who complete at least three full practice tests show better score improvement and feel more comfortable on the actual test.   Just like training for a marathon you wouldnt run the race without training for months beforehand! its vitally important to practice for the SAT and ACT marathon.   Each test takes close to 4 hours, which requires no small amount of concentration.   Make sure you have the right preparation by taking AJ Tutorings practice tests!For AJ Tutorings current practice SAT and ACT test schedule at the San Jose and Palo Alto offices, please consult our website.   If you would like to sign up for a practice test, please email info@ajtutoring.com or call (650) 331-3251.   Were looking forward to seeing you on a Saturday morning sometime soon!

Music is Everybodys Business

Music is Everybodys Business Music is everybodys business. Its only the publishers who think people own it John Lennon John Winston Ono Lennon was an English singer and songwriter, known worldwide as one of the founding members of The Beatles.Born and raised in Liverpool, Lennon formed his first band The Quarrymen being only a teenager, has been transformed into The Beatles in 1960. Lennon is an image of a rebel and a fighter for peace. All his labor is thoroughly imbued with subtle sarcasm and caustic wit. Sales of Lennons album only in the United States jumped over 14 million units, and as performer, writer, or co-writer he is responsible for 27 number one singles on the US Hot 100 chart. In 2002, a BBC poll voted him eighth among the 100 Greatest Britons, and in 2008 Rolling Stone ranked him the fifth greatest singer of all time. In 1987 he was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.