Reasons to Choose a French Tutor

Reasons to Choose a French TutorWhen choosing a French tutor for your child, there are several things to consider. First, you will want to ask yourself why you would want to select a French tutor for your child. Perhaps you will be tutoring your child in French to better communicate with a friend or relative who speaks the language. Or maybe you will be tutoring your child to improve their language skills and you have tried traditional French classes but have not found them to be effective in teaching your child the basics of the language.French tutors will often come with experience in the language, and this is especially important if you are having trouble teaching your child the language on your own. It is best to use the services of a professional, since they will be able to give you excellent instruction and reinforce your own techniques. Also, you will want to make sure that they have years of experience, as this will help them to concentrate on what they are teaching your chil d.An important aspect of French tutoring is that it is English. You should never attempt to teach your child a language they do not understand. Once your child has started to learn the basics of the language, they will eventually want to speak to their friends in English. In addition, if your child is a beginner at learning a new language, you will want to start them off in a lesson with someone who knows the language well.If you have limited resources, English tutoring can be an excellent choice. There are several advantages to this, including that you do not need to devote much time to teaching your child; you do not need to worry about communication with your French teacher because they will also understand the language; and you will have access to a variety of learning materials, such as audio programs, games, etc.Some parents may consider French to be a less demanding language than English. This is especially true if your child has only been speaking it for a short period of ti me. French tutoring does not necessarily mean that your child will have to spend every day listening to instructions from a speaker in front of a class. If they are already listening to a book or listening to music in English, then French tutoring may not be necessary.Students who do not speak French will often find that there are many benefits to the practice of this language. Students can enjoy the physical activity and social interaction that it brings, and they can gain a better understanding of the language by listening to CDs and reading books in French. Aside from the fact that they are able to practice their language skills, students can also go to the movies, read books, or attend classes in French.French tutoring can help children who have begun to learn the language in order to improve their self-esteem. While there are many advantages to practicing the language in the classroom, for some children it is a matter of practicality. Before choosing a French tutor, consider th e reasons why you would choose them, as well as the benefits of working with a professional.

How to Prepare for a Phone Interview

How to Prepare for a Phone Interview Getting Ready for Your Phone Interview ChaptersWhy Phone Interviews?Preparing Yourself IntellectuallyPrepare Yourself PhysicallyOther Tips for Acing Your Phone InterviewsWhat’s the big deal? It’s just a phone call! I don’t have to wear my Sunday best, brush my teeth or comb my hair; nobody is going to see me because we’re just talking on the phone, right?You could certainly approach your first phone interview with that attitude but it’s a fairly sure bet that, if you do so, you won’t get any further in the job interview process.The hiring manager isn’t calling you to chat; s/he has an agenda to follow.How you conduct yourself and how you respond, down to the degree of informality you inject into that conversation will decide whether you will be up for further consideration as a future employee or your application will be dismissed altogether.Today, your Superprof adopts sports analogies to help you figure out what to bring to the game, how to build up your playbook and how to execute the winning plays â€" to move you from the city to the regional playoffs, as it were.outnumber the positions needing to be filled, corporations adopted the tactics used by journalists the world over.Interview subjects can disclose pertinent information over the phone as effectively as in person. The telephone interview got its start when phones became commonplace Image by Stefan Kuhn from PixabayThus, rather than bearing the cost of flying candidates in for interviews and spending face time, HR managers came to realise that they could cull the most eligible candidates by pre-screening them over the phone.The phone interview was born.Today, phone interviews are conducted in that same spirit of getting to the point without wasting unnecessary resources.Potential employers want to know a bit more about you, so they might ask questions about your career goals and which skills you possess that will be pertinent to the position you applied for.We’ve covered specific interview questions you might be asked during a phone interview in a separate article.Your phone interview might last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on how satisfactory your answers are; however long it takes for the recruiting team you are talking with to determine you might be a good fit for the job based on your skills, abilities and preferences.Said preferences might be anything from willing to work the night shift to being willing to relocate.Once you’ve made an impression over the phone, you â€" and a substantially shorter list of candidates than the number that sent their CV in will be invited to come in for a face to face interview.The trick is nailing the phone interview but, even to get that far, you need to write a good cover letter…Preparing Yourself IntellectuallyAs we mentioned before, a phone interview is not a casual chat with mates… besides, between texting and Snapchatting, does anyone even use their phone to casually chat with mates anymore?As you might not have participated in a long phone call in a while and these are not your mates calling, a measure of preparation is necessary.The first thing to remember is that it is your interview but the interview is not all about you. Before the interview, you should condition yourself to actively listen, as the fellow on the right is doing Image by jamesoladujoye from PixabayYou’re quite right in thinking that the person conducting the interview wants to know more about you but they don’t want a barrage of information; they want to know specific things.  To learn what these things are, you have to actively listen.Active listening is an acquired skill that is easy to pick up. Two of the main components of active listening are paying attention and visualising.Let’s say you’re interviewing for a position in a food processing plant and the interviewer informs you that they’re looking for someone to clean test tubes and Petri dishes in their quality control lab, and the interviewer asks how you feel taking a seemingly menial job.You should not respond with “In my food chemistry courses, I spent a lot of time in the laboratory and I know all about laboratory equipment.”True, you have made a vague referenc e to a lab, but the answer you gave indicates you did not hear the question.You might practise your listening skills with friends and/or family; in fact, a good technique for interview preparation is conducting a mock interview: provide a trusted other with a list of job interview questions. They will clue you into the vital information you may have missed in their questions.Interviewing for a job with your parents or an older sibling is also a great way to work out all of those 'umm...'s, 'you see...'s and 'innit's out of your vocabulary before you accidentally spill them all over your interviewers!Do Your ResearchAnother important part of interview preparation is researching the company you hope to work with. Fortunately, unlike job seekers in the past, you have a wealth of resources at your disposal.Online, you can find just about anything you may want to know about any entity worth knowing about. If you can’t find any information online, research similar businesses to find out what they do.“(similar) Company XYZ does this/has that; how does their profile compare with yours?”Nobody will be angry that you’ve brought up a rival company; in fact, they may be impressed that you’ve done so much to learn about them!If all else fails, try phoning the company ahead of your interview. There’s a good bet that they would have at least press releases and/or a company profile to share; they may even direct you to places you can learn more about your prospective employers.Also, pick up on more tips to make your resume stand out…Prepare Yourself PhysicallyWait a minute; physically? Nobody is going to see me; what physical preparations do I need to make?You may feel most comfortable taking this interview all cosied up in your personal space and wearing your most comfortable pyjamas. However, experts warn that interviewing in that manner would be a mistake.For one, your laid back position might translate into the cardinal sin of phone interviews: coming across as apathetic and uncaring of the task at hand.The adage ‘the clothes make the man’ has never been truer than in phone interviews.Granted, nobody will see you but, by wearing professional attire, you are conditioning yourself mentally to the task. Additionally, rather than planning to sit throughout the time you spend on the phone, you might consider standing â€" an extra means of focusing.If you do follow the recommendation to stand, you should avoid pacing. Your steps might echo through your phone connection, potentially distracting your interviewers or leading them to wonder what’s going on around you. In that same vein, choose a quiet area in which to conduct your interview.It should be reasonably comfortable; nobody ever said you couldn't have some comfort!Make sure your phone has a good connection. If you haven’t given your future employers your fixed phone line number, you must ensure that the phone you use will have a strong signal in the spot you plan to interview i n.If you have WIFI, note that it doesn’t like walls or doors, and it doesn’t like to climb stairs to the second level or the basement.  If possible, get as close to your router as possible and/or make sure you will have adequate signal strength in the location you choose for your interview.And make sure you have a full charge on your battery!Learn more inside interview techniques and tips for finding your first job… Interview etiquette demands that you should be in a quiet place, where interviewers will not hear background noises Image by Free-Photos from PixabayOther Tips for Acing Your Phone InterviewsGranted, you wrote your curriculum vitae and you probably know everything on it. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to review it and even keep a copy at hand during the interview in case your interviewer ask more pointed questions about it.Also, any notes you’ve made while researching the company should be neatly compiled, preferably in bullet points, and kept where you can see them. Speaking of notes…Set up your interview space in such a way that you will be able to take notes as the conversation progresses.For instance, as your interview reveals details about the position, write down keywords and main points of what s/he is saying. Later, when s/he asks ‘Do you have any questions for us?’, you can confidently reply: ‘Yes, I do. Earlier, you mentioned _____, I would like to know how ______ rela tes to the position.’.Such a tactic is sure to sway the HR manager to recommend a second interview â€" and this one will be face to face!You might also use those notes to write post-interview thank-you notes…Another good response to the ‘questions for us’ question is asking about what happens next.There is nothing worse than being left hanging, unsure of how things will develop or turn out. There is nothing wrong with you asking ‘What is the next step?’; in fact, your interviewer might see you are keen indeed to start working.S/he may oblige you and put you to work sooner than you thought!Now discover how you can adapt your CV and cover letter for any job…

Learn How to Sew with Your Sewing Machine

Learn How to Sew with Your Sewing Machine Take Sewing Classes to Learn to Use your Sewing Machine ChaptersGetting to Know the Parts of a Sewing MachineSewing Lessons Setting Up the Sewing MachineSome Tips Before you Start Sewing ClassGet Started: Learning to Sew on the MachineOne has to look out for engineers: they begin with the sewing machines and end up with the atomic bomb. Marcel Pagnol (1895-1974).Buying a good sewing machine to learn how to sew can be quite expensive, but if in addition to releasing overflowing creative ideas, you want it to be good quality as well as easy to use, you'll have to be prepared to put the price up.When you are a beginner, setting up your first sewing machine to do your first project can be overwhelming. Taking sewing classes can help you to learn quicker.Yet using a new machine is not rocket science.Whether one has a mechanical or an electronic sewing machine, the operating mode differs very little, except that the latter allows you to do automatic adjustments (and is therefore easier).No need for tears, setting up your new toy simply requires a certain technique, with one simple touch and a flick of the wrist, using it will soon come to us automatically.How to thread the sewing machine needle - for the sewing thread to go through -, insert and fill the spool, insert the sewing needle, turn the reel then use the speed controller.How do I adjust the stitch selection panel so I can sew different types of fabric and use my sewing patterns?Those who read this post are most likely wondering how to sew to make their own clothes and accessories, a handy tote bag, skirt, summer dress, helm a pair of trouser hem, make curtains to hide from the neighbours, etc.Here is our Superprof mini-guide to learn how to use your new sewing machine.Looking for sewing classes London? RaySewing Teacher 5.00 (6) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PrincessSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnaSewing Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArianwenSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/ h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ShaziaSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZanetaSewing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GianmariaSewing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JacquelineSewing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGetting to Know the Parts of a Sewing MachineEven with an affordable machine from Lidl, you need to read through all the instructions before starting to use it.Where is the thread take-up lever, the thread guide, the stitch regulator, the bobbin winder? Source: PixabaySewing with a machine that is easy to use will still be faster than making hand-stitched shorts!Because all sewing machines work with a lockstitch: the fabric is sandwiched between the upper and lower thread.Here are some steps to help you learn the different parts of a sewing machine so you can stitch any type of fabric.Locate the bobbin winder, a metal spindle where you insert the spool o f thread,Find the thread guide, used to guide the sewing thread to the wheel (on the left side at the top of the machine),The balance wheel: to the right of the bobbin winder,The stitch selection panel, to choose the stitch programme (length, direction),Locate the thread take-up lever, into which the thread must be inserted,The tension adjustment: allows you to adjust the tension of the threads being sewn,The needle clamp screw, to insert/remove the needle from its base,The presser foot: to hold and guide the fabric when the machine is running,The presser foot lifter: practice pulling it from top to bottom, from bottom to top,The needle plate,The feed dogs: it is a metal guide on the needle plate that moves the fabric during sewing,The bobbin case: under the machine, place the spool of thread which feeds the bottom thread to the needle.That's it, all you have to do is make your adjustments - especially for a mechanical sewing machine - and settle down to start working.To do this, pl ace the machine on a flat, clean, tidy and well-lit surface: a table, desk, or other appropriate piece of furniture.Position the sewing tool with the needle on the left (for good visibility).Now you can begin.Why not learn how to make a sewing pattern!Sewing Lessons Setting Up the Sewing MachineWhen you start, everything seems difficult, but sewing and embroidering won't be so tedious once you get your machine set up: provided its settings, perhaps more than your own skill, produce good seams.A bit like a plumber, even with plenty of experience, he can not do good work if his tools aren't up to scratch.Hmm...maybe it's time to replace my great-grandmother's rusty old sewing machine. Source: PixabayHere are four basic settings that you will use for all sewing jobs (repairing a zip, darning trousers, sewing leather, making bags, etc.):Inserting the needleTo correctly fit a sewing needle or a double needle, the flat side of the needle must be directed backwards, with its groove in the direction of where the thread is coming from.Raise the needle bar upwards.Unscrew the needle clamp screw, then push the needle all the way into its base (with your left hand). Finally, tighten the clamping screw with a small screwdriver with the other hand.Learn all you need to know about selecting and using the right needle for your sewing projects...Preparing the bobbinA sewing machine uses two sources of sewing thread:The top thread,The bottom thread, which comes from the bobbin.Place the Singer (or other brands) bobbin in the reel.Feed the sewing thread through the thread guide and into the bobbin. Turn on the wheel: the bobbin fills up and the wheel stops automatically when it is full.The bobbin can now be placed under the needle plate in the bobbin case while leaving the end of the thread outside.Threading the sewing machineNow, the thread should go down to the needle.The modern industrial sewing machine now has an marked path, which makes it easier to thread than an old sewin g machine.Take the thread of the spool, follow the thread guide to the left and go down along the slit provided for this purpose, go up to the top of the thread take-up lever, and back down towards the thread guide of the needle.Put the thread through the needle threader, then turn the handwheel toward you to move the needle back and forth so that it picks up the thread from the top and the bottom.Some Tips Before you Start Sewing ClassAfter selecting the stitch programme with the needle at the top (zigzag, straight, length and width), you can start practising:Always practise on thin, easy to sew fabric,Place the fabric under the needle,Lower the presser foot,Start sewing by sliding the fabric forward.So seams don't break easily, beginner sewing classes will always teach an important part of securing a seam:  the reverse stitch.Find more useful advice for your sewing projects...What's better than fine fabrics when learning to sew? Source: Visual HuntThis is done at the beginning and at the end of the work.To do this - depending on the type of machine, there should be a reverse button on the body of the machine - sew a few stitches forward, then press the reverse button to make a few stitches in reverse.The machine changes the direction of thread feed. Then continues forward. This reinforces the seams.Some tips for releasing the fabric:Reassemble the presser foot,Cut the thread with the thread cutter (behind the presser foot).To learn more, this very educational  article will help you understand how a sewing machine works.And now, everything is ready: all you have to do now is practise! This is where we take out our colour coded fabrics.Discover what you can sew out of fabric remnants from other completed projects!Get Started: Learning to Sew on the MachineTo put fabrics together and make clothing, accessories or sew decorative fabrics, one must ALWAYS respect the seam allowance.We have to jump into the water before we learn to swim! Source: PixabayThis is usua lly 1cm, or 1.5cm. This prevents the edge of the fabric from fraying with wear.Begin by attaching the folded edge of the fabric with safety pins, and then removing them as the fabric is put through the machine.If you want to switch to another part of the fabric without rotating - for example, to sew at a right angle - you have to turn the upper handwheel on the righthand side of the machine to raise the needle.So you can move the fabric at will and rotate it for other different stitches.Start step by step: practice first on leftover fabrics, then try to make a small accessory when you feel confident enough.For example, a pillowcase or cushion cover.Taking time, getting organised and practising will enable you to progress, improve your level, gauge the speed of the machine and guide the fabric under the needle.One last tip: It is important to have your Pfaff, Singer or Husqvarna sewing machine handy, to test the seam with all the different stitches of the machine.You do not have to o vercast, or buy a serger machine to cut a buttonhole: this will come to you over time.Check out these other ways to learn how to sew:Online sewing classesSewing classes EdinburghSewing classes BirminghamDiscover online sewing tutorials to help you learn how to sew...

Solving Square Roots

Solving Square Roots Square root is the number which when multiplied by itself gives back the number to which square root is calculated. Square root is one of the commonly used terms in numerical calculations and algebra. Principal square root is the nonnegative root of the given nonnegative real number. There is no principle square root of a negative number because the principal square root cannot be applied to imaginary number. The symbol of square root is . Example 1: Find the square root of the number 225x2? Solution: Given here is to find the principal square root of the number 225. The square root of 225 is the number when multiplied to itself gives back 225. So, 225x2 = (3* 3* 5* 5*x*x) = (15x * 15x) = 15x or -15x. But we need to find the principal square root of the number 225 which has to be a positive value. Hence, the principal square root of 225 is 15x. Example 2: Find the square root of the number 400? Solution: Given here is to find the principal square root of the number 400. The square root of 400 is the number when multiplied to itself gives back 400. So, 400 = (2* 2 *5* 5* 2* 2) = (4 * 4* 5* 5) = (20* 20) = 20 or -20. But we need to find the principal square root of the number 200 which has to be a positive value. Hence, the principal square root of 400 is 20.

Why Wouldnt You Learn the Drums

Why Wouldnt You Learn the Drums Some Options for Learning the Drums - to Show You Why You Should. ChaptersWhy Learn the Drums at All?Music Courses Or Specialist Music SchoolsThe Benefits Of Going To Specialist Music SchoolWhat To Look For On A Music Course.Some of the Best Music Schools in the Country.Find Yourself a Private Drum Tutor.Taking music classes at school, college or university is an excellent idea which you should consider if you have the opportunity to do it.A massive benefit to studying music at school is that you will get a comprehensive education on music, you will be prepared to use a wide variety of instruments,  and you'll have a working knowledge of how they work. You will also have a better idea of how bands and music groups work together. This learning experience will be your fountain of knowledge which would give you a real head start into becoming a professional musician.When you are still young and living at home with your family without a designated place to practice your instrument,  taking up drums at school will be an excellent idea for a few reasons. You will be able to use the school drum kit.You will save money because everything will be provided by the school.Your school may have a recording studio so that you can play as much as you want and it won't be disruptive to the rest of the school.You will have a professional music teacher who can pass on the knowledge and advice.If you get good enough, you will have the opportunity to play live events with your school.The biggest benefit is that it is often free in schools and some colleges. Once you have graduated, it will cost you from £25 per hour to get a teacher to show you the basics plus your drum kit will cost anywhere from £200. Take advantage of these savings while you can if you really want to learn the drums.Even if you are sure that you want to play the drums or learn to play the drums, there is always power in knowledge. While the other instruments won't replace your  drum kits, they will allow you to open up to other musical styles and  expand your musical knowledg e and culture.No designated place to practice your instrument. Photo Source: UnsplashIntegrated career planning and support. A good College will know how difficult it can be to break into the music industry, and so they help you every step of the way from placements to preparing your CV for that ideal job. They will be committed to helping you to work in your dream job, and won't just leave you to work it out for yourself.The best music school will be located in the best cities where you can have a chance to break into the industry.Having access to do a study exchange could really help your career especially if you can exchange to a city that could give you your big break.Attending a specialist school that already has successful students shows that it could be possible for you too. Having access to find out who has gone on to be successful is a huge benefit to you.Access to famous drummers and successful musicians to be able to ask questions and find out the best routine for you int o the industry.Often in specialist school, the teachers are actually in the industry themselves, so you may be taught by musicians and performers who really know their stuff first hand.Great facilities and collaborates with other talented artists. You will have access to first class facilities with the most technologically advanced equipment. Plus you will be surrounded by people like you who are interested in music and dedicated and driven to achieve their dreams. If you ever want to form a band, It will be very easy to do so at a school like this, plus you will be able to have a studio to practice in.You will be expected to perform your talent and given opportunities that you would never get in a mainstream school.Amazing drummers can grow out of attending an educational facility that specialises and nurtures the talent of a drummer. Providing opportunities for that talent to grow, so that you can break into the music industry and have a long and successful career holding your dru msticks. If drumming is your passion, then going to a specialist school is your launch-pad. Take your first step.Expand your learning on your own schedule. Photo Source: UnsplashWhat To Look For On A Music Course.While it is fun to be sitting at your drumkit day in and day out, you have to remember that the road to being one of the best drummers in the world is not about doing what you think you should be doing. Since you aren't a world class drummer yet, you really need to open yourself up to becoming an expert in your field. Understanding how music works is the fundamental first step on your road to success.While knowing the history of the drum as one of the percussion instruments is essential, it is more important to learn about all of the drums and know how to play each variety of drum not just on your drumset but also learn the bongo, the conga and the djembe. Ask your drum teacher what other drums you can try, learn to use hand drums, experiment with the drumhead and see how t he sound changes. Play drums of different style together, change your drumsticks for your hands, learn the rhythm of your passion for the drum and use every creative concept that you can see in your drumming lessons to maximize your skill level and creativity.To be able to do this you need to study on a course that encourages creative expression and new innovative concepts within the learning environment. Take lessons in every class you have time for and watch videos on the ones you can't attend. To be a genius percussionist, you will know more than what is going on in your immediate environment. You will understand the drum patterns by listening to drum music from around the world, then you will find out how to play drums in the same way.Almost all of the most famous drummers, Chad Smith, Jojo Mayer, Carmine Appice, Jared Falk, drumming lessons, Vic Firth, have received classical training in how to play the drum. Once they were just like you holding their drumsticks in their hand a nd unsure how to play the drums but with lots of practice and learning how to play. They went from beginner to famous drummer. The same is possible for you too if you have the passion for opening yourself to music.You can be inspired, amazed, and surrounded by other like-minded people. Photo Source: UnsplashQuick Tips For Finding A Good Music Course.Structured courses to support your development as a musician and music industry professional.Expert tutors who have worked in the music industry, who can pass on their experience.Learning how to perform at festivals and shows and have the opportunity to present at school.The ability to learn about music and not just to drum. Where you will access various styles and instruments to deepen your knowledge.Tuition in Technical Development,Theory,Ear Training andSession Styles,Musical styling.Focused on the academic, practical and technical sides of being a musicianCareer preparation and support with possibilities for industry work experience. Having some creative control to try new things and expand your horizonsAccess to useful complimentary courses such as Performance skills, Musical Business skills, Online Music, teaching music skills, Music Production, digital design, Entrepreneurship etc.Some of the Best Music Schools in the Country.If you are serious about your drum lessons, you might want to consider playing drums at a specialist music or drum school. With a three year (or four, if you are in Scotland) degree in drums under your belt - with specialist drum instruction - you will be set to take the professional music world by storm.But one of the most common questions by those playing drums is,  where is actually best to pursue specialist music training for higher education? And it's an important one, because with so many good drum teachers out there, and with so many music institutions advertising their qualities and reputation, it's pretty difficult to navigate the field.So, which ones are the best? and which are the best specifically for learning drums? Most of the prestigious courses are going to do all of the eight things we mention above - so let's talk about what sets the schools apart.What Schools Should You Consider.Firstly, you are going to have to ask yourself what sort of drums you want to play, what styles of music you are interested in, and what sort of music industry you want to engage with. So, if you want to play jazz drums, you'll need to think which institutions excel in that field. If you want to play classical percussion - or orchestral percussion, or anything that falls beneath the definition 'percussion instrument' - then you'll need to go elsewhere. Again, if you want the rock/pop/metal side of things, there'll be places for that too.Once you've narrowed that down, you should think about whether you want your course to include modules on music tech or musical production - as some courses will excel at this. Some drummers won't want this at all.So, what's best for what? Jazz PercussionOne of the leading music schools in the country is the Royal Academy of Music, which is based in London. It's also the oldest music school in the UK, being set up back in 1822.Aside from its heritage in classical music, the Royal Academy is known for its incredible jazz department, which, led by Nick Smart, covers any musical instrument anyone might want to study. For those on the drum kit, you'll be able to study for a Bachelor of Music or a BMus Jazz on your instrument.Orchestral and ClassicalAlongside the RAM, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama is up there with the best music schools in the country. Of course, like many of these institutions, it's based in London, so you'll have to get yourself to the capital if you want to take your rudiments, fills, and drum solos to the highest level.This is your best bet for a comprehensive classical training, as musicians and composers such as Sir James Galway and Philip Dukes have trained there and have gone onto be know n as some of the best performers in their instrument.The course at GSMD is more for the timpani player or the general percussionist, rather than the snare drum or hi hat aficionado - just so that you are aware. But with some dedicated percussion ensembles and a chance to perform abroad, this course will give you a solid foundation in general musicianship as well as drum performance.Rock and Tech CoursesFor those looking to play popular music - to become a session musician, for example, or to just get the best grounding in drum playing they can - the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, or BIMM, might be a great option.With schools in many locations across the UK - and now Europe - you can pursue your studies of the paradiddle and groove and drum beats in Brighton, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Dublin, Berlin, and London. They are a pretty cool organisation, offering diplomas or Bachelor degrees, and you can link up your studies of those rhythmic beats with songwriting, produ ction, and performance.Others?That's not all the music schools there are - obviously. Yet, we don't have space to cover them all. What we recommend is that you do a bit of research of your own and see what would be the best fit for you.You could start by looking at the following schools:the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance;the Royal College of Music;Trinity Laban;the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.You may also want to study music at a normal university - so as to combine your musical qualification with an academic degree. The universities of Bristol, Durham, Manchester, and Oxford and Cambridge are all places with fantastic reputations for their music degrees. Maybe take your electronic drum set with you though - because your flatmates might not appreciate the sound of a bass drum and cymbals throughout the year.Getting into a Specialist Music School.The next question becomes,  how are you going to get into the music school of your choice?  This is easily answered, but t he task, if we are honest, is much less easily completed.Let's assume that you already did learn to play the drums: you have your drum rudiments down, and you are way past the beginner drum level.What you will need to do is show the admissions people that this is true. And how do you do that? An audition, a process that sits as the backbone of the life of the modern drummer. Whilst this will be scary, you'll need to comfy with this process.Pick some performances that show your talent at its best - making sure that they reflect the breadth as well as the depth of your ability. If you have heavy metal drum grooves down, good. But, these schools are going to want to see a little more than that: pick a jazz drum solo or a bit of Latin percussion to complement that performance.What else? There may well be some academic requirements too. So make sure that you do excellently in your music A Levels, and hone your general musicianship skills.Find Yourself a Private Drum Tutor.What would help any application to a specialist music school is to find a teacher that will guide you through the whole process. And if you want to learn to play drums at school, a private tutor could be a good complement for that too.Regardless of what you want to do, finding an expert to give you proper drums lessons will take some of the stress of that application process: they'll help you pick your performances and teach you the other things you need for your application. These days, people can even give you online lessons on how to play the drums.The thing is that it's really quite difficult to pick up an instrument on your own, and it is even harder to ensure that you keep progressing with the right technique. A teacher is really important - as they keep you motivated, they keep you on track, and they show you how to do things right.But a private tutor can be even more helpful - as every lessons is geared around you, from the scheduling to the content, to the genres of music you'll be studyi ng.Try it - Superprof has over three hundred drum tutors in the UK.If you want to be a successful musician, you should know that lots of people have that same dream and you will need to find the way to not only stand out but to be exceptional at your craft. While many people want to be celebrated not many of them would be willing to work hard from the ground up to polish their talent. Ready to be a great drummer?

How to Plan a Wildlife Photography Trip

How to Plan a Wildlife Photography Trip Making Sure You’re Ready for Your Wildlife Photography Trip ChaptersDo Your ResearchSelect Your KitBudgeting Your TripKeep Your Expectations RealisticIn spite of ‘wild’ being built right into their profession’s title, wildlife photographers are a very risk-averse, detail-oriented bunch.To be sure, there is a certain amount of risk involved in facing off with creatures that weigh substantially more than you do and have no code of ethics â€" in the wild, it is eat or be eaten.We’ll discuss in a moment how those risks are mitigated.Besides the risk of attack, there are environmental factors to consider.For instance, an underwater photographer must be sure his diving equipment is integral while a photographer in the arctic must have proper protection against cold weather â€" both for himself and for his camera and lenses...In light of all that, you may be sure that seldom if ever does such a photographer simply grab his camera bag and head out into the wilderness to capture images of whatever animal permits itself to be photographed.To th e contrary, every excursion demands careful preparation: which animal to target, what kit to bring, and when to go.If you are just starting out in wildlife photography, you may need a few pointers on what to consider when planning your first major expedition.If you have already won a few photography awards for your photographs of animals, maybe you could add a few tips in the comments section.No matter how much experience you have in taking trips to photograph wildlife, you may find value in this list of factors to consider when planning your wildlife photography trip. AllanPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPhotography Teacher 5.00 (7) £55/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TimothyPhotography Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Anosh nadeemPhotography Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoPhotography Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Rosi ePhotography Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MattPhotography Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyPhotography Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDo Your Research As keen as you may be to set out, be sure to learn about your quarry and its environment Image by ArtTower from PixabayWe are delighted that you wish to take photos of animals and can’t wait to see your work! Which animals do you want to photograph?Indeed, that should be your very first question.For instance, photographing birds indigenous to your area is vastly different than taking pictures of wildlife in other parts of the world, for a long list of reasons.We posit that there are two major factors to consider in researching your next venture: your quarry and where it lives. First, let’s talk about your subject matter.AnimalsWhat type of animal do you intend to pursue?Let’s say you want to photograph big cats in the Kalahari â€" leopards, cheetah... maybe a regal male lion with its magnificent mane.Common sense says it is a good idea to stay away from these predatory carnivores but, beyond that, you need to know when they hunt, eat and sleep; what time of day they are most ac tive â€" the time you are most likely to get your money shot.Did you know that lions always yawn when they wake up? Discover other tips and tricks that will help advance your photography skills...Knowing your quarry’s mannerisms and habits will save you from wasting a lot of time waiting for it to appear and/or do something picture-worthy.Researching the animals you hope to photograph will also keep you from lugging a lot of unnecessary kit with you â€" you may only need your telephoto lens; but most importantly, studying up on your target animal will help keep you safe.That might be the best reason to do research!EnvironmentKnowing what environment you will deploy your kit in will not only protect your photography equipment but help you prepare it for optimal use.For instance, if your plans take you to the Serengeti during the rainy seasons, you should bring a rain cover for your super-telephoto lens.On the other hand, if you’re headed to the Scottish Highlands to photograph so me of the great wildlife there, you may do better having your lens and camera camouflaged.And, naturally, if you are planning on underwater photography, you need waterproof equipment.The lighting, terrain and colours may all challenge your current conceptions of photo composition and balance.That is why it is best to learn as much as you can about your proposed destination and preferred animal before setting off.Select Your KitIf you are relatively new to capturing wildlife images, you may not have a lot of kit in your camera bag yet.  Find out what essential items you should have in there!However, if you are a seasoned wildlife photographer, you may have a piece of kit for every occasion... but, as you surely know, you don’t need to bring it all with you.Here again, this is where research comes in handy: if you know where you’re going and what you can expect, you’ll know what to bring with you.At the minimum you should have:SLR or DSLR camera bodies with enough batteries and memory cards (or film)an assortment of lenses (only those you might need)some sort of support: tripod, monopod or bean baga camera bag to carry everythingAdditionally, it would be nice to have a gimbal tripod head, teleconverter and an assortment of filters.Packing for YourselfHave you ever gone on holiday only to realise you forgot to pack your bathing suit or walking shoes?This may seem obvious but many people, especially those new to planning holidays around their taking wildlife photos tend to overlook their own packing in favour of going over their equipment packing list one more time.It's really of no great consequence, forgetting to pack some essential article of clothing or accessory for your holiday, especially if you are somewhere where you could buy a replacement.However, in preparing for a jaunt into the wild, forgetting could mean the difference between the trip you’ve long envisioned and a quick return home with nary a snap to show off.From high-top boots to protecti ve clothing, your packing list deserves as much scrutiny as your kit’s list does.And don’t forget to pack your first aid kit and maybe some protein bars! Running out of money when far from home would make anyone crabby! Image by Elijah Lovkoff from PixabayBudgeting Your TripAgain, this seems like common sense but you would be surprised at how many people envision a glorious trip for themselves and find they’ve run out of money before it was finished.  To budget adequately, we offer a few points to consider.Where are you going?It might seem counter-intuitive but it could cost you more to photograph urban wildlife in London than photographing wild animals in a national reserve away from a big city.No matter where you go, you must budget for food and accommodations; even if you camp out you will have to pay for a permit to do so.You might have to pay a bit extra to get your camping gear on the plane, too!How long do you plan to be gone?This question too impacts your trip budget; the longer you stay the more out of pocket expenses you will likely incur.Another factor to consider: whether merchants at your destination accept credit cards . Such card readers are ubiquitous in big cities but more remote locales may only accept cash... and then, only in their currency.So, if relying on plastic is your backup plan, you may need to rethink it.What type of photoshoot are you going on?At one extreme you have guided photography tours; say a safari in the Masai Mara reserve.In this case, you should expect to tip your guides, animal handlers and anyone else who might contribute to making this event a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience for you. You may also consider making a donation to their wildlife fund...The other extreme might see you in Norway or Newfoundland to photograph a pod of whales.If you’re going out solo, you may consider staying in a hostel rather than a more expensive hotel, especially if you're going at the height of whale-watching season.Here again, research pays off; you might get a really good price on accommodations if you’re going during the off-season for tourists.Contingency plansIf heavens fo rbid, anything should happen to you or your photography equipment while on a shoot, there is really only one way to take care of the problem efficiently: throw money at it.Any time you budget for a trip to take photos of wildlife, you should automatically plan for at least 20% of the trip’s total cost to be spent on emergencies.You might be surprised at how inaccessible or inhospitable some of the best places for wildlife photography can be.While that provides the potential for stunning shots, it also opens the door to possible complications such as injury and damage or loss to your equipment.Rather than calling your whole trip off or declaring it a waste, it would be wise to build money into your travel budget for such instances that you might need it.Far from being a predictor of gloom and doom, that just makes sense... as does this next piece of advice. Even though these zebras look posed, animal portraits seldom come out quite like this Source: Pixabay Credit 12019Keep Your Expectations RealisticWildlife photography is a very iffy business.No, we’re not raining on your parade; we’re putting up an umbrella for you.Animals don’t care that you have a bag full of expensive equipment to capture their likeness with and they have no interest in the fact that you’ve travelled away from your comfortable home to meet them.And they really don’t care that you’re currently questioning why you ever decided to become a wildlife photographer as you wait for them to do something amazing that you can capture on film.The idea of wildlife photography has perhaps been greatly romanticised, both by gorgeous layouts in magazines like National Geographic and by epic films such as Out of Africa and Gandhi, where the wildlife seems easily accessible and compliant.The reality of wildlife photography is that it is an art form wholly dependent on i ts capricious subject matter, on the weather and on your tenacity in pursuing photographic perfection.As long as you keep a firm hold of these points, there is no reason you shouldn’t succeed in your mission to capture wildlife on your camera’s memory cards.Who knows? If, after you achieve your goal, you might consider â€" as long as you’re on the road, going a bit further to see what other kind of wildlife you could find and photograph.

Boston University A Student Interview

Boston University A Student Interview Mano earned his bachelors degree in international relations from Boston University. He specializes in French tutoring, SAT tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, he shares his experience at Boston University: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Mano: Boston University is a prime example of an urban college campus. On its outskirts, you can find the Charles River, The Red Soxs Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, and Allston. Its a very safe campus with a prime location in an iconic city; the BU Police Department works diligently with the Boston Police to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff, and everyone on campus. The tramway runs through the middle of Boston University and is easily accessiblethough the schedule varies and slows down in the winter months. I wouldnt say one would need a car in Boston or while attending BU, as public transportation is easily accessible. In addition, BU has its own shuttle that runs through campus from one end to the other, free of charge. Bikes are also very useful for students living off-campus and can easily be parked anywherejust be careful for cars on Commonwealth Avenue. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Mano: As you progress throughyour academic years, classes start to decrease in size and you can easily get to know your professors and teaching assistants. In my experience, BU professors have gone out of their way to set up flexible office hours with their students, even increasing their presence on campus prior to finals weeks. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Mano: Living arrangements are not the best during the first two years of college at BU; though, they do get better when you become a junior and senior. In dormitory-style housing, students have to leave their dorms during the holidays and breaks, which is a hassle for someone living very far away from home. On campus apartment-style options are better than dormitories, but still expensive compared to off-campus housing. Though many might disagree with me, the quality of food at the universitys dining halls was not the best compared to other schools, despite the many options offered to students. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Mano: I studied international relations at Boston University. Its one of the most prominent departments at the university. I was fortunate to study and practice what I was learning in the classroom during a semester internship abroad in Geneva, Switzerland. Other well represented majors and programs include the School of Management, the School of Engineering, economics, and human physiology/pre-med. 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? Mano: Making friends at BU is very easy. Make sure to meet as many people as possible during the first few weeks of freshman year at orientation, activities, and club meetings. Some might end up being your friends for the entirety of your college life. Another great way to make close friends at the university is to build connections and friendships during your semester abroad, which was my case. Greek life isnt a major facet of student life at BU, but those who choose to join fraternities and sororities end up enjoying their experiences. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Mano: Many companies and alums recruit BU students. The emphasis is mainly on students majoring in business, engineering, and computer science. Liberal arts majors usually have the challenge of finding employment on their own; however, the Career Center provides resources and services to update and tailor resumes and cover letters to help students find internships or entry level jobs. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Mano: The university has a great number of libraries and study lounges spread all around campus. Its main library, Mugar, gets very crowded during midterms and finals season. This is why many go to smaller libraries and lounges in dorms for quiet study rooms. VT: Describe the surrounding town. Mano: Boston University is located in the heart of the city of Boston and just across the river from Cambridge, MA. The city is yours to explore, especially with the availability of the subway, tramway, and buses running around town. Boston is a cultural hub, as it harbors a variety of museums, concert venues, shopping districts, restaurants, and sports venues. The downtown area is 10-20 minutes away from BU, and students usually go out from Thursday to Sunday nights. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Mano: BU has around 16,000 undergraduate students. You are bound to take large classes your first two years, with around 200 students in each. But, as you become an upperclassman, class sizes start to shrink and you get to better know your professors and peersespecially during seminar-style advanced courses. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Mano: My best experience was with professor Abigail Jacobson who was visiting from the MIT history department. Her class on the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict led toan opportunity to assist her in research on her project on the relations between Middle Eastern Jews and Arabs prior to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. I eventually decided to pursue opportunities in foreign policy research in several think tanks as a result. Check out Manos tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Fulfilling Your New Years GMAT Resolutions

Fulfilling Your New Year's GMAT Resolutions GMAT MBA Admissions Blog Now that the calendar has turned to 2018, millions of folks have set (and are hopefully still following!) their New Year’s resolutions. For most, these involve some measure of personal improvement â€" eat healthier, exercise more, boost savings, or maybe improve career prospects. Many looking to further their career will potentially consider building upon their scholastic resume with an MBA. Of course, one of the early steps on the road to an MBA is taking the GMAT and getting a score that will be enticing for your target schools, but with so much to do it can be challenging to decide how to start. Step 1: Set a Goal The first step to any resolution is, of course, identifying a goal. Having a target to strive towards allows you to track progress and feel pride as you make the steady march towards your ultimate achievement. However, everyone’s goal should be different. It must be based on your personal goals and abilities, not just something you heard about how ‘everyone taking the GMAT needs a 700’. Identify your target colleges to determine their admissions requirements and see realistically if you are capable of meeting those benchmarks based on your resume, GPA, and of course your potential GMAT score. For instance, just in MyGuru’s hometown of Chicago, there are numerous business schools from which to choose. These include top five B-schools such as Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and University of Chicago Booth School of Business which boast an average GMAT score in the 730s to University of Illinois at Chicago Liautaud School of Business and Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business which accept scores in the 500s, with even more schools in Illinois and worldwide that will fall somewhere in between. Wherever you want to go to business school, make sure to do some research (mba.com is a great place to start) to determine what your GMAT goal should be to earn strong consideration from admissions officers at your preferred MBA destinations. Step 2: Find an Instructor and Materials Don’t worry, this isn’t a pitch where I tell you that everyone needs a tutor. However, everyone does need an expert source for instruction and the best text for that, and practice questions, is going to be the Official Guide to the GMAT. If you prefer lugging around heavy things, get the paperback version. If not, get the e-book which will lighten your load and encourage best practices for scratch work since you’ll be working from a screen â€" just like you will on test day. If you need additional practice problems, you can also get the Official Guide GMAT Bundle including Verbal and Quantitative workbooks. Now, if you think you would benefit from additional help beyond reading the limited instructional material provided in the Official Guide, but want to try studying on your own to start there are a ton of additional textbooks from various prep companies or worksheets from sites such asMath-Aids. You can also find numerous online pre-recorded GMAT self-study materials from a variety of sources.If you think you would like direct assistance from a GMAT expert, consider online or in-person tutoring and online or in-person classroom instruction. Classroom instruction is going to be the most cost-effective option, but the difference between a class and one-on-one tutoring is similar to the difference between taking a yoga class and training with a yogi. The former will teach you the broad strokes and provide you with a predetermined set of skills, while the latter will tailor each lesson specifically for you and provide exactly the skills you need to excel at the task. Of course, MyGuru has a team of expert GMAT instructors around the country available for in-person or online instruction and we would be happy to discuss your specific prep needs anytime. Step 3: Set a Schedule Prepping for the GMAT is going to be more akin to training for a marathon than studying for a test. In short, you cannot cram for a marathon, so don’t try it for the GMAT! Instead, try to fit in daily drills and review for no more than an hour or two at a time. Since half of all improvement is reviewing mistakes, a frequently recommended approach is doing practice problems for an hour or so before work and then reviewing those questions for approximately the same amount of time afterwards. This will split up your training and give a consistency to the approach which will keep you fresh every time you study. You will also need to set aside time for full timed practice exams every 3-4 weeks on days you don’t work. Yes, this will likely mean sacrificing some weekends. This is a necessary sacrifice, because taking a full practice exam after a long day at the office is rarely a fun or, more importantly, focused experience. This can lead to lackluster performances and frustration when you see scores that are not truly representative of your skills. Ultimately, until scoring in the 700s each test taker should be more concerned with eliminating simple errors of calculation or focus above anything else. So, taking your practice tests in a serene environment and in top mental condition is imperative. Step 4: Set a Deadline Now, this does not necessarily mean sign up for a test immediately. Of course, if you have admissions deadlines you want to hit, those will take precedence over all other considerations. Still, even if you’re waiting until the next application cycle you will want to set a rough deadline for when you want to take the exam. Think of it this way, you wouldn’t prepare for a race without an end, so you won’t want to begin prepping for the GMAT without a deadline. A good rule of thumb for setting a GMAT deadline is that you’ll want at least eight weeks to prep, but probably not more than 24. The good news is, that you will take practice exams during your prep and you can always shift the exam up or back depending on how your practice scores are faring compared to your target goal. About halfway through your prep be prepared to schedule the exam to ensure that you can get a seat relatively soon after finishing your prep. If you are taking a GMAT class or working with a tutor, best practice is to take the exam within two weeks of your final lesson to avoid having your skills decline while waiting. Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to fulfilling this year’s GMAT New Year’s Resolution! About the Author: Stefan Maisnier is the Director of Online Tutoring at MyGuru, and sometimes contemplates the lagging Verbal scores of business school applicants while gazing wistfully at his own Masters of Science in Journalism diploma from Northwestern University.