Sunday, March 22, 2020

Learning How to Sing How Long Should My Voice Lessons Be

Learning How to Sing How Long Should My Voice Lessons Be Suzy S. Interested in learning how to sing? Private voice lessons are a great place to start. But with so many options out there for pricing, lesson length, and location, how do you know whats best for you? Read on as Hayward, CA and online teacher Molly R. shares her recommendation   So, youre signing up for voice lessons and see there are a few options, usually 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. Which length do you choose , either for yourself or for your child/teen? The first factor to consider is definitely age. My rule of thumb is that lessons for those under 12 should always be 30 minutes. The reason why I believe this works best is because children tend to have much shorter attention spans it’s not necessary to go into as much detail regarding vocal technique and repertoire! It would be much harder to fully engage the student in a longer lesson. Also, keep in mind that when youre first learning how to sing, you are not a fully formed instrument yet: students this young really don’t NEED additional time! For now, it’s a matter of teaching just the basics of both technique and musicianship (while still keeping things fun!) The next thing to consider are your (or the student’s) goals. Are there particular things you aspire to do, such as rock an open mic night, or start auditioning for local musicals? If so, you may want to consider an hour-long lesson. Typically, I spend the first half on vocal technique, and then the second half on polishing your songs with you so you get to feeling that youre “ready for prime time”! But, suppose you don’t care about performing. No, not everyone who signs up for voice lessons dreams of being in the spotlight! Believe it or not, I work with quite a few adults that are terrified at the very thought of it. They take voice lessons with me just because they find it fun and consider it a hobby! In that case, I recommend going with whatever feels right to you, either 30 minutes or an hour. There really isnt a right or wrong. There is plenty you can learn in either time frame. Lastly, consider how quickly you want to make progress. Even if you’re not out to perform, perhaps singing is something you really want to master, just for you. I work with some adult students who prefer hour-long lessons even though they are beginners who don’t want to perform any time soon, if ever. They like longer lessons because they have plenty of time to practice at home and really enjoy the whole process. Likewise, I have students who are very busy and can only fit in 30-minute lesson every other week. These students still work very hard for those 30 minutes, and make the time here and there to practice (sometimes during their work commute!). Keep in mind that many teachers are willing to customize for you. Maybe you usually do 30 minutes, but once in a while you have an upcoming performance you really want to make solid and would like more help with your song(s). I always allow my students to mix it up, realizing that needs will certainly change. So, the short answer? It’s all up to you if you’re a teen or adult singer. We are all different, so there is no one way to do voice lessons when youre learning how to sing! Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly  here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Penn State

Friday, March 6, 2020

A Guide for Future Spanish Teachers

A Guide for Future Spanish Teachers How to become a Spanish teacher in the USA ChaptersTeaching Spanish - what qualifications do you need to become a teacher?What’s the best major in college to become a Spanish teacher?Can you become a Spanish teacher without passing a teacher certification test?How can you become a Spanish teacher without a degree?The importance of immersion study before teaching SpanishWhat are the best online resources to teach Spanish from home?What personality characteristics are a must have for a Spanish teacher?What’s your dream career? Have you ever considered teaching? What about teaching Spanish?Are you passionate about the works of Cervantès and Spanish latino culture?Perhaps you’re a college student, or someone looking for a whole new career.Learn about all the ways to become a Spanish teacher!From traditional teacher training to other options like becoming a private Spanish teacher, this is a career that offers plenty of opportunities!So how should you achieve your objective of teaching students Spanish? CalumDrama School E ntrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.0 0 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTeaching Spanish - what qualifications do you need to become a teacher?Teacher training requirements vary by state and school, but generally, in order to become a professional teacher, you’ll need to complete your Master's degree and pass a teacher certification exam. Often you can begin to find work right after college as long as you can show you’re on your way to completing a Masters and finishing the various exams, and if you’re teaching at a private school, some will waive the extra qualifications altogether.Generally after high school, future foreign language teachers would follow the path below:Major in the language: at college, you probably major in Spanish, and might even spend a semester or year abroad in Spain to become really fluent. The goal is to completely master the language, and also learn more about hispanic history and culture.Masters in Education: If you don’t do some kind of teacher training in college, then you’ll probably need to study teaching as a separate degree as a Masters. States also increasingly require a Masters degree to teach, whether or not you’ve already studied education. This will typically include substantial time in the classroom, and preparation for professional certification exams.One thing is for sure, getting a degree (or degrees) is not enough to become a Spanish teacher. Whatever you study, you will also need to take a teacher certification exam. Some states use the National Teachers Examination, with the foreign language education component, while other states, like Massachusetts, have their own unique exams (MTEL).Keep in mind that teache r certification tests might not be mutually recognized across states, so it’s important to consider carefully where you want to teach Spanish in the future before you decide which exam to prepare for.Becoming a teacher is hard work, and preparing for the exams and degrees (not to mention becoming fluent in Spanish!) will take hard work and discipline.If you want to become a Spanish teacher and share your passion for Cervantès, declare a Spanish major with an education minor right away!What’s the best major in college to become a Spanish teacher?You’re planning to sign up for a Masters in Education program as soon as you graduate college. But first, you need to decide what your major should be!What undergraduate degree is the best way to solidify your future as a Spanish teacher?Essentially, you’ve got two things to learn about - Spanish and teaching. However, these aren’t really the same topic, and courses are generally run by entirely different departments.Essentially:A Spanish major: will emphasize Spanish language mastery, including the fine points of grammar, before moving on to Hispanic history, literature, and culture courses, often taught entirely in Spanish. Study abroad will probably be encouraged, and you may have the chance to immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture in Madrid or Peru.A major in education - will focus on teaching methods - classroom control, child development, designing lesson plans, etc - and is set to help you pass teacher certification exams without first completing a Masters in Education.Really, before you can teach anything, you need to have mastered your subject, so focussing on Spanish first is probably the best idea. Some colleges will also allow you to double major or take a minor in education, and begin to get some experience in the classroom. If you can’t do both though, best to focus on Spanish in undergrad!Can you become a Spanish teacher without passing a teacher certification test?What should you do if you’ve gotten a Masters in Education but can’t quite manage to pass your state’s teacher certification tests?Try not to stress too much, your teaching career isn’t over before it’s even started.Are you set on becoming a Spanish teacher without passing your teacher certification? There are a few options available.Rules will differ depending on state and school district, but schools will often waive some of the qualification requirements for priority areas if you promise to work towards them at a later date (for instance, hiring graduates with Bachelors degrees on the understanding they’ll complete a Masters in the next 5 years.)You also have the option of becoming a substitute teacher. Most school districts require only a few semesters of undergrad to qualify, and it’s a good way to get some more classroom experience and earn a bit of money at the same time!Finally, another option is to go private. Private schools are not constrained by the same qualification prer equisites to hiring that public schools have, and so counter-intuitively can often hire ‘subject experts’ (college graduates with a major in the subject they’re due to teach) without any further qualifications.No matter which route you go, it’s a good idea to keep working towards your teacher qualification while you get some more teaching experience. In the long run, it will only give you more employment options, and create better opportunities for you as a Spanish teacher.Work one on one with your students to help them master the Castillian language even faster! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Jenni ferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow can you become a Spanish teacher without a degree?Maybe you meant to pursue a teaching degree and then life got in the way, or maybe you never went to college. But if you’re bilingual in Spanish and want to teach, there are still options available for you.There are multiple ways to teach Spanish without a degree:become a private tutorteach Spanish at a private learning centerCreate your own teaching companyPrivate tutoring is essentially unregulated, and there’s absolutely no legal or institutional requirement to be able to offer your services. Of course, having expertise in your subject and being a good teacher will help you keep your tutoring clients. But there are no degree or certification requirements to become a private Spanish teacher.Is Spanish your mother tongue? Are you bilingual in Spanish? Maybe you’re a college student and want to earn a bit of extra spending money?There’s nothing to stop you from becoming a private Spanish tutor. Of course, you’ll need to consider your strengths, and think about what you might be able to offer potential students:conversational Spanish and Spanish language practiceafter school help with Spanish homeworkSpanish for the workplaceintroduction to Spanish for adultsAnd of course if you’re multilingual, you can also consider offering the same for German, French, English as a Second Language (ESL), Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Arabic…The importance of immersion study before teaching SpanishSo while there are several possibilities if you want to become a Spanish teacher, there’s one thing that is absolutely essential - being bilingual.In order to succeed with your teaching ambitions, even if you already speak Spanish to a high level, the best thing you can do is spend some time in a Spanish-speaking country.Travel to become really bilingual in Spanish. Have you considered a trip to Bolivia?Whether you take a few weeks off for an intensive course or you decide to spend a semester studying abroad in Spain, it is important to make the most of these experiences in order to:Enrich your vocabulary and learn to speak Spanish more fluidly.Learn more about the daily life and culture of your new countryMeet native speakers, develop relationships with them, learn about their likes and ideasStep out of your comfort zone and test your language skills in real life.One of the advantages of Spanish is that the language is spoken in so many countries - Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, Cuba, Bolivia, Chili, Dominican Republic…You won’t lack for choice when you try to decide where to study abroad!Thanks to your experience studying abroad, you’ll also have a chance to become truly bilingual, which will be a real advantage on your resume. And of course, it will be much easier to teach Spanish after studying abroad!What are the best online resources to teach Spanish from home?Before you become a private Spanish teacher, it’s important to understand the pedagogic dimensions to your new job. Speaking perfect S panish isn’t enough to help a student at risk of failing Spanish class.You’ll need to do a bit of work to prepare for each lesson. You’ll quickly learn that it is essential to adjust each lesson to the student’s:agelevel of Spanish (beginner, intermediate, advanced)objectives (pronunciation, grammar, speaking, vocabulary…)the type of Spanish classes offered (Spanish for business, after school help, introduction to Spanish, intermediate Spanish, intensive immersion…)In order to help you with your lesson plans and become a top notch Spanish language tutor, there are a number of online resources to take advantage of:MOOCs - these massive open online courses are a great opportunity to learn for free and at a distance, whether you’re looking to improve your teaching skills or Spanish knowledge.Online Spanish - Specialist internet sites are often a great source of example lesson plans, exercises, activities, and educational games.Cell phone apps can offer extra help to your students and give them an opportunity to practice between lessons.Videos - YouTube is full of videos that can be useful for teaching Spanish.Look for some  jobs in education.As you’re first getting started it will take a bit of time to find and take advantage of the best resources, but once you’ve found what works for you, these online sites can be a great time saver!When you’re learning from a Superprof, learning a language becomes a joy!What personality characteristics are a must have for a Spanish teacher?In order to be a good teacher, you also need to work on your skills at passing on your own knowledge and helping your students learn their new language.There are some things that can be learned (student psychology, teaching methods, pedagogy) but others that will help you become a more skilled and popular teacher.Be passionate about your subject to inspire your students.Be patient, listen, and be empatheticKnow how to adapt lessons to the learner and make learning more per sonal.Know how to motivate your students.And finally, the most important thing to teach Spanish - use your creativity to take your students on a journey with you!You need to not only have completely mastered the Spanish language (and achieved fluency in Spanish grammar, verbs, vocabulary, conjugations, tenses, phonetics), but also hispanic culture and history.share your knowledgeexplore authorspaintersfilm directorscultural traditions…Everything that makes Spanish culture and Spanish speaking countries so great!If you use all that, your students will begin to look at their Spanish classes in a whole new way!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

5 Qualities of Outstanding High School Leaders

5 Qualities of Outstanding High School Leaders Cultivating your leadership skills in high school can help you find long-term success not only in college, but also beyond as you develop your career. The same qualities that make an outstanding high school leader are the ones that make a great real-world leader. Shaping yourself as an expert listener, a critical thinker, and a good decision-makereven under pressurecan help you step into leadership roles on sports teams, in clubs, and in student government. If you want to make your mark as a great high school leader, check out these qualities of outstanding high school leaders below: [RELATED: Why Extracurriculars Boost College Success] 1. Solid decision-making skills A good leader is able to see the whole field, listen to different perspectives, make decisions, and then stick by his or her choice. Leaders do not make decisions based solely upon their gut feelings or emotions associated with a given circumstance, but rather by hearing multiple viewpoints and giving careful consideration of what is truly best for the groupnot just themselves. Good leaders are able to separate their own individual interests from the overall interests of the group and seek to make decisions by which the entire group can grow and succeed. 2. Excellent listening skills In any group, it is unlikely that everyone will agree on every issue. Instead of ignoring others input, a good leader will listen to other perspectives carefully and will respect differing opinions. A good leader knows that truly hearing the opinions of all those who he or she represents and acknowledging their roles as important within the group can help lead to group cohesion and mutual respect among members. 3. Ability to keep cool under pressure Leaders are often expected to make uncomfortable decisions and to abide by tight deadlines. Being able to adapt to pressure and to think clearly and critically when under pressure is crucial to being an outstanding leader. Good high school leaders avoid making rash, heat-of-the-moment decisions, instead opting to make decisions from a calm, objective standpoint even in the toughest of times. 4. Great analytical skills Outstanding high school leaders are often also outstanding students who are able to reason through problems logically. Think about solving a difficult math problem that spans a few different disciplines; you may have to combine knowledge of algebra, geometry, and even elements of calculus to find the right answer. Real-world problem solving is often similar, requiring leaders to apply their understanding of, for example, the social and financial aspects of a situation to arrive at a solution. Superior problem-solving skills are crucial to outstanding leadership. 5. Strong communication skills Outstanding high school leaders are those who are transparent in their actions and decisions. Good leaders will communicate with the group throughout their decision-making processes, developing trust between them and those who they represent. Moreover, ensuring the communication is clear and effective is what makes a truly successful leader. [RELATED: Tips to Develop Leadership Skills in College] Developing yourself as a high school leader and learning to take on added responsibility for a group can help better prepare you for college, graduate school, and your eventual career. Challenge yourself now to step into new experiences and roles within your schools clubs and teams, and keep these qualities in mind as you navigate your way as an outstanding high school leader.

How To Find A Physics And Maths Tutor

How To Find A Physics And Maths Tutor Looking To Improve Your Knowledge Of Maths And Physics With A Maths And Physics Tutor? ChaptersWhy Is It Worthwhile Having A Maths And Physics Tutor?Finding A Physics And Maths Tutor Doesn’t Have To Be DifficultWhat Can I Expect To Learn With A Physics Tutor?There’s no getting around the fact that there are so many reasons to study physics. If you plan on studying a physics course at university, or even want to pursue a career in physics, it’s vitally important that you get the best marks possible in respect of any pieces of coursework or exams that you have to sit.In order to give themselves the best chance possible for academic success, it’s not uncommon for some students to hire a tutor to help them with their knowledge of physics and maths.There are lots of reasons why hiring a tutor can work for students. Whether you’re thinking about upcoming physics exams at GCSE, A-Level, or beyond, or you’ve found yourself struggling to keep up with the content of your physics lessons, a tutor can really help you to focus your learning efforts and hopefully improve your academic performance overall.If you’ve decided that tutoring might be for you, then one of the first hurdles you’ll have to overcome is figuring out where to find the best tutor for you. As we’ll see below, there are plenty of places where you can find a tutor, so hopefully, your search will be as quick and easy as possible.You might want to consider hiring a maths and physics tutor, given how prevalent maths is in physics. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Pixaline, Pixabay)Calculations often feature as part of a physics exam; andYour knowledge of algebra and calculus may be required for certain aspects of your studies in physics.As a result, some students find that one of the best ways to improve their marks in physics and improve their understanding of the curriculum is to make sure that their knowledge of maths is on par with the requirements of their physics course.This can be achieved by hiring a tutor that can not only teach you about topics that may feature on a physics cu rriculum, such as electromagnetism or Newtonian physics, but who can also make sure you practice and develop the numerical skills required to succeed in this subject.Additionally, you have some say over the way your tuition is delivered as well. For example, you might want one on one tutoring, or you may feel more confident having tuition in a small group or with an online tutor.There's no single correct choice when it comes to how your tuition is delivered, so remember that it's more about finding a learning strategy that works for both you and your physics and maths tutor.You should be able to find a physics tutor that meets your requirements by looking online. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, FirmBee, Pixabay)Finding A Physics And Maths Tutor Doesn’t Have To Be DifficultThere are a variety of different strategies you can employ to find a physics and maths tutor to help you with your physics studies. A few of the most popular ways are outlined below.Ask A FriendOne of the easiest ways to find a tutor is to simply ask one of your friends if they know of any physics and maths tutors that they would recommend who can help you with the areas in physics that you're struggling with.Ideally, your friend should also be taking physics lessons, as that would mean that they have an understanding of the challenges of your syllabus and what they found most useful from tutoring.If your friend has experience using a particular tutor, then so much the better, as you could try and reach out to that tutor and see whether they would have time to also tutor you.Check In With Your School Or UniversityAnother relatively simple way to find a physics and mathematics tutor for you is to ask your physics teacher or university lecturer whether they are open to tutoring you in their spare time.If not, you can also ask them whether they know of any colleagues who would be prepared to provide tutoring services to you, or whether there are any master's or PhD students who are willing to take on students for tuition purposes.The good thing about speaking to your physics teacher about getting some extra tuition is that it should also give you the chance to ask them about your performance in the subject and ask them whether there are any particular areas that they would recommend you focus on during tuition sessions.This can be one way to help you improve your marks in physics and further develop your knowledge of areas you might not be too comfortable with at the moment.Having this feedback should then enable you to let your new tutor know which areas of the syllabus you’d like to concentrate on, thereby giving you the best chance of furthering your academic success in the subject.If your physics teacher is not able to provide tuition services after school hours themselves and doesn’t have any suggestions for potential tutors, then it might also be worth speaking to a maths teacher to see if they can help instead.Getting assistance from a teacher or tutor who specialises in mathematics can also really benefit your studies in physics, particularly if you struggle with the more mathematical side of the subject, such as solving an equation or understanding a particular formula.Look OnlineThis option is perhaps one of the easiest of all ways to find a physics and maths tutor. This is because:You can look for your next physics and maths tutor from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you have access to the internet;You can look for a suitable tutor on a variety of different tutoring websites; andYou can often find tutors that are willing to provide one to one tuition, remote tuition, or a combination of the two, so you’re not limited by location when choosing a tutor.For example, Superprof lets you search through a wide database for potential tutors. All you need to do is enter your postcode and the subject you’re looking for a tutor for, and you’ll be shown all the available tutors in your area. You can also see which tutors are happy to pro vide remote tuition.Equally, websites such as Superprof don’t solely specialise in the provision of physics or maths tutors, so if you’re looking for multiple tutors â€" for example, one for physics, one for chemistry and another for business studies â€" then you can also find the best tutors for you for those subjects on the site. This makes it a great one stop shop for all your tuition needs.You can learn so much about physics with the help of a physics tutor, such as the general principles governing our world and the universe. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, stokpic, Pixabay)What Can I Expect To Learn With A Physics Tutor?Ultimately, what you learn from a physics tutor is up to you, as you’re the one in control of things such as:How many lessons you’d like to have;What learning outcomes you’d like to achieve; andWhether you’d like to focus on specific skills, such as exam performance, or you would rather develop your knowledge of your entire physics syllabus.This degree of fl exibility and control is partly what attracts many students to the prospect of hiring a tutor in the first place.If you let any potential tutor know upfront what you’d like to get out of your lessons, then that tutor can let you know whether they are able to accommodate your requests, while also giving them ideas for what kind of materials to cover during your tuition sessions.Equally, if you don’t like the way that your tuition is going, or would rather focus on other areas in physics, whether that’s particle physics, quantum mechanics, or something else entirely, then don’t be afraid to let your tutor know so they can make the necessary adjustments to your learning programme.Remember that the key benefits of having private tutoring are that you are able to have your own qualified private tutor to help provide flexible instruction in a way that complements your learning style and gives you additional confidence in a physics classroom, while completing your homework, or duri ng a physics exam.If you found this useful, why not check out our blog on how much does a physics and maths tutor cost!

What Are the Best Songs to Sing to Show Off Your Vocal Range

What Are the Best Songs to Sing to Show Off Your Vocal Range Sign up successful Good exercises to extend your vocal range include humming gently through a fifth, then extending the scale up to the sixth before descending. Also practice this on open vowel sounds. Make sure you dont stop the air as you sing, or strain for high notes if you feel any tension or discomfort, stop! For more on determining your range, check out the video below. Finding the Best Songs to Sing Women Why limit your vocal development to singing in English? If you know other languages, you might want to explore song repertoire in French, German, or even Czech or Russian.  Composers to look out for are Schubert, Wolf, and Schumann for German songs (or lieder); Fauré, Hahn, and Chausson for French songs (or chanson); and Rachmaninoff  and Tchaikovsky  for Russian songs. A fairly simple choice in the French repertoire is Le Secret by Gabriel Fauré. Although not exclusively the preserve of female singers, it suits a high-lying voice with bright colors beautifully. Robert Schumanns Du Ring an meinem Finger, from his song cycle Frauenliebe und -Leben, is another song suited to a medium-high female voice, as heard in this performance by the great English contralto Kathleen Ferrier. Finding the Best Songs to Sing Men Although the great German song cycles may seem daunting, its worth it for aspiring male singers to choose the musically less complex numbers, as they encourage your safe vocal development without you feeling like youre in singing kindergarten. Some of the best songs to sing for a young male singer, however, are back in the English repertoire.  Ralph Vaughan-Williams glorious Silent Noon will test your skills at changing keys, and hearing what may seem to you to be strange harmonies at first.  This wonderful 1976 recording by British baritone John Shirley-Quirk with Martin Isepp at the piano may tempt you into the right kind of pushing your abilities. An often-unexplored area of vocal repertoire for men is Neapolitan song.  Leoncavallos wonderful Mattinata should be in the repertoire of every keen tenor. The Best Songs to Sing A Checklist for Beginners Choosing the best songs to sing can be something of a minefield, and when youre starting to move into more demanding repertoire, the guidance of a good teacher and regular voice lessons is essential.  However, singing through lots of repertoire is the most fun you can ever have with your voice, so when armed with books full of beautiful songs, bear these tips in mind when youre putting together a recital program, or even just some fun pieces to sing: Is it available in the right key for me? You will notice if you listen to other recordings of some of the YouTube links above that they may be in different keys; if a song feels too high, or too low, check to see whether its available in a key thats more comfortable for you to sing in. Is it comfortable? Even if youve found the right key, you still may find the song stretches you uncomfortably, and in a way that even with practice, you arent going to be able to overcome.  Put it aside for a few months, then come back to it. It can be very tempting to sing pieces that dont quite fit your voice, so keep all the above advice in mind.  Exploring the wealth of vocal repertoire out there can be a lifelong quest.  Good teaching, steady development, and the right repertoire are the essentials for any singer to make the most of their vocal abilities! Want more ideas for songs to help you with your technique? Check out our list of 400+ songs to sing for every occasion! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by David Martyn Hunt

Learn Economics Online

Learn Economics Online Create Your Own Online Economics Course ChaptersBest Economics BlogsBest Economics PodcastsBest Economics Online PublicationsBest Websites to Find an Economics TutorThankfully for economics students and undergraduates, there are so many online tools available to help improve your economics knowledge and grades.Often, the key to improving your academic performance  and bringing out your inner economist is to deepen your overall understanding of the subject matter. So when it comes to economics, it makes sense that a great place to start is to listen and read as much about the economy, international economics, and current economic theory as possible.By reading and listening widely, you not only understand how economics shapes the world we live in today, but you’ll also arm yourself with an array of current, real-world examples of business and economic systems that you can slot into essay answers or coursework in your economics courses, whether that's an A-level class or an undergraduate course.Additionally, any extra-curri cular reading or study you do can be further complemented by taking on a private tutor, whether that’s in person or online, to help consolidate all your fundamental knowledge and get you exam ready.With this in mind, we outline below some of the best blogs, podcasts, and publications online that you can use to learn even more about economics.Find economics tutor here.find out more about economic issues such as microeconomic theory, statistics, supply, and demand, or monetary policy;complement any online tutoring you receive by reading up on current economic affairs; orfind great examples of current economic issues and public policy to include in your next piece of homeworkReading an economics blog is a fantastic way to learn more about and examine these subjects.It’s best to read as many blogs as you can, from as many different sources as possible. For example, you can get up to speed on the latest global economic, macroeconomic, and statistical issues and trends by reading the International Monetary Fund’s blog.If you want to read up on U.K. economic issues or regulation then you would be well-served by reading the BBC’s economics blog, which is run by Kamal Ahmed.In addition, economics blogs can also help improve your understanding of a particular economics niche or principle, such as econometrics, microeconomics, or macroeconomics.For example, there are economics blogs out there that specialise in macroeconomics, such as KPMG UK’s economics blog.Equally, if you’ve always wanted to learn more about Hayek’s theories then you could try Café Hayek, which puts forward arguments against Keynesian principles.Learn economics online through a blog. (Source: CC0 1.0, geralt, Pixabay)Best Economics PodcastsAlthough reading economics blogs can be one of the best strategies for an intermediate learner to delve deeper into the world of economics, there’s also a lot to be said for regularly listening to economics podcasts.The great thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them whether you’re at home or travelling, as you can absorb the information within them whilst getting on with other activities.As the popularity of podcasts has risen, so has the number of economics podcasts increased. This is great news for anyone wanting to learn more about current economic trends, from unemployment to fiscal policy, macro or micro trends, banking and accounting, and beyond.For example, the podcasts on Freakonomics Radio have been running for almost a decade, so there’s plenty of material to catch up on if you’ve not listened to them before. They also feature special series, such as “The Secret Life of a C.E.O” which are always worth listening to, as you can hear from some of the leading thinkers of today.Other notable podcasts include those from the Economist Radio and from BBC Radio 4.The Economist Radio, for example, has new, daily podcasts that you can listen to, and you can also access the podcasts from a variety of sources , such as Google Play, Apple iTunes, and SoundCloud. With podcasts generally not lasting longer than 25 minutes, it’s very easy to fit a podcast or two into your daily schedule.When it comes to BBC Radio 4’s podcast, More or Less: Behind The Stats, you can learn more about how statistics change how we perceive the world, which is perfect if you’re more interested in the mathematical side of economics.The other great thing about podcasts is that you can often subscribe to get alerts when a new podcast is released, so it’s very easy to keep up to date with your favourite podcasts.Read up on the latest economics news through an economics blog. (Yagraph, Wikimedia Commons)Best Economics Online PublicationsIf you’re not a fan of podcasts and prefer studying about the principles of economics or global economies by reading up on the current news events of the day, then reading articles from major online economics publications may be the best way for you to learn and develop your economic analysis and knowledge of economic concepts.There are plenty of highly-respected, established online publications that have reputable economics sections to help you study. If you're looking for an introduction to economics, examples of publications include:The BBCThe GuardianForbesThe Economist; andReutersWhat online publication you choose to read will largely depend on what your perspective and interests are and what areas of economics or economic problems you place emphasis on.For example, the BBC and Guardian are great resources if you want to learn more about UK economic and business trends  and find local news stories that you can include as examples in an upcoming essay or piece of coursework.However, if you prefer a news story that focuses on global events, there are articles  by publications such as Reuters and the Financial Times that report on events from abroad, including the Eurozone, Asia and beyond. Although they focus on global economic and econometric trends , they do also cover news stories related to UK economic activity regularly, so they can act as a one-stop-shop for your information needs if you wish.Equally, if you need to know what’s happening in the American economy, then Forbes may be a great publication for you.If you’re not sure what publications you’d find most interesting, it’s a good idea to start reading articles from two or three publications. That way, you’ll be able to form an idea of what style of articles  and what economic concepts most appeal to you.For example, you may think that your interests are in government regulation, but you actually find out that you most enjoy environmental economics or health economics. You will only know what sector most interests you once you've had a chance to read a number of different articles on a variety of economic principles.The great thing about online publications is that by reading them, you understand what the fundamental economic issues are of the day, whether th ey relate to financial economics, behavioral economics, or the principles of macroeconomics.Learn economics online through podcasts, blogs, and news outlets. (Source: CC0 1.0, Circe Denyer, Public Domain Pictures)Best Websites to Find an Economics TutorIf you’re looking for an economics tutor, there are many online tutoring sites that you can use to find an experienced tutor to meet your educational needs and provide expert tuition.Whether you look for a tutor on First Tutors, UK Tutors, or Superprof, these sites are a great resource to find an instructor, as they offer:Qualified tutors who studied economics at university, from masters graduates to tutors with a PhD;Tutors for a number of subjects, from art to mathematics and economics;Study tips to help you have more discipline, concentration, efficiency and analytical skills when it comes to revision; andExperienced tutors who know how to introduce their students to technical economic theories and economic principles, whilst  ge tting the best out of themWith sites such as Superprof, finding a tutor is as easy as typing in the subject you’d like to find a tutor for, and entering your postcode. Superprof will then match you with tutors that are available locally to teach.Even if you’re only looking for online tutoring, Superprof also provides a list of tutors that are happy to provide economics lessons remotely.Online tutoring sites also ensure that you know as much about your prospective tutor as possible before you decide whether to hire them. For example, many sites will also provide a short bio about each tutor, which outlines:the tutors' academic background;whether they have an economics degree;which university they are alumni of; andtheir relevant tutoring experienceOverall, when you’re looking to find ways to learn economics online or want to find out more about the world economy, the global financial system, or business economics, there is a wide range of options available to you.For those that like reading articles to complement their studies, the best way to learn more about economics online is to read popular economics blogs and online economics publications.However, if you’d prefer to study on the go, then you’d probably benefit from listening to economics podcasts. Many podcasts, including those from the Financial Times and the Economist Radio, are generally quite short and sweet, which is perfect for those who don’t necessarily have hours each day to commit to additional study.Of course, one fantastic way to complement any online economics study you do online is to hire online economics tutors. A tutor can discuss current economic and empirical issues with you, and discuss any topics you’ve read about online.What's more, a tutor can help you prepare for an upcoming exam, essay, or piece of coursework, as a tutor acts as your own personal advisor. They can provide strategies on how to succeed in an examination or teach you about a key theoretical economic ide a or economic principles in your curriculum.Using a site such as Superprof, you can easily find an economics tutor that has the experience to bring the best out in your studies.

Think, Write, Breathe 10 Tips to become a better listener of English

Think, Write, Breathe 10 Tips to become a better listener of English by Muireann PrendergastYou have a good vocabulary. You have good grammar. So why are you still daunted when you hear a native English speaker on the television, radio or in conversation? There is no doubt that listening to and understanding a native speaker can be an unsettling experience for students of English. Don’t worry. There are simple things you can do to feel more at ease in the situation. Here are 10 tips that can help make the listening experience not only productive but enjoyable.1. Ask us to slow down If you are in conversation with a native English speaker don’t be afraid to ask us to speak slower or to repeat ourselves if you didn’t catch what we said the first time around. We won’t be offended!2. Listen for keywords Remember that it’s not necessary to understand every word. The important thing is to pay attention to key words so that you can get the gist, or general idea, of what is being said. For example, if you can catch words like economy, England, crisi s, in a news report you already have the basic idea of what is going on. Keywords might be repeated or said in a different voice. If it is possible, write then down if this will help you further.3. Pay attention to context Common sense is very useful when trying to understand another language. It is important to always bear in mind the context of what is being said. For example, in a news report about farming, if you are unsure, it is more likely that the word herd is being used in reference to a group cattle (cows) rather than the verb heard.4. Work constantly on your vocabulary Keeping a notebook or a folder on your computer with English vocabulary (and constantly updating this list) will be a big help when it comes to understanding native speakers when they speak.5. Turn off the subtitles You will pay better attention to what is being said if you turn off the subtitles in your native language when watching movies or series. Subtitles can be great to help us understand difficult v ocabulary and even slang. However, it is important not to over-rely on them and to get used to watching television in English without them.6. Start easy Don’t be afraid to start with easy options such as songs that repeat the same words or programs that are aimed towards children. Once you feel comfortable with this level, you can then proceed to more complex English.7. Practice As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. The best way to improve your listening skills is to practice them regularly. Even finding videos on the internet, playing them a few times, pausing when necessary to consult a dictionary is a great idea to improve your comprehension and to make you feel more relaxed about understanding English spoken my native speakers.8. Put English on your iPod Why not download a novel on your iPod? You can improve your English while you run or take the train to work. If you are listening to something you enjoy you will learn a lot faster!9. Get you English speaking friends to speak to you in English If you are uneasy when hearing native English, a great way to overcome this is to practice with native English speaking friends. Most will be more than happy to speak to you in their own language and even explain difficult words should you have problems.10. Take it Easy! The worst thing you can do in a listening situation is become stressed. You might lose your focus and miss keywords that otherwise you would have heard. Take deep breaths if you find yourself becoming overwhelmed and remember to keep listening!

English Collocations with Education - English Lesson via Skype

English Collocations with Education - English Lesson via Skype Here you will   learn English collocations with Education.  These fixed expressions will help you talk about education in English almost without thinking.   Collocations with Education TO GIVE SOMEONE AN EDUCATIONExample: My parents gave me the best education that money could buy.TO GET AN EDUCATIONExample: My parents always encouraged me to get a third level education.TO INVEST IN EDUCATIONExample: The government will continue to invest in education.TO SAVE FOR EDUCATIONExample: Contact us today if youd like to save for your childs education but dont know where to start.TO RETURN TO EDUCATIONExample: A growing number of young people return to full-time education.TO PAY FOR YOUR EDUCATIONExample: Every month we put money aside to pay for our sons education.GOOD EDUCATIONExample: I really want my children to have good education.HIGHER EDUCATIONExample: The number of students in higher education has doubled in the last ten years.ACCESS TO EDUCATIONExample: Access to higher education has improved, with more students now in university. Collocations with Education PRIVATE EDUCATIONExample: About a quarter of parents with children in private education have help with the fees from their own parents.PRIMARY EDUCATIONExample: The primary education is free and compulsory for children five years of age, and lasts for eight years.  SECONDARY EDUCATIONExample: After class 6, the final year of primary school, pupils leave primary school for secondary education.STANDARD OF EDUCATIONExample: Its very good news, the quality of the standard of education is improving.THE RIGHT TO EDUCATIONExample: The right to education ensures access to quality schools.PRESCHOOL EDUCATIONExample: One important part of improving the standard of education, is improving the standard of preschool education.