Monday, March 23, 2020

How Much do Singing Lessons Cost

How Much do Singing Lessons Cost What You Can Expect to Pay for One Hour of Vocal Coaching ChaptersPrices for Music Lessons on SuperprofPrices for Singing Lessons on SuperprofHow to Save Money on Singing Lessons with SuperprofWould you like to get involved in a choir but worry about your singing ability?Finding a singing teacher to help you with improving your vocal skills and boost your confidence will perfectly equip you for choral singing.Private singing lessons are open to students of all ages and abilities.Whether you’d like to have your lessons at the weekend, during the day or in the evenings, one to one music teachers have flexible schedules â€" so there is a good chance that they will be able to accommodate you!The other question that usually arises when looking for private instruction is that of cost.Private lessons have a reputation for being expensive, however, with the abundance of singing teachers, there are plenty of more affordable options available to suit all budgets.One to one singing lessons are invaluable whether you’re completely new to singing, o r preparing for singing auditions. With their high level of expertise and wealth of professional music experience, voice coaches will teach you all you need to know about singing techniques, doing your breathing exercises correctly, keeping a good posture, using your diaphragm and breath control to produce a good vibrato, as well as helping you to overcome your stage fright as a confident performer.Finding the right voice coach for you is essential to your success as a singer and as a musician.So, how much will singing lessons set you back? TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPrices for Music Lessons on SuperprofIn order to develop a good musical ear and have a good sense of rhythm, it is advised that singers take up a musical instrument, which will help them get used to reading music and thinking musically.Being able to play musical instruments is particularly useful for getting used to performing as a soloist, and if you play the piano or the guitar, you will be able to play your own accompaniment while you sing.Get more out of your vocal talent by learning to play the guitar ¦ source: Pixabay - FirmBeeBeing able to perform as a soloist this way will open up many opportunities when it comes to talent shows and busking, as well as developing your own act if you want to make music your career.There are teachers for all kinds of musical instrument on Superprof. Here are the average prices for just some of t hem:Piano: £24.40 per hourGuitar: £23.36 per hourTrumpet: £31.40 per hourViolin: £23.86 per hourDrums: £21.38 per hourRegardless of whether you decide to use your instrument in your singing performances, learning a musical instrument will help you acquire valuable skills for singing that will see you make fast progress.Self-confidence is key to success, as music student, Alesia explains:I’ve been having piano lessons with Eric for nearly a year. His communicative, technical and artistic abilities are what make him a great music teacher (and musician). He is open-minded, patient, empathetic and passionate, attentive and meticulous. He has instilled confidence in me which has enabled me to progress to new levels.In addition to learning to play an instrument, it is also advised that every budding singer  explores a range of musical styles such as pop, rock, classical music, opera and jazz.Singing teachers can guide their students in this area, however, the easiest way for studen ts to learn more about the world of music is to simply use the internet and music streaming websites such as Spotify.Having a wide knowledge of the cultures within music will equip you for working with a range of styles and vocal techniques in your performances.Prices for Singing Lessons on SuperprofPrivate singing lessons are the perfect option for those looking to take their singing to the next level.There are hundreds of singing teachers on Superprof who provide personalised vocal training to students of all ages and levels at an appropriate pace for the student.The confidence instilled by voice coaches in their students is priceless ¦ source: Pixabay - klimkinIn order to make the most of their sessions with their voice coaches, students must be motivated to take their learning seriously and truly dedicate themselves to practicing their pieces and voice exercises in the week between each lesson.Prices for one to one singing lessons vary from region to region according to the gen eral cost of living, so here are some examples of what you can expect to pay for one hour of vocal coaching across the UK:Singing lessons London: £29Singing lessons Manchester: £21Singing lessons Brighton: £22Singing lessons Brighton: £20Cardiff: £24Birmingham: £22Aberdeen: £26Southampton: £18Bristol: £27Glasgow: £25Exeter: £28Newcastle: £18Although average prices in smaller towns and cities may seem more attractive, this is usually because there are fewer singing teachers available.This can be a disadvantage for those who have specific goals when they decide to learn to sing, as they may have to travel a long way to find a voice coach who can accommodate them.There are a few things you should think about before you begin your search for a singing instructor to ensure that you find the right vocal coach for you.Once you have defined your goals as a musician, be sure that you take these things into consideration when looking for teachers:Lesson contentLevel of instruction The teacher’s professional experienceGeographical distance between you and the teacherThe teacher’s qualificationsYour goals as a vocalistReviews left by the teacher’s other clients on SuperprofThe more specific the student’s objectives, the higher the price of the lesson is likely to be.For instance, since singing teachers who can train students looking to learn how to sing at a high enough level for a grade 8 ABRSM exam or audition will be rarer than those offering general singing lessons, their prices will be higher.You can also take singing lessons online.How to Save Money on Singing Lessons with SuperprofWhat should you do if you find your dream singing teacher but the price for their expertise is outside of your budget?Superprof has a few things you can do to reduce the cost of your training!It's worth knowing that 92% of Superprof tutors offer their first hour of tuition for free!This means that you need not spend a penny when you’re just getting started!For those w ho are learning how to sing and looking to learn more about using warm up exercises, breathing techniques and other vocal exercises to avoid straining   your vocal chords for a high pitch and improve overall tone quality, there are group lessons.Ranging from 2 to 10 people, group singing lessons are a great way to develop as an individual whilst getting used to performing in an ensemble â€" and they’re less expensive than private lessons.Save money on voice coaching with Superprof's wallet-friendly tips! ¦ source: Pixabay - QuinceMediaMost of the time, the responsibility of organising group lessons lies with the singing teacher.When you decide to sing in a group lesson, you are most likely to be grouped with others of a similar singing ability to yours, such as:Complete beginnersNovicesIntermediatesAdvanced singersProfessional vocalistsThe advantage of learning to sing with a group at your level is that you are more likely to have objectives in common. Another positive point is t hat a choral ensemble provides a means of identifying your own voice type and getting to know your voice’s timbre.Prices for group voice lessons can be up to 50% lower than those for private lessons.Another thing you can do to reduce the cost of your training is to simply ask the voice teacher for a better rate. However, be careful how you do this!For example, instead of organising an hour-long singing lesson for £20, you could ask your teacher about having an hour-and-a-half-long session for £25 rather than the £30 it would usually cost.This works particularly well for intensive learning courses during the school holidays.Budding singers can also take lessons via Skype for a reduced cost.This is a good option for those who live in rural areas, as all you need is a computer, an internet connection, a webcam and a good microphone.There are many fantastic reasons to take private singing lessons, so don't let the cost stand in your way!

Friday, March 6, 2020

What is it Like to Attend Vassar College

What is it Like to Attend Vassar College The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Logan is a New York City tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring, History tutoring, Algebra tutoring, and more. He graduated from Vassar College in 2012 with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. See what he had to say about his undergraduate years: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Logan: Vassar is located in Poughkeepsie, which is a medium-sized town in Dutchess County, NY, about an hour and a half north of the city. The campus is both beautiful and safe, and most of the students stay on it year-round. For those who do like to venture off campus, there are many reasonably priced, high quality restaurants within walking distance, and the surrounding area is safe and well lit. In terms of transportation, the only potential challenge is getting from campus to the Poughkeepsie train station (and vice versa). I was lucky enough to have a car and live within driving distance, so I am not completely familiar with the methods used to make that particular trip. From what I gathered, a lot of people used the taxi service, which Ive heard was fairly reliable. VT:How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Logan: All of the professors I had were readily accessible outside of the classroom and very responsive to emails. Most of my classes were small enough (25 students at the very most) that I could typically converse directly with the professor, rather than a teaching assistant. The one teaching assistant I had taught a language class, and he was friendly and easy to communicate with. With regard to advisers, you will have one adviser when you enter as a freshman, and then you will switch to someone in your department when you declare a major. I actually changed majors my junior year, so I had three advisers at various points throughout my stay at Vassar. All three were responsive, knowledgeable about the graduation requirements, and accommodating to my needs and preferences. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Logan: I lived in one dorm (Cushing) my first two years, and in town houses my last two years. Cushing was a bit removed from the area which contained the four major dorms (Lathrop, Raymond, Josselyn, and Strong). While this separation did make it a bit less convenient to hang out in the residential quad, it did foster a sense of community within the dorm itself. I remained good friends with some of the people I knew from my earliest days at Vassar. The terrace apartments and town houses are where most people go when they become upperclassmen, with more moving into the latter. A typical TA or TH consists of 4-5 people who were friends and signed up to live with each other. My experience, however, was a bit different my first year living in a town house. I chose to take an opening in a TH with four people who I did not know at all. They were very friendly and welcoming, and they included me when they hung out with their broader group of friends. It was a great experience, and I still hang out with some of the people in this broader group who live near me today. My final year on campus was a bit more traditional. I moved into another town house, this time with people who I knew beforehand. Again, I had a very pleasant experience. One of the people with whom I lived was a tremendous cook, and would guide us in creating house meals which we enjoyed multiple times a week. Living with these people deepened my friendships with them, and I am tremendously thankful for the opportunity I had to do so. In general, if you live with friendly, responsible people (of which there are many at Vassar), your upperclassman experiences will be great and memorable. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Logan: Vassar is traditionally known as a more humanities focused Liberal Arts school, though its Science and Math programs are strong as well. I actually began as a Math major before switching to Political Science my junior year, so I have had both an atypical Vassar experience, and a more standard one. Both of these areas were well supported, and the teachers I had were tremendously knowledgeable and uniquely witty and humorous. I actually switched away from math after taking Modern Algebra (group theory) because it was too difficult and involved. That program will provide a challenging and engaging curriculum for even the strongest math student. And the more traditional majors are as excellent as advertised. 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? Logan: I transferred to Vassar after spending a semester somewhere else, so my freshman experience was atypical. I found it fairly easy to make friends, however, and I am not the most outgoing person. Because of the tremendous diversity in interests and backgrounds of the students there, it is not hard to find likeminded people, as well as people who are completely different from the ones you grew up with and who will broaden your social experience. There is no Greek life on campus, but there are plenty of social events. Some are of the all-campus variety, and are usually held annually/bi-annually at certain locations, while others are smaller functions geared toward specific student subcultures. In general though, it is a pretty inclusive campus, so if you are looking to socialize in a positive manner, there are ample opportunities for this. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Logan: This is the area about which I know the least. I decided to go to graduate school full-time immediately after college, so I did not get started on my professional career until I was a year and half removed from Vassar. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Logan: The Vassar library is large and notably beautiful. There are plenty of areas for both private, quiet study, as well as for group projects and discussions. The dorms also have study rooms that are readily accessible. Because it is a relatively small college population, the study areas are rarely over-crowded. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Logan: Again, Vassar is located in Poughkeepsie, New York, which is a reasonably safe, medium-sized town. There are many quality, affordable restaurants nearby, and there are a few bars throughout Poughkeepsie that are popular with the students (e.g. Billy Bobs, Mahoneys). In the broader Dutchess County area, there are a lot of historic sites such as the Vanderbilt Mansion, Franklin Roosevelts childhood home, the Beekman Arms (the oldest inn in the country), and others, which are all easy to get to if you have a car or know somebody with one. Vassar is close to other famous colleges and universities such as Bard, Marist, and the Culinary Institute of America. While students predominantly stay on campus, I have made day trips with my friends to all of these places, and have met some wonderful and interesting people doing so. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Logan: Vassar is a small school, totaling about 2,000-2,500 students. Because of this, and the fact that students primarily stayed on campus, there was a strong sense of community within the school. Most people there enjoyed this aspect of Vassar, however, I have heard some say that it creates a bit of a fishbowl feeling, where everyone knows everyone elses business. This does not fully describe my own experience, but there definitely is an element of that. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Logan: I once took a political science course taught by a very animated professor who would frequently make loud exclamations without warning. One day, after we began reading Friedrich Hayeks The Road to Serfdom, he made a comment about how peculiar it was that several Vassar alumni had gone on to become Republican politicians, despite the extremely liberal leanings of the faculty and student population there. The professor noted that one particular congressman, who he happened to have taught years earlier, was on television a few days prior lamenting the fact that conservative thinkers like Hayek were left out of most college curriculums. The professor then said, raising his decibel level every couple of words, So rememberif youre ever on TV, I TAUGHT HAYEK! I have had several much more mild-mannered professors, but that incident always stuck in my mind. Check out Logans tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How to Select a Vocal Duet (+26 Duet Song Ideas)

How to Select a Vocal Duet (+26 Duet Song Ideas) Shanika If youre new to singing, or if youre just trying to fine-tune your vocal skills, one fun and helpful exercise is to sing duet songs with your vocal instructor or a friend. Pick a style you both like and youll find that the possibilities for both fun and music making are endless! Why Are They Helpful to Sing? When you sing with piano, or with a chorus or band, theres often someone else playing the same line youre singing. While this is great for learning to sing in tune and working on the tone of your voice, youre not really stretching your listening skills. When you sing a duet there are just two lines; your part is all your responsibility and the only thing you have to find your notes from is the other persons line. What Are Some of the Best Duet Songs? If youre new to singing vocal duets, starting with some that you like and know well is the best way to learn. This way youll already have the tune in your ear and you probably have lots of recordings to listen to. Here is a list of some of the best duet songs from many different genres. From Broadway “Something Good” from The Sound of Music “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera “A Little Drop of Rain” from Miss Saigon “A Boy Like That” from West Side Story “Till There Was You” from The Music Man “People Will Say Were In Love” from Oklahoma “The Rain In Spain” from My Fair Lady From Pop “Endless Love” sung by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie “Dont Go Breakin My Heart” sung by Elton John and KiKi Dee “Quando Quando Quando” sung by Nelly Furtado and Michael Buble “When You Believe” sung by Mariah Carey  and Whitney Houston “U Got the Look” sung by Prince and Sheena Easton “Under Pressure” sung by David Bowie and Freddie Mercury “Ill Be Missing You” sung by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans From Your Childhood “Beauty and the Beast” from Beauty and the Beast “A Whole New World” from Aladdin “One Song” from Snow White “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book “One Song” from Snow White “Can You Feel the Love Tonigh”t from The Lion King “A Girl Worth FIghting For” from Mulan From the Movies “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge “Almost Paradise” from Footloose “Youre The One That I Want” from Grease “Up Where We Belong” from An Officer and a Gentleman “It Takes Two” from It Takes Two Games There are also fun games you can play with your duet partner that can improve your ear and singing abilities. One great idea is based in the jazz tradition; simply improvise! Pick one person to sing a solo and have the other harmonize. Youll find yourself quickly learning what sounds good and what doesnt work as well. If this seems too daunting, just pick a song from the best vocal duets listed above, make up your own verses, then play with the harmonies, and then  play around with the melodies. This is a great way to train your ear and your voice. Duets are a great way to have fun and improve your singing skills. Start with what you know and then branch out from there; youre sure to have a great time and even learn a thing or two! Photo by scion_cho 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

How to Buy an Affordable Guitar thats Worth Playing.

How to Buy an Affordable Guitar thats Worth Playing. Choose a Cheap Guitar - That's Actually Good. ChaptersWhat Is an Inexpensive Guitar?How to Choose Your Type of Guitar?Choosing Your Guitar OnlineBuying a Guitar at Yard Sales.Go to a Secondhand Store.Buying a new instrument is not the priority of all guitar players and it is sometimes difficult to put money aside for such purchases.Whether it’s an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, a folk guitar, an electro-acoustic guitar, a ukulele, a mandolin, a bass guitar, a gypsy jazz guitar, an acoustic bass, they're all going to cost a little. And add to this the necessary accessories - a gig bag, tuners, spare guitar strings, a guitar amplifier perhaps - and the prices can look overwhelming.Daily expenses quickly take priority and it’s difficult to keep the objective of making music in mind.However, has it been a while since you’ve been wanting to buy the latest Fender? Do you have your eye on a tasty dreadnought acoustic electric? Are you looking for guitar brands that are actually affordable?The price of guitars varies accordi ng to several criteria. Depending on whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or experienced player, your expectations will differ. So sometimes you might find a way to buy a guitar that’s less expensive than you thought. They do exist, and you don't have to sacrifice playability, the quality of pickups or fretboard, to get a guitar that you like for a decent price.Depending on what you want and the way you buy it, you can find the guitar of your dreams that also works with your budget. Fender, Ibanez, Gibson, Telecaster, Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Yamaha… There’s tons of choice! PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsChoosing Your Guitar OnlineIn order to obtain the best price for a guitar, many musicians go to the Internet. In fact, numerous sites are popping up with prices lower than the competition.However, it’s important to be careful. Certain experiences testify to the existence of scams.Buyers have been tricked into thinking they were buying a Gibson on a site like eBay or Amazon. When they brought the guitar in for repairs, it turned out that it was in fact nothing but an Epiphone disguised as a Gibson in order to be sold at a higher price.And that anecdote is unfortunately not an isolated incident.Not being able to hold the guitar you want to buy in your hands is a real handicap in the buying process. It is important to be able to know the acoustics of the guitar, but also to know how it feels in ord er to see whether you’re comfortable with it.However, if you already know the model that you would like to buy, there are only a few verifications left to make.Find online guitar lessons.Choosing a guitar on the Internet demands particular caution.First of all, choose a good website. Do research on forums that you can find on the subject. It will then be easy to get an idea about such and such a website before you decide. Numerous unfortunate experiences will serve to alert you.Have you finally found a site that seems trustworthy?Take a look at the delivery method.Where is the guitar coming from? Will the package be protected? Is it trackable?Choose sites offering a guarantee on the guitar. It will be put you more at ease. In case of damages in transit or a manufacturing defect, it will be easier for you to be reimbursed. And above all don’t forget to read the terms and conditions. Yes, those tiny words written where no one sees them!If you are not sure about the model you have chosen, look at the numerous YouTube videos of musicians showing each type of guitar. There are many equipment tests done via video.You can also learn to tune your electric guitar online...Buying a Guitar at Yard Sales.When the end of summer comes and it’s time to start thinking about going back to school or work, yard sales often pop up on the weekends. An occasion to take advantage of the final rays of sun before the arrival of winter and its glacial cold.Perhaps the opportunity to finally buy yourself a guitar?Yard sales are like bargain hunts but better. Private individuals selling their goods, most often the things that they have not managed to sell on the Internet. So it’s a good time to take advantage of the low prices.And what’s better than trying to haggle for the most beautiful guitar on the street?However, be careful of the law of supply and demand. If a guitar seems like a really good deal, it’s possible that it will sell very quickly and that negotiations will b e more difficult than expected.Quickly identify the good deals.So try to arrive very early at these little amateur shops to discover the good deals before everyone else.Have you finally found the guitar you need?Now it’s time to try it. Since you are there in person, ask the owner if you can hold it  and maybe even strum a few chords. You will need to verify that the guitar does not have signs of any damage or cracks.Make sure to look at the handle. It should absolutely not be warped. That can happen if a guitar has remained without cords for too long. Without pressure exerted on the handle, it gently starts to slacken.Beyond its physical appearance, ask also about the history of the object. The owner should explain to you why he or she is selling it and whether the instrument has any defects.If everything seems alright to you, all you have to do then is give him or her your best smile and negotiate the price!You might even sing while you play, to show your appreciation at scoring this great deal!Go to a Secondhand Store.A final option is available if you would like to find a cheap guitar: stores selling secondhand guitars.The idea behind these stores is that each person can bring the objects they’d like to get rid of. The store buys them in cash and then resells them for double the price. In fact, music stores are losing popularity with clients in favor of these kinds of places.This system is more and more commonplace and many people utilize it in order to not have to bother with all the constraints of a site like Craigslist. Also, individuals can be sure of selling their instrument.And in this kind of store, it is very common to find entire shelves dedicated to musical instruments and their accessories. Guitars and pianos generally occupy the most space.But what are the advantages of buying your guitar in this kind of store?First, you will have the opportunity to speak with the vendors. They know the product because all the objects sold there are examine d before being put on the shelf.The seller can give you advice. Even if you are not speaking with a seller in a music store, the staff are generally positioned by the shelves that they are knowledgeable about.Take a look at guitar lessons london to up your game.Now discover how you too can learn to play the guitar one-handed...

Summer 2014 courses at AJ Tutoring

Summer 2014 courses at AJ Tutoring AJ Tutoring is excited to announce our lineup of summer courses for 2014!   Whether youre looking to move up a lane in a subject, get ready for a tough class next year, or explore a potential career interest, our tutors have a course for you.   Were happy to design a custom one-on-one summer academic tutoring program, or choose one of the programs listed.   We can also design academic tracks so you can dive in-depth into a specific field (i.e. pre-med) over the summer.Summer courses at AJ Tutoring include courses in study skills, English, history and international studies, mathematics, sciences, computer science, public speaking and debate, music theory and composition, and test prep.   Summer courses are offered at AJ Tutorings offices in Woodside, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and San Jose.   For more information or to sign up for a summer course, please call (650) 331-3251, or email info@ajtutoring.com.   Were looking forward to working with you this summe r!

How to Find a Tutor That Makes a Difference

How to Find a Tutor That Makes a Difference Anna L Nov 25, 2017 When a child’s grades start to slip or concepts in the classroom begin to get confusing, sometimes the supports offered in school aren’t enough. In these cases, parents often make the decision to call in some extra academic help. But then what? How can parents ensure they are not only making the right decision for their child, but also making the right choice when it comes to the help they choose to hire? Using a tutoring database will put a large selection of local professionals at your fingertips; it is then up to you to make the right choice. With a little bit of legwork and due diligence, any parent can find a private tutor that is a perfect match for both his or her child and the child’s academic growth. How to Find a Tutor: What Help Do You Need? Before beginning a search for a tutor in your area, take stock of what type of help your child needs. Is there a particular subject that is posing problems? Is there a particular academic skillset that needs some support such as study skills? Is there a high-stakes exam or standardized test on the horizon? Is there a disability or impairment that is making learning difficult? Each of these issues requires a different type of academic support. Always start this process by opening a dialogue with your child’s teacher. Even if, in the back of your mind, you feel that the teacher bears some of the responsibility for your child’s struggles, the insight into what is happening in the classroom can be invaluable. Furthermore, this conversation should be ongoing once a tutor eventually does enter the picture. It may seem obvious, but you really do need to have a good idea of where your child is struggling to be able to find the tutor that is best prepared to help. For instance, tutors that specialize in elementary tutoring subject areas typically won’t have much to offer when it comes to preparing for the writing portion of the SATs. Someone who is an exceptional reading specialist will probably not be much help when it comes to trigonometry. It is important to recognize that not all tutors are created equal. Your initial search may turn up an assortment of tutors all offering similar ranges of subjects and test prep services. Nevertheless, it is crucial to drill down a bit deeper to see where each candidate’s strongest areas of expertise actually are. Screening Potential Tutors There are two key areas to focus on when evaluating a tutoring candidate: qualifications and fit. The easier of the two to assess is qualifications. Typically, a résumé and a few phone calls to a tutor’s references will tell you what you need to know about a tutor’s academic background and fitness to tutor your child in a specific content area. If a prospective tutor is unwilling to share either of these two things with you, they may no longer be a candidate worth considering. The tricky piece to evaluate is a tutor’s compatibility with your child’s personality, learning style, and specific academic needs. After all, if your child is uncomfortable with or unwilling to work with a tutor, growth isn’t going to happen. Rather than signing on with the first person you meet, give several a try. Ideally, conduct these sessions in your home so that you can control the learning environment and ensure optimal productivity. You can also gain some key insights by staying within earshot in another room during the session (but resist the urge to hover!). After each session, have a frank conversation with your child about what they liked and/or did not like about the tutor and the session. Between that feedback, any examples of work accomplished during the session, and what you were able to glean on your own, you should have a good idea of whether the tutor is a match for your child and your child’s needs. Some tutors make this easy by offering a free trial session to help kick-start a productive tutoring relationship. However, if a candidate doesn’t offer a free trial session, it never hurts to ask! At the very least, you may be able to get a discounted initial session. While on the subject of cost, many parents try to take shortcuts when hiring tutors and just focus on the price tag as an indication of quality. A tutor with a higher rate must be better than one that is offering services for half the cost, right? You get what you pay for. Not so fast. It turns out the old adage does not necessarily hold true when it comes to tutors. High prices do not guarantee high quality. There are all sorts of reasons why tutors charge what they charge to their clients. Regardless, since tutors can set their own rates, it doesn’t make sense to use their advertised rate as a key part of your evaluation process. Sure, affordability matters, but when it is time to decide the best tutor for your child, stick to the factors that matter most: qualifications and fit. When all is said and done, finding a tutor doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You just have to know what your child needs and how to go about securing the tutor that is the best prepared to help. The whole process may take some time and energy, but the payoff that comes with a child that is able to clear their educational hurdles is well worth the effort! We can help you find the best private tutor near you! It’s simple and secure â€" Get real results fast. Your first hour with any tutor is protected by our Good Fit Guarantee: You don't pay for tutoring unless you find a good fit. Choose Your Subject â€" Add Your Zip Code â€" Find Top Rated Tutors Starting Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson

October Language Challenge Public Video Pledges

October Language Challenge Public Video Pledges Check out whos taking up our Language Challenge! If youre taking the Language Challenge and really want to succeed, were giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!   Why would you ever want to do this? (Click here for more details)   Please take some time to motivate and encourage our Public Video Pledge Challengers  by commenting on their Notebook entries! Alfonso from Italy is learning Hebrew Were just two days away from the October Language Challenge starting! (Thats when your scheduled sessions start counting towards the challenge, but remember that you can always register before Oct. 7th). Alfonsos objective is to become more fluent in Hebrew and to learn new words. Advice and support welcome in his Notebook entry! Dave from UK is learning Spanish Another Spanish learner! Dave is on his way to mastering Spanish and he is very modest about it, he says he only speaks un poco de español but as you can see from the video below he owns it. Let him know what you think on his Notebook entry. Bien hecho Dave! Confidence is key! Israel from Hong Kong is learning Japanese Going to a country after having spent a lot of time and effort learning the language, only to realise that you cant understand what people are saying to you is a very frustrating experience. I know. Ive been there. And thats exactly what happened to Israel when he went to Japan a few months ago which is why hes going to take our October Language Challenge to quickly improve his Japanese. Write some words of encouragement on his Notebook entry! Akin from USA is learning Spanish Akin has a clear set of goals and a real motivation to learn Spanish. Thats exactly what you need to succeed at the italki Language Challenge: learn the lyrics to Vivir lo nuestro and Danza Kuduro, watch a tv show and summarize it completely in spanish have a 20 minute conversation with his South American friend! Check them out and find inspiration in his Notebook entry! Muy buena suerte Akin, seguro que tu amigo estará muy sorprendido! Siskia from Mexico is learning Italian Siskias hobby is studying languages. She has decided to take 3 classes a week to perfect her Italian. Sound doable doesnt it? Thats all it takes to complete italkis October Language Challenge and receive your reward! Do you speak italian? Give her some tips on her Notebook entry! You already sound pretty fluent in Italian Siskia, keep up the good work! Fabiana from Italy is learning Korean Fabiana is an italian community tutor on italki intent on learning Korean. Her goal is to be confident speaking the language by the end of the month. Check out her video below and comment on her Notebook entry! It sounds great Fabiana! Let us know how it goes in one month. Tanise from Brazil is learning French Tanise also decided to publicly display her intention to participate in our Language Challenge. She has only been studying french for two months and her progress has been impressive! Drop a word of encouragement on her Notebook entry! Bon courage Tanise! On est sûrs que tu tamélioreras beaucoup! William from the United States is learning Chinese William makes a good point. As he says in his video Its almost like getting paid to do something I wanted to do anyways. And thats exactly what the Language Challenge is! If theres anyone out there who is still on the fence about learning or improving a language, youre still in time to sign up!. The italki community has been quick to respond: check out his notebook entry! I see youve chosen to learn the traditional characters William, jia you! Robert from the United States is learning Portuguese Im just going to share this excerpt which is taken straight from Robs notebook entry. So in English, my name is Rob. I am a native English speaker and I am looking to improve my European Portuguese. I have, will take twelve hours of language instruction in 2014 in the month of October as part of the italki challenge. I have 4 sub goals for this: 1) is to improve my pronunciation of the letter r in Portuguese. The second is the use of the conjunctions in Portuguese. The third is the use of the prepositions in Portuguese, and lastly I want to improve my understanding of the subjunctive in Portuguese. Four goals, four weeks, 12 hours, lets go. We love that Robert set specific goals. Please wish him well by commenting on his post! andresdigital3000 from Colombia is learning English And the Public Video Pledges keep coming in! This time its from andresdigital3000, who wants to use this opportunity to improve his fluency in English which as you can see from the video he posted is already very good. If you have any tips on how he can achieve his goal faster dont hesitate to contact him! Beth from England  is learning Spanish We have our first Public Video Pledge! Beth is an English teacher on italki whose son is just starting high school Spanish and shes going to support him by learning the language with him. We here at italki love the initiative and wish her all the best.  Send her some words of encouragement on her  Notebook entry! Oh, Beth: was that tengo hambre (Im hungry) or tengo hombre (I have a man)? ?? Even though the Challenge has already started, you still have time to make a Public Video Pledge. Dont forget we’re giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!!! October Language Challenge Public Video Pledges Check out whos taking up our Language Challenge! If youre taking the Language Challenge and really want to succeed, were giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!   Why would you ever want to do this? (Click here for more details)   Please take some time to motivate and encourage our Public Video Pledge Challengers  by commenting on their Notebook entries! Alfonso from Italy is learning Hebrew Were just two days away from the October Language Challenge starting! (Thats when your scheduled sessions start counting towards the challenge, but remember that you can always register before Oct. 7th). Alfonsos objective is to become more fluent in Hebrew and to learn new words. Advice and support welcome in his Notebook entry! Dave from UK is learning Spanish Another Spanish learner! Dave is on his way to mastering Spanish and he is very modest about it, he says he only speaks un poco de español but as you can see from the video below he owns it. Let him know what you think on his Notebook entry. Bien hecho Dave! Confidence is key! Israel from Hong Kong is learning Japanese Going to a country after having spent a lot of time and effort learning the language, only to realise that you cant understand what people are saying to you is a very frustrating experience. I know. Ive been there. And thats exactly what happened to Israel when he went to Japan a few months ago which is why hes going to take our October Language Challenge to quickly improve his Japanese. Write some words of encouragement on his Notebook entry! Akin from USA is learning Spanish Akin has a clear set of goals and a real motivation to learn Spanish. Thats exactly what you need to succeed at the italki Language Challenge: learn the lyrics to Vivir lo nuestro and Danza Kuduro, watch a tv show and summarize it completely in spanish have a 20 minute conversation with his South American friend! Check them out and find inspiration in his Notebook entry! Muy buena suerte Akin, seguro que tu amigo estará muy sorprendido! Siskia from Mexico is learning Italian Siskias hobby is studying languages. She has decided to take 3 classes a week to perfect her Italian. Sound doable doesnt it? Thats all it takes to complete italkis October Language Challenge and receive your reward! Do you speak italian? Give her some tips on her Notebook entry! You already sound pretty fluent in Italian Siskia, keep up the good work! Fabiana from Italy is learning Korean Fabiana is an italian community tutor on italki intent on learning Korean. Her goal is to be confident speaking the language by the end of the month. Check out her video below and comment on her Notebook entry! It sounds great Fabiana! Let us know how it goes in one month. Tanise from Brazil is learning French Tanise also decided to publicly display her intention to participate in our Language Challenge. She has only been studying french for two months and her progress has been impressive! Drop a word of encouragement on her Notebook entry! Bon courage Tanise! On est sûrs que tu tamélioreras beaucoup! William from the United States is learning Chinese William makes a good point. As he says in his video Its almost like getting paid to do something I wanted to do anyways. And thats exactly what the Language Challenge is! If theres anyone out there who is still on the fence about learning or improving a language, youre still in time to sign up!. The italki community has been quick to respond: check out his notebook entry! I see youve chosen to learn the traditional characters William, jia you! Robert from the United States is learning Portuguese Im just going to share this excerpt which is taken straight from Robs notebook entry. So in English, my name is Rob. I am a native English speaker and I am looking to improve my European Portuguese. I have, will take twelve hours of language instruction in 2014 in the month of October as part of the italki challenge. I have 4 sub goals for this: 1) is to improve my pronunciation of the letter r in Portuguese. The second is the use of the conjunctions in Portuguese. The third is the use of the prepositions in Portuguese, and lastly I want to improve my understanding of the subjunctive in Portuguese. Four goals, four weeks, 12 hours, lets go. We love that Robert set specific goals. Please wish him well by commenting on his post! andresdigital3000 from Colombia is learning English And the Public Video Pledges keep coming in! This time its from andresdigital3000, who wants to use this opportunity to improve his fluency in English which as you can see from the video he posted is already very good. If you have any tips on how he can achieve his goal faster dont hesitate to contact him! Beth from England  is learning Spanish We have our first Public Video Pledge! Beth is an English teacher on italki whose son is just starting high school Spanish and shes going to support him by learning the language with him. We here at italki love the initiative and wish her all the best.  Send her some words of encouragement on her  Notebook entry! Oh, Beth: was that tengo hambre (Im hungry) or tengo hombre (I have a man)? ?? Even though the Challenge has already started, you still have time to make a Public Video Pledge. Dont forget we’re giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!!! October Language Challenge Public Video Pledges Check out whos taking up our Language Challenge! If youre taking the Language Challenge and really want to succeed, were giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!   Why would you ever want to do this? (Click here for more details)   Please take some time to motivate and encourage our Public Video Pledge Challengers  by commenting on their Notebook entries! Alfonso from Italy is learning Hebrew Were just two days away from the October Language Challenge starting! (Thats when your scheduled sessions start counting towards the challenge, but remember that you can always register before Oct. 7th). Alfonsos objective is to become more fluent in Hebrew and to learn new words. Advice and support welcome in his Notebook entry! Dave from UK is learning Spanish Another Spanish learner! Dave is on his way to mastering Spanish and he is very modest about it, he says he only speaks un poco de español but as you can see from the video below he owns it. Let him know what you think on his Notebook entry. Bien hecho Dave! Confidence is key! Israel from Hong Kong is learning Japanese Going to a country after having spent a lot of time and effort learning the language, only to realise that you cant understand what people are saying to you is a very frustrating experience. I know. Ive been there. And thats exactly what happened to Israel when he went to Japan a few months ago which is why hes going to take our October Language Challenge to quickly improve his Japanese. Write some words of encouragement on his Notebook entry! Akin from USA is learning Spanish Akin has a clear set of goals and a real motivation to learn Spanish. Thats exactly what you need to succeed at the italki Language Challenge: learn the lyrics to Vivir lo nuestro and Danza Kuduro, watch a tv show and summarize it completely in spanish have a 20 minute conversation with his South American friend! Check them out and find inspiration in his Notebook entry! Muy buena suerte Akin, seguro que tu amigo estará muy sorprendido! Siskia from Mexico is learning Italian Siskias hobby is studying languages. She has decided to take 3 classes a week to perfect her Italian. Sound doable doesnt it? Thats all it takes to complete italkis October Language Challenge and receive your reward! Do you speak italian? Give her some tips on her Notebook entry! You already sound pretty fluent in Italian Siskia, keep up the good work! Fabiana from Italy is learning Korean Fabiana is an italian community tutor on italki intent on learning Korean. Her goal is to be confident speaking the language by the end of the month. Check out her video below and comment on her Notebook entry! It sounds great Fabiana! Let us know how it goes in one month. Tanise from Brazil is learning French Tanise also decided to publicly display her intention to participate in our Language Challenge. She has only been studying french for two months and her progress has been impressive! Drop a word of encouragement on her Notebook entry! Bon courage Tanise! On est sûrs que tu tamélioreras beaucoup! William from the United States is learning Chinese William makes a good point. As he says in his video Its almost like getting paid to do something I wanted to do anyways. And thats exactly what the Language Challenge is! If theres anyone out there who is still on the fence about learning or improving a language, youre still in time to sign up!. The italki community has been quick to respond: check out his notebook entry! I see youve chosen to learn the traditional characters William, jia you! Robert from the United States is learning Portuguese Im just going to share this excerpt which is taken straight from Robs notebook entry. So in English, my name is Rob. I am a native English speaker and I am looking to improve my European Portuguese. I have, will take twelve hours of language instruction in 2014 in the month of October as part of the italki challenge. I have 4 sub goals for this: 1) is to improve my pronunciation of the letter r in Portuguese. The second is the use of the conjunctions in Portuguese. The third is the use of the prepositions in Portuguese, and lastly I want to improve my understanding of the subjunctive in Portuguese. Four goals, four weeks, 12 hours, lets go. We love that Robert set specific goals. Please wish him well by commenting on his post! andresdigital3000 from Colombia is learning English And the Public Video Pledges keep coming in! This time its from andresdigital3000, who wants to use this opportunity to improve his fluency in English which as you can see from the video he posted is already very good. If you have any tips on how he can achieve his goal faster dont hesitate to contact him! Beth from England  is learning Spanish We have our first Public Video Pledge! Beth is an English teacher on italki whose son is just starting high school Spanish and shes going to support him by learning the language with him. We here at italki love the initiative and wish her all the best.  Send her some words of encouragement on her  Notebook entry! Oh, Beth: was that tengo hambre (Im hungry) or tengo hombre (I have a man)? ?? Even though the Challenge has already started, you still have time to make a Public Video Pledge. Dont forget we’re giving away 50ITC if you make a Public Video Pledge!!!

4 Ways to Use iPads for Learning

4 Ways to Use iPads for Learning From propping up on a kitchen counter to follow a recipe to passing it around a family reunion to share holiday photos, the uses of an iPad are many. A multitude of teachers and students nationwide now use it for learning, especially at the college level. Here are some great ways to use iPads for learning: 1. Bring an iPad to class One of the best things about the iPad is its portability. It's lightweight and slim, making it even easier to tote to class than a laptop. Because it can lay flat, it's also more discreet for in-classroom use. The iPad's multifunctional aspects allow you to easily look up a word in the dictionary, take class notes, and double check that online message board for class, all in the matter of a few seconds. 2. Read an e-book on an iPad Although many people, millennial and twenty-something's included, still tend to prefer reading print books, it's often both more convenient and cheaper to locate an e-book. For most students, book storage space is limited in a dorm room or small apartment. Digital books cut down on clutter and are easy to use. Downloading an e-book on an iPad makes catching up on class reading assignments a breeze. Just be sure your device is charged before hitting the heavy page turning (or page swiping). 3. Put together a PowerPoint presentation on an iPad Students can now download a Microsoft PowerPoint app to use on an iPad. Although students may still prefer building their PowerPoint presentations on a desktop or laptop screen for visibility's sake, transporting them to class is easy with an iPad. Sharing a PowerPoint presentation with your class is now smoother than ever, thanks to apps like Slideshow Remote. All you need is your iPad, a Wifi connection, and an external device like a projector or TV, and your PowerPoint piece comes to life for all the class to see. 4. Stay plugged in to your studies with an iPad Almost every course now has a digital aspect to it, whether inside or outside the classroom. Professors often post assignments and test dates on an online platform, some even preferring to receive digitally submitted written work. The iPad is a great way to stay on top of your class workloads. Certain apps like Blackboard Mobile Learn are specifically geared toward allowing students easy digital access to all of their course information in one place. Some teachers even encourage students to share information about class projects or lectures via social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook. When entering a new class, feel out the situation. Some professors remain old-fashioned, desiring printed and stapled written assignments be placed on their desks. Countless others are excited about new technology and encourage its use in the classroom. Be polite and respectful when inquiring about bringing tech devices into a lecture theatre. How you use your iPad outside of the classroom to help you learn is entirely up to you.