Can Chinese Characters Help You Learn Chinese?

Can Chinese Characters Help You Learn Chinese?Can Chinese characters help you learn Chinese? That's a good question, as I've found that many people are asking this question. The fact is that there is a wealth of information available for free if you know where to look.Books like 'Learn Chinese With Me' by Barry J. Lynn is very well written and very easy to follow. There are a few different sections in the book with different topics, which is good because you will have plenty of time to work on each section to master the language.A wonderful resource for learning Chinese is the television show 'Cantonese Dragons' which airs on a Chinese network in China. You can tune into the Chinese network in your area and see the Chinese cast discussing their characters, and the show is very educational. It also uses actual dialect for most of the scenes in the show, so you get the best of both worlds.There are also lots of sites online that use English pictures, but when you link your computer to the Chinese site and watch the same pictures they translate the characters for you, then you can just turn your computer off while you do it. But what happens when you're out of the house and can't get to your computer to check your emails or download your favorite picture, such as a star ship to match up with your reading of the Chinese characters?There are websites that can help you learn Chinese by helping you find photos of the characters you need to learn. Many sites now also provide a good way to download the text file, with links to the Chinese characters. The images are often very large and you will not be able to download them all at once.Another option is to use an English dictionary to find the character you are looking for. It is important that you don't get frustrated when this happens, as you may just be doing it wrong.In conclusion, if you're thinking about learning Chinese, whether you want to do it the hard way or a natural way, I would recommend that you read 'Lear n Chinese With Me' and go to the many sites online that offer resources. You will get a good understanding of what the language is all about, as well as how to use it if you go to the Chinese sites and try it out.

Selling Yourself in an Interview Without Selling at All - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Selling Yourself in an Interview Without “Selling” at All - Introvert Whisperer Selling Yourself in an Interview Without “Selling” at All Career Attraction August 18, 2014 Communication, Self-Promotion No responses Go to top For any company that has a winning attitude, nothing matters more than getting the right people in the right positions. Therefore, as a job applicant, during the interview process, you must make a compelling case that you are intelligent, competent, autonomous and knowledgeable in the desired areas. However, it’s a catch-22. If you come across as attempting to convince an interviewer that you possess these qualities, you’re much more likely to appear desperate rather than well-rounded. Essentially, the moment you begin to directly brag and display fake arrogance is the moment you lose an interviewer’s interest and your attractiveness as a job candidate. People hate being sold, and hiring managers, recruiters, and HR representatives are just people, after all. This begs the question: How one goes about influencing a hiring manager without coming across as disingenuous and needy for a job? The answer is subtlety. The only way you can “sell” the interviewer is to let them draw their own conclusions about you. Luckily, there are certain things you can do to increase the odds that their conclusions about hiring you will be positive and welcoming. Below, you’ll find some key information that will allow you to sell yourself without actually “selling” yourself. Sell Without Saying a Word When an interviewer meets you, they instantaneously categorize you as a winner or loser, sometimes simply by how you present yourself. Use this knowledge to your advantage and let your looks, posture, and facial expression sell for you prior to even speaking your first word. For instance, when you greet an interviewer with a full smile and alert eyes, they are much more likely to associate you with positive qualities. Your facial expression should say, “I like you.” People like others who like them and tend to associate those people with desirable qualities such as integrity and competency. Which means they’re much more eager to want these people around the office. Regarding dress, know that opposites do not attract. You’re not likely to be perceived well at a bank if you underdress for the interview. Don’t intentionally stick out. It will not build the desired rapport you need. Familiarity breeds fondness. Moreover, studies have shown that matching posture and movements build trust and mutual respect. Without being obvious, do your best to mirror the interviewer’s body language. The Most Effective Interviewing Preparation People (interviewers included) are interested in themselves and their own needs. Therefore, if you don’t know what your audience or a hiring manager wants, you can’t sell them. Luckily, the job description will give you more evidence than you need to formulate an accurate thesis as to what this person wants in an employee. For instance, if a job description states the employer wants someone who is autonomous, take time the evening before the interview to write down a story or example of your autonomy. With that example in mind, work it into the conversation at the appropriate time. Through the anecdote, the hiring manager will naturally see that you are the type of person who will allow them to focus less on managing you and more on the necessary tasks they need to be done. If they list a certain skill you have in-depth expertise with, formulate questions that display your knowledge of the topic. Don’t wait until the end of the interview to present these inquiries, as an interviewer’s assessment of you is likely to be firmly set by then. Rather, ask away when the topic is touched upon. During the Interview Speak without criticism; nobody wants to be around a pessimistic person. Interviewers are more readily sold by those who have a positive, happy outlook and perspective on life. In a genuine manner, convey thoughts that discuss success and, rather than talking about insurmountable hurdles, discuss how you plan to overcome any obstacles. Utilize your rate of speech as an influential measure. When you’re making important points during the interview, it’s helpful to pause for a second after each statement and allow the hiring manager to mentally digest what you just stated. In the End The phrase sell yourself is popular when it comes to the job search. The basic idea is sound, but too many people lose any nuance in the attempted execution. Selling yourself, when it comes to interviewing, is really about paying attention to the cues you receive and send, both before and during the interview. Concentrate less on selling yourself and more on putting your best foot forward How do you like to build a rapport with an interviewer? Share your best tips in the comments! This post originally appeared on Career Attraction. Image: Flickr Go to top Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will? If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

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!

Find Singing Lessons with a Voice Coach

Find Singing Lessons with a Voice Coach Why Singing Classes with a Vocal Coach are a Great Idea Chapters Where Can You Find a Private Voice Coach and Learn to Sing? How Can You Choose the Right Private Voice Coach? How Much do Private Singing Teachers Cost? The Advantages of Learning to Sing with a Private Singing Lessons The Disadvantages of Learning to Sing with a Private Singing TutorThere are more people taking singing lessons and getting vocal training than you would probably think. After all, everyone seems to love to sing. It's easy to tell who has an awful singing voice and is in dire need of some singing lessons.Are you one them? Would you like to learn how to sing? Shall we get started? 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 tut ors 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 tutors Where Can You Find a Private Voice Coach and Learn to Sing?The first question you need to ask when you want to learn to sing and improve your voice is “Where can I find a singing teacher to improve my voice?” There are a number of places you can go.Word of MouthDo you have a friend who’s taking voice lessons with a vocal coach and loving it? That’s a good sign! You can get in touch with their tutor as long as their teaching style is right for you.You can also look for coaching recommendations on Facebook. Maybe there’s someone amongst your friends who’s getting music lessons that you didn’t even know about!Going to a Music SchoolThis is probably the most obvious place to learn music, isn’t it? Beginners don’t always need to start in group classes if they w ant to learn how to sing.There are music schools where you can vocal coaches to help you work on your posture, vocal range, diaphragmatic breathing, and build self-confidence.  Maybe you’ll consider joining the music school after you’ve had a few lessons...If you want to learn to sing, you should probably learn how to read sheet music. (Source:  pixabay.com)Keep an Eye Out for ClassifiedsHave look for notice boards in supermarkets, the baker’s, butcher’s, greengrocer’s, chemist’s, or even nearby music schools.  You just need to open your eyes a bit when looking for a voice teacher to help you improve your vocal technique. There’s nothing stopping you looking at the digital equivalents of these, too. You’ll find plenty of tutors giving music tutorials.Sign Up to SuperprofThere are plenty of singing tutors already on Superprof, which is great for you! Whether you’re looking to become a gospel or opera singer or just learn to hit the high notes, you can find voice tea chers for all occasions.Signing up is quick and easy. You just need to put “singing” and your town in the search engine and the results will help you find the right voice teacher for you.Our tutors set their own prices and are free to offer whatever tutorials they like: music theory, vocal techniques, voice training, breath control, vocal exercises, vibrato, etc. You just need to choose the tutor that works best for you. How Can You Choose the Right Private Voice Coach?To choose your vocal coach, it’s important that you pay attention the details. Your goals, the tutor’s CV, reputation, methodology, and training are just a few of the things you should keep in mind when choosing your tutor.Define Your ObjectivesThe first thing you should do is think about what you want you want your instructor to teach you and the singing exercises you'll want to focus on:Learn to Sing in KeyImprove your elocutionLearn to harmoniseFind your vocal rangeBroaden your repertoireLearn to improviseW hether you’ve taught yourself how to sing or have taken lessons in the past, you might have found yourself having a few problems with certain aspects of singing. Make sure you bring these problems up to your tutor once you’ve chosen them.The Qualities of a Good Vocal CoachBefore you do anything, make sure that your vocal coach has a good reputation. Of course, you’ll also need to consider their training as a musician or music teacher and their experience before you make your final decision. Find out more about their methodology and pedagogy.Consider meeting up with your tutor informally to make sure you get along. Since you’re probably going to spend a lot of time with them, you’ll have to make sure that you like each other.A good private tutor should be able to work out your needs and then address them. They should also be able to help you get back up when you fail.A good tutor should also be a good listener. After all, private tutorials need to be personalised. A good tu tor will know how to give you advice and change their goals to meet your needs and adapt to your progress.Singing can sometimes be as physically demanding as doing exercise. (Source: pixabay.com)What should a singing tutor teach you?We often get stuck when working out where to start! That’s why your tutor should know exactly how to kick things off and get you learning from the very first lesson:Your vocal health is important: make sure you drink a lot while avoiding chilled or warm drinks, especially during your lessons and performances. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.Diaphragmatic breathing: learning to breathe well is essential to singing well and making the right notes.Sing with your whole body: vocalising and certain physical exercises can really help you with this.How the human voice works: the better you know your voice and anatomy, the better you’ll be able to sing!You can’t learn to sing just by singing! There are so many different aspects to vocal coaching and exercises and techniques for improving your voice when performing. There are exercises for things like:Improving your muscles: diaphragm, abdominal muscles, etc.Relaxing your vocal apparatusRealigning your voiceMaintaining your postureImproving your vocal projectionWorking on your elocution and tonic accentsSynchronising your voice and intentionHave a trial lessonOf course! There’s nothing better than trying out a teacher before you start working with them.When you can’t decide between two or three tutors, you should look to see if they offer free tutoring for their first hour. 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 Tie mSinging 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 tutors How Much do Private Singing Teachers Cost?How long is a piece of string? The cost of private tutorials can vary massively depending on the teacher, the location, whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced learner, and how many hours you book.If you want to end up singing in places like this, you'll probably have to pay for the best teachers. (Source: pixabay.com)While it’s possible to find private singing tutors through classifieds, you should make sure you’re finding a quality tutor. A bad singing tutor could be an absolute catastrophe! Just like when you do sport, doing it wrong could result in an injury.  In these cases, it might be worthwhile paying a little extra to ensure you get that quality teacher who’ll look after you.However, if you're on a budget, there are still plenty of options available to you.On Superprof, for example, the average price for private singing tutors in London is £29 per hour. Of course, this is just the average and will change if you live outside of the capital and will depend on what you require from your voice coach. The Advantages of Learning to Sing with a Private Singing LessonsSo why should you consider learning to sing with a private tutor?Make the most of the voice you have: learn to master your voice means you can develop other aspects of your vocal timbre as well as learning to sing in tune.Benefit from personalised lessons: the tutor is there for you and only you, to work with you, meet your needs, and address your difficulties.More flexibility: unlike group classes, you can schedule private singing lessons online for when you’re available rather than the same time on the same day every week.Create a special relationship: your private tutor is your partner when it comes to learning to sing, you won ’t see them in the same way as a teacher in a singing class.Get over stage fright: some people are scared of singing in front of their own friends and family. This is normally down to a lack of confidence and a lack of experience. A tutor can help you with this.Feel better: music soothes the soul, after all. What’s better than singing better in order to feel better? Your tutor will know how to warm up voices, too. This means you'll be far less likely to damage your voice. The Disadvantages of Learning to Sing with a Private Singing TutorAs you can see, there are a lot of advantages to taking private singing classes with a vocal coach. However, there are a few disadvantages we should mention:While you can learn to sing as a group, it can be hard to stand out. (Source: pixabay.com)The cost: private tutorials are often more expensive than group classes.No group dynamic: you’re always alone with just your tutor. Sharing ideas with your peers is just one of the benefits of singing in a choir.A lack of interaction: you can’t listen to other people sing and learn from their strengths and weaknesses.No group singing: if you’re alone in class, you’re always going to be singing alone. Singing in a group is quite different to singing as a soloist, after all.In short:Thanks to the internet, it’s never been easier to find a quality and experienced tutor for every type of singing. Thus, learning to sing shouldn’t pose any sort of problem. There are classified ads, music schools, and private tutor platforms (like Superprof). You’re spoilt for choice!Choose your tutor like you would your friends. You should take the time to choose carefully! Their training, methodology, and reputation should all be taken into consideration. You should also get along with your private tutor. This will help you make quick and steady progress.For singing lessons with a qualified private tutor, you can expect to pay a reasonable sum.There are plenty of advantages to working with a private vocal coach. The classes of personalised to you and tutors are flexible with when, how, and how often you learn to sing.Beware of the disadvantages, too: you can’t benefit from a group dynamic, sing with other students or listen to them sing, nor can you learn from their mistakes and get feedback from your peers.Find a private tutor from Superprof.Find singing lessons London.Singing lessons Manchester

Taking Violin Lessons FAQs

Taking Violin Lessons FAQs How Do You Start Learning to Play the Violin? ChaptersHow Long Does It Take to Learn the Violin?Which Materials Should I Choose to Learn the Violin?Can You Take Violin Lessons Online?Can You Learn How to Play the Violin at any Age?The violin (or fiddle) isn’t an easy instrument to learn. It requires a lot of hours of practise and even more motivation, especially if you're trying to join an orchestra and become a concert violinist.There are very few people in this world who don’t like music. Music is for everyone, after all. That being the case, it’s worthwhile dedicating an entire article to starting your musical learning journey. Especially since it can take such a long time to become a virtuoso like Paganini.Buying a violin, deciphering sheet music, learning to read music, using tablature, learning arpeggios, studying music theory, expanding your repertoire, there are so many steps you have to take on your journey.How long does it take to learn to play the violin?Which books should you use to help you learn?Can you use t he internet?Should you call a music teacher?We’re going to try and answer all of these questions over the course of this article. TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Long Does It Take to Learn the Violin?This is the first question you need to ask yourself before your first violin lesson is how much time you’re going to commit to your violin lessons.Learning the violin can take ages, especially if you want to become a professional performer, play concerts, or become a composer.A student can struggle to play a simple melody without hitting the wrong notes even after years of instruction. This might put you off the whole idea.You need to be willing to commit to learning for at least a year. This isn’t something you can learn to do in just a matter of months. Piano lessons tend to have more immediate benefits because making a note on a piano is effectively as easy as pressing a button your keyboard.  When it comes to the violin, you’ll need just a few months to make sure you’re adopting the right posture. Your progress will also depend heavily on your motivation.If you choose to teach yourself rather than working with a teacher, your motivation will decide whether or not you continue to learn the violin when things get tough. The more regularly you practise, the more quickly you’ll progress.The time taken to learn the instrument will also depend on your background as a musician.Use online violin lessons to practice more.It can take a few hours per week of practice in order to become an adept violinist. (Source: Monoar)Those who’ve already studied music theory with teachers or learnt another musical instrument (like the bass, cello, accordion, electric guitar, flute, etc.) will find learning the violin much easier than somebody who’s an absolute novice with no experience of performing.Those with an experienced ear will also find things much easier. Ear training will help you better understand pieces when you listen to them and your brain will find reproducing these pieces much simpler, too.This is a good habit to have when you’re learning any musical instrument.If you’ve never done music, you’ll need some time to learn these skills, too. Don’t worry, though, this will come with time.If you want to speed up the learning process, there’s some advice you could follow. For example, you could use tablature to learn songs without needing to be able to read sheet music or call a private tutor to give you violin lessons near me.Regularly working on your fingering and finger placement can also help you learn much more quickly. There are exercises you can do daily wherever you are, on the bus, at work, etc.Which Materials Should I Choose to Learn the Violin?To learn to play the violin, whether on your own or with a tutor, you might need to get some reading materials.They can help you learn more about certain concepts outside of your classes. In addition to books, there are also smartphone apps and online tutorials you can follow. These can be really useful for beginners but become less helpful the more you know about the violin.So where can you find useful materials on holding the violin bow correctly, tuning your violin, positioning your left hand?There are specialist music stores that have lots of books on violin techniques as well as sheet music and tablature.  You can choose the right materials for you and there’s usually a knowledgeable sales assistant there t o help you.Websites can also be a good option for picking up reading materials but you should always read the reviews from other customers before buying.  It’s recommended that you peruse the book offline before committing to buy a copy. You don't want to pick up a book for intermediate and advanced techniques when you've just started learning.This will help you see if the book’s easy to read, how clear the images are, and how difficult the exercises in it are.There are plenty of good books for learning to play violin. (Source: Moritz320)You also need to invest in books that you’ll want to read. Many musicians buy books that end up collecting dust on their shelves. However, that doesn’t mean that they weren’t useful books, they just weren't for them.While they’ll never replace a private lessons with a violin teacher or music lessons at a conservatoire (a special school of music), books can structure the learning process and often follow a programme designed by profession als. They can also be a valuable resource on a particular skill or technique.Using these books alongside books on music theory can sometimes be all you need to start improving.  As long as you’re motivated!Some books, such as Max Jaffa’s “How to Play the Violin”, come highly recommended.  Additionally, a brick and mortar music store has staff who'll be happy to suggest the best resources for music students.You should heed their advice. The sales assistants in music stores are often musicians, too, after all.Can You Take Violin Lessons Online?While violin manuals and books are often more comprehensive, there’s nothing stopping your from learning to play the violin online with the help of the internet.As a beginner, it can be really useful for helping you to progress. On the other hand, once you reach a certain level, you’ll find it more difficult to progress just using the resources available online.You could use the internet to access tablature for contemporary or classi cal songs and learn how to play them.There are plenty of YouTube channels with beginner violin lessons looking to learn the basics of the instrument.Whether free or otherwise, there are many detailed videos on how to do certain basic techniques like holding the bow.This is one of the most important things you’ll ever learn, after all.You can use YouTube channels to learn to play violin. (Source: Mohamed Hassan)Whether you choose to use free sites like YouTube or paying a subscription, the progress you make will be down to you. You need to keep the following in mind if you want to advance:Practise regularly. This means that you need to set aside some time for your violin lessons.Make a schedule and stick to it. While it’s not always easy to juggle your professional and personal lives while also learning a musical instrument, you need to ensure that you dedicate time to your learning.Put together a programme that suits you. When you get in touch with a private tutor or buy a book that you’re going to follow, you need to make sure that your learning process suits your level and your learning style. It’s pointless learning more advanced techniques like vibrato if you’ve never even picked up a bow.Good things come to those who wait.If you’re looking for more advice, checking out dedicated violin forums is a good idea.  There are lots of musicians and violinists who can answer your questions and help you. There's also plenty of music for violin players online that you can play along to.Why not find a video that teaches you how to play a particular solo or ensemble piece?If you're struggling to find instrumental violin music, you should check out some of the following violinists:NameBornDiedAntonio Vivaldi16781741Johann Sebastian Bach16851750Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart17561791Niccolò Paganini17821840Pablo de Sarasate18441908Jascha Heifetz19011987David Oïstrakh19081974Yehudi Menuhin19161999Isaac Stern19202001If you feel that things are getting too difficult, you should consider looking for a violin instructor on tutoring platforms and choosing the teacher who's right for you.Can You Learn How to Play the Violin at any Age?10? 25? 50? 80?You can start your music education and learn to play violin at any age.The violin is sometimes taught in retirement homes in order to keep the elderly active and work on their memory.  In fact, there are different ways that learning a piece can help you improve your memory.Being older doesn’t mean that your brain is incapable of learning new things. Of course, manipulating violin strings can be tricky at an older age.  The violin can therefore be learnt by students of all ages. It just depends on how you learn it.Adults generally struggle to learn the violin because of other commitments rather than being unable to learn new things due to age.Adults struggle more with setting aside time to practise each week or attending lessons at a music school or centre. Additionally, the tuition at music schools an d universities can be rather expensive. They also struggle to find a time between looking after the kids and working to pick up the violin.My advice is to be honest with yourself and choose a part of the week that you know you’ll always be free.No matter your age, you can start learning to play violin today! (Source: HCE70)It’s not the same for children learning to play the violin. Children struggle to focus when playing the violin. It’s therefore not recommended that children attempt to teach themselves the violin.  They should work with a private tutor or attend lessons at a music school. Their tutor should also have experience with children and adapt their teaching to the age of their students.Music classes for children can teach them about several instruments at once (ukulele, recorder, guitar, saxophone, violin, singing, etc.) before they choose the one they liked the most. If they preferred the piano, don't force them to perform in a string quartet!If your child enjoys p laying violin, keep in mind there are smaller violins available for smaller hands.What about teenagers?It can be tricky getting them interested in anything at all, let alone violin playing, especially if the music they listen to doesn't even include any violins.The violin is an instrument that can take years of study. They can’t give up in the middle of their studies.To make sure they remain interested in their violin lessons, there are certain techniques, like using games and challenges, to keep them interested. Smartphone apps (for either  iPhone and Android) can also be really useful since they probably spend most of their time on them. There are violin teachers who specialise in teaching adolescents, too.They’ll soon be familiar with more advanced violin techniques as a result.

50 Most Interesting Facts About Spain [Infographic]

50 Most Interesting Facts About Spain [Infographic] Suzy S. Curious to learn some interesting facts about Spain? If youre planning a trip to Spain soon and are interested in Spanish culture, theres a  lot to learn about this awesome country. If youre learning how to speak Spanish, studying the culture of Spain will motivate you and make your studies much more interesting! So without further ado, here are 50 interesting facts about Spain that you might be surprised to learn. 50 Interesting Facts About Spain Spanish Culture Not all Spaniards are native speakers of (Castilian) Spanish. There are four  official languages in Spain (Castilian, Catalan, Basque and Galician), three unofficial regional languages (Asturian, Aragonese, and Aranese), and several more dialects. The Spaniards have a completely different life rhythm from other Europeans. They typically have lunch between 1 and 3 pm, and dinner around 10 pm. Spanish culture greatly influenced modern art from the late 1800s, with artists like Antoni Gaudí (Art Nouveau), Pablo Picasso (expressionism, cubism, surrealism), Joan Miró (surrealism), and Salvador Dalí (surrealism). Flamenco is not actually a dance; it’s a musical style, which sometimes has dancing in it. 58 million tourists go to Spain every year, making it the fourth most visited country in the world. Spain is renowned for its lively festivals, including San Fermín  (running of the bulls) in Pamplona and Tomatina  (tomato battle) in Buñol. More than 150,000 tomatoes are usually thrown at La Tomatina. The official name of Spain is “Kingdom of Spain.” The national anthem of Spain has no words. There are no laws about public nudity in Spain. 43% of the world’s olive oil production is done in Spain. From 2008 to 2013, the Spanish national football team was named  FIFA Team of the Year. Spain won its first  World Cup football  title in 2010, which made the country the 8th country to have ever won. The tooth fairy is a mere rodent in Spain, referred to as Ratoncito Pérez. Our favorite of all the interesting facts about Spain Breaks, free time, and siestas are a huge part of everyday Spanish culture. Spain was the world’s third most popular tourist destination in 2013 (after France and the US). Don Quixote, the famous book written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes in 1605, was voted the “most meaningful book of all time” in 2002 by a panel of top authors. Traditionally, you have two surnames in Spain â€" the first surname from your father, and the second from your mother. Spaniards celebrate the New Year by eating one grape with their family for each bell strike of the clock. The quill pen is thought to have originated in Spain about 1,400 years ago. The Spanish often use gestures with, or to substitute for, words. Flicking the teeth with the thumbnail, wiggling fingers from the nose, and grabbing the left arm with the right while making a left-handed fist are all thought to be offensive. There are fewer marriages in Spain than in any other EU country, except Sweden. The divorce rate in Spain is 17% (relatively low compared to over 50% in the USA). Madrid  is in the physical center of the country and the plaza  Puerta del Sol is the exact center of the country. Spain has the  second highest number of bars per inhabitants. Do not be alarmed by a  dirty floor in a bar. It is completely acceptable and normal to throw things on the ground in bars. Most of the time a dirty floor means a good bar! Tortillas  in Spain are not the same as  tortillas  elsewhere. Tortilla española  refers to a very popular egg and potato dish. Spaniards use the word  â€œtortitas”  to refer to flour/corn tortillas. Most households buy fresh bread every day. Traditionally, they are long baguettes called  barras  or  pistolas. Bread is present (and required) at almost every meal. Tomatoes, potatoes, avocados, tobacco, and cacao (for chocolate) were all imported into Europe by Spain. Though Spain is more famous for its  red wine  than white, the majority of its vineyards have white grapes. Spain is one of the worlds biggest producers of saffron, an important ingredient in paella. The Madrid subway is the  second largest underground system in Europe  and the sixth largest system in the world. The family is the basis of the social structure and includes both the nuclear and the extended family, which sometimes provides both a social and a financial support network. Owning ones home is very important to Spanish people, and some 80% of Spanish households do. The majority of Spaniards are formally Roman Catholic, although different religious beliefs are accepted. People are often referred to as Don or Dona and their first name  within formal occasions. If invited to a Spaniards home, you can bring chocolates, pastries, cakes, wine, liqueur, brandy, or flowers to the hostess. In business, face-to-face contact is preferred to written or telephone communication. Despite the beret being associated with France, the Basques in Northeast  Spain invented it. It is not customary to tip in Spain, especially for cheap meals. Each regional country of Spain â€"  Pais Vasco, Cataluña, Galicia  â€" has its own language, hymn, and flag. Barcelona has 15 million visitors per year, while Madrid has only 6 or 7. The  Madrid-Barcelona route  has the highest number of flights per week in the world. Spain has more than 8,000 beaches. The name Spain diverged from the word Ispania, which means the land of rabbits. Of all the interesting facts about Spain, this one is perhaps the most bizarre. On May 15th all the single women in Madrid visit the chapel called Ermita de San Isidro to prick their fingers with pins and put it in a vessel, in order to find a husband. Same sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005. On St. George’s Day (April 23rd) in Barcelona, it’s customary to exchange a book and/or a rose with the person you love. Spaniards own more cars than cell phones. Spanish people are very fond of food. A famous saying is Barriga llena, corazón contento, which translates to A full belly and a happy heart! For those who are visual learners, here is a fun infographic with dozens of interesting facts about Spain.   If these facts dont get you excited about taking a future trip to this beautiful country, we dont know what else will! Interesting Facts About Spain Infographic Do you know any additional interesting facts about Spain or Spanish culture? If so, feel free to leave a comment below and share!

5 Business English Sayings

5 Business English Sayings Proverbs are short, concise, sayings that express some generally held truth. They are very useful in helping people overcome not only the trials of life in general but also in the workplace.Here are 5 common business English sayings.1. Great Haste Makes Great WasteThis means that if someone tries to do something in a hurry he/she will make mistakes and then will waste time later trying to correct these mistakes.For example: If you write a report in one day rather than taking the necessary week to do it, it might be inaccurate and then you will have to spend time you had allocated for other activities in re-writing it.2. There’s No Use Crying Over Spilt MilkIt’s a waste of time feeling bad or regretful over something that has been lost or a mistake that has been made that you can’t rectify.For example: If one of your clients has decided to go with the competition and there is nothing you can do to bring them back to your company, there is no point feeling depressed or angry abou t it. This will not change the fact.3. Never Do Things By HalvesNever leave a task incomplete or half-done. If you are going to start something you should always finish it.For example: If you are going to start a company, give it your all. Don’t be half-hearted about it.4. Rome Was Not Built In A DayDon’t expect achievements or successes to be immediate. Even great empires like Rome took time to develop.For example: Don’t expect your company to be market leader as soon as it is launched on the market. This takes time and a lot of effort in the meantime.5. He Laughs Best Who Laughs LastThe person will the final victory is the one with the greatest satisfaction. In a competition, the overall victor is the one who has most to be happy about.For example: Your competitor might have been ahead in figures during the year but if you have the edge at the end of the year and win all the annual awards in your field, then you will have the greater sense of achievement.QuestionsWhich of th e proverbs do you find most helpful?What is the proverb you most use in your language? What does it mean?British band Morcheeba liked one of these proverbs so much the band wrote a song about it. Lets enjoy it now and remember the message next time we feel frustrated at work!Did you find this blog helpful? Please share it on Facebook and Twitter. asiq some proverb touch my sense