How Much Does 1 Hour of Tutoring Help?

How Much Does 1 Hour of Tutoring Help?If you want to know how much does 1 hour of tutoring help to improve a child's life then you are in the right place. Taught at home, this method can be especially effective for children who have trouble paying attention in class. There are a few ways that this can be done and I will explain how one student has used this strategy.Your child probably struggles with paying attention in his English class because he feels as if everyone is looking at him, laughing at him, talking over him and generally making fun of him. He probably feels as if he is an alien or is being teased at school. Maybe his parents tell him that he is nothing special or not smart enough to go to college or a professional career, so he focuses on getting by with the things he knows and is doing what he can to pass the time.It is often said that students who cannot pay attention to the classes they take usually excel at studying but do not learn anything from them. If this is tr ue for your child, it is also true for him. If you want to know how much does 1 hour of tutoring help, you will have to find ways to help him be more attentive to the material he is being taught. This is where this strategy works.One way that your child can be helped to pay attention in his English class is to find ways to distract him from his own thoughts. Try to make a game out of it, or else make something else really interesting. Have him go outside and participate in a fun activity. Make him write down things or take notes during class as well.Another important issue to consider is when he is being tested on a subject, and he has to focus. Do not get upset, just make a note of it and take notes of all the facts he has been asked to look at. Many times, if you make a note of what he has to look at, he will not be distracted by thinking about the test, rather, he will be focused on the details of the subject.Finally, if your child struggles to pay attention in English class, the n you need to use some teaching strategies. For example, instead of always giving your child the answers or putting him through tests, try to have a conversation with him. Let him know what it is that you are trying to accomplish, and let him know what you are expecting him to learn.If your child's teacher is forcing him to take too many tests, it may be that you are allowing him to take a lot of tests and get frustrated. Instead, try to have him do the reading and then work on the writing. The more he has to think about what he has to write and take notes about, the less he will be able to pay attention.How much does 1 hour of tutoring help in a child's English class? If you know what the problem is, it will be easier to find a solution. Look online and ask teachers how you can help your child pay attention in class.

MCAT Undergoes Significant Changes for 2015

MCAT Undergoes Significant Changes for 2015 Photo via flickr.com “One of the things students really will be surprised by are how much more integrated the science content is in each of these sections,” he said. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) will replace the old Verbal Reasoning section. CARS will exclusively include passages about social sciences and humanities, but will maintain the same critical thinking skills the old Verbal Reasoning section had. In last year’s MCAT, “the Verbal Reasoning section was not only the section that most isolates the critical thinking skills that you need to be successful in medical school and beyond, but it was also the section score that correlated the most strongly with students’ performance on the board exams,” Chiu said. Introductory psychology, introductory sociology and biochemistry will be courses added to pre-medical curriculum, jumping required prerequisites from eight to 11. “They’re really having to squeeze in those 11 semesters of pre-requisite coursework during their first two and half years or so,” Chiu said. The Association of American Medical Colleges decided to incorporate behavioral sciences to equip medical students for proper bedside manner and to understand the various social-economic factors of health and health care, Chiu said. Pre-medical students will face 230 questions over 6 hours, 15 minutes versus 144 questions in 3 hours, 20 minutes on the old MCAT. Each of the four sections on the new MCAT will receive scores from a low of 118 to a high of 132. An overall score will range anywhere from a low of 472 to a high of 528. The old MCAT had a total possible score of 45, the high being 15 across three sections. Chiu suggests that students take the MCAT in the spring or summer semester of their junior year. He also points out that preparation for the new MCAT is different considering the test will be longer and cover a broader content base. Students are “going to have to use their time even more efficiently,” he said. “They’re focusing on the areas where they need the most help, and where they can get the highest deals in terms of scoring more points on test day.” Leo Diaz, a 19-year-old UF biology freshman, said he’s hoping to apply to medical school and is concerned that the revised MCAT is more challenging. “I don’t see why they have to go and make it longer and more difficult,” he said. “Kids stress out enough about it already.” Diaz said he feels stressed in a way, but hopes high standards will better prepare him for rigorous courses in medical school. “The addition of three pre-requisite courses is going to really add onto the load,” he said. “It’s going to be difficult for kids to handle that and still keep up their GPA, but it’ll sure weed out the kids who aren’t equipped.”

Neuro-what Why Neuroplasticity Is the Key to Making Your Smart Kid Even Smarter.

Neuro-what Why Neuroplasticity Is the Key to Making Your Smart Kid Even Smarter. Neuro-what? Why Neuroplasticity Is the Key to Making Your Smart Kid Even Smarter. What is neuroplasticity? Many of us can still remember hearing, “Don’t hold your breath until your face turns red! You’ll kill your brain cells and they’ll never grow back!” Growing up we knew our parents’ wisdom should typically be trusted, and you probably shouldn’t hold your breath until your face turns red. But as it turns out, we didn’t really need to worry about killing or stunting the growth of our brain cells. Not too long ago, even scientists thought the brain stopped developing in early childhood. It was commonly believed that genetics and genetics alone dictated our ability to learn. We’ve since discovered that the brain changes and develops throughout a person’s lifeâ€"a concept called neuroplasticity. Think of your brain like a forest. To navigate from one end of the forest to another, a deer cuts a path through the trees. As increasingly more animals follow that path, the grass gets worn down, and the path becomes clear and easy to follow. Without the repetitive steps of the deer and squirrels and rabbits, the path would become unpassable, overgrown with plants. A fox trying to cross the forest would not be able to find his way. As we learn, our brain grows by creating and strengthening pathways between brain cells. These pathways can be created and strengthened at any point in our life, but develop at a much faster rate in early childhood. We learn constantly when we are youngâ€"how to talk, how to walk, how to reactâ€"and pathways are thus continually created. As we grow, these pathways get pruned just as a gardener prunes a shrub, and our brain takes shape. The stronger the branch, the harder it is to trim. Developing strong pathways when our children are young can lead to lifelong benefits. How can you use neuroplasticity to help your children’s development? Treat the brain like a muscle. We know that children’s brains are ripe for development. Treat them like muscles and train them to get stronger. Just as consistently lifting weights will build stronger muscles, consistent study will build stronger pathways in the brain. Incorporate this daily practice into your routine by setting aside just a few minutes a day to complete daily math exercises , stick to a nightly story time, or practice flashcards. Before you know it, your children will be reading chapter books and multiplying fractions! Teach your children about the concepts of neuroplasticity and growth mindset. Simply teaching children that their efforts impact their abilities leads to increased learning! Growth mindset, a concept established by Dr. Carol Dweck, is the understanding that intelligence and abilities are not set in stone, but can be developed. As we’ve learned, this belief is proven through the science of neuroplasticity. And as Dr. Dweck learned, when students are taught about the concepts of growth mindset and neuroplasticity, they perform better in school. Here are some tips on how to teach your children: Recall a time they really struggled to learn something. “Remember the first time you tried to ride a bike without training wheels? You fell off so many times that your knees were all scraped up. Now you can ride circles around me!” Praise properly. Instead of praising a trait, “You’re so smart!” praise effort, “You worked really hard today!” Embrace mistakes. Let your children know that making a mistake is natural when they’re trying something new or difficult. Give an example of a time that you made a mistake, and how it helped you learn. It’s encouraging to know that we can continue to learn throughout our lives. You can teach an old dog new tricks after all! But why not take advantage of your child’s rapidly developing brain to maximize learning opportunities? Teach your children that they can learn anything if they set their minds to it, and they will benefit their entire lives. You might also be interested in: Motivating Children by Developing a Growth Mindset Mistakes Make the Student Ace the School Year with Kumons Study Tips Roundup Guest Tips: How to Make Your Sleep Routine Smarter for Your Child Neuro-what Why Neuroplasticity Is the Key to Making Your Smart Kid Even Smarter. Neuro-what? Why Neuroplasticity Is the Key to Making Your Smart Kid Even Smarter. What is neuroplasticity? Many of us can still remember hearing, “Don’t hold your breath until your face turns red! You’ll kill your brain cells and they’ll never grow back!” Growing up we knew our parents’ wisdom should typically be trusted, and you probably shouldn’t hold your breath until your face turns red. But as it turns out, we didn’t really need to worry about killing or stunting the growth of our brain cells. Not too long ago, even scientists thought the brain stopped developing in early childhood. It was commonly believed that genetics and genetics alone dictated our ability to learn. We’ve since discovered that the brain changes and develops throughout a person’s lifeâ€"a concept called neuroplasticity. Think of your brain like a forest. To navigate from one end of the forest to another, a deer cuts a path through the trees. As increasingly more animals follow that path, the grass gets worn down, and the path becomes clear and easy to follow. Without the repetitive steps of the deer and squirrels and rabbits, the path would become unpassable, overgrown with plants. A fox trying to cross the forest would not be able to find his way. As we learn, our brain grows by creating and strengthening pathways between brain cells. These pathways can be created and strengthened at any point in our life, but develop at a much faster rate in early childhood. We learn constantly when we are youngâ€"how to talk, how to walk, how to reactâ€"and pathways are thus continually created. As we grow, these pathways get pruned just as a gardener prunes a shrub, and our brain takes shape. The stronger the branch, the harder it is to trim. Developing strong pathways when our children are young can lead to lifelong benefits. How can you use neuroplasticity to help your children’s development? Treat the brain like a muscle. We know that children’s brains are ripe for development. Treat them like muscles and train them to get stronger. Just as consistently lifting weights will build stronger muscles, consistent study will build stronger pathways in the brain. Incorporate this daily practice into your routine by setting aside just a few minutes a day to complete daily math exercises , stick to a nightly story time, or practice flashcards. Before you know it, your children will be reading chapter books and multiplying fractions! Teach your children about the concepts of neuroplasticity and growth mindset. Simply teaching children that their efforts impact their abilities leads to increased learning! Growth mindset, a concept established by Dr. Carol Dweck, is the understanding that intelligence and abilities are not set in stone, but can be developed. As we’ve learned, this belief is proven through the science of neuroplasticity. And as Dr. Dweck learned, when students are taught about the concepts of growth mindset and neuroplasticity, they perform better in school. Here are some tips on how to teach your children: Recall a time they really struggled to learn something. “Remember the first time you tried to ride a bike without training wheels? You fell off so many times that your knees were all scraped up. Now you can ride circles around me!” Praise properly. Instead of praising a trait, “You’re so smart!” praise effort, “You worked really hard today!” Embrace mistakes. Let your children know that making a mistake is natural when they’re trying something new or difficult. Give an example of a time that you made a mistake, and how it helped you learn. It’s encouraging to know that we can continue to learn throughout our lives. You can teach an old dog new tricks after all! But why not take advantage of your child’s rapidly developing brain to maximize learning opportunities? Teach your children that they can learn anything if they set their minds to it, and they will benefit their entire lives. You might also be interested in: Motivating Children by Developing a Growth Mindset Mistakes Make the Student Ace the School Year with Kumons Study Tips Roundup Guest Tips: How to Make Your Sleep Routine Smarter for Your Child

Utilizing Taught With Barney To Learn English

Utilizing Taught With Barney To Learn EnglishTaught with Barney is a program that helps students learn all aspects of the English language. By learning through a progressive and easy to follow tutorial Barney is able to teach every aspect of the English language to people who have limited experience of language. The program also assists to introduce the student with the basic rules of grammar and vocabulary and also helps to develop the English speaking skills of the student.This is a program that can be used by everyone. It has many benefits, starting from building the confidence of a person when it comes to speaking English. The main purpose of this program is to enable a person to master his or her English grammar and by using it the student will be equipped with the basics of language. This has the major benefit of helping to understand how the English language is used.Another benefit of this program is that by using it you will be able to build the confidence in talking about yo ur experiences of living in England. Learning more on how to speak English properly is what needs to be done if you want to gain more self-confidence.After learning how to use the English language, using Barney to improve your speaking abilities is the most effective way to build confidence and fluency. The main goal of Barney is to help to make you realize how important is to maintain an adequate level of confidence and fluency. By doing the easy to follow tutorial that is provided you will be able to improve your speaking level.There are several other benefits of Barney that you will be able to enjoy after having gained confidence in speaking English. The main aim of the program is to empower you and empower your confidence. By building the confidence and fluency you will be able to enhance your overall communication abilities.In order to enhance your speaking skills, you need to engage yourself in the program that you will find online. To give you the ultimate advantage of Barney , you should start with a smaller amount so that you can build up your confidence before you begin a bigger one. Taught with Barney will provide you with a step by step tutorial for the learner.This will help to build your confidence and with time you will be able to comprehend the lessons taught in English. You will also have the opportunity to work with a tutor that is more experienced in speaking English. With the help of this program you will be able to enhance your communication skills as well as build your confidence that will enable you to improve your communication with others.

What Is An Analytical Chemistry Textbook PDF?

What Is An Analytical Chemistry Textbook PDF?An analytical chemistry textbook PDF is usually what is presented as an alternative to a traditional book when teaching your students. The result of having an alternative which the students will find more acceptable is lessened tension during the course and this is something which the teachers are interested in. It is also good to know that if there is a certain event in the career of the student, he or she may be able to get a particular method of treatment or knowledge since that is what they may want to do as well.Even if a student decides to go for a book to help them get through a particular phase in their career, it is still important to keep in mind that they can choose other books that are suitable for themselves. As you may already know, your textbook is not a guide or a brief but a strategy in a certain area of the course. Since it is one of the crucial tools, you must know what your textbook is all about and how it is presented. So you must know whether or not it is worth your while.You must remember that the purpose of the textbook is not only to tell you about the basic principles but it is also a reference that helps you in knowing the basics of a certain subject. When you read a book or a study guide you should make sure that you are actually reading the right part of the page or in the right paragraph and you should be able to get through the whole chapter, if it is really an entire chapter. You must not always rely on the looks of the book because there is a lot more than meets the eye and the textbook as a whole will look different from one person to another.When you are studying a subject, you should not only rely on what is written but also on the different perspective of the author and how they represent the things. There is always a book with a different way of looking at the world and that can make a big difference when it comes to comprehension and understanding.You must also make sure that th e book has been revised and you can tell the major changes by looking at the cover and inside of the book. Also take note of the author of the book, since that is a good sign that the book is worth your time and effort.When you are selecting a book, do not worry about the price of the book but rather concentrate on the quality of the book and the resources available. Many websites will allow you to choose the contents and the site will also provide you with the kind of book that you want to have. Of course you can always choose a special edition that is normally priced much higher.Finally, think about the education that the book provides and its importance to the future of your students. It will also be important to see whether or not you have options on what kind of textbook to buy since they come in various sizes and with various resources for your students.

The Best Way to Learn Spanish Formal Commands

The Best Way to Learn Spanish Formal Commands Maile Proctor Not sure when to use formal or informal commands in Spanish? Here, language teacher  Jason N.  shares his tips to help you understand the different types of commands, and the easy way to change Spanish verbs to commands When youre studying  Spanish you will learn about the different types of commands. Commands in Spanish arent as easy as they are in English. In English, theres no distinction between formal and informal commands. For example, to make the verb to run into a command, all you need to do is remove the to and simply say, run. Pretty simple, right? Commands arent as straightforward in Spanish. In order to understand Spanish formal commands and how they work, lets look at the distinction between informal and formal commands. You should use an informal command with someone you know well, like a friend, cousin, spouse or classmate. On the other hand, use a formal command with an older person, a superior, and people of high status like doctors, judges, priests, policemen, and lawyers.  If you don’t use formal commands with these types of people, you may unintentionally offend them by addressing them informally. Here is a closer look at Spanish formal commands, and a guide to converting verbs into commands. Using Spanish Formal Commands Use formal commands to show respect when you address a person.  If you want to convert a verb into a formal command, use these three steps: Remove the last two letters of the verb in its infinitive form. For example: Hablar = Habl Remember to flip the ending. The ending refers to whether the verb is ends in -ar or -ir/-er. If it ends in -ar, simply change the a to an e. If its an -er/-ir verb, change the i or e to an a. Add the new ending to the end of the word to create the formal command. Here are some examples: Step 1: Hablar  Habl, Step 2: the a becomes an e Step 3: Hable Step 1: Correr Corr Step 2: the e becomes an a Step 3: Corra Step 1: Vivir Viv Step 2: the i becomes an a Step 3: Viva Practice changing these verbs into commands: Beber Dudar Cambiar Recibir (beba, dude, cambie, reciba) Plural Commands To address more than one person, simply add an n to the formal Spanish command. Hable Hablen Corra Corran It seems pretty easy, right? It can get a little tricky when the verbs are stem-changers or irregular, but your Spanish tutor can help you understand these more complicated topics. For now, practice conjugating verbs into Spanish formal commands, and learn the appropriate times to use them. If you have any questions, make sure to write them down and go over them with a teacher or private tutor. Jason N. tutors in English and Spanish in Fairfax, CA.  He majored in Spanish at UC Davis, lived in Mexico for 3 years where he completed a Masters degree in Counseling, and studied Spanish Literature and Psychology at the University of Costa Rica. Learn more about Jason here!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  LeafLanguages

A Guide to Observational Drawing

A Guide to Observational Drawing Observational Still Life  Drawing ChaptersWhat is Observational Drawing?The Right Brain’s Role in Realistic DrawingFollowing Step by Step Drawing InstructionsWhat Can Observational Drawing Do For You on a Personal Level?Observational drawing is a key part of learning to draw.It may not seem terribly interesting to draw a basket of fruit to practice your drawing skills, however, developing your sense of attention to detail is an essential step in mastering the basics if art!Realism in drawing involves a complex process, but this improves with practice.Faithfully reproducing an object with a pencil and paper involves carefully examining its characteristics to produce a portrait or landscape which looks realistic.Practicing realistic drawing exercises will give you a set of skills which are transferable to other types of drawing such as caricature and technical drawing.The Indian philosopher, Jiddu Krishnamurti, who was awarded the UN Peace Medal in 1984 said:The ability to observe without evaluating is the highest fo rm of intelligenceThis applies to observational drawing, which is all about observing without judgement and drawing what is in front of us, without getting carried away with our own ideas.This idea seems so simple; however, it may be more difficult than you think.Let’s take children’s young brains as an example, as they are less developed than the adult brain and are lacking in their capacity for detailed observation.If they’re given an object or scene to reproduce, children will tend away from drawing what they see, and choose to rely on what they already know. For instance, they may draw four wheels on a car, even if they can only see two, because they know that cars have four wheels.And the same goes for the left brain!The left brain has a lot of experience with real life and will, therefore, analyse visual perception rather than taking it as it is, producing an unfaithful picture which favours logic over reality.In order to truly learn how to effectively produce a realisti c drawing, you must force yourself to view things with a fresh pair of eyes, forgetting everything you’ve learnt so that it doesn’t inhibit your ability to take reality as you see it. The precision you achieve with life drawing will be very useful if you decide to go into the field of technical drawing.When training your eye, you only need a few drawing materials: paper, a pencil, pen and ink, a paintbrush or oil pastel.Following Step by Step Drawing InstructionsObservational freehand sketching happens in several steps.The two main ones are always the same:General contour of the object to be drawn using simple shapesAdding detailsRealistic drawing is all about working within a frame whilst respecting the proportions of the object and your perspective as an artist.For this reason, you must have made a final decision on what you want to draw before you begin drawing (objects should not be added in afterwards).Once you have traced your first outline of the object, you need to check that you have conformed to the rules of perspective, proportion and orientation.Working on Your Observational SkillsOnce you’ve finished the first step and you are happy with your contour drawing, you can begin to focus on the details of the object.Each individual element should be closely examined and compared with the other details that surround it.This kind of work requires the artist to have a good knowledge of drawing techniques and different ways of achieving realistic art. Drawing from life will help you advance in other techniques as well. A good caricaturist needs to understand how the human body works so it still looks recongnisable when it is distorted.If you would like to work on your ability to produce realistic work, you’ll need to practice working with different textures, and practicing your shading techniques to create depth within a picture as well as using negative space.When learning to draw, even easy practical exercises will help you develop a good sense of observation.Here are a few starting points:Draw without looking at the paper: This works on the principle that your hand should be an extension of your eye. So, tape your drawing paper or sketchbook to the table and have a go at drawing something in front of you!Invert your image: This technique helps to train the right brain. Choose an object, but reproduce it as if you’re seeing a mirror image. This helps you to disconnect your left brain from the drawing process and focus on what is in front of you.Practice drawing complex details: This is how you overcome artist’s block in your projects. Instead of drawing an arm attached to a body, just draw the shoulder on its own.Drawing What You Don’t SeeDon’t worry, this isn’t going to contradict everything that has just been said, even if it seems a little paradoxical. In order to draw what you see, you’ll also need to draw what you don’t see, at least upon your first glance.In observational drawing, looking at three dimensi onal objects requires a mastery of perspective, depth, proportion and line drawing.This is why it is essential to bear in mind the things that are hidden behind your object to produce a drawing that is faithful to real life.Let’s look at an example. You are tasked with drawing a person in front of a bookcase. If you focus on what you see, you’ll only draw one part of the furniture.The risk is that if you don’t look at the bookcase in its entirety, its shelves may not be perfectly aligned, and the drawing will become less realistic.Take the wave pattern into account, even though it's 'not there' ¦ source: Pixabay - Dan_ParkEven though the final piece will only show the part of the bookcase you are able to see, its closeness to reality depends on your ability to use its hidden parts as a guide.The same goes when drawing a human figure.Is one part of their arm hidden? Then you’ll need to know how it is placed behind them to make the drawing realistic. In other words, the invis ible structure influences the final appearance.Mastering this aspect of drawing will help you advance in other drawing techniques as well - varying your techniques will always teach you something new.What Can Observational Drawing Do For You on a Personal Level?Observational drawing is a very interesting exercise, even for amateur artists. It gives you a means of developing certain skills, including:Controlling your movementDeveloping observational skillsImproving capacity for concentrationRelaxingAs a hobby, it can also be particularly useful in day-to-day life. Realistic drawing is at the heart of a number of professions, such as:ScienceIllustration and digital drawingDesignArchitecturePortraiturePhotographyCaricature drawingSatirical drawingTechnical drawingThe skills you gain through your drawing lessons are many and varied, and can be transferred to many areas.They say practice makes perfect, and this is definitely true for drawing, and teaches you to take your time.Before you become a master, you need to be patient and work on your skills. Observational drawing may seem incredibly difficult, but it will set you up for success when it comes to other areas such as cartooning and impressionism.If you want to look at the art of drawing in detail, why not experiment with new techniques and tools?Use graphite pencil, colored pencils, watercolor paints, drawing software, charcoal pencil… the list is endless! Through experimentation, you’ll be able to find your style and the materials which suit you best.Find tutors all over the UK available for drawing lessons on Superprof:drawing lessons for kidsdrawing lessons onlinedrawing lessons for beginners

Choosing Violin Mutes

Choosing Violin Mutes Practice Mutes for Discreet Violinists ChaptersWhy Should You Get a Violin Mute?Why Install a Mute on a Violin?Choosing the Right Mute for Your ViolinHow Much do Mutes Cost?“Of course the most difficult thing on the violin is always intonation. The second one is rhythm. If you play in tune, in time with a good sound that's already high level. Those three are the main things.” - Ruggiero RicciIn 2018, a pawnshop in Massachusetts bought a stolen violin. It turned out the violin was from a collection ade by Fernando Gagliano in 1759 and valued at $250,000.While you won’t pay this much for your first violin, it just goes to show that violins aren’t necessarily cheap!In addition to all the practice you have to do, learning to play the violin also means that you’ll have to buy a number of accessories.After the bow, rosin, chinrest, shoulder rest, and replacement strings, the practice mute is one of the most important accessories.In this article, we’re going to have a look at mutes for violins. 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 tutorsWhy Should You Get a Violin Mute?A mute is a device that dampens the sound of an instrument. You can also get them for a violin as well as violas and cellos. It attaches to the strings by the bridge of string instruments.Sometimes, not everyone will want to hear your violin. (Source: philm1310)Why?By absorbing the vibration from the strings, it can reduce the sound produced by the instrument’s soundbox.  When a string instrument is p layed with a bow, the vibrations travel down the string to the bridge where they’re transferred into the sound box which amplifies the sound.  If you place a mute by the bridge, less of these vibrations will make it to the soundboard.The principle is simple: it reduces the vibrations from the strings to make the instrument quieter.  Even the greatest violin players can use mutes.Really?Yeah! There are two main types of mutes: those for reducing the volume of the instrument so it can be practised quietly and those for orchestral performances.  In fact, during concert performances, a violinist may be obliged to use a mute as the sheet music states con sordino (with a mute).This means that at this moment, the violin isn’t the soloist and other musicians may need to be heard more clearly. In some cases, you don’t want the violin to be playing over the other instruments.On the other hand, you may also see senza sordino which means play without a mute.  Different models of mute will have different effects on the violin.A mute designed for orchestral performances (which are often made of rubber or ebony) may absorb around 20% of the vibrations.Mutes for practising can absorb up to 80% of vibrations and can be made of metal. These types of mutes cover a large part of the bridge.Why Install a Mute on a Violin?So why should you install a violin mute?We’ve sort of already explained the answer: to allow other orchestral instruments and soloists to be heard more easily or to not bother your neighbours or flatmates.A mute is a good idea if you live in a block of flats. (Source: Pexels)Fitting an Orchestral MuteFitting a mute will increase the weight of the bridge. As a result, fewer vibrations will make it to the sound box.According to specialists, the less intense a violin sounds, the better its timbre is.This is one of the arguments for using a mute: you get a better timbre and therefore a better sound, something your listeners will greatly appreciate.It’s prote ction for both the musician and the audience.When a musician plays as part of an ensemble, the mute can be used so that the violin isn’t too prominent.Practice MutesThere are plenty of reasons to buy a practice mute, too.Firstly, for your neighbours when you’re practising with the help of a Superprof private tutor, for example.When you’re getting started with violin scales and trying to improve, it can be an absolute nightmare for anyone living in the same building as you. A practice mute will allow you to stay in everybody’s good books.You might just be lacking in confidence and not want anyone to hear you playing until you’re good. With a practice mute, you can play and practise quietly.Additionally, you mightn’t be able to practise at acceptable times of the day because of work. A practise mute means you can play late at night or early in the morning without bothering anyone. Additionally, you won’t have anyone calling the police on you!Finally, it’s great if you live with others as you won’t wake them up when they’re sleeping or having a nap.Choosing the Right Mute for Your ViolinYou can play an electric violin with headphones if you don’t want to bother your neighbours.If you don't have a mute, you can use a clothes peg in the meantime. (Source: jill111)But what if you can’t bring yourself to buy a modern version of the world’s most famous classical instrument?Here are some ways to help you choose your violin mute.Keep in mind that like with other violin accessories, there are plenty to choose from:Tourte shaped violin mutes: This is the most commonly used mute in orchestras. It’s made of rubber and has a magnet in the middle.Round tourte violin mutes: Just like the previous one, this can be used in chamber music and performances.Three-pronged practice mutes: These rubber mutes will drastically reduce the volume of a violin.Metal practice mutes: Similar to the previous mute but with a different tone.Wire practice mutes: This on ly slightly dampens the sound so it’s perfect for performances.There are also objects from everyday life, such as clothes pegs, that can act as makeshift mutes.If you peg one onto the second and third strings, you’ll get a similar effect to a metal mute.  Make sure you don’t get a mute that’s too high as you’ll not be able to see where you’re placing the bow.Finally, make sure you buy the appropriate mute in terms of how much you want to reduce the volume of your violin.A metal mute will reduce the volume by around 70%, a rubber mute by 50%, and an ebony mute by 40%.Some models (such as those from Otto) can reduce the volume by up to 80%!It all depends on how much you want to dampen the sound:Heavy mutingModerate mutingLight mutingYou can get mutes for different combinations of strings, too. You can even cut some in half to reduce the effect of them.Again, it all depends on what you’re looking for.If you are looking for violin lessons near me, consider Superprof!How Mu ch do Mutes Cost?So how much do they cost and where can I buy one?If it's too late to practise, you can always read a book on the violin. (Source: Gellinger)Generally, you can buy mutes in most brick-and-mortar music stores selling violins, rosin, cases, etc., as well as from online retailers.Thomann is Europe’s largest music retailer and they offer a number of different models.Here are a few other places you can get violin mutes from.ThomannAs you may have guessed, Europe’s largest music retailer sells violin mutes. They start at just under £2 and go all the way up to nearly £60.gear4music.comSimilarly, gear4music.com has violin mutes.Just like Thomann, they start at under £2.Keep in mind, that if you’re a beginner buying a mute, you probably want one that dampens a lot of the sound!Search for violin lessons now.Fair Deal MusicBirmingham’s largest independent music store also has a website where you can get a variety of violin mutes.Again, the cheapest is less than a cou ple of quid!Whether you play the violin or fiddle, viola, cello, mandolin, bass, guitar, piano, or drums, most of these stores have plenty of accessories for percussion and stringed instruments. You can get replacement violin strings, tuners, a metronome, violin bows, chin and shoulder rests, replacement parts like tuning pegs, a violin case for either an acoustic or electric violin, as well as resources for beginners.A chain is only as strong as its weakest link and a violin is only as good as the worst part on it. That means that in addition to being carved and made by a good luthier (a violin maker), your violin needs a good fingerboard, violin bow with horsehair, and violin rosin for your bow in order to improve the playability and tone of your musical instrument.Search for violin lessons London  now.It's always a good idea to have a replacement violin string since you'd hate to be practising and have a string break. A violin string, especially the e string (as the thinnest), ca n snap at the worst possible moment, so make sure the next time you're in your local violin shop, you pick up an extra pack of strings. Don't forget that the other members of your orchestra or string quartet might need cello strings or viola strings, so you can pick some up for them in these stores, too.Popular string manufacturers include D'addario and Thomastik Infeld, but you don't need to buy really expensive violin parts and accessories if you're just a beginner. After all, a good sounding violin still won't sound good in the hands of a complete beginner.  Right-handed musicians can learn the regular way, but left-handed musicians have different learning options. You can read more the violin in our other posts.

Tips for Navigating an Extroverted Workplace - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Tips for Navigating an Extroverted Workplace - Introvert Whisperer Tips for Navigating an Extroverted Workplace There are few things more daunting to an introvert than a crowded bullpen. The classic open workspace layout, with nary a cubicle wall in sight, is an unnerving scenario that can cripple one’s ability to communicate well, be creative, and be an effective employee in general. And yet, far too often, introverts are forced to function under these stifling conditions. Simply put, the corporate world is designed for extroverts, which also makes it a world in which introverts must learn how to function in a perpetually uphill battle. But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. When an introvert can learn how to survive and even thrive in the workplace, they can often shine. In fact, studies have shown that when introverts participate in collaborative workplace opportunities, they often end up not just being effective but preferred over their extroverted coworkers, as they provide a level of focus and productivity that doesn’t flag over the duration of a project. However, just because they’re preferred doesn’t mean introverts have it easy. If you’re an introvert looking for ways to survive those exhausting, draining days in the bullpen, here are a few tips to keep you refreshed and on your A-game. Get Comfortable With Communication Styles First and foremost is communication. An introvert who knows how to properly communicate is set up for success. And we’re not just talking about how to write concise emails or how to churn out the best sales copy. When you also take the time to learn about how people interact within the workplace as well, it gives you a unique advantage. Understanding communication styles can help introverts grasp the deeper meaning behind a comment or conversation and allow them to better navigate workplace relationships. It enables them to more accurately understand others. They can diagnose, for example, when an extroverted coworker is using an aggressive form of communication and why. In addition, it can help them learn how to avoid passive or passive-aggressive behavior themselves and communicate in a healthy, assertive manner instead. As you learn about how to communicate better, also consider taking time to purposefully reach out to coworkers throughout the workday. Introverts don’t tend to be naturally inclined to interact with others and engage in small talk. Making a habit out of regularly talking to others (at least for a portion of each day) can establish relationships and make communication more natural. Remember Your Value You have skills. That’s likely why you were hired in the first place. With the cost of hiring an employee being as high as $7,645, you can bet that you were hired with careful consideration regarding your abilities. It’s easy for introverts to sit on the sidelines and let others jump into problem-solving, brainstorming, or any other collaborative efforts in the workplace. But that’s not the way it has to be. Remember your value and that, even if you don’t feel worthy to offer your two cents, you absolutely are qualified to do so. Create Creative Spaces Create is the key word here. If the default workspace you have available is an open-floor workspace filled with a bustle and distractions that make working difficult, you may want to consider proactively looking for alternatives. Consider talking to a boss about the need for a quieter space. Rather than being apologetic, be bold about the request. Communicate to them that a quieter work environment is part of the formula for you to get the best work done. Communicating like this can be particularly helpful if you have an extroverted boss who doesn’t understand the need for a quieter workspace with fewer distractions. See if there’s an empty office or meeting room that you can use for a portion of each day or explore the option for part of your work to be done remotely. Beware the Effects of Emotional Labor Emotional labor is, in essence, the idea of compartmentalizing one’s emotions in order to be productive and effective at work. An example of this is a healthcare professional like a nurse, who regularly has to process things like pain and death while still effectively working their job and living their life outside of the workplace. When the draining effects of emotional labor are left unattended to, it can lead to emotional labor burnout. While some people are more likely to suffer than others due to the nature of their occupation, all introverts â€" especially those working in busy, extrovert-oriented workspaces â€" are prone to suffer from emotional labor as they navigate the stresses and strains of each day. Being aware of the effects of emotional labor and keeping an eye out for the symptoms of burnout can help you effectively maintain your emotional health. These symptoms include many common things like: Anger Depression Detachment Chronic fatigue Anxiety If you notice these symptoms piling up, you may want to consider taking a break from work, spending some time focused on self-care, or sharing your feelings with a confidant, all of which lead to the final tip: recharging. Understand the Need to Recharge Whether you’re heading to a crowded office each day, interacting with extroverted coworkers, or coming off of an exhausting work trip, it’s important for an introvert to take the time to recharge. The emotional and physical strain of navigating an extroverted work scenario can exact a heavy toll, as things like proper communication and emotional labor can be draining on a regular basis. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re taking the time to withdraw and properly rest. The way you do this should be uniquely tailored to your own needs. Read a book, take a nap, go for a hike on your own, play video games, and so on. Take the time to find what works best for you. Whatever way you recharge best, make sure you take the time to do so as a regularly planned activity, as it can be critical to your long-term productivity and success. Stay Focused If, like so many others, you find yourself functioning as an introvert in an extroverted workplace, it’s crucial that you take the time to set yourself up to thrive. After all, muscling through each workday is not a recipe for success. However, if you take the time to explore options to better your situation, it can help empower you to turn a difficult situation into one that is tailored to your own strengths and tendencies. From advocating for quieter workspaces to learning about communication styles, emotional labor, and your own need to rest, taking the time to find better ways to navigate through an extroverted workspace is well worth the effort. Image Source: Pixabay   By: Frankie Wallace Frankie Wallace  is a blogger from Boise, Idaho and a recent graduate from the University of Montana. Wallace contributes to a variety of different blogs online and focuses on writing about career advice. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!   Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer