Online English Learning Software For Adults

Online English Learning Software For AdultsHave you considered English learning software for adults? Of course you have. At least you would, if you have an interest in getting a better understanding of English. In addition to learning the language, it can also be very helpful in finding employment and perhaps even in having fun.Some people are reluctant to learn a new language. They feel that it is too complicated or they are not good at English. They feel that they are better off learning the language by watching TV and other forms of media and listening to tapes. Others simply feel that they cannot do it because they simply don't have the time. That is why learning English online has become so popular.People who want to learn English can use this as their platform to do so. For example, someone who is interested in going to a country where English is spoken can look at the websites that offer different kinds of English lessons. Of course, the website could also provide information on where to get the training as well.Another advantage of learning to use this format is that it will allow people to take the course at their own pace. After all, when they finish the course, they should be able to find it easier to grasp the concepts. However, one can always choose to go back to the online course if they are still unsure about the way the material is presented.Moreover, the software that can be used online is also very easy to use. It is often offered on a free trial basis, which means that anyone can try it out for free. This is particularly true of audio versions of the software that are available.All software available for this purpose is designed to work offline as well. Therefore, students will be able to do things like take notes and write assignments without having to download anything. In fact, they might even find that they save more time doing things like reading books and listening to audio books since they do not have to remember things.If you are inte rested in knowing more about the type of online English learning software for adults, then you may want to consider the different kinds available. These vary in different aspects. However, all are designed to provide learning material that can make it easier for students to learn the language and read more easily.

Tianjin Foresight International Education

Tianjin Foresight International Education Tianjin Foresight International Education About Tianjin Foresight Education Our company, Tianjin Foresight International Education Consulting Co., Ltd, is a state-owned organization which has the Qualification of Intermediary Certificate of Recruitment of Foreign Experts (A3 1290005), granted by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, P.R. China. We do the foreign teachers out-sourcing for the schools, colleges, and universities in Tianjin of China. We can help them recruiting ESL teachers, handle the visa with directly employment contract, as well as the pre post training, management of the daily life, that can reduce the cost and improve the efficiency for schools. We have a rich experience in offering excellent service to the prospective employees. So far we have about 200 out-sourcing foreign teachers andacademic staffs worked with us. With management of Tianjin foreign experts affairs, our company was classified by A class organization that always recognized with good services and sincerity to foreigners. About Tianjin Tianjin is one of the four centrally administered municipalities. It has become the hub of communications of North China and the gateway of the capital city. Its the largest industrial city in North China and also the important commercial center and largest port city in northern China, which is rich in petroleum, natural gas and sea salt along the coastal area. After the China implemented its reforms and open policies, Tianjin is became one of the first coastal cities to open to the outside world. Tianjin is a famous historical city. The best known scenic spots and historical sites include the Panshan Scenery Area, the Tianhou Palace (Palace of Heavenly Empress), the Dule Temple (Solitary Joy Temple), the Great Wall at the Huangya Pass, and so on. Tianjins folk crafts such as hand-made carpets, Yangliuqings New Year Pictures printed from an engraved wood plate, Zhangs painted clay figurines and kite Wei, hold an important position in the China. Tianjin has also 11 concessions of the world; foreign villas are assembled in Wuda Dao District, which includes five main avenues of Machang Dao, Munan Dao, Dali Dao, Chongqing Dao and Chengdu Dao.

The 10 Best Websites for Language Learning to Suit Your Learning Style

The 10 Best Websites for Language Learning to Suit Your Learning Style The 10 Best Websites for Language Learning to Suit Your Learning Style “Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.”â€"Abigail AdamsAbigail Adams, wife of second U.S. president John Adams, was an advocate for women’s rightsâ€"including education. Even in the 18th century, learning was a high priority, something to be worked toward with sincere effort.This notionâ€"that learning is importantâ€"remains unchanged over 200 years later!But this isn’t the same atmosphere that First Lady Adams was familiar with. Times have changed and while our outlook on wisdom remained steadfast, other things havent.Back in the day, learners used candlelight and dipped their pens in ink. We don’t do that anymore, do we?Not quite! Now we have an overwhelming number of resources and virtually unlimited websites designed specifically to help us learn. Today, we can gain the means to increased knowledge about nearly everythingâ€"just by doing a quick search.That’s super fabulous for those of us who love learnin g languages! Theres so much material and so many options to choose from.It’s all pretty amazing, isn’t it? I’m sure both President and Mrs. Adams would be shocked by the progress we’ve made!But not all the resources available to us are worthwhile. Some are stellar while others are not so much. We’re all busy. Who has time to waste on the mediocre? No one, that’s who!You dont just want to learn onlineâ€"you want the best websites for language learning available to you!But with so many out there, how can you possibly narrow down your options?No worries! We’ve done the legworkâ€"and we’ve got a list of the best language learning sites right here, many of which are at least partially free.Let’s check out them out! What to Look for When Choosing a Language Learning WebsiteIdentify Your Learning TypeThe word “best” is defined as being the most excellent, outstanding or desirable. While that’s all well and good, we have to admit that one person’s best isnt the s ame as another’s. In other words, one size does  not  fit all.There are four common types of learners: visual, auditory, kinesthetic and reading-/writing-based learners.Visual learners do best when they can see what’s being taught.Auditory learners learn best by listening to their studies.Kinesthetic learners are the hands-on type; they learn best by doing.Reading/writing learners enjoy learning from textbooks, workbooks or other written communication.Many of us lean toward being one kind of learner but most are a combination of more than one type. Its a good idea to identify your learning style so you can choose the best learning website for you.The good news is that with so many options to choose from, there’s an excellent fit for every learner.How to Choose Your Personal “Best”Once you’ve determined your learning style, look for a website that fulfills your individual needs.Visual learners: Charts, diagrams, pictures and videos will suit you well.Auditory learners:  T ry some podcasts or look for websites with lots of listening practice options.Kinesthetic learners: Choose a website with short lessons and options that allow for movement or interaction. Some dancing, music or language-learning games will help this type of learner.Reading/writing learners: Consider websites with heavy text content or a writing component. Feed that love of reading  or writing to power up language learning.Things Every Site Should OfferNo matter what your style of learning is, every site  should provide the basics of language learning. We all start this language journey as a beginning learner, so there should be material to get anyone on the path.Content matters. It should be engaging and diverse. Learners should look forward to a language program; providing interesting options with lots of choices invites enthusiasm.Language learning is in large part about listening, so ideally, a language-learning site should have a listening component. Listening practice helps lea rners study new vocabulary, idioms and conversational phrases.Writing and reading practice lessons that feature vocabulary and grammar are also beneficial. Look for a site that can provide for this need.Finally, a website should give learners an opportunity to practice  speaking. Drills that focus on listening and responding are super helpful in this regard.Options for further learning, such as links to games, quizzes, blogs or additional resources are a bonus!The 10 Best Websites for Language Learning to Suit Your Learning StyleLingQFocus:  Customized learning based on authentic materials.Best for:  All learning types.LingQ turns language learning into a game and personalizes the learning to the student. The algorithm determines what content is appropriate for each individual learner based on the learners prior success record and interests.The program presents  topics of interest to each learner based on your preferences. It facilitates vocabulary growth through SRS (Spaced Repetit ion System)â€"which just means that learners are shown core material at intervals repeatedly until it’s learned.New words and grammar points are presented through authentic content like novels, articles, stories, podcasts and “mini stories”â€"which are actually very interesting short lessonsâ€"while native speakers model pronunciation. Regional phrases and cultural references are included in most of the site’s content, making it very engaging and helpful for real-world communication.Theres a wide variety of topics for learners to choose from so there really is something to pique everyone’s interest. Material covers all stages of learning, from beginner to advanced.FluentUFocus: Real-world languages presented in context through authentic, personalized content.Best for:  All learning types.It’s generally accepted that immersion is a fast-track method for language success. Providing immersive components in a program means that learners can experience immersion anywhere, whi ch is exactly what FluentU does.Languages are taught using curated videos from across the globe.  FluentU takes these real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.Interactive captions ensure that learners don’t miss a thing. Unfamiliar vocabulary? No problem! Simply click on any word to see in-context definitions, example sentences, memorable images and even see the word in context in other videos.Videos are made by and for native speakers, so you get a dose of culture along with languages as theyre actually used in the real world. This means you can hear proper pronunciation, common idioms, regional slang and more.  Anyone looking to pick up a few conversational expressions, the kind that language speakers really use, will appreciate this!Every level of learner is accommodated, from beginner to advanced, in nine languages (and more coming soon).This is a great option for all learning t ypes. Auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners will benefit from the interactive facet of watching video content but theres enough reading and writing involved to satisfy that style of learner, too.FluenzFocus:  Achieving fluency through vocabulary learning and interactive activities.Best for: All styles of learners.Fluenz creates simulated online tutoring situations that feel so personalized that youll think youre actually in a private classroom.Emphasis is placed on sentence building through the use of core vocabulary. The goal is to get learners capable enough to feel comfortable engaging in casual conversations or everyday exchanges. Shopping, dining out and getting together with friends are all targets for this program.Theres a lot of interesting content for learners here. Explanations of language and grammar rules are clear and concise. Flashcards, games and video lessons bring language to life and deepen skills in an engaging way.Only seven languages are currently offered an d lessons are designed specifically with English learners in mind.If you’re feeling adventurous and are studying Spanish, Fluenz also offers a Spanish immersion program in Mexico City!This website is good for all types of learners. However, kinesthetic learners may find there aren’t a ton of options for breaking up lessons into small pieces or movement opportunities.Beginners and anyone who likes or needs teacher and classroom simulation will also benefit from this resource.RypeFocus:  Making language tutoring accessible to busy learners.Best for:  All learning types, but especially auditory learners.Rype offers 24/7 teacher availability in the form of one-on-one live tutoring in 10 languages.It’s a fully customized program consisting of 30-minute-long sessions with one of the programs vetted tutors. Learners choose their own schedules and tutors, so there aren’t any missed classes.And since Rype has tutors from all over the world, there will always be someone available to f it into your schedule!Theres a free trial option so you can check out the program. Plus, membership is all-inclusive: You can switch tutors or even what language youre learning as you please.LingVistFocus:  Quick daily lessons.Best for:  Kinesthetic learners.LingVist wants to teach you a languageâ€"fast!The program only offers four languages (French, Russian, German and Spanish) but the customized, bite-sized lessons are great for on-the-go learners.There are daily challenges and vocabulary-building exercises designed to provide fundamental skills with a minimal time investment.Using this site is a fun, stress-free method for getting the grasp of a language quickly.LingVist is great for anyone who wants core language skills fast, including travelers who need some skills in a hurry.ClozemasterFocus:  Pushing intermediate learners further through interactive activities.Best for:  Kinesthetic and reading/writing learners.This isnt a site for beginners; at least an upper basic or interm ediate skill level is needed to get the full benefit of this resource.Clozemaster offers lessons for many languages through interactive exercises. The program presents you with a sentence which youre tasked with completing with the right option from a choice of four.  Some questions are more challenging than others, requiring a bit more thought to decide which word or phrase is best to fill in the blank.Learners are able to save their progress so it’s a snap to pick up where you left off. No more trying to remember what material you’ve already completed!Something worth noting is that the programs audio option is computer-generated, so its not recommended that you model pronunciation after it. In fact, the computer apparently cant properly process some languages, like Japanese, so the audio comes out in a nonsensical jumble. Auditory learners might want to look elsewhere!Clozemaster is more of a  game-oriented “add-on” to a language program rather than a central program. The exercises are fun and pretty addictive!If you want more than just exercises,  Clozemasters entertaining blog covers grammar, vocabulary and cultural topics, and provides insights that the exercises don’t.LoecsenFocus:  Providing basic communication skills to travelers or tentative learners.Best for:  Kinesthetic and auditory learners.If you’re at all curious about a language, you’ll get a taste of it at Loecsen.Since the material presented on Loescen is so fundamental, there are no long, involved lessons. Its a short time investment option to get a feel for 20 languages.This feels more like the prelude to an adventure than the adventure itself. Lessons consist of detailed vocabulary lists with audio and use cute stick figure drawings and clear audio to check your knowledge of each word.I tested the waters with a language and went on to choose one of the other options on this list for a more in-depth experience. Had I not gotten a taste of the language here, I may not have comm itted to itâ€"so if you’re on the fence about a whether you should study a particular language, Loecsen is a great starting point!Download audio lessons and PDF reference files and take the language learning with you.Innovative LanguageFocus:  Communication.Best for:  Visual and auditory learners.Innovative Language is all about communication. And since communication is the goal with most language learning, it’s great to see a website clearly state that they want to take learners straight to that goal.Learners speak from the very first lesson with this site. Accuracy isnt the focus; speaking is key.This learning method mimics the way you acquired your native language. When children first speak, they don’t focus on grammar rules or getting pronunciation on point. They communicateâ€"and that’s what Innovative Language nudges its users toward.Innovative Language teaches 34 different languages including popular choices like  Russian, German, Chinese, French, Spanish as well as s ome often overlooked languages like Ukranian and Swahili.With an account, you get free (but limited) access to courses, while variable pricing opens up additional features for each language.Even without the additional cost, there are lots of free resources here for learners to access. Great audiobooks, e-books, a word of the day option and videos with transcripts provides lots of material for study. Lessons use native speakers to present material like grammar points or common vocab.The program also has active YouTube channels in many of the languages it teaches.Materials are stimulating and engaging and learners have the option to choose from several pathways, so you can learn content thats relevant to you.Goethe VerlagFocus: Creating a global language learning community.Best for:  Kinesthetic, writing/reading and visual learners.Goethe Verlag  encourages learners to share language learning material with friends, family, coworkers and others, in order to spread language learning and facilitate global communication. Neat idea, isn’t it?They offer 100 free lessons in over 50 languages. Lessons consist mostly of listening to audio and filling in the blank based on what you hear. Downloadable audio files cover basic vocabulary and grammar rules. This is a great option for anyone who wants to take their language program with themâ€"just download and you’re good to go!Each lesson comes with a corresponding quiz, so it’s easy to track learning. Monitor progress and celebrate success with each lesson’s quiz. Or, if you’re challenged by a particular lesson, go back and repeat it before taking the quiz.Use this site to compile a core vocabulary list. The fundamentals for communication are featured so if you focus on getting these basic words and phrases into your skillset, you’ll be in good shape to engage in everyday interactions!Goethe Verlag is ideal for beginners. The basics are covered and this site will provide a firm foundation for further learning.Fl uent ForeverFocus:  Rapid language learning.Best for:  Kinesthetic, visual and reading/writing learners.This learning method is based on a bestselling book thats provided countless learners with success in their language endeavors. A blog and book, videos, pronunciation lessons and personalized interactive flashcards make this an engaging resource.Want or need to grab language skills quickly? This is a great place to start!One interesting feature that visual learners will love is that  vocabulary is taught with images instead of translations, giving learners the opportunity to “see” the words. This can help you retain more information easier, through association.Grammar rules are taught with short stories, which is also a unique twist on language learning.This is a fine website for beginners, as much of the content is basic. It’s also beneficial for kinesthetic learners, providing small snippets of language that can be enjoyed on the run.There you have it: the 10 best websites for language learning.Find the best one for you, your lifestyle and your personal language expectations and get to work.Learning a language isn’t always easy but it can be engaging, interesting and funâ€"especially if you choose super language learning resources like the ones on this list. Good luck!

We have 3 Learning Center Grand Openings and Plan to Open 5 More - ALOHA Mind Math

We have 3 Learning Center Grand Openings and Plan to Open 5 More ALOHA USA is celebrating the Grand Openings of three new ALOHA Mind Math study centers this November, which provide math tutoring in a unique way that gives kids life-long skills. The centers are in Mid Wilshire, CA; Edgewater, NJ; and in Gainesville, VA. ALOHA USA now provides kids with after school educational programs in over 140 US locations, in 18 states. Not every child is a natural at every school subject. And US schools are under tremendous pressures; they don’t always have the time or staff to help children excel. If your child needs help with math, if he or she is falling behind in school, consider getting math help with the unique mental math tutor program provided by ALOHA-USA.com. The company is also planning to open five more locations in the near future in North Brunswick, NJ; O’Fallon, MO; Santa Clarita, CA; Tustin, CA and in Darien, IL. Check their website for a math tutoring classroom near you. They have also begun offering learning programs for English (reading and writing). The program is called ALOHA Mind Math, and “ALOHA” stands for Abacus Learning of Higher Arithmetic. What’s an Abacus? It’s an ancient calculator tool used by sliding beads on posts to count. If it sounds too simple to work, you might be surprised to learn that these instructor-led small-class-size math tutoring sessions teach children to solve complex arithmetic questions (think: (128+432-46+514) / 82) in their heads quicker than most people can on a standard calculator. It also helps them reduce their fear of arithmetic. This is not the repetitive or rote-learning approach to teaching kids math. The method focuses on a kinesthetic way of learning that promotes development in both the left and right lobes of the brain and improves focus gives them a head start in all academics. Founded by Mr. Loh Mun Sung in 1993, ALOHA learning centers are ideal locations where children can receive additional math support from trained professionals via the ALOHA Mental Arithmetic Program â€"- an after school program designed and structured by a panel of experts in the field of mathematics. The program’s 2-hour, once a week classes, focus on whole brain development, and has a positive effect on a child’s confidence level and result in improved academic performance in school. The ALOHA Mind Math program began in Malaysia and spread rapidly throughout Asia because of math tutor results that speak for themselves. It now teaches more than 8,000 students in America, since arriving here in 2006. ALOHA Mind Math operates more than 4,200 schools around the world, and parents have the opportunity to not only improve their kids’ math abilities, but their students will also learn to have fun while doing it. About ALOHA Mind Math ALOHA Mind Math was introduced in the United States in 2006 and today ALOHA has its presence in over 18 states, 23 countries and 4,200 locations. With the help of the abacus, ALOHA has created a whole new dimension in the field of teaching math to young children which helps them overcome their fear of arithmetic and numbers. For more information, please visit http://www.ALOHA-USA.com or contact the nearestALOHAcenter near you to schedule an orientation. For resources on teaching your kids, ALOHA has an interesting blog for kids at ALOHAMath.com.

Master Pearson Chemistry Program

Master Pearson Chemistry ProgramMastery chemistry Pearson is a comprehensive college degree program that provides all the required materials in a very flexible and easy to follow format. Whether you are preparing for graduate or undergraduate level education, this course offers an alternative to the traditional university system where you can study in a more convenient way.This chemistry program is widely considered as one of the best programs available today with its unique emphasis on study techniques and analytical skills. What makes it even more appealing is that the course content covers a very wide range of areas like organic chemistry, organic biology, organometallics, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, atomic and molecular physics, electrical and electronic processes and the sciences of engineering and computer science.This program has been especially designed to match the requirements of the masters and PhD candidates. The fact that you need to take one semester of this cour se before you are able to apply for the master's degree also contributes to the popularity of this program. It will provide a perfect preparation for your further studies.In order to become a certified master's degree student, there are two options. You can either take an online master's degree or the traditional university route. There are many universities offering these online programs so you should do your homework well in choosing the one that suits your needs the most.One thing to remember when opting for online studies is that the courses are divided into modules and they must be taken in sequential order. It is important that you fully understand the concepts taught in each module so that you will not get confused in the subsequent lectures.It is very important to note that if you do not get the right preparation at the end of the undergraduate degree, you will not be able to get the master's degree. So if you take the time in choosing the right program, you will get the per fect preparation for your future education.Most of the institutions that offer such programs also conduct proficiency tests for their students. By participating in such tests, you will get an insight into the type of content required by the master's degree program so you can easily decide whether the program is right for you.

Why You Should Consider Private Tutoring

Why You Should Consider Private TutoringIf you are looking for a chance to improve your academic skills, then private tutoring can be a great option. Not only is this something that could be of benefit to your educational experience, but also has the potential to help you achieve a more advanced level in your studies. However, it is important to remember that you have to do some work if you are going to be able to take advantage of this type of private tutoring.A tutor will teach you all the tips and tricks you need to know. This means that if you want to go a little further, you should ask to have the information shown to you in a video format so that you can study better. The reason for this is that you will be able to see how to do certain things with regards to the materials that you will be using. In addition, it can be useful to have someone show you the correct way to study.Another thing you should consider is that you may have a lot of free time on your hands and not everyone has the same amount of it. If you find that you do not have the time to get tutoring then you may have to come up with other options. One of these options is to get a tutor from the library.Although this may not seem as convenient, you may be surprised at how efficient a tutor can be when it comes to teaching you a lesson or two. So, why not give it a try?There are many different reasons why you would want to get a tutor from the library. If you have a job that will leave you with little time, then you may want to use this as an alternative to get a tutor. This may also be a good way to ensure that you have the right knowledge to help you along the way.The main reasons for this are that you will be able to get someone who is skilled in a particular subject. Also, the tutor will be able to provide you with the proper tutoring and training that you need to achieve your goal.It is easy to see why private tutoring is a good idea if you are looking for the perfect learning experience. W hether you are in college or looking to take a test, a tutor can help you get through it.

Personal Branding - Reduced Price! - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Personal Branding - Reduced Price! - Introvert Whisperer Personal Branding Reduced Price! Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

How to Be Productive Over Winter Break

How to Be Productive Over Winter Break Those last assignments are turned in and the final exams have been taken. Fall semester has come to a close and the freedom of winter break is finally upon you. Now the question is: what do you with it? What do you do with so much free time when are you are free from worries of schoolwork? Most students take the position of relaxing doing absolutely nothing else. There is certainly nothing wrong with that; after all, you deserve it after all the hard work youve done. But for those of you who want to accomplish something a little more, how can you best take advantage of this time off? There are plenty of ways to use this break so you can feel like youve done something positive for your academic life and have made yourself somehow better prepared for the semester ahead of you. Although you initially may want to avoid doing any work at all over this next month, youd be surprised at how quickly you can find yourself extremely bored at home when there is no school to keep you busy. You dont need to be doing something heavy every day, but a few side projects to keep you intrigued can be a good idea. Of course there is no shortage of things to do to keep yourself entertained over break, but wouldnt it be nice to know that some of the activities youre taking part in will improve your schooling experience? Just think about how relieved and content youll feel when you return to that first day of classes knowing that you have already taken care of some pressing needs for your academic support system. What are these needs exactly? They can be anything from getting the best deals on textbooks, to purchasing new notebooks, to reviewing the class syllabus, to familiarizing yourself with your schedule. This is the part where you can get creative and figure out what helps you personally in the classroom. What gets you excited for school? What makes the learning process easier for you? If these questions are left until that first week back, youll probably be far too overwhelmed with all of the back-to-school commotion to really be able to focus on answering them. In situations like this, you look back and wonder why you didnt take advantage of all that free time when you had it That is why it is best for you to make a priority list right away when your break begins so you have clear ideas of what you want to accomplish and how to get them done. Try not to make this list too lengthy or else youll find yourself intimidated by its plethora of work and be tempted to just push it aside. This list should inspire you by reminding you of things you genuinely want to get done that will make your life easier come mid-January. Here are some guidelines to think about to help you get started on a productive winter break: Fresh School Supplies: Go through all of the binders, notebooks, pens, rulers, and anything else that you would find necessary for a class. Sometimes it feels great to just go out and buy all new supplies for the next semester. However, sometimes it can also feel good to use up what you have. Perhaps you have a notebook that was barely written in past its first three pages from fall semester instead of throwing it out, just rip out the first few used pages and label it for a different class. You may be able to accumulate a lot of fresh supplies just by breaking down the items you already have. On the same token, however, dont always use certain supplies just because you already have them. If your highlighters are quickly drying out, go ahead and buy a new set. No need to feel obligated to suffer through that annoyance until the very last stroke of color. Have both sets on hand so nothing goes to waste, but that you are still prepared for a final malfunction at a moments notice. Most importantly, think carefully about what kind of note-taking each of your classes will require of you and assign various supplies accordingly. Make sure you have a notebook with hundreds of pages for that math class you know will be asking you to solve problem after problem and save those lesser-paged notebooks for other courses that are more discussion based. Whether you purchase all new items or get creative with what materials you have, just make sure your final set of supplies makes you feel refreshed and confident to approach the next semester. Here is some great information on how to save on college suppliesthat you may want to take a look at. Rest: As a natural human being, sleep is one of the big necessities for any productive process. Get plenty of rest during your time off so you are guaranteed to feel very rejuvenated come the return of school. Moreover, getting enough rest during winter break will improve your progress of completing your priority list. A tired person cannot achieve these goals easily. Most importantly, you do not want to start off your spring semester exhausted before anything has even begun. Youre going to have plenty of time to be fighting for rest once the curriculum gets rolling dont make things harder on yourself than they need to be. As productive as you want to be over winter break, dont work so much that you lose time to sleep. It can be tempting to stay up all night every night when you have no school in the morning, but doing that also makes you more exhausted the next day, even if you do sleep in. Practice the appropriate sleep discipline now and you will not only be more relaxed for the school year, you will be better trained to keep up this sleeping pattern throughout the semester. Here is some great information on the importance of sleepthat you may want to check out. Review Your Schedule: You might think, I dont need to worry about next semesters schedule right now, I can just take a look at it a few days before the semester begins. You could do this, but it will just make digesting the schedule more of a challenge for you. Both reviewing the times and places of your classes as well as the content of your classes is very important. The earlier on that you get well-acquainted with this information, the better. If you gradually spend time over break checking out your schedule, youre more likely to feel very comfortable with it by the time school starts up again. Memorizing everything in a rush the night before the first day of school is dangerous for the same reasons cramming the night before a test is dangerous it is just not healthy and not promising. Make sure you have at least an idea of where each class is so you can visualize in your head how youll be getting there every day. Additionally, become familiar with the order of the classes so you can have a good idea of which areas youll be traveling between at what times. Get a feel for what kind of time crunches youll be under so there is no major pressure when the time comes. Take some time to review your course descriptions as well, if available. Some teachers even choose to post the syllabus online early which is something you should definitely take advantage of. It can be reassuring to know exactly what is going to be expected of you before that first day arrives when youre already intimidated by everything else going on. This information can help you indicate what kind of supplies you need, how much class interaction will be involved, and how much outside study time youll need to set aside. Do your best to understand these elements of each of your classes and collectively look at them. That is a sure-fire way to comprehend what your next semester will be like and what kind of things you need to get done now to prepare for them. You may also want to take a look at the se 5 new year's resolutions for schoolthat may help you jump start your new year. Ultimately, the key to a productive winter break is thinking ahead. Think of things that typically frustrate you in the middle of the school year that leave you to wonder: why didnt I take care of this beforehand? Whether that be buying a sturdy enough binder for all of those English notes, having extra batteries on hand for your calculator, knowing how long it is going to take you to get from one morning class to the other, or being prepared with questions for your Physics teacher whose course is just daunting to you. Smooth things over now so you can be ready to go once the school year goes back into motion.

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.