Will Cardio Physical Activity Help You Sing Better [Video]

Will Cardio Physical Activity Help You Sing Better [Video] Suzy S. Can doing physical exercise and cardio help you become a better singer? The answer is yes! Learn how to strengthen your singing voice and which activities are best in this article by voice teacher Rebecca R Imagine this scenario: youve signed up to run your  first marathon. Maybe you  ran cross-country back in high school and have kept up with running as a regular form of exercise. Because of this, you dont  use a training plan, and instead  continue your normal exercise routine. When the day of the marathon arrives, though, you struggle to complete the entire course and  end up  injured. Youd probably feel like your  body betrayed  you, right? While this scenario is a VERY exaggerated circumstance, it gets the point across: in order to accomplish a physical goal in the healthiest way possible, a certain amount of body awareness and training is required. And although it doesnt  demand nearly the same endurance training as running a marathon, singing is a very physical activity. While just two tiny muscles are responsible for forming the sound of your singing voice (your vocal cords), the act of singing is a whole-body experience. So, whats the proper way to train? Adding physical activity to your musical practice  to develop stamina and strengthen your singing voice is a great idea.  Heres how it can help you sing better: 1.  Your body is your instrument. In nearly every introductory voice lesson I teach, the student is always surprised by how physically demanding the lesson is. Often, he or she feels like they just went on a jog. That is exactly how any student should feel after a voice lesson! When you sing to the best of your ability, you are using your entire body. Your feet ground you, your legs support you, and your torso expands and works to provide the breath support needed to fuel your singing. Even if you’re sitting in a chair, leaning against a piano, or laying on the ground, you are using more than just your  throat and head to sing. If learning how to strengthen your singing voice is a goal for you, the first step is to map out body awareness. Ask yourself the following questions the next time you sing: Which muscles are engaging when I breathe? When I’m singing a phrase of music? What do my feet feel like under me? Can they feel the ground? Where do I feel my torso expand when I inhale? In the front? On the sides? In the back? Am I holding any unnecessary tension in the body? Maybe in the shoulders or the jaw? 2.  Breath, breath, and more breath! Lung expansion is a saving grace for any singer. For most circumstances in everyday life, we inhale and exhale subconsciously without needing to actively engage our lungs. When we sing, however, we use up to 90% of our lung capacity depending on the range, style, and length of the song. Unless you  also happen to be an athlete, chances are you dont  perform many activities throughout the day that require a lot of conscious breathing. Enter cardio exercises: jogging, running, swimming, circuit training, you name it! All of these forms of exercise, in addition to their overall health benefits, will improve lung expansion, which helps you  access more of your  lung capacity and fuel your  voice through any practice session, lesson, or performance. Good breath support gained through cardio exercise is what ultimately will provide the stamina to sing safely for hours, days, and years. Editors Note: For more breathing exercises, join our next live, online class! View the schedule and reserve your spot here. 3. The Importance of Posture While having good posture may seem obvious, I don’t think most singers realize that posture is something that needs to be worked on and strengthened regularly. Just like training the lungs with cardio, we need to strengthen our body to support good, natural posture while releasing tight muscles. Yoga or pilates will accomplish both of these goals, along  with added mental benefits! By strengthening your  instrument (your body) and loosening up tight muscles, you  will sing more freely and with more ease. As an added bonus,youll  be able to warm up your voice much more quickly if your body is already warmed up! Here’s a quick little trick for when you need help setting up your posture: Inhale fully and deeply without raising your  shoulders or tightening your  neck. Then, as you exhale, imagine your spine growing longer in both directions, up out of the top of your head and down toward the ground simultaneously. How Much Physical Activity Do I Need to Sing at My Best? While the minutes spent and intensity of all physical activity will vary from person to person, here’s a basic schedule you may want to follow: 3 times/week: Cardio should be  reserved for long vocal practice days. On cardio days, I’ve found that my lung capacity is at its best, and the energy I feel after cardio helps fuel long practice sessions. To get all the benefits of the cardio when you sing, try to fit it in before you practice. 2 times/week: Yoga or pilates is reserved for my non-practice/non-performance days. Yoga classes that are lengthy and provide a hearty workout (such as Vinyasa or power yoga), as well as pilates classes, build strength and flexibility, which can leave the body sore and in need of some recovery. It’s best to avoid activity that might add temporary tension or tightness on singing days or save the workout for after your singing. Every day: Gentle yoga and stretching can be done anytime  and is highly encouraged, particularly before you sing. I always reserve time for some gentle yoga on performance days, audition days, or long rehearsal days â€" the gentle stretch not only allows my mind and body to calm down and feel grounded but also makes warming up vocally easier and quicker. Give it a Try Follow along with the video below for a quick stretching sequence you can start using today. Singers, what kinds of physical activity do you engage in? Leave a comment below and let us know how its helped! Post Author: Rebecca R. Rebecca R. teaches singing, piano, and music theory in Ridgewood, NY, as well as online. She teaches students ages 6 and up, and a variety of experience levels. Learn more about Rebecca 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

Teaching Private Tutorials at the Students Homes

Teaching Private Tutorials at the Students Homes What Are the Benefits of Teaching at the Student’s Home? ChaptersTeaching at the Student’s House: Building ConfidenceTeaching at the Student’s Home: Going Beyond TeachingTeaching at the Student’s Home: Building a Better Relationship with Your Students“Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.” - AristotlePrivate tutorials are becoming increasingly common for students wanting to get better schools results or learn a new skill like playing a musical instrument or learning to paint. Simple, accessible, and effective, home tuition is preferred by students when they need to catch up with their studies or learn something new.4 in 10 students in London are getting private tutoring and the tutoring industry is valued at £2 billion. In fact, the tutoring industry is growing all over the world, not just in the UK.When a student decides to find a tutor, they expect to get someone who's qualified, experienced, and a skilled educator. Whether you teach biology, mathematics, study skills, algebra, grammar, or economics, they'll expect you to have already thought about things such as where the one to one tutorials will take place.Most tutorials take place at the student’s home, and for a number of good reasons. This is the ideal solution for working around the student’s timetable and is a lot simpler.In this article, we’re going to have a look at the numerous advantages of home tutoring at the student's house. If you're looking for help with finding tutor jobs, this might be something worth considering. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTeaching at the Student’s House: Building ConfidenceAs we all know, there’s no place like home. The same is true for pr ivate tutorials and academic support, be it for maths, piano, exam prep, or learning to paint. This is one of the most important advantages of teaching private tutorials at a primary school or secondary school pupil’s home, especially if they're busy studying for their GCSEs or A Levels.Whether you teach at your home or the student's home, you need to ensure that both you and the student feel comfortable. (Source: Pexels)Is there any better way to learn from the comfort of your own chair, in front of your own desk, drinking a cup of hot chocolate?No there isn’t!It’s essential that tutors build confidence so that their students benefit from learning more quickly and effectively and enjoying their lessons. Of course, both parties need to enjoy the tutorials.As dry as your typical maths tutorial may be, it’s also more enjoyable if you’re studying in the right conditions. Regardless of the subject, be it English, French, or maths, the student will be more receptive when they†™re comfortable in their home rather than a stale classroom.Keep in mind that academic support isn’t babysitting and a home tutor is there principally to provide instruction or academic coaching to the student.Furthermore, the tutor can broaden their client base more than they could if they taught at home or help a student with mobility issues who wouldn’t otherwise be able to travel to attend private tutorials at the tutor’s house. There are benefits for everyone involved!Teaching private tutorials at the student’s house is a great way for a passionate tutor to find work, share their knowledge to children and adults, and help students get over any difficulties they may be having in their classes or with their homework. It's over to you!Teaching at the Student’s Home: Going Beyond Teaching“You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself.” - GalileoTeaching private tutorials at the student’s home is the perfect choice for them whether itâ €™s their first tutorial or not. In fact, building the student’s confidence in a place they feel comfortable is a way to help them progress as quickly as possible and achieve their potential!Teaching at the student's home is a great way to make them feel comfortable while learning. (Source: geralt)After all, you’re the only person there to help them. Don’t be afraid of having to go to their house. Nothing can stop you from helping the student from progressing, you have to trust one another in order to get the most out of each lesson!You have to go beyond just teaching, you and the student have to develop new skills as well. You need to create a healthy working environment for the student and yourself throughout the course of your lessons. The student needs to enjoy working with their friendly and talented private tutor.When the lessons are good and the environment is good, it’s a match made in heaven for getting the most out of the tutor and the student. Your effort will be rewarded with your student’s progress and they’ll feel encouraged. With the right teaching approaches and environment, you’ll get the most out of your students.Whether it’s maths, physics, or violin lessons, it’s useful that the students have all their equipment there. Don’t forget that the student’s home is where they live first and where they study second.With that said, you need to make sure they have the necessary equipment for their academic support or private tutorials. If they’re learning to play the piano, you’re going to have to hope that they have a piano at home!In the case of subjects that require a lot of equipment, such as tutorials with musical instruments, art tutorials (which usually require a lot of art supplies), and technical tutorials, it's probably a better idea to get the necessary equipment yourself, teach the tutorials at your home in a dedicated space, and factor the extra expenditure into your hourly rate.If you don't need much equipment or the students can buy it themselves, then travelling to the student's home is always going to be the better idea!To give your sessions added punch, you could hold lessons outside!Teaching at the Student’s Home: Building a Better Relationship with Your Students“I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” - Albert EinsteinWhen you teach your student at their own home, you can learn more about them, either directly or indirectly. The relationship between the tutor and the student can also affect the quality of the tutorials. As we said, if you feel comfortable where you’re learning, you’ll learn so much more.Whether your student is a child or an adult, they'll appreciate being able to learn at their own home. (Source: janeb13)Whether you’re teaching physics, languages, or academic support, the student’s home is more conducive to developing good relationships with your students. The student and the teacher will get to know each other, generally in a relaxed environment that’s completely different to what they’re used to at school. Providing tutorials at home is an art.Whether you’re signed up to Superprof or another tutoring website, a private tutor has to get the most out of their methodology, the teaching approaches they employ, and just teaching in general.A student, especially a confident student, is going to be far more interested in a lesson, whatever it is, if it’s taught by a private tutor. Whether it’s music theory, maths, or PE, it’s the teacher’s job to grab the student’s attention.  To get there, you’re going to have to analyse, within the student’s home, what might grab their attention.As a teacher, you need to be able to observe and detect possible distractions and things that can play an important role in the student’s learning. The advantage of teaching in a student’s home is that you can get to know your student better!By getting to know someone more quickly, y ou need to know how to guide and direct your student so that they’ll be more receptive to learning new things. Whether it’s a child or an adult, by teaching them at their own home, a tutor has a golden opportunity to get the most out of their student.As you can see, there are a lot of benefits to teaching the students from the comfort of their own home. You can help them build confidence, get more out of your teaching, build a relationship, and teach students more over the course of your tutorials.A student's success will depend on their learning environment and the teaching approaches adopted by their tutor. (Source: StartupStockPhotos)You need to adapt the location of the tutorials to the subjects being taught. An English tutor, for example, will need somewhere comfortable with a desk if their students are going to be reading and writing essays. As we said earlier, a tutor who teaches chemistry, for example, might need to teach their tutorials at their own home if there's cert ain equipment required.Naturally, as locations must sometimes change, you should set your rates accordingly...The best tutors are those who like to teach, who provide enthusiastic one on one tutoring, take care with the preparation of their classes, and ensure that their tutoring services enable their students to succeed in not only the subject that they're being taught, but also other subjects as they become better learners.

How To Make Algebra Homework Help Simpler For Kids

How To Make Algebra Homework Help Simpler For Kids 0SHARESShare Online Algebra Tutoring: a quick solution for all tricky problems Are you worried that your son or daughter is not doing well in Algebra? Do your kids not understand what they are taught in school? Are you not able to help your children with algebra home works? Stop worrying. Here is a simple solution for all your problems. Online algebra homework help will definitely help your children to consider algebra as a simple subject to deal with; and make them learn, understand and solve all tricky problems in just a few seconds. Where to go to get the effective help? Choosing online algebra tutor will relax both parents and children. Parents with inability to help their children due to time restrictions or lack of academic knowledge must go for online tutoring. Online Algebra Homework help can be scheduled in the time convenient for the students. Experienced and expert online tutoring bureau like Tutor Pace provides a list of tutors from which you can select based on your requirements. Algebra Homework help will provide the best results as your child is sure to get individual attention, well presented lessons, fun filled and interactive classes. In case, you are not satisfied with the online tuition, you can cancel the package anytime. Purchasing an online tutoring package will never result in the loss of your hard earned money. What’s more, if even after having one or two sessions, you are not finding your online tutor friendly and suitable, you can opt for another one as per your comfort and approach. Learning a subject like algebra is not only difficult but also time-consuming. It leaves no scope for students to get involved in other recreational activities. Here, opting for an online tutor is what really can help them for sure. At Tutor Pace, Algebra Homework help is full of unfailing tips and fun that can make algebra very simple and joyful to learn. Try your session today at incredible pricing. [starbox id=admin]

How to Perfect Couple Dancing

How to Perfect Couple Dancing How Can You Learn to Dance as a Couple? ChaptersStep 1: Warming UpStep 2: Learn the MovesStep 3: Practising Along with MusicStep 4: Stretching and Cooling Down“A day without dancing is a day wasted” - NietzscheSeveral studies have shown that dancing can improve a couple’s relationship.  Be it for a night out, a dance show, or just improving your moves, anyone can learn to dance as a couple.So what’s a dance class for couples like?Regardless of whether it’s at a school or with a private tutor, salsa, bachata, waltz, Argentine tango, every dance will follow a similar structure.In this article, we're going to look at what learning to dance is like. We're going to see a common structure that's used for most dance styles, rather than looking at each one so that you have a better idea of what to expect before you both get on the dance floor. SeamDance Teacher 4.96 (24) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamieDance Teacher 5.00 (6) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErickaDance Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamuelDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £100/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FlavioDance Teacher 5.00 (7) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HakimDance Teacher 5.00 (5) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HannaDance Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClareDance Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsStep 1: Warming UpMost dance classes london will take place either after working or during your lunch break. This means you mightn’t be full of beans when you show up to your class.As every good dancer and dance instructor knows, before your first dance of the day, you're going to have to warm up. This is why each dance lesson will start with a warmup.Whether you're learning ballroom dance, Latin dance, swing, samba, or the foxtrot, you shouldn't attempt any complicated new dance moves without having gotten your muscles ready.Regardless of whether you’re doing group classes , a trial class, or intensive classes, your dance teacher will probably start with some warming up.You have to stretch before you dance. (Source: energepic)Warming up helps to prepare your muscles for a bit of exercise. Without warming up, your muscles can cramp up and you run the risk of injuring yourself. In order to have a successful dance class, you need to have warmed up properly.You need to warm up gently and stretch various parts of your body: ankles, knees, thighs, hips, shoulders, neck, wrists, elbows, etc.Start with a few simple and gentle exercises like rotating your ankles and shoulders, for example. Then you can start gently attempting the splits, stopping once you start to feel your muscles stretching. Of course, don’t go too far or you’ll hurt yourself!Your dance tutor will make sure you’re doing it right. If you’ve just started your dance lessons, you probably won’t be an expert at warming up, after all.  Your dance teacher will show you how to warm up unti l you can do it without their guidance.Firstly, you’ll do this on your own before doing it as a couple.  Warming up is the perfect time for you to leave all your worries behind. Forget about work and any other concerns and leave your problems at the door of the dance studio.A lot of modern dance tutors prefer to put music on as students warm up in order to help them. Bit by bit, you’ll get the hang of it.Whether you’re doing Zumba, dancehall, modern dance, jazz, contemporary, break dancing, hip-hop, or waltz, make sure to make the most of the ambience.In a couples’ dance class, the music should be appropriate to the style of dancing that you’re learning.  You can certainly make the most of the music if you’re learning Zumba. Some dances an even be used to help you warm up.Step 2: Learn the MovesOnce all the students are warmed up, the next thing they’ll need to do is learn a few dance techniques.  Each style has its own unique set of rules and how to move.Learning danc e steps is essential for learning how to dance. When it's a couple dancing, your routine will have to be choreographed and both dancers will need to be both familiar with their own moves and their partners.Have you already tried learning how to dance by looking at the people on the dancefloor?Learning the steps is key to any dance routine. (Source: Free-Photos)This could be useful on a night out in a nightclub or at a disco if you're not sure how you should be dancing. While you mightn't have a dedicated choreographer, just by watching other people, shows like Dancing with the Stars, and dance videos online, you should be able to get through any social dance situations.If you use social media a lot, you should follow celebrities and famous dancers like Witney Carson, Mark Ballas, Phillip Chbeeb, and Kym Johnson, for example.If you’re getting ready for a dance, it’s a good idea to learn the steps ahead of time. When it comes to dancing as a couple, don’t forget that each person needs to learn their steps and then the couple needs to bring them together.The men are usually on one side of the room while the women are on the other. In a lot of couples’ dances, the steps are learnt with partners facing each other. You’ll have to learn to move one leg back when your partner advances, for example.A dance teacher’s goal is to teach their students as quickly and effectively as possible so that they start showing off their moves on the dancefloor as quickly as possible. This means they’ll learn a few basic steps. They’ll also need to be able to count along with the music and then they need to move around in time to the music.Advanced dancers can improve their legwork as well as incorporate their arms. Of course, your limbs play an important role.  Advanced dancers generally have more freedom when it comes to choosing the dance steps and routines they want to do because they have more moves in their repertoires than beginners. This is when dancing gets re ally interesting as you can let their imagination run wild.When students start advancing is a great time to start teaching them about the history of dance and the different styles available to them.Have you always wanted to master the Viennese Waltz?Step 3: Practising Along with MusicOnce a few dance steps have been mastered, it’s time to start putting them into practice. This is usually when music comes into it.  You need to dance along with the music and use the steps you’ve just learnt.If you're not enjoying yourself, you're not doing it right. (Source: Vladislav83)In couples’ dance classes, this moment can be used for:Learning to leadBalancing each other’s weightImprovisingIt’s all about having fun and not counting each step. You need to learn the steps and bit by bit, you won’t have to think about each step their making and will just let go. It’ll become a habit. Unlike what you probably think, you won’t spend the entire session dancing with the same partner.In a lot of dance lessons, you’ll change partner. You may have to dance with the person to your left or right and keep doing this until eventually, you end up back with your original partner.Why do you have to leave your partner behind?You’ll learn a lot more if you dance for a bit with someone who’s better than you. Dancing with different people can also help you to learn to move in different ways and adapt to any partner.  That’s why you can learn to dance with a partner even if you go to the lesson your own. You might even find your soulmate!When there are more women than men, which can often be the case, some of the women will have to take the leading role. It can be useful to learn both roles.Traditional gender roles are becoming less common in contemporary dance and anyone can learn any role.However, if you learn how to dance the Tango, gender roles are clearly defined!Step 4: Stretching and Cooling DownWhether you’re learning ballroom dancing, Kizomba, Argentine tango, Rumba, Bachata, Cuban salsa, Puerto Rican salsa, pasodoble, Viennese waltz, cha cha, Merengue, Mambo, or flamenco, you’ll still have to do your stretches and cool down at the end.This step usually takes around ten minutes. Your teacher will probably put on some calming music as you slow down your heart rate. These exercises can also make you feel better the following day.By the end of your lesson, you should be feeling pretty good. (Source: lograstudio)Stretching and cooling down are essential parts of any lesson, no matter where it is.Oriental dance, jazz, hip-hop, African dance, tap, Zumba, and ballet lessons all end with a bit of a cool down.  Make the most of this part of the lesson and relax.You can actually feel more relaxed after strenuous exercise. That’s why you should try and do physical activities every day.In a couple’s dance class, you can do stretches as a couple which can make a lot of stretches easier to do. You need to make sure you can feel the stretches wor king.Once the class is over, your teacher will thank you and turn off the music. You can also chat with your teacher at the end of the lesson if you have any questions or just need something clearing up.  You can also ask them about places to go dancing.Dancing elsewhere can also help you learn more quickly. It’s almost like your lesson never ended!If you've just got engaged, don't forget that the bride and groom will have to do their wedding dance. While you won't need to be professional dancers or impress everyone with a complicated swing dancing routine, it might be a good idea to hire a private tutor to help you through the etiquette of the affair, help your partner dance if they've got two left feet, or just help you both get a good rhythm so that you can get people dancing at your wedding.Superprof's complete guide to couples' dancing might help you out, here!The best dance routine is whatever you both feel comfortable with. Nobody is expecting you to do an elaborate hip-hop dance routine that they've seen trending on YouTube, they just want to see you happy, having a laugh, and celebrating your big day so that your wedding photographer can get some adorable dancing pictures of you for your wedding album!If you've never really danced before, don't worry, either! A private dance tutor can put together some simple choreography for you and your partner to do. You can be a romantic couple without having to learn the whole routine from Dirty Dancing!

Where Can We Learn To Play The Violin

Where Can We Learn To Play The Violin How To Learn The Violin And Where ChaptersThings To Know About Playing The ViolinTips On Playing The ViolinFinding a Teacher To Learn The ViolinLearn The Violin At SchoolLearn To Play Violin At Home With A TutorLearn A New Musical Skill With Violin LessonsLet's say you've always yearned to play a musical instrument but, for whatever reason, you simply never got the chance as a child. Now, master of your own destiny, you intend to satisfy the need to express your artistic side by studying music and learning how to play an instrument.You're not really sure which instrument appeals to you the most and, quite frankly, you don't really care which instrument you learn to play. In fact, your criteria for selecting a musical instrument comes down to a handful of factors: availability - of lessons and equipment, affordability and ease of mastery.As so many of us do in times of indecision or when more information is needed, you turn to your trusty research assistant, _______ (insert name of your favourite search engine here).  You are astounded to discover that the answer to both of your questions, 'easiest musical instrument to learn' and 'most difficult musical instrument to learn' is one and the same: the violin.  How can a single instrument be both the easiest and the most difficult?You Superprof examines both sides of the violin: the ease and joy of playing as well as the hardships involved in mastering this melodious music-making device.Along the way, we'll provide tips and tricks you can use to quickly achieve mastery!violin players are no different in that aspect.Mastering the basics - feeling the violin correctly positioned and playing simple chords are all great achievements in your development as a violin player.The intermediate stage of learning, when you are more than a beginner but not yet qualified to successfully audition for a band or a chair placement (if playing in an orchestra or ensemble is your intent) can last a very long time; years, even!Another aspect that affects violin players exclusively is  mastering the art of holding a violin and working the bow in an optimal  position to prevent pain and injury. Getting the physical aspects of violin playing down pat  takes a lot of practice, as does the ability to actually play a tune.That that scratchy sound you make whilst you get your head around holding your bow properly is normal, and it will ease up over time!All of those screeching sounds your instrument makes as your pass your bow over the strings are actually essential: if you are able to make your violin sound like a cat in agony, the closer you are to finding your ideal fingering, posture and bow pressure.Soon, muscle memory will take over the act of positioning yourself and your instrument correctly. Any further screeching, should there be any, will be quickly corrected.Harsh solvents may ruin the finish of your violin! Source: Pixabay Credit: PexelsYou must take care of your violinIt should go without saying that if you want your violin to play well an d last a long time, you must take good care of it.The idea of maintaining a piece of musical equipment seems a little tedious to some but it is necessary and, rest assured, it will become a habit. You may be wondering: what exactly is involved in caring for a violin?Essential steps include:Wiping rosin off the bow and strings after every playing sessionDon't forget to dust both the instrument and the wooden part of the bow!Avoiding the use of harsh solvents to remove sticky rosin residue; that could result in your damaging the finish of your instrument!Loosening the bow after each sessionEnsuring the bridge and sound post are correctly positionedMaking sure your instrument's pegs are properly fittedChecking strings for wear and replacing them as necessaryStoring your violin in its case, in a temperature-controlled environmentIf you have ever watched a violinist prepare for a performance, you will no doubt have seen them checking over their instrument, tightening their bow and rubbin g what looks like a small object up and down the length of the bow hair.The instrument's unique sound comes from the friction of the bow as it passes over the strings.Violin rosin is applied to the bow  prior to playing - either in concert or practising, to ensure the proper amount of friction for optimal sound.Beware that, especially as a beginner violinist, you may apply too much rosin! Beyond your instrument sounding 'uneven' - a tonal quality only a violinist could describe well, you will see a sticky powder accumulate on your violin's body.The opposite is no better: forgetting to rosin or deliberately not applying any will make for a weak, whispery sound. It might take you a while to discover the best rosin and the correct amount for your particular bow.Tips On Playing The ViolinNow that you know what to expect when you start learning to play the violin, see our tips for beginners below.1. Things you will needWhen you learn to play the violin, it's easy to be fooled into thinki ng all you need is yourself and your instrument. However, every violinist needs, as well as their trusty instrument:-a good bow - a carry case -a rosin (described above) -a music stand and some sheet music -pencils and erasers (for note-taking) -a metronome (a device that helps you stay in time) -good lighting (in which to read music and practice playing in)One of the things you will need, along with your violin, is a bow. Photo credit: BotheredByBees on Visual hunt2. When and how often to practiceIt may seem a bit of a silly tip but  practising at the same time every day actually makes you more committed.Remember earlier, when we mentioned muscle memory? Just as you get hungry at regular intervals and sleepy around the same time each night, dedicated violin players itch to play at 'their' certain time.Besides, if you don't set aside a specific time to practice, you are far more likely to be too busy, too tired or to find some other excuse to skip practice altogether.That is the sta rt of the slippery slope that leads to frustration so many budding musicians experience at one time or another!Even if your violin tutor recommends practising every day, it really comes down to you: how much and how long you practise between lessons, but it goes without saying that if you practice on a regular basis, you will improve faster.3. Try out appsPlaying live music and using apps just don't seem like they should mix - but they do! So many violin apps and  great digital tools have been developed in recent years to help musicians, like practice trackers, music journals, tuner apps, etc...One of the more popular apps musicians of all instruments appreciate is the digital metronome.A metronome helps you keep time musically by announcing beats. Its steady 'tick-tock' sound, set at whichever tempo the piece of music you are playing is written in, will help you keep the correct time that piece is meant to be played in.The speed at which your metronome 'counts' is entirely up to yo u. You may set it fast or slow, or anywhere along that range. A good idea would be to start off slow, say at a 2/2 beat and, as you warm up, increase the tempo until you are playing a most fiery piece!Some violinists aver that a classic metronome, one that functions on the same principles as clockwork is more suited to their instrument. However, there is nothing wrong with trying out a digital metronome; there are plenty of well-reviewed metronome applications available for download at no cost.The idea of saving what you might have spent on a standard metronome is surely enticement to try!    Other apps for music playing in general and violin specifically may be  free to download  while some might charge a small fee. It would be up to you to determine if the cost is worth - or if the app is even necessary at this stage in your playing.4. Keep a folderAs you learn to play the violin, you might be surprised to find that it's not all rosin, bows and music notes. During your lessons, yo ur violin teacher is sure to impart musical theory or music history or, even more fascinating, the history of the violin itself. Wouldn't you want to take notes on all that?It's also a good idea to make notes outside of class. Do you have questions for your violin tutor that you might forget before your next session? Perhaps you came across an interesting nugget on a music chat board and you wanted to run it past your instructor....For all of those reasons and more, it is a good idea to keep a notebook or folder for any notes you might make as you learn. You will be pleasantly surprised, as you progress in your skill with the violin, when you go back over them to see how far you've progressed!Along with a carry case to pack your instrument into, make sure you include a folder for all of your sheet music.Many beginners mistakenly assume that a few sheets of paper tucked inside their instrument's case is perfectly acceptable but, in general, violin cases have sculpted interiors, the b etter to cradle your instrument with. Tucking random papers around your violin might work for a while but that practice doesn't coincide with the discipline and orderliness essential to quality musicianship.Nor is it recommended as doing so may damage your violin!  You might find a case with external pockets or an interior pocket meant to store your sheet music. Otherwise, a supplemental shoulder bag would be the order of the day, and that solution offers an advantage: you can throw in your notebook, a few pens, pencils and erasers so that you have everything you might need in one place.Keeping all of these essentials in one place can make practicing so much easier and more efficient.Most classical violinists owe their skill to their teachers, at least in part Source: Pixabay Credit: Yanna Zazubuild on their raw talent during term-time.Learn To Play Violin At Home With A TutorYou don't have to spend an absolute fortune on violin classes with a professional musician boasting decades of experience.There are many accomplished individuals seeking to pass on their skill on the violin; however, they may or may not have any experience teaching music theory. The advantage to choosing that route in your search for a violin teacher that you will certainly find someone with whom you 'click'; someone you feel compatible with and can learn well from.Another option, one possibly easier on your wallet, would be to interview with conservatory or university music students. These  younger, less seasoned teachers may be better placed to teach you the basics in a more logical way, having not so long been a beginner themselves.Always available for your learning needs, Superprof features violin tutors with varying levels of experience and offering different rates.With this platform, you can either choose a tutor based in your area, one who either has a studio or will come to your home. Another option would be online classes via video link, which could save you money in the long run -  no travelling time to and from lessons, and your tutor  might give you a discounted rate because s/he won't have to travel, either!You might also be interested in knowing that most Superprof tutors give their first hour of lessons at no charge, just to see if you two would learn well together. With such an offer, how could anyone not choose   that option?Learning the violin over Internet connection is also great for those who have busy lives and need to schedule in lessons with minimal disruption to their routine like having to travel to a studio or tidy up in preparation for a visit from a tutor.Whichever method you decide on to learn the violin, bear in mind that the joys and benefits of learning by far outweigh any potential pitfalls.If you lose faith, why not take inspiration from the Royal Philharmonic  Orchestra or other famous musicians featured on radio stations like Classic FM.Should you be more of a jazz, rock or country fan, throw on some Ian Cooper, King Crimson or V anessa Mae and remember: the summer concert season is just around the corner!What new talent will be uncovered then?  Some children get the opportunity to play string instruments like violins at a young age at school. Photo credit: juhansonin on VisualHunt.comLearn A New Musical Skill With Violin LessonsAdmittedly, when youngsters think about playing any musical instruments, most gravitate to those featured in their favourite band: guitar and drums, maybe the bass or the keyboards.Perhaps, if said youngsters knew about Boyd Tinsley or Charlie Daniels, two violinists who have taken their art into the popular music arena, the violin would be a more popular choice!Whoever one's violin heroes may be - classical, jazz or rock violin, aspiring musicians can learn at least the essential elements of playing the instrument by signing up for lessons and workshops. Whether it's beginner violin lessons you're after or something more advanced, you can find violin lessons or violin teachers tailo red to you.If you are only just beginning to play the violin, you may seek a workshop or clinic detailing violin anatomy and maintenance.During such a session, you can  learn about the different violin parts  like the pegs and the mysterious sound post. What if you're left-handed: can you still learn to play?  Will you be taught  how to read music and, ultimately, how to play?Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is one of the most popular first pieces aspiring violinists are taught to play; in fact, the Suzuki Method advocates for that being the first tune any violinist should play, no matter how old s/he is. From there, your  instructor will work on ways to take you from being a little star to a huge star on the music scene!As you learn melody after melody, a good teacher will gradually introduce new techniques to help you make more beautiful music and make the experience more enjoyable.Pretty soon, you will look back on years of playing and wonder: was it really you who didn't know so much as how to hold a violin, let alone a bow?Check for violin lessons London here.

Homework Tips for Parents- Raise Your Kids Confidence

Homework Tips for Parents- Raise Your Kids’ Confidence 0SHARESShare Are homework troubles blocking your kids’ progress? Here are some tips . Helpful Homework Tips for Parents- you need to know It is basically a positive attitude with good focus on studies that could save the time and energy of kids while doing homework. So, you follow these Helpful Homework Tips for Parents. Talk to the teachers and find out what they expect in homework Prepare a schedule for your kid and arrange things accordingly Set yourself  as an example for homework doing with your assigned tasks during that time Don’t give room for diversions and help the children concentrate on their work Help them segregate which work to do first Find out from the teachers how far they progress in their work Appreciate them for their good work and stand by them when they feel miserable with erring spots Notice   your teens’ problems and render emotional support on time Back your high school going children with a genuine support for their targeted scores If you still find your children’s struggle in homework tasks, seek the help of leading sites like Tutor Pace and benefit by their Helpful Homework Tips for Parents. [starbox id=admin]

Kids Wish Their Doctors Would Talk to Them about ADHD

Kids Wish Their Doctors Would Talk to Them about ADHD A recent study found that kids with ADHD would like to talk to their doctors directly about ADHD medication and ADHD symptoms, but dont often ask the questions that are on their mind. Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill surveyed 70 kids between the ages of 7-17 who were diagnosed with ADHD and were prescribed ADHD medication by their pediatricians or primary care providers. One-third of the kids said that they wished their doctor spent more time talking to them directly about their ADHD, and 57% percent reported that their doctor spent most of the appointment talking to their parents. So, what do kids want to talk about with their doctor? What are the questions that are on their mind? The kids in this study were presented with a list of questions related to ADHD or ADHD medication and were asked to choose the questions that they would like to ask. On average, kids selected 8 questions. The number one question, chosen by 75% of the kids, was Will I outgrow my ADHD? Other top questions included: Do a lot of people have ADHD? Are there other things I can do at home to help my ADHD? Should I take my ADHD medication every day? The results from this study suggest that opportunities are being missed that would otherwise allow kids with ADHD to feel heard and to participate in their treatment from an early age. ADHD is a chronic disorder, and one that requires a high level of parent involvement throughout childhood and adolescence. However, parent involvement doesnt need to be at the exclusion of child participation in appointments, treatment planning, and day-to-day management. In fact, gradually encouraging your child to take a more active role in managing his or her ADHD can be empowering. If your child is accustomed to sitting in the background while the adults in the room discuss ADHD, then it will probably take some encouragement on your part to get him or her involved in his or her own care. The following tips will help you prepare your child to talk to his or her doctor at the next appointment. Start the conversation at home. A few weeks (or more) before your childs next appointment, start having conversations about questions he or she might like to have answered by his or her doctor. Many kids feel embarrassed about having ADHD, and may hold back during these conversations with their parents. Thats okay. Take it slow, and help your child feel more comfortable by sharing some things that youve been curious about when it comes to ADHD. Follow your childs lead. You want to encourage your child to talk to his or her doctor if he or she has questions, but you also dont want to force the issue. If your child seems overwhelmed in conversations with you at home, ask them to privately write down one or two questions he or she might like to have answered about his or her ADHD. Tell him or her to share the questions with you or keep them private, its his or her choice. The goal is to get your child thinking about his or her ADHD and things he or she might like to ask the doctor, even if he or she is not ready to talk about them right now. The day before your childs next appointment ask him or her if he or she would like to have the opportunity to ask the doctor some of the questions you had discussed (or that he or she had written down). If he or she hasnt done so already, encourage your child to write these questions down ahead of time so he or she can recall them easily during the appointment. During the appointment, create space for your child to speak by letting the doctor know that your child has some questions. Then turn the floor over to your child. Teens and tweens may prefer to talk to their doctor privately about their ADHD concerns. While parents should always be involved in appointments that include a discussion of ADHD symptoms and medication side effects, the doctor can set aside a few minutes for an individual discussion with your child. Encourage your teen to ask the doctor if they can have a few minutes to discuss ADHD one-on-one. By creating opportunities for your child to actively participate in their ADHD treatment you are providing an opportunity for your child to learn skills that will serve him or her well for a lifetime. The more empowered and the more involved he or she is in his or her treatment, the more your child will feel in charge of his or her ADHD. For additional study information: Betsy Sleath et al. (2017). Youth Views on Communication about ADHD and Medication Adherence. Community Mental Health Journal, 53: 438-444. DOI: 10.1007/s10597-016-0078-3 ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Frequently asked questions What should I bring with me to the SAT and ACT

Frequently asked questions What should I bring with me to the SAT and ACT Students often ask what they should bring with them to the testing center on SAT or ACT test day.   With the tests coming up on June 2 and 9, 2012, this is a very relevant question.   You can find a complete list on the College Board’s website, but I’ll summarize it here.   You should bring:Admission ticket â€" print this out the night before.   You need this to get into the test!Photo ID â€" your driver’s license or school ID works.   You also need this to get into the test.   Your receipt from Taco Bell does not count as an ID (this actually happened at my student’s test center, and the person in question didn’t get in).Calculator â€" either graphing or scientific calculators are allowed, but no calculators with full keyboards.   Make sure you replace the batteries a few days before the test!Number 2 pencils â€" no mechanical pencils allowed.   Bring several of them so you have backups.Extra eraser â€" to make it easier to erase cleanly on the scantron.Watch â€" this shou ld be an old-fashioned wristwatch that doesn’t beep.   Helpful to keep track of the time you have left on each section.WaterHigh-energy snacks for the break â€" think granola bars, bananas.   Anything that will keep you going for four hours!Driving directions to the testing center, or a GPS â€" if you’re from Palo Alto but you’re taking the SAT at Bellarmine, you might not know how to get there.   Be prepared!It’s also important to know what NOT to bring to the SAT and ACT:Your phone, iPod, any other electronic gadgets â€" you won’t be allowed to use them if you have time left over on a section, and you don’t want to risk them getting confiscated if you forget to turn off the sound.   Leave them in the car!Highlighters and pens â€" you can only use pencils.Notes of any kind â€" this should be obvious!Scratch paper â€" the proctor will provide this for you.Good luck from AJ Tutoring!