Essential Accessories for Any Pianist

Essential Accessories for Any Pianist What Extras Does a Good Pianist Need? Chapters A Range of Indispensable Extras Specific Piano Resources How Can These Accessories Help Me Practice the Piano? What’s the Best Way to Choose? Any Advice?Playing the piano is often a hobby. Like most hobbies, that means you have to get the right resources, accessories, equipment, and extras. There are things you can buy to help you get the most out of your piano lessons and make more progress.Whether you buy an electronic or digital piano, or an acoustic piano (an upright piano or grand piano), there are a few other things you’ll need! Not all of them are essential for every piano player but there are a few that you will definitely have to invest in.You should always keep in mind how useful each accessory is and how they can help when it comes to learning to play the piano.  There are plenty of different resources you and your piano teacher can use to help you improve. In this article, we’re going to have a look at everything that could be useful for playing and getting better.Follow these tips for choosing your ideal piano!Piano extras are there to help the musician when they're practicing in order to get the most out of every session and improve their piano playing.Some are essential and some are useful. Some of these accessories and extras will play a vital role in the learning process.Sure, you can learn how to play the piano with just the bare minimum by sitting down at the keyboard and playing. In fact, that might be all you need if you’re learning with the help of a private tutor. However, don't forget that you could consider your tutor as an “extra” though they mightn't be the only thing you need to help you learn.You may also need online piano lessons; a learning facet Superprof excels at!Don't forget that a tutor might be the most important tool for learning piano. (Source: DV247 Magazine)Piano learning books are also incredibly useful, especially those on: “How to Learn to Play the Piano”. In this day and age we can even consi der using more modern resources like on-line tutorials. Or even our modern devices.Even though nowadays we're often stuck to our screens, books still remain one of the most useful and effective resources when you learn to play piano. It doesn't matter how old you are either since adults and children alike can benefit from them.Piano playing is just like any other hobby: the more you enjoy it, the more resources and extras you’ll consider buying.Actually, these extras are sometimes a good indicator of how passionate someone is about their musical instrument and playing it. Especially when you consider the economic implications of buying these things.However, don't think that you're not enthusiastic because you don't have all the gear. You can’t measure passion purely in terms of money spent on equipment and some people seem to have way more money than they do sense. Playing always needs to come first.Finally, don’t forget that most equipment is superfluous, it's the instrument itself that really counts!Join the discussion: is a piano very expensive? Specific Piano ResourcesTo learn how to play piano, you'll need equipment specific to the piano.Let's take a quick look at some of this equipment and how it can help you become a better piano player.A metronomeThis is any budding pianist's best friend. As soon as you start learning your scales, you should also consider getting a metronome.A metronome can help you keep time. (Source: Exploring Musical Instruments)A metronome helps a musician to keep time. You’ll probably recognize the famous “tick tock” of a metronome. In fact, nowadays you don’t even technically need to buy a physical metronome.  You can get metronome apps for your smartphones and tablets instead of the physical “vintage” metronome you may be familiar with.Discover also how the piano is a complete instrument onto itself!The StoolWhile this might seem obvious, you can never underestimate the importance of your stool.When you play pi ano, your positioning is paramount. Especially the position of your back. In order to have a good posture, you need a good stool and sometimes you have to make do on a shoestring in order to get one.Once you’ve found and bought your piano, you could just buy just a normal chair. However, if you’re looking for comfort and improving your technique, you have to consider a real piano stool.There are plenty of different types of piano stools available. (Source: The Piano Shop Bath)Here’s some advice: when you buy your first piano, you can probably get a discount on a piano stool and some free piano extras at the same time. There are sometimes deals on stools when you buy the piano. Make the most of them.Are you sitting comfortably at Middle C? Then you can get to work on your dexterity.Discover our complete guide for buying your first piano...Protective CoversA piano is a precious and fragile thing. Protecting it is very important. Whether you’ve got an electronic, upright, or gr and piano, I’d highly recommend investing in a protective cover for it.Again, you should look for offers on these when buying your piano. Just like you would when buying a laptop and a laptop case.Remember that the cover can keep your piano free of dust. The last thing you’d want is just jamming up the keys. Or negatively affecting how it sounds!LampsOf all the accessories we’ve looked at thus far, the lamp is least important. However, it can still be incredibly useful tool while you learn how to play piano. A well-placed lamp illuminating the sheet music and the piano keys can really help a pianist concentrate when they're playing piano.A lamp can make the difference between looking at the sheet music and focusing on its content.This also means you needn’t use as much electricity as you would lighting the whole room and who doesn’t like saving money?  Don’t spend money just for the sake of it!Join the discussion: how big is a piano, really?Some might say that all you ne ed is a piano and nothing else.However, some equipment is indispensable. The main reason for having these things is to save you time.There are a few ways you can save time:Save time when practicing: If you’re sitting comfortably then you’ll have more energy to practice. In the same way, a metronome saves you time when working on your basic rhythm. ?All of these things will help you work more effectively when learning to play the piano. If you’re comfortable when you play, you’ll work better and learn more.Save time when learning: This is related to my first point. If you give yourself the best conditions to progress, you’ll progress. You’ll advance quickly! With the right tools and accessories, an aspiring pianist will progress more quickly than they would without them. It just makes sense. They can make the most of their accessories. What’s the Best Way to Choose?When deciding on the equipment you're going to buy, you need to think about your needs and abilities. A pi anist who already has a good rhythm shouldn’t waste their time and money buying metronomes.A pianist needs a lot of tools. Not this many, though... (Source: Wikimedia Commons)On the other hand, an absolute beginner shouldn’t buy a metronome before they’ve bought a stool. Think about your own priorities.You should consider your goals, how you’re learning, what equipment you already have, and then decide what you’ll need.Of course, your wallet will always have the final say on which accessories you get and which you don’t. Like any other pursuit, piano accessories come in different price ranges. You need to know what level of product you’ll need.I’d recommend that you listen to what your piano tutor has to say on the matter. Listening to your tutor is always the best way to learn, even when it comes to their advice on which accessories you should buy.Now read this guide to buying your first piano... Any Advice?I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: look for deals ! If you’re in a piano store, make sure you’ll looking for bundles and deals. If you prefer buying on-line then you should check regularly for monthly or seasonal offers. However, you can’t barter! That’s why I always recommend going to a genuine music store and looking at what you’ve found on-line.You should also consider the pros and cons. Let me explain: It’s pointless just buying accessories for the sake of it. If you’re going to get any of these extras, you need to consider why you’re getting them and how they're going to help you learn more quickly and get better at playing the piano.  Don’t get the gear just to show off! You don’t need to. The piano itself should be beautiful enough!Finally, don’t forget that these things won’t play the piano for you. They’re there just to make your life easier and help you to learn more quickly. They make playing the piano more pleasant.You’ll learn much more quickly if you enjoy playing the piano. If you don’t enjoy it, you’ll struggle to get better.  Playing the piano should always be fun. Whether you have a mountain of gear or not.Take piano lessons London with Superprof.

Online Education

Online Education A New York Times article has reported that SRI International for the Department of Education discovered that students performed better in online learning scenarios than in classroom scenarios. The study was performed from 1996 through 2008, and it used mostly college students and adults. However, some K-12 students were used. Students who did some or all of their work in online settings ranked nine percent higher on test scores than students who used strictly classroom, face-to-face instructions. On average, students who used online instructions ranked in the 59th percentile on test scores, while students who used only classroom instructions ranked in the 50th percentile. The report used 99 studies to compare students using online instructions to those using classroom instructions for the same course, according to The New York Times. Barbara Means, the studys lead author and educational psychologist at SRI International said that online education has evolved significantly. The studys main significance lies in demonstrating that online learning today is not just better than nothing - it actually tends to be better than conventional instruction, Means told The New York Times. Experts, however, told The New York Times that the classroom will not become obsolete. However, they noted that online education will increase significantly within the next few years, as its value enhances. Experts also told The New York Times that online education gives students a more unique learning experience, and the programs can be designed to fit the needs of the individual students. This is something that the classroom can at times lack. Experts also noted that the student is more active and more attentive in an online situation. Experts said that Web-based video, instant messaging and collaboration tools helped boost the value of online education and further engage the students. Philip Reiger, the dean of Arizona State Universitys online and extended campus program, told The New York Times that he believes online education will sharply grow within a few years and transform college campuses. Currently, many K-12 schools and colleges use online programs like Blackboard and Moodle. However, these schools do not use these programs to do full-scale teaching. These programs are mainly used for posting assignments, schedules, grades, class notes and other similar information, according to The New York Times. Reiger told The New York Times that he believes technology will rapidly evolve online learning programs in the next few years. The technology will be used to create learning communities among students in new ways, Regier says. People are correct when they say online education will take things out the classroom. But they are wrong, I think, when they assume it will make learning an independent, personal activity. Learning has to occur in a community. Nearly all colleges offer some form of online education. Most colleges even allow students to pursue online degrees. Online classes can allow a student pursuing a double major or a five plus year degree graduate ahead of schedule. Some students may not find it feasible to be away from home during the summer to take summer classes. However, online classes offer a second, feasible option. These students can engage and earn credits over the summer on their free time. Online programs could also give college graduates an option to easily pick up a higher degree, while working full time. These people could take online classes at night, at their own pace, to further enhance their knowledge and workforce value. Some argue that online classes benefit the student because he/she can learn the material on his/her own time. Also, students can listen to class lectures at their own pace. Students can also rewind lectures or listen to them multiple times. However, this is nothing more advanced than what a cheap tape recorder, sitting on ones desk can accomplish. Opponents argue that the classroom situation is a unique, intimate experience with a professor. They argue that this is something that online classes lack. Opponents also argue that students can not ask questions in online lectures and can at times be left stranded. Ultimately, some students may perform better than others in online scenarios. Also, online classes may work well for some classes but poorly for others. Students should weigh their options and seek advice from guidance counselors on the matter.

4 Proven Ways to Practice Your French Listening Skills

4 Proven Ways to Practice Your French Listening Skills Sign up successful Listen First of all, listening to French is going to be the best way for you to get used to the sounds and the intonation of this beautiful language. You might enjoy listening to French radio, podcasts, or music. Or, for enhanced French listening practice, watch French TV, YouTube videos, movies, and series with subtitles on. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the language. Find material that interests you and you  will train your ear with repetitive listening. Read Text with audio is another way of improving your French comprehension. Reading while listening is highly effective if you do it on a regular basis. It helps  you connect the sounds you hear with the written word. With practice, soon you will understand the audio without the text. Actually, it helps a lot if you are listening to material consistent with your level of understanding of grammar and vocabulary. In this way, you can make much more sense of what is being said and it reinforces your previous knowledge. This will integrate the language skills you are learning. Speaking, reading, and writing practice all complement each other and improve overall language and listening comprehension. Talk Another effective French listening practice strategy is to have regular conversations with a fluent francophone. Make time to practice conversation  with your French speaking friend in-person or online via Skype. When you are talking, you must process what youve heard and respond within a relatively short time frame. Over time, your comprehension of spoken French will improve dramatically, and you will gain confidence in your new language skills. Write Write down what you hear during a listening exercise to hone your listening and writing skills. You can also take notes in French while listening to a French podcast or radio program. Just make sure the level of difficulty of the material youre using is appropriate to your capabilities. You dont want to get overwhelmed or burned out on your study of French! I believe that listening  is the most difficult skill to develop when learning French. It will take time to improve  your listening skills. There is no shortcut. The untrained ear has to be trained. However, if you practice listening to French every day, you are sure to improve! For more help improving your French language skills, work with a qualified private tutor. French tutors are available to work with you in-person or online via Skype depending on your location. Find your French tutor today!   Post Author: Annie A. Annie A. is a French instructor whose lessons are conducted exclusively online. Teaching for the past 12 years, she found her passion for the language while studying in Paris as a teenager.  Learn more about Annie here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Kaitlin Shiner

Convert Square Meter To Square Feet

Convert Square Meter To Square Feet Convert square meter to square feet is an effective tool in measurement. Measurement is a number that gives the size and amount of something. There are two main systems of measurement; they are metric and US standard units. There are more common measurements in the area. In that square meter and square feet are basic units. Square meter is the basic unit of area in the metric system of measurement. Square meter is unit of a square that has one meter on each side. A square foot is the area enclosed by a square with each side 1 foot long. We can convert area to any metric units with the help of formulas. Use formula to convert square meter to square feet. 1 square meter = 10.76 square feet. The below two examples clearly show you how to convert square meter to square feet Example 1:Convert 5 square meters to square feet. Solution: To convert square meter to square feet use the formula 1 square meter = 10.76 square feet To convert 5 square meters to square feet multiply 5 by 10.76 So 5 square meters = 5 10.76 square feet 5 square meter = 53.8 square feet Example 2:Convert 8 square meters to square feet. Solution: Use formula to convert square meter to square feet 1 square meter = 10.76 square feet To convert to square feet multiply by 10.76 So 8 square meters = 8 10.76 square feet 8 square meter = 86.08 square feet.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Internship

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Internship With summer break just a few months away, now is an excellent time to begin searching for a summer internship. Accepting the correct internship can set you on a path to success and help you discover the type of work youre passionate about. Choosing the right internship involves networking with companies in your area, identifying your specific interests, and understanding the internships expectations. Hoping to secure an internship this year? Keep reading to learn three tips for choosing the right internship. Tip #1 for choosing the right internship: pursue your specific areas of interest Before searching for an internship, take a moment to identify what youre looking for in this opportunity. Ask yourself the following questions when determining your internship goals: Am I excited to learn more about a specific industry? What size of organization do I hope to intern at? (Remember that both large and small companies offer their own unique benefits.) What types of skills do I hope to strengthen through my internship? Once you know whats important to you, use these criteria when researching internships. There are many internship opportunities available to students, so setting specific goals can be helpful during your search. It can also aid your research to know where to look for such positions. Reach out to your academic advisor, review an online directory through your university, and speak to professors to help add opportunities to your list. [RELATED: How to Get Real-World Experience in Your College Major] Tip #2 for choosing the right internship: network with local companies and organizations Its important to do focused research in your areas of interest when looking for an internship. Once youve identified the area you would like to focus your internship studies on, create a list of local companies and organizations to contact regarding any available positions. It can be helpful to start with organizations you have personal connections with. For example, if youre interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy and are familiar with a local office due to physical therapy you received there after an injury, inquire about any internship opportunities available to students. Additionally, talk to your parents, teachers, and mentors. These adults may have relationships with individuals in the field that youre interested in who can recommend you for an internship position. [RELATED: Why You Should Pursue an Internship in College] Tip #3 for choosing the right internship: understand the positions expectations Make sure youre very clear with whomever youre communicating with in the internship application process in terms of whats expected of you. Clearly state your availability, major requirements, and what you hope to learn from this experience. This will ensure that youre starting out on the same page as your internship coordinator. Secondly, be sure to read everything thats required of the interns chosen. You dont want to be blindsided by certain responsibilities or requirements of the position. Fostering an open line of communication from the beginning of the process can support a positive experience if you do accept the position. [RELATED: 4 Career Skills for Students to Develop] Once youve secured the right internship for you, whats next? Pay attention, be observant, and learn as much as possible. Understand that an internship is the perfect opportunity to strengthen your skills and gain a deeper understanding of your intended career. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

4 Ways to Prepare for Business School During Your Last Undergrad Semester

4 Ways to Prepare for Business School During Your Last Undergrad Semester Your final semester of college is a busy time. Most college seniors are looking for jobs, spending quality moments with friends, and trying to finish strong in their major. If you are also thinking about business school in the future, this is a great juncture to formulate an MBA plan. Even if you arent applying to business school immediatelywhich is usually not encouraged, unless you have significant work experienceyou can use this time to prepare your applications. Here are four ways to prepare for business school during your last undergrad semester. 1. Take the GMAT or GRE Most business schools accept either the GMAT or the GRE as an admissions exam. Your GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years, so why not take the test now and get it out of the way? It might be easier to take these exams while still in college, rather than to wait until after youre in the working world, because as a current student you are still familiar with your best study strategies. Take both a GMAT practice test and a GRE practice test first to determine which exam you perform better on. Then, study for the exam and schedule your test date so you have a specific goal to work toward in your prep. Consider making this the first step in your journey to business school, and give yourself time to look into extra test prep assistance if you need it, such as online tutoring. 2. Research business schools you are interested in Would you like to study finance, marketing, or consulting? Would you like to attend school in New York, Washington, D.C., France, or Spain? Choose which factors are important to you when applying to MBA programs, and do research on those schools that fit in your scope. Look at their incoming class profiles. Note which companies their students come from and go to. Find out what these programs are looking for in their applicants. Then, with this information, evaluate how you can use this semester to make yourself a more appealing MBA candidate. Find alumni from the schools in your networkincluding faculty and staff at your current collegewith whom you can connect. Keep up your GPA by performing well in your classes. Assess organizations and projects you would like to participate in before you apply to business school. Look for ways to boost your resume with quality volunteer and leadership opportunities before and after graduation. 3. Visit business schools in your area If there is a business school in your vicinity that you would like to attend, definitely visit the campus. Take a tour and sit in on classes if you can. Observe the environment. Meet the faculty and staff. Consider what you would gain from the program and what you would bring to your MBA class, so that you can incorporate these insights into your application. If there is a business school in your area that doesnt quite meet all of your qualifications, consider taking a tour anyway simply to learn more. Even if you dont want to attend the particular MBA program, talking with admissions officers, current students, and other business school applicants can help give you an idea of the general process and will provide you with good practice for interacting with colleagues at this level. 4. Talk with potential recommenders You will need people to provide you with recommendations for business school, and you will need to speak with these people ahead of time. This requires preparation on your part. Set up meetings with professors, supervisors, and colleagues whom you trust and respect. Have your resume and portfolio ready to discuss incase they request more information. Tell them what you want to do, where you want to go, and how they can help you get there. Also, know what the policies and procedures are for submitting the recommendations so that your recommenders have an idea of what to expect. Most importantly, keep in touch with these people after you graduate. Maintaining these relationships will benefit you throughout your career beyond business school. The last semester of college is a conclusion of your undergrad experience, but it is also a good time to set yourself up for the first semester of business school. Although you may not apply to an MBA program for a few years, you can chart the direction in which you would like to go so that your bases are covered once you get there. Laying the groundwork now can help give you an advantage over many of your fellow MBA applicants. So, use this opportunity to both enjoy your last months of college and prepare yourself for the future.

Stephanie W Maths, Physics and Oxbridge Admissions Tutor in London

Stephanie W Maths, Physics and Oxbridge Admissions Tutor in London Stephanie W is an engaging Oxford Physics graduate and Imperial PhD student who is tutoring Maths, Physics and Oxbridge admissions in London. On top of that, Stephanie is also a professional squash player; this lady is certainly talented! Why do you love tutoring? Partly, it’s an excuse for me to revisit interesting maths and physics concepts that I don’t meet on a day-to-day basis. And it is very rewarding watching my students improve. Last year, both the students who I guided through Oxford entrance received offersâ€" a thrilling outcome! Who inspired you in education? Lots of people. I had a great Physics teacher at school, an excellent Physics tutor at Oxford and I have two brilliant supervisors at Imperial. What else do you get up to besides tutoring? Mainly squash. I am trying to hit the top 100 in the world by the end of this year. If you had a superpower what would it be? Getting by on very little sleep. There aren’t enough hours in the day for all the things I want to get up to! What advice would you give to a parent on how to find a tutor? Tutoring is a very personal thing, so make sure you find a good fit for your child. Also think about the bigger picture. Will the tutor inspire your child and be a good role model? Stephanie is a: Maths A-Level tutor Physics A-Level tutor Maths Aptitude Test (MAT) tutor Oxbridge Admissions tutor Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) tutor UKMT Challenge tutor If you or your child needs help with Maths tuition, Physics tuition or Oxbridge Admissions tuition, then please  visit Stephanie’s profile page on the Tutorfair website to  book a lesson. Photograph from  commons.wikimedia.org  CC-by

Huntington Learning Center Celebrates 21st Annual Read Across America Day

Huntington Learning Center Celebrates 21st Annual Read Across America Day On March 2, 2018, Huntington Learning Center will join millions of teachers and administrators, higher education faculty, education support professionals, students, and members of the National Education Association (NEA) to celebrate Read Across America Day. This date also marks the birth of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as beloved childrens author, Dr. Seuss. Now in its 21st year, Read Across America Day is an annual literary event that inspires children and adults to embrace reading as a wonderful pastime. To commemorate the day, the NEA and its partners offer reading resources and organize a range of events and activities. Throughout the year, the NEA also fosters reading by promoting events, partnerships and resources that make reading more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Were proud to celebrate Read Across America Day and excited to join the members of our community in sharing the importance and joy of reading, says CEO Co-Founder Eileen Huntington of Huntington Learning Center. Dr. Seuss inspired children everywhere with his fun and adventurous stories. On March 2 and all year long, Huntington strives to promote reading as an activity that helps students do better in school as well as something they can enjoy the rest of their lives. Huntington offers several suggestions for parents to encourage their children to read: Be a good role model by reading as a family together and making sure your child sees you enjoying reading in your free time. Talk about books at the dinner table. Engage with your child about his or her book and any favorite characters or parts. Part of the fun of reading for children, after all, is sharing thoughts and excitement when something good happens in a story. Be a listening ear. Set aside an area in the home for quiet reading and relaxation. Make sure to have at least one distraction-free zone where your entire family can curl up with your books on a nightly basis. Get involved in reading activities at the library or in your community. The library should have a range of activities and events for your child to enjoy like book clubs and read-a-thons. Make it fun. Set the tone that reading is a special thing that your child can do and not a punishment of any kind. The more you can encourage your child to see reading as a get to and not a have to, the better. Dont restrict. As long as your child is reading, dont be too picky about what. Magazines, comic books, newspapers and blogs are all great for reluctant readers. In other words, dont give up if your child doesnt take to classics or books assigned in school. Keep trying different formats and types of reading materials. Learn more about Read Across America at www.nea.org/readacross. For more reading tips and ideas, visit www.huntingtonhelps.com. About Huntington Huntington 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 succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.