An Introductory Guide To German Attractions

An Introductory Guide To German Attractions Visit Germany: Must-See Attractions And Places In Germany ChaptersMust-See German Monuments And Sightseeing Spots For TouristsIs it time to visit Germany? Yes, it is! When you think of travel to Germany, you may think of German beer, German wine, German food like its pretzels, perhaps its romantic castles or the vibrant beer festival Oktoberfest in Munich. Maybe you will remember its dark past under the Nazi regime or the separation of the capital city Berlin into east and west by the Berlin Wall. But Germany today is a very different place from the past. It’s has developed into an unmissable culturally rich country with a strong heritage that is unique in Central Europe.Every year, millions of tourists make travel plans and take a trip to Germany. This number has risen since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1998, and the country has opened up to mass tourism. Now we all have the chance to discover Germany’s beauty and historical sites. From taking cruises on the Rhine, trekking through the black forest, to going back in time by visiting famous castles and places or maybe to be shocked by the past of the destructive Nazi period and concentration camps.Germany is full of monuments and places that are essential to visit if you want to learn about German culture and get a feel for its rich heritage. No matter where you visit in Germany this is an amazing country with lots of surprises that can only be uncovered by visiting. This is not a Germany Travel guide but collections of useful travel tips for the tourist who wants an introduction to German attractions. While the bustling Berlin city is great, these tips will hopefully encourage you to venture out of just the cities in Germany to find some new German Scenery. With the aim of helping you to make the most of your trip to Germany.Germany welcomes tourists from all over the world. Photo Source: UnsplashGerman is overflowing with opportunity for you to discover on your trip to Germany. Have fun visiting Germany. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Dis cover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors

Arabic Immersion How Best to Do It.

Arabic Immersion How Best to Do It. Ditch the Classroom and Immerse Yourself in Arabic. ChaptersLanguage Immersion: Better Than Mere Language Classes.Which Country Should You Study Arabic In?How Do Arabic Immersion Courses Work?Getting a Student Visa in Arabic-speaking CountriesGetting Scholarships in Arabic-speaking CountriesHow to Study in the MaghrebThings to Be Aware Of.“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself” - John DeweyImmersion in a country where Arabic is spoken as one of the official languages is one of the best ways to learn how to speak the Arabic language.  This only really works if you spend a good amount of time in a place.  Generally, we'd recommend at least a semester.According to UNESCO, there were 257,885 students on placements in the Middle East in 2012. 12.3% of them were in the United Arab Emirates and 8.5% were in Jordan.  The number of Arabic-speaking students coming to Western Europe is much lower.Whether you're interested in Islamic studies, want to learn more about Arabian culture, or are planning to travel to a Mi ddle Eastern country, immersion remains the best option when it comes to learning Arabic.In this article, we’re going to look at which Arabic-speaking country you should study in, how you get your visas and paperwork sorted in these countries, how to get scholarships for universities in Arabic-speaking countries, and what studying in North Africa is like. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLanguage Immersion: Better Than Mere Language Classes.If you really want to develop your proficiency in a foreign language, there is nothing better than enrolling onto a language learning course in a country that speaks that language. Attending a language program that meets for a class weekly is not even comparable.Language and culture are often deeply entwined - and attending language courses in that country gives the learner an insight not just into the new language, but into the world that speaks it too. Having the cultural coordinates of the second language you want to learn helps you make sense of the language itself. There are cultural references embedded in the language that will be clarified by your exposure to that culture. Meanwhile, learning colloquial expressions and Arabic phrases and dialects will help you sound like a native speaker.By studying in a context in which you cannot leave the classroom and speak English again is another fantastic part of language study abroad. You are forced to learn to speak from the very first moment - something which develops your fluency, vocabulary, and your pronunciation. It also, over time, prevents that mindset in which it is embarrassing to make mistakes: the possibility of communicative success in Arabic relies on you actually speaking Arabic - and the quicker you are comfortable with this the better.The change of mindset that comes with being in a different place helps the language learning experience too. Rather than being in the same classroom in your home town, you are much more likely to actually learn something with a radical shift in environment.Obviously, however, all this stuff obscures one of the most important aspects of the immersion experience. That's that it doesn't just help your language learning but it's incredibly inspiring, exciting, and enjoyable too. These will be some of the best experiences in your life, living in a different country, experiencing a way of life completely different to your own, and developing a larger sense of the world.Find great Arabic cours es London now.Which Country Should You Study Arabic In?It should be mentioned that not every country in the Arab world is somewhere you can go. Whilst the concern about the 'safety' of Arab countries is often a bit of a dog-whistle - with many in the west holding the problematic assumption that the Middle East is a dangerous, monolithic bloc - you should take the time to find out which countries are okay to visit and which are best avoided. For example, conflicts in Iraq, ongoing civil war in Syria and now Libya, and dictatorships in many other countries, make parts of the region risky for anyone who is not sensible and prepared.There are inherent risks no matter where you go. (Source: 8moments)The Arab spring resulted in instability in parts of North Africa as Arabs overthrew regimes in various countries.  As a rule of thumb, you should probably avoid border regions and certain countries in the Arabic-speaking world: Libya, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Algeria, and Yemen.Additionally, in Saudi Arabia, the ruling powers don’t really have a great record when it comes to human rights.  This leaves countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman.Generally speaking, the best places to go to learn the Arabic language are the United Arab Emirates and Egypt because the dialect of the latter is the closest to Modern Standard Arabic.You need to keep in mind that the security risk of Egypt is higher than some of the other countries on this list.  You can also study in Lebanon and Jordan, which have an even higher security risk.While you can travel on a tourist visa for 90 days in Morocco, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, you’ll need to get a student visa to start a university course or a language course at a language school.With all that said, there are plenty of countries where Arabic is the official language and plenty of Arab countries that are safe with welcoming and friendly people. Here's just a selection.Jordan.One of the most popular pla ces to take an Arabic immersion course, Jordan is a country known for such incredible sights as Petra, Jerash (an ancient Roman ruin), and the capital city, Amman. If you are looking to do Arabic immersion, the chances are you will find yourself in Amman, a busy, modern, and beautiful city.Known as one of the easier places to travel in the Middle East - as it attracts many tourists from the Arab world and Europe - it will provide a wonderful experience for anyone looking to learn Arabic whilst sampling the range of Arab culture.Find Arabic language course here.Egypt.Known for its pyramids, its ancient pharaohs and gods, and the mighty river Nile, Egypt will be forever on the map of those looking to see the world. And, whilst, these days, the political climate has become rather concerning, it remains a safe place to travel - as long as you don't head into the North Sinai nor into the desert west of the Nile. Take care, don't do anything risky, and follow government advice, and you'll have no trouble at all.The chances are that, if you take a language immersion course in Egypt, you'll be based in Cairo - the famous capital. However, there are also great opportunities to study in Alexandria and in Dahab - a spot famous for diving.Morocco.Morocco is the north-west African country that appears to extend an arm to reach Spain, separating the Mediterranean from the Atlantic. Owing to this geographical proximity to Europe, it enjoys a cultural proximity too - and it brands itself as the safest and easiest country in the Arab world in which to travel.Arabic language immersion experiences are available in Rabat - the capital city - in Marrakesh, and in Tangier. Whilst Marrakesh, the ancient city and popular tourist destination, might appeal more for its familiarity, beauty, and pace, Morocco's other cities are potentially even more interesting.UAE.The United Arab Emirates is a country that is historically, culturally, and demographically unique. Famous once only for its pearls, oil was discovered beneath the country in the 1950s. Since then, wealth has piled on wealth, and the state is now known for its two cities - Dubai and Abu Dhabi - that boast jaw-dropping architecture, pristine beaches, and a culture based on commerce.Travelling to these cities is, essentially, the norm: of a population of nine million people, only 1.4 million are actually Emirati citizens, with the rest being expats. Here, you'll be in good company - and there are plenty of language courses available.Lookup for Arabic courses for beginners here.How Do Arabic Immersion Courses Work?Arabic immersion courses - like all language immersion courses - work like any other language course in the UK. However, rather than a lesson a week or something like this, what you'll get is a much more intensive experience, studying between four and six hours a day.Across this time, you will be learning everything from the Arabic alphabet to pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar - the normal th ings you should expect from a language class.However, depending on where you will be, and the school you attend, you may have radically different experiences. If you are on a reasonably short trip for the language experience, the schools will organise sight-seeing trips at the weekends. They might organise evening visits to cultural experiences or social experiences for the students of the school. All of these things are designed to make your trip fun - but of course you are not obliged to attend.If you are attending university in an Arabic-speaking country, the experience will be much different - obviously. You will be living in the country properly, and unless the institution helps you out (see below), you will have to think about the social and life stuff yourself.How Much Should I Expect to Pay?Immersion experiences vary in terms of cost depending on the region you wish to visit, the length of your course, whether they provide accommodation, etc etc etc.As you can imagine, the G ulf States - such as UAE - are the most expensive in terms of cost of living, and the costs of immersion courses will reflect that. Entry level prices offered by the website, ESL, show the following:Morocco £295 / two weeksJordan £270 / two weeksUAE £1270 / one weekEgypt £380 / two weeksSo, whilst the UAE offers glitz, the costs may well be prohibitive. Regardless, it is well worth shopping around to see what the other options are like. HalimaArabic Teacher £13/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KotaibaArabic Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SoledadArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NancyArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaouesArabic Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DinaArabic Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AbrarArabic Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors UsamaArabic Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our t utorsGetting a Student Visa in Arabic-speaking CountriesFor example, if you want to live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi while you study, you’ll need a student visa.  The quality of life in the United Arab Emirates, where these cities are, is very high, notably due to:The subtropical desert climate where the average highs are 24 °C in January and 40 °C in JulyA high standard of livingAn excellent healthcare systemHigh-quality infrastructureAll of these things come from the fact that this state is absolutely filthy rich - due to the presence of oil.Once you've got your visa, you'll need to get your flights! (Source: jackmac34)Those from countries who are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council won’t have the same visa requirements.You’ll need a sponsor from the host university of the private school, a valid passport, and a copy of an admission letter.  Student visas are valid for 12 months. Depending on the situation, the visa can cost up to £600.You’ll need the following documents fo r a residency visa in Abu Dhabi or Dubai:A photocopy of your passportA colour ID photoMedical insurance valid in the United Arab EmiratesThe visa application formYou’ll also need to health insurance if the host university doesn’t cover this, which can cost up to between £10,000 and £15,000.If you’re heading to Amman, Jordan, where there are several universities, you’ll need a tourist or business visa before you go. You’ll change this visa once you get there.You can also study Arabic in Saudia Arabia. This country is notorious for its human rights, but you can get a visa if you’re studying there.  You’ll need to apply for a visa through visa agencies accredited to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia.Getting Scholarships in Arabic-speaking CountriesStudying in the Middle East or member states of the Arab League often comes at a cost.You can learn Arabic in Doha! (Source: Konevi)This is why so many students apply for scholarships to help them pay for their studies and exp enses. Scholarships are usually given out in accordance with a student’s grades and the very best will be encouraged financially to continue their studies.These are generally provided by public organisations or by rich families. For example, the Saudi Royal Family also provide scholarships.Scholarships in QatarQatar University has a scholarship for students wanting to improve their level of Arabic. This is for those who already have a good understanding of Arabic but don’t speak it as a native language.Before you leave, we recommend you get intensive Arabic lessons from a private tutor so that you can get around once you’re there.You can improve your linguistic skills in Arabic such as writing, speaking, reading (from right to left), and learning more about the role of the language and the history of Arabic culture.The scholarship for Qatar University in Doha includes:Student visaResidence permitApplication fees and textbooksReturn flightsUniversity accommodationThree daily me alsYou should be aware that you’ll need a letter of recommendation and you’ll need to be able to speak in Arabic or English with the administration.There are three types of organisation that offer scholarships: The Qatar Foundation, the ruling family, and scholarships from UK universities.Arabic ScholarshipsThere are multiple scholarships available from host institutions in the UK for those wanting to study a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Arabic-speaking countries.  You can go to countries like Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia, for example.  That said, you can also get scholarships in Morocco, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. You should have a look at different organisations offering bursaries and scholarships.How to Study in the MaghrebYou can also learn Arabic in Morocco and Tunisia.You can learn Arabic in Tunisia, too! (Source: Skitterphoto)The countries in the Maghreb (North Africa) also often speak French because many of them were once colonised by the French em pire.  Foreign students wanting to study in the Maghreb should probably get good A-Level or degree results.In Morocco, you’ll need to put together an application and get it to the “Agence Marocaine de Coopération International” (Moroccan International Cooperation Agency) before the 31st July each year.Your application needs to include:The routes or establishments the bursary will be for.The application form from the AMCI.Photocopies of results and transcripts.The student will receive a letter if their application is successful.Once you’re in Morocco, you’ll need to finish your registration at the university, find accommodation, and get a residency permit.Keep in mind that the dialect used in Morocco, also known as Moroccan Darija, is actually quite different from other dialects of Arabic. An Egyptian may not understand you if you speak this dialect of Arabic, for example.If you study in Tunisia, you’ll need a visa, a residence permit when you arrive, and to be accepted onto a course at a Tunisian school.Living in a country in the Maghreb allows you to benefit from a lower cost of living than in the UK or the countries in the Gulf.You’ll need six different documents to get your Tunisian residency permit:A certificate proving your enrollment at the universityThe receipt for the payment of your tuition feesYour lease contractTwo ID photosTwo tax stampsProof of financesProof of medical and accident insuranceThe steps you’ll need to take before you before going to an Arabic-speaking are similar to other countries around the world. After you’ve learnt Arabic, you’ll have quite the CV!Before you go, it's a good idea to get private tutorials from one of the private tutors on Superprof. You can get private one on one tutorials, online Arabic course, or group tutorials.Private tutorials are the most expensive per hour but arguably the most effective. Online tutorials offer a cheaper option for tailored tutorials as the tutors don't have travel costs to account for.If you're on a budget, group tutorials are cheaper per hour but your tutor's attention will be divided between you and the other students. That said, this is really useful if you're going to an Arabic-speaking country with some friends.Things to Be Aware Of.When traveling to a different country, the thing you need to remember is respect. There will be different ways of doing things: different customs, different ways of eating, different ideas of acceptable standards of behaviour. Some countries are more notorious than others for the strength of the standards they enforce - but the areas better-trodden by tourists are generally going to be more relaxed than the more remote places.Considering this, it is worth briefly covering some things that you might want to know before you get off the plane. Whilst this often sounds a little scary, it's best to know what you are dealing with.Drinking alcohol. - The consumption of alcohol in the Middle East is not so common as it is here. Let's say, it's best not to stumble down the street raucously waving a bottle of Bacardi. Some hotels serve alcohol, but don't expect it in every restaurant - and in Saudi Arabia, you'll find that possession of alcohol is just flat-out illegal.Covering up.  - Dressing modestly is something generally recommended when travelling in the Arab world. By this, we mean covering shoulders, legs, and - in the more conservative countries - even your hair. If you don't do this, you'll may receive unwanted attention, hassle, and touching. It's best to dress like the locals.Travelling as a woman.  - There are a lot of horror stories on this topic, and a general fearfulness around the advice for women. Generally speaking, it's not as bad as you may have heard. Again, the name of the game is do as the locals do.Eating.  - It's not all falafel and hummus, just to begin. Otherwise, it's important to know that you should eat with your right hand, and never your left. And, if you don't want to eat with your hands, practise your Arabic and just ask for a fork.  The important to remember in all this is that, with customs, you are allowed to get it wrong. Unless you are rude, offensive, or downright weird, no-one is going to care if you do something slightly different.

100+ Online Tools and Resources for Musicians

100+ Online Tools and Resources for Musicians Brooke Neuman Are you ready to take the music scene by storm? As a musician, you’re well aware of how difficult it  is to make a name for yourself or your band. Practicing until the wee hours of the night, juggling several odd jobs, and traveling to play multiple gigs are just a few of the sacrifices you make as a musician. Luckily, there are a ton of online music resources that can help make your life easier, including platforms that help you find gigs and websites that assist in promoting your band. Since we know you’re busy being a rock star, we’ve rounded up over 100 of the best online music resources that will help take your career to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for some time, these music resources are sure to help you. Sick of rehearsing in your studio apartment? Or is your current space too expensive? Here’s a list of online resources that you can use to find the perfect rehearsal space that fits within your budget. Fractured Atlas: Through their SpaceFinder program, Fractured Atlas helps artists find the space they need, while helping venues promote and rent their spaces. It’s a win-win. Musicnomad: Musicnomad does all the heavy lifting for you. All you have to do is type in your zip code, specify the mile radius, and choose your perfect space. Rehearsal space finder: Rehearsal Space Finder is another easy-to-use service. Just enter your location and what you’re looking for and you will be presented with a list of nearby venues. Craigslist: If you’re looking for a low-cost option, browse Craigslist for a rehearsal space near you. Oftentimes, rates are more negotiable. Booking gigs on a consistent basis is extremely important for both promotional and monetary reasons. Here’s a list of online tools  that will help you book more music gigs. Gigsalad: Gigsalad, a platform in which party planners can find and book talent, is great for local musicians. Signing up is easy; all you have to do is create a profile and wait to get booked. ReverbNation: ReverbNation is dedicated to helping emerging artists build their careers. The platform’s “Gig Finder” tool helps artists connect with different venues, festivals, publishers, and labels. Gigmasters: Similar to Gigsalad, Gigmasters is a platform where people can book various vendors, including DJ’s, singers, and live bands. The website allows you to create a customized profile and choose from a range of memberships. Splitgigs: Splitgigs is a unique social network that allows artists to “split” their gigs with other artists. This website is great for those who are just getting their feet wet. You can also find music gigs uploaded by venues and organizers. Additional tools: Sonicbids Songkick Bandsintown GigWish GigFinder Need some help promoting your band? Below are some great websites for getting your name out there and generating fans. Don’t forget social media too! CDbaby: CDbaby has a number of different partnerships with brands that can help promote your band. For example, FanBridge, PledgeMusic, and Merch.ly. Dizzyjam: Dizzyjam is a free online service in which musicians can create and sell branded merchandise. To get started, create your personalized shop, and then develop products for sale. BandPage:  BandPage is another easy-to-use platform.  Upload your profile, bio, pictures, videos, tracks, and tour dates and BandPage will update that information across the Web for you. BandApp: Perfect for musicians who have a solid fan base, BandApp allows users to share music, tour dates, and news  directly with fansâ€"for free! Music Gorilla: Music Gorilla connects artists with industry professionals. Artists can sign up, upload music, and create a profile page. Whats more, the company  does live, label showcases and provides artists with film and television placement opportunities. Additional tools: Twitmusic Eventful last.fm Ourwave Wix Music TopSpin Whether you want to share one song or an entire album, there are a variety of websites in which you can share your music with fans around the world.  Check out the ones  below! Radio Airplay: With Radio Airplay, musicians’ music plays on stations featuring the popular artists they choose. What’s more, artists have access to reports and data about their fan base. Stageit: With Stagit, artists perform live online shows via their mobile device. Fans can ask questions or request songs. Fans can also monetarily support their favorite artists. On SoundCloud: On SoundCloud is SoundCloud’s newest partner program for musicians. It allows artists to upload music, build a profile, and manage stats. Melody Fusion: Melody Fusion is a website in which artists can share their music for free. Musicians can also get feedback from their peers, take master classes, and find a mentor. Additional tools: Tunecore Music Gateway Fandistro Spotify Reddit Music Keeping track of your finances, tour dates, and more can be exhausting, especially if you’re doing it all yourself. Here’s a list of online tools that will help you better manage everything. Bandbook: Bandbook makes your life easier. Within the platform, you can manage your schedule, track your expenses, and send private messages to anyone with a Bandbook account. Artist Growth: Great for both managers and musicians, Artist Growth helps individuals schedule events, create reports, track finances, and manage tour merch all from one place. TeamSnap: With TeamSnap, you can manage member’s contact information, coordinate upcoming events, track group fees, and share files within the group. BandHelper: BandHelper takes care of all the annoying logistical detailsâ€"such as expense reports, set lists, and moreâ€"so you can concentrate on making music. Additional tools: BandLoot Entering music competitions is a great way to get exposure, connect with industry folks, and earn some much-needed cash. Check out the music competitions below. Unsigned Only: Unsigned Only was produced by the same team that created the International Songwriting Competition. Solo artists, bands, and singers can enter a wide range of categories, including rock, pop, country, and vocal performance. OurStage: Artists can enter original music into any of OurStages genre-based channels for a chance to win. Winners are featured on Amazing Radio, which boasts an international listening audience of thousands. Hal Leonard Vocal Competition: The Hal Leonard Vocal Competition is a music competition for voice students comprised entirely of YouTube video entries. International Songwriting Competition: The International Songwriting Competition is an annual song contest for amateur and established songwriters. The contest is judged by an impressive panel of judges, offering great exposure for artists. Additional tools: MuzicNotez Battles American Songwriter Lyric Contest Battle of the Bands Hard Rock Rising: Global Battle of the Bands Brush up on industry trends and get expert advice from peers by browsing through these awesome online music resources. Don’t forget to bookmark your favorite ones! Making Music Magazine: Making Music Magazine  is a lifestyle resource for all types of music makers, featuring professional musician stories, instructional articles, gear guides, and more. Passive Promotion: Created by Brian Hazard, a music veteran with 20 years of experience, Passive Promotion gives artists applicable advice about music promotion. He also regularly features reviews about new platforms. Hypebot: Hypebot features a variety of useful articles for artists. For example, the website features dedicated pages on social media use and music technology. Music Industry Inside Out: Music Industry Inside Out is a music industry knowledge hub filled with expert advice from music industry professionals. The website offers different course topics, such as funding your music, book keeping, and applying for festivals. Make it in Music: Make it in Music is a great website for emerging artists. It has a ton of advice about how to make it big, including how to build your fan base and how to approach a record label. New Artist Model: New Artist Model, an online music business school for artists, has an amazing blog, which regularly features strategies and advice for independent musicians. Additional tools: Music Think Tank Unsigned Band Promotion dawcast.com Music Industry How To Digital Music News Amp Music Marketing Cyber PR Music Hear the Music (gear reviews) Dave Ruch Do you need a branded website or flyers for your next show? Here’s a list of online resources that can help you develop and organize different kinds of marketing materials. BandZoogle: Bandzoogle describes itself as a website builder created by musicians for musicians. The website will help you create a customized website where you can sell merch, tickets, videos, and more. CASH Music: This nonprofit organization  helps musicians manage their mailing list, sell music, and organize their digital worldâ€"free of charge! Haulix: Haulix is a one-stop-shop for musicians. Using the platform, you can create promos, manage contacts, track progress, and more. Bandcamp: This free service does just about everything. Not only can artists share music with fans, but they can also get stats on who’s linking to them, where their music is embedded, and which tracks are most and least popular. Additional tools: INgrooves The Orchard Viinyl Onerpm MobileRoadie Stage Songpier Are you looking to join or start a band? Or maybe you just want to network with other musicians? Here are some music resources that can help you do just that. Kompoz: Kompoz is the ultimate collaboration tool for artists. The website allows you to upload your song idea and collaborate with other musicians from around the world. Indaba Music: Indaba is a place where musicians can collaborate with some of the biggest artists and bands in the world to create new music. Bandmix: Bandmix is the largest musicians wanted and musician classifieds website. Users can search through thousands of musicians in their area. AirGigs:  With AirGigs, songwriters and producers  can connect with  top studio musicians, singers, and engineers and virtually collaborate on projects. Additional tools: Cocompose FindMySong Zipjam eJamming As a musician, you’re always working on your craft. Here’s a list of educational music resources  that will help you sharpen your musical skills so you can perform at your best. TakeLessons: With TakeLessons Live you have access to live online classes led by high-quality music teachers who specialize in everything from ukulele to piano. Take music lessons in the comfort of your own home with its free app. Musictheory.net: Musictheory.net is a great online resource if you want to learn more about music theory. It has tons of free exercises and tools. Free-scores.com: If you’re looking for sheet music, look no further than free-scores.com. The website has tons of free sheet music in a wide range of musical styles, such as blues, classic rock, contemporary, and country. Berklee Online: Berklee Online’s video library has a number of educational videos, including in-depth lessons, exclusive clinics, and course overviews that artists are sure to find helpful. Additional tools: The TakeLessons YouTube Channel Sonic Academy Mutopia Lynda.com 8notes.com Looking for some top-notch gear to help sound your best? Here’s a list of online music equipment stores that offer high-quality instruments and gear at great prices. Music Go Round: Music Go Around sells used musical instruments, such as guitars, amps, drums, and violins, at competitive prices. As an added bonus, you can sell or trade-in your old gear. Music123: From lighting and stage effects to orchestra, Music123 offers over 65,000 products. The website boasts in-depth product information and reviews. Musician’s Friend: Musician’s Friend has a great selection of music instruments and equipment. Don’t forget to check out their blog, called The HUB, for artist interviews, product reviews, buying guides, and more. Sweetwater: Sweetwater is dedicated to keeping its customers satisfied, which is why the company offers a wide range of gear at great prices and free shipping to lower 48 states. Additional tools: GuitarCenter zZounds American Musical Supply Sam Ash Notating:  An independent community with forums, downloads, and news, Notating caters to composers, engravers, and anyone interested in music notation. SongTrust: SongTrust ensures that musicians and songwriters are able to confidently manage their music publishing. The website simplifies everything from the administration of music publishing assets to digital licensing. SonicAngel: SonicAngel offers several different options for artists. For example, musicians can crowdfund their campaigns on the platform of its partner, angel.me. CoPromote: CoPromote is a network of artists dedicated to helping one another grow their fan base by cross-promoting social posts. Radar Music Videos: Need a music video? Through Radar, artists can reach out to up and coming filmmakers to get their music video developed. Additional tools: Nimbit iMaschine 2 Cleartune Road Trip Music Memos Lets face it; making it in the music industry  is hardbut not impossible. Take advantage of these 100+ online  music resources and tools  to help manage, promote, and distribute your music. Good luck! Did we miss your favorite online music tool or resource? Tell us about it in the comments below and we will add it to the list! 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

Finding a Tutor for Your Child

Finding a Tutor for Your Child Your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, and youve been trying hard to do everything you can to help your child. Youre working with a therapist, explored or started medication, and youve put behavior plans into place at home. Youve even partnered with your childs teacher to get extra help in the classroom. And while some things are getting better, your childs grades are not improving and youre worried about your child falling behind his or her peers. It might be time to enlist the help of a tutor to give your child the academic boost that he or she needs to succeed. But how do you know how to find a tutor who will be a good fit? What should you look for in a tutor or a tutoring program when your child has ADHD? Heres my helpful checklist that will help you evaluate options in your area: The vibe. Your childs tutoring experience starts with how he or she will feel about the space and the staff. Is the space warm and inviting? Does it look like a place that your child would be drawn to? Hows the rapport between the staff and students? What does the energy in the room feel like? Trust your instincts: if something doesnt feel right its time to look elsewhere. Strong staff engagement with your child. It may seem like a no-brainer, but every child in the room should be engaged with a staff member. Some students may be doing individual work, but staff should be overseeing these students and checking in on their progress. You should get the feeling that the staff genuinely care about their students and the work that they are doing. And that the students feel comfortable looking to the staff and teachers for help when they need it. Challenging activities. Tutoring should not be about a teacher doing work for a student. Instead it should include structured learning activities that are adapted to your childs specific academic level. These activities should start at a fairly low level of difficulty to help your child get his or her feet wet and build confidence, and then gradually become more challenging as your child develops new skills, strategies, and knowledge. Instructions should always be clear and concise, and even challenging work should be within the childs reach. The work should never be so challenging that your child is constantly struggling, feeling defeated, or disengaged. Self-directed work time. No matter the curriculum or teaching strategies that are in place, tutoring should always include some independent work time. During these time-limited periods your child will have the opportunity to complete assignments on his or her own but can also ask for assistance when needed. This helps kids gain confidence, and learn strategies that will carry over to independent work time at school and at home. Space! Are there individual work areas as well as small group spaces? A solid desk and comfortable chair? Good lighting? Does it feel overcrowded or just right? The space should be clean, well-organized, well-lit and have designated space for activities. There should be a sense of shared care for the space, from the owner all the way down to staff and students. Specific ADHD training. While there are great tutoring choices out there, youre looking for one that specifically has the training, knowledge and experience of working with kids with ADHD. While many centers may say they work with students who have ADHD, ask about specific ADHD training that has been provided to the staff and teachers. Learn about the specific strategies that they use for dealing with typical ADHD-related challenges, like having difficulty staying seated, talking too much, or being easily distracted. Look for a combination of positive reinforcement (praise), clear instructions, engaging, structured activities, frequent breaks and a limited use of negative consequences. Choosing a tutor or a tutoring center can be tough and time consuming. But ensuring a good fit between you, your child, and the center is the key to success. Tutors with experience and training in working with students who have ADHD can provide the additional support that your child will need in order to reach his or her full academic potential. 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.

English Second Conditionals Videos with Exercise

English Second Conditionals Videos with Exercise We hope everyone has been enjoying our new animated video on English second conditional. This English construction is a little difficult, but its important for advancing your abilities.We use the the second conditional to talk about unreal or imaginary situations, as you will see in the video below.Watch the video, and then see if you can complete the exercises. You can watch more of our English videos here.Fill in the gaps below. Youll use a verb in the past simple for the first part, followed by a modal verb in the second part of the sentence.1. If you ___  more time, you ____ be able to study more English.2.  If you _____ more, you ____ be healthier.3. If I ___ more money, I ______ work so much.4. If you ____ more money, you ____ have to work so much.5. If he ____ a lot of English classes, his English _____ be great.Complete the sentences below.1. If I had a million dollars, _____________________.2. If you were smart, ____________________.3. ________________________, I would be happy.4. _________________________, I would travel the world.5. _________________________, I wouldnt study English.Now invent two second conditional sentences of your own.  Write your answers in comments below, and well respond. Ana Thanks Sean Hwang 1. If you _had__ more time, you _would_ be able to study more English.2. If you _were more, you would be healthier.3. If I had more money, I would not work so much.4. If you had more money, you would not have to work so much.5. If he attended a lot of English classes, his English could be great.Complete the sentences below.1. If I had a million dollars, _I would leave a long vacation_.2. If you were smart, _you would not make that stupid decision.3. _If you stayed here/did not leave_, I would be happy.4. _If I got rottery__, I would travel the world.5. _If I had been born in the US_, I wouldn’t study English. LOIEnglish SeanGood work. Question #5 I think that would is a better option. We use could to suggest possibility. For exa mple: If he studied English more, he COULD get a better job. It is a possibility. In the sentence: If he attended a lot of English classes, his English would be great. (seems to make more sense)Question #1: I would TAKE a long vacation Question #4: If I won the LOTTERY, I would travel the world. Ilka Fill in the gaps below. You’ll use a verb in the past simple for the first part, followed by a modal verb in the second part of the sentence.1. If you had more time, you would be able to study more English.2. If you exercised more, you would be healthier.3. If I had more money, I wouldnt work so much.4. If you hade more money, you wouldnt have to work so much.5. If he had a lot of English classes, his English would be great.Complete the sentences below.1. If I had a million dollars, I would buy four good houses.2. If you were smart, you would study more now.3. If you gave me more attention, I would be happy.4. If I had money and time, I would travel the world.5. If I was born in Ame rica, I wouldn’t study English.Now invent two second conditional sentences of your own. If I could, I would go on vacation.If I could change the world, I would be the sunlight in your universe. LOIEnglish Excellent Ilka. I love your last sentence, is that yours or a quote from a song? Ilka Thanks! In reality, I didnt invent the last sentence just remembered the song!

Inspirational Quotes and Sayings ~ Norman Vincent Peale, about Christmas

Inspirational Quotes and Sayings ~ Norman Vincent Peale, about Christmas Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (1898 1993), an American clergyman, writer and forefather of the theory of positive thinking. Peale is author of over 40 books. The Power of Positive Thinking is his most notable and widely read book.

Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage

Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon  Program Completer  Conquers  Tennis on the National Stage     Ena  Shibahara has received many tennis accoladesâ€"Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rookie of the Year, Pac-12 Newcomer and  Freshman of the Year,  All-American honors  and even the 2016 US Open Junior Girls’ Doubles Champion. She went into her sophomore season at UCLA ranked as the number one collegiate singles player in America. Amongst all of that, when asked what achievements she’s most proud of, she still mentions  completing the  Kumon Math and Reading Program.   Ena  enrolled  at Kumon Math and Reading Center of Palos Verdes at the  age of four years old  because her older  brothers were seeing a great  deal of success in the program. She quickly developed  the  confidence and perseverance  necessary to join her brothers as program completers.       Her older brothers also inspired her to take up the game of tennis at five  years  old. As the youngest and smallest sibling, she was often the odd one out, which forced her to work that much harder.  Her first goalâ€"beating her older brothers! She said at seven  years  old, after winning her first tournament, she realized she wanted to play tennis for the rest of her life.     Ena  took time out of her busy schedule at UCLA  to  tell us about her Kumon experience and how it impacted her life.       What did you enjoy most about Kumon?   Kumon really helped me gain confidence  and the composure  needed  to succeed. It helped me know how to stay calm when I hit a wall academically and think outside the box to solve the problem. Because of Kumon, I was always one or two levels ahead of what I was learning at school. It  allowed me the leisure to focus on other activities and classes.       What was the most beneficial thing you learned from Kumon?   The most beneficial thing I learned from Kumon is the ability to think fast and efficiently. Kumon always challenged me  and I believe that’s why I’m always a step ahead of my peers.       What is the biggest life tool you received  from Kumon?   The biggest learning tools that I received were  increased  focus and  the ability to think critically. Because of Kumon, I can stay focused for long periods of time.  And I believe that critical thinking leads to problem solving, which connects to resilience.       What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon?   Congratulations on taking the first courageous step towards success by enrolling in Kumon. The journey won’t always be easy and you may hit some walls, but every time you break through that wall, you will gain this feeling  that you are invisible! There are no problems that you cannot solve and no goals you cannot achieve, as long as you put in the work.       Studying towards a degree in communications,  Ena  credits all of her success in-and-out of the classroom to her supportive family.  She hopes to join the Women’s Tennis Association’s professional tour someday. We look forward to following her continued success.       Discover even more  Kumon  success stories.       You might also be interested in: Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Kumon Program Completer Earns Perfect SAT Math Score as a 7th Grader From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer Inspired by a Kumon Program Completer, This Student Became One Himself Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon  Program Completer  Conquers  Tennis on the National Stage     Ena  Shibahara has received many tennis accoladesâ€"Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rookie of the Year, Pac-12 Newcomer and  Freshman of the Year,  All-American honors  and even the 2016 US Open Junior Girls’ Doubles Champion. She went into her sophomore season at UCLA ranked as the number one collegiate singles player in America. Amongst all of that, when asked what achievements she’s most proud of, she still mentions  completing the  Kumon Math and Reading Program.   Ena  enrolled  at Kumon Math and Reading Center of Palos Verdes at the  age of four years old  because her older  brothers were seeing a great  deal of success in the program. She quickly developed  the  confidence and perseverance  necessary to join her brothers as program completers.       Her older brothers also inspired her to take up the game of tennis at five  years  old. As the youngest and smallest sibling, she was often the odd one out, which forced her to work that much harder.  Her first goalâ€"beating her older brothers! She said at seven  years  old, after winning her first tournament, she realized she wanted to play tennis for the rest of her life.     Ena  took time out of her busy schedule at UCLA  to  tell us about her Kumon experience and how it impacted her life.       What did you enjoy most about Kumon?   Kumon really helped me gain confidence  and the composure  needed  to succeed. It helped me know how to stay calm when I hit a wall academically and think outside the box to solve the problem. Because of Kumon, I was always one or two levels ahead of what I was learning at school. It  allowed me the leisure to focus on other activities and classes.       What was the most beneficial thing you learned from Kumon?   The most beneficial thing I learned from Kumon is the ability to think fast and efficiently. Kumon always challenged me  and I believe that’s why I’m always a step ahead of my peers.       What is the biggest life tool you received  from Kumon?   The biggest learning tools that I received were  increased  focus and  the ability to think critically. Because of Kumon, I can stay focused for long periods of time.  And I believe that critical thinking leads to problem solving, which connects to resilience.       What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon?   Congratulations on taking the first courageous step towards success by enrolling in Kumon. The journey won’t always be easy and you may hit some walls, but every time you break through that wall, you will gain this feeling  that you are invisible! There are no problems that you cannot solve and no goals you cannot achieve, as long as you put in the work.       Studying towards a degree in communications,  Ena  credits all of her success in-and-out of the classroom to her supportive family.  She hopes to join the Women’s Tennis Association’s professional tour someday. We look forward to following her continued success.       Discover even more  Kumon  success stories.       You might also be interested in: Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Kumon Program Completer Earns Perfect SAT Math Score as a 7th Grader From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer Inspired by a Kumon Program Completer, This Student Became One Himself

How to revise for a language GCSE

How to revise for a language GCSE Language exams are designed to test your understanding of a language. Which is why they test your ability to read, write and speak in a variety of situations. Due to this, you will need to have a command of essential verbs and vocabulary and know the elements of grammar. Also, ensure you know the exam format and what your examining board is testing you on. Usually, it will be listening, speaking, reading and writing. To help yourself revise for all of this, try the following tips. Focus on vocabulary When it comes to improving your vocabulary of any language, the earlier you start, the better. The more time you give yourself to expand your knowledge of words and phrases, the easier it will be on exam day. The best way to do this is to have a 'vocab book', where you can jot down any new words or phrases that you might come across in your reading and listening. Creating topic-specific vocab lists will also be helpful, so be sure to read target texts that are written in a variety of styles. Then note down any words or phrases that could prove useful. This way, when it comes to revising, you can use the lists to go over the words and get someone to test you. You could also try sticking post-it notes of useful words and phrases around your room for extra help. Conversation is key If there's a secret to revising a language, it's working on your conversation skills. Conversing with native speakers regularly is as good as hours in a classroom. Find yourself a language tutor or students who want to learn English. Better still go online and find some language groups you can converse with. This will all help with both your oral skills and your written ones. Challenge yourself to think in the new language Practising and constructing sentences and fake conversations in your head in the language you are learning will help. This kind of visualization leads to a better understanding of the language. It will also help In the conversation aspect of your GCSE where you need to use present, past and future tenses and as many complicated structures as possible. One-on-one tutoring is the best and most efficient use of your time Sitting with a tutor for a few hours, every week is a great way to learn and revise a language. On top of this, it's better to study a little every day, instead of doing a lot once in a while. You'll learn way more if you spend 30 minutes daily studying rather than say, 8 hours once a week. Go to where the language is spoken If you can't travel to the country of origin, seek out native speakers, language films and audiobooks in the language. Exposure to the spoken language is critical when it comes to revising. For instance, if you are learning French, listen to French radio or watch French TV, or read a French newspaper or journal. It will help you to formulate sentences in your head and make sense of what others are saying. Reading a wide range of French texts of different styles will also help to expand your vocabulary. Be sure to note down any new words or phrases you find that you think could be useful in the exam. Do your grammar practice Revision for the reading exam requires a lot of grammar practice, especially tenses. You must be able to identify the past, present and future tenses. You should also be familiar with all question types, such as what, why and when questions. Past papers are a great way of revising for the reading paper, as they will help to familiarise you with the words and phrases used for different topics. Other forms of reading practice include reading language novels, or newspapers and blogs in your target language. Record yourself When revising flashcards, revision notes, creating sentences using vocabulary all help. Yet the most significant aid for your presentation is recording your voice during a speech as this helps you perfect your pronunciation and identifies errors and mispronunciation. Also, try to practice your presentations with another person. Even if it's someone who doesn't speak the language as speaking aloud will help improve your confidence for the day. For further help in any language look here for tutors in your area.