What Computer Accessories Should You Get

What Computer Accessories Should You Get What Accessories Can You Use With Your Computer? ChaptersYour Data Output Device: The PrinterYour Input Assistant: the ScannerA Webcam to Communicate With Your FriendsThe Headset: A Must For GamersMove Your Data Around: USB Memory SticksExternal Hard Drives: A Good Backup SolutionOther Gadgets and AccessoriesWhether you own a computer tower, a laptop or a tablet with touchscreen, computer hardware never ceases to evolve. The market in the UK grows each year, so that almost every household now owns some sort of electronic device. In additional to the peripherals that are part of the basic user interface with your PC, such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse, there are other accessories that you might find useful when dealing with computers. Here is a selection to help you decide what you need for your home office and what to purchase for your online IT courses the next time you enter an electronics shop.Find out information about programming courses here.Printers can be fairly affordable - but not the cartridges! Photo on Visualhunt.co mInkjetFor private use, we recommend inkjet printers: micro-droplets of ink are projected onto paper to print out anything from text to JPGs and TIFFs. Today, most printers are fairly silent and reasonably fast. Of course, the price affects various functions, such as the clarity and brilliancy of pictures, speed of printing, two-sided print options… Print quality is measured in DPI: the higher the value, the lower the pixelation. For a simple text document, 600 dpi is sufficient; for a picture in a halfway decent quality, look for a printer capable of at least 1200 dpi. So consider carefully how you will be using your printer before going out to buy one. A good speed is about 10 pages per minute, but this will vary depending on whether you are printing in black and white or in colour, text-only or a picture.There are also combination scanner-printers out there that can multitask (starting at about £40). They can:Print documents and photosScan documentsPhotocopy in black and white or in colourSend and receive faxesRead flash drivess or USB sticks and print pictures directly from them, without passing by the computerTwo-in-one printer/scanner units save space and money - but if one element breaks down, you have to replace the whole. Photo on Visual huntWarning: though some modern printers are wi-fi compatible, others need a cable, which is not always included! Make sure you ask about it in the shop and let someone help you find a USB cable of the right length and type (or look carefully at the product description when shopping online).Laser and LED printersIn the past, you could also find needle printers if you wanted to save on ink, but these are almost never used any more as they are loud and slow. But now you can get a colour laser printer that lets you print high-quality pictures with very little ink. They are also much faster than inkjet printers. The only downside is their cost, meaning they are mostly used by companies and professionals. LED printers a re laser printers’ new rivals as they offer a very high print quality (600-2400 dpi).3-D PrintersWhat about 3-D printers? With them, you can print three-dimensional objects in a special kind of plastic http://www.techradar.com/news/best-3d-printer. They are fairly slow, needing up to ten minutes to print a single small figure; several hours for more complex things. But even private 3-D printers are still very expensive: they cost anywhere between £200 and £800 - and do you really need one?3-D printers shouldn't be part of your starter kit, especially if you don't master 3-D creation software. So why not take an online IT lesson with Superprof? Photo credit: wasapninworld on VisualHuntYour Input Assistant: the ScannerYou might want to consider digitalising all your family pictures, or need to send a signed document by e-mail, or import pictures from a book into a PowerPoint presentation. This is where a scanner comes in handy.Today, there are a lot of two-in-one printer/scanner u nits out there, but you can also buy separate scanners starting at £40 with high-resolution machines for up to £200. The first scanners were manual: you had to swipe them over the documents by hand. They are now obsolete, having very poor resolution and being difficult to use.Feed scanners are used for fax machines and business scanners with a document tray that pulls the individual pages through automatically.The most common models are flatbed scanners: you place your document flat onto a glass under which the scanner head goes back and forth:A light is shone on the documentThis light is reflected by the document onto sensorsThe reflected light is filtered according to the three basic colours (red, green, blue)A microregulator re-calibrates the coloursThe scanner head moves forward to capture the whole of the paper, line by lineThe digitial information is re-created pixel by pixel to produce a document in JPG, TIFF or PDF format.Just as for the printer, a minimum resolution of 20 0 dpi is recommended to get a good image on your computer screen. Some flatbed scanners also scan slides and negatives. You can also try portable scanners, often used by medial professionals. Fast and compact, you slip the document through it to scan. Count about £40-80 for a portable scanner.A Webcam to Communicate With Your FriendsWhen staying in touch with family and friends, don’t forget the camera! Though it’s often integrated into the computer monitor, you can also buy a separate webcam for more flexibility or better resolution. A webcam is simply a small digital camera which, with the help of software that is usually already uploaded onto the camera or is available as a download, allows you to send real-time images from almost anywhere on Earth. It’s useful for video conferences, whether in the office or at home. With a webcam you can:Take picturesRecord videosTake part in video conference calls, via Skype for example.If you decide to buy a separate webcam, pay attenti on to its resolution, image stability and microphone quality to have decent sound and image quality. Basic models start around £10 but professional-level models can go over £80.A good way to stay in touch with the office from home, or say hello to family members living half a world away - or even take online IT classes, learn Java programming or take singing lessons online! 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/h 1st 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 tutorsThe Headset: A Must For GamersA headset is a piece of equipment integrating both a microphone and an earphone. It’s very useful for professional gamers, call centre employees or anyone who has to talk and do something else at the same time, such as IT troubleshooters, coders, graphic artists who want to talk a client through changes in real time, or even a student taking online coding courses etc. For online gamers, it allows them to communicate with other players while playing the game. Like a gaming mouse, it isn’t indispensable for casual gamers, but it makes playing more comfortable and professional gamers wouldn’t dream of doing without!Gamers are not only ones to use a headset at the computer. Photo credit: highwaysengland on Visualhunt.comIt generally has two jacks: one for the microphone and one for the earphone. A good-quality headset will cost you about £30-50.Move Your Data Around: USB Memory SticksA USB stick is a data storage device. You can transfer all the data you want to take with you (pictures, music, videos, files…) to a USB stick so it can be read by a different computer. It’s easy to use: simply insert it into the USB slot on your computer, then drag-and-drop, or copy-and-pa ste any files and data you like onto it. USB keys are compact and easy to slip into a purse or wallet. USB sticks use flash memory and have very few mechanical and electrical components, making them quite shock-resistent. They have storage capacities ranging from 2 GB to 2 Terabytes, but remember that they are better adapted to use as temporary storage than as a permanent data storage unit or data backup. If that is what you are looking for, get an external hard drive instead. Depending on its storage capacity, USB sticks cost anywhere between £3 (for only 2 GB) and £700 (for encrypted USB 3 flash drives with 128 GB).External Hard Drives: A Good Backup SolutionMost PCs have an internal hard drive that allows you to store data on your computer. But just in case your computer crashes, it’s a good idea to backup your data by regularly copying it onto an external hard drive. In addition, it is a good way to expand your memory capacity if your hard drive memory is limited. There are office hard drives and portable external hard drives.Office or business external hard drives (not to be confused with cache memory or shadow-RAM) can weigh several kilos and are not really portable, though they can be transported. Their memory capacity varies from 750 Gigabytes to 6 Terabytes for prices ranging from £60 to over £100. They often need an external power supply in addition to their connection to the computer.Lighter (about 200g), portable external hard drives offer 500 GB to 2 Terabyte memory for prices ranging from £20 to about £70. A simple USB connection is enough.External hard drives are great for storing media and making sure all your important files are backed up. Photo credit: begemot_dn on Visual huntThere are also multimedia hard drives that not only allow you to save files but also play them by plugging them directly into a TV screen or an entertainment centre. Make sure the multimedia hard drive has an HDMI connection for better-quality images.Other Gadge ts and AccessoriesWho doesn't need a USB whack-a-mole to plug into their computer? Photo credit: Kimli on Visual HuntNovelty mousepad, printer table, wireless keyboard, label printer, DVD burner, screen protector, office chair… there are enough office gadgets out there to personalise your computer and your workspace any way you like. Computer and marketing specialists understand that and are constantly proposing more or less useful gadgets and merchandise. From film merchandise to gimmick USB gadgets, it’s up to you to decide whether or not your really need a USB rocket launcher or a Darth Vader mousepad…See our Beginner's Guide To Computers.Discover the History Of Computers.Find out Who Are The Most Famous Programmers.Learn more about Facebook.

Tips for Video Admissions Interviews

Tips for Video Admissions Interviews Congratulations on landing yourself a video admissions interview! Thanks to technology, university officials and students hundreds of miles apart can be brought together to discuss a prospective college. While there are certainly benefits to virtual interviews, they do not come without their own brand of quirks. Here are some pointers to make the best of your video admissions interview: 1. Make sure your internet connection is stable Perhaps the most important factor in a video admissions interview is ensuring you have a stable internet connection. Without a stable connection where interviewers can see and hear you properly, your preparation, credentials, and enthusiasm could all be overshadowed. [RELATED: What NOT to Discuss During a College Interview] Before your admissions interview, find out which areas in your house (or wherever you plan to perform the interview from) have the strongest signal. You can do this by wandering around with a laptop and looking at the number of signal bars, or by video chatting a friend and asking where the connection is most consistent. Maybe the best place for your video admissions interview is not your own house but a cousins or friends house. If your home does not get a strong internet signal, consider holding the interview elsewhere; you could reserve a private room in a library or other community building, for instance. 2. Be aware of your surroundings When you are accustomed to seeing something every day whether it is a band poster in your room or a stain on the wall in your kitchen its easy to forget that it may be unsightly to a new eye. Take a look from the interviewers perspective before settling on a spot to hold your interview; think about how the interview environment will look from his or her point of view. Most platforms for video chatting have a test function that allows you to see yourself on screen, so take advantage of this feature; do not just guess which parts of the room will end up on screen. Again, you could also video chat with a friend to ask him or her for feedback on the rooms appearance behind you. The background for your video admissions interview should be professional, tidy, and plain. Clean up any piles of clothes, papers, or garbage that might be visible to the interviewer. Also, ensure there is nothing behind you that the interviewer could find distracting, such as noisy patterns, large print signs, or even free-roaming pets. You want the interviewer to be solely focused on you and what you have to offer. 3. Still dress to impress Since you might be doing your video admissions interview from home, you may be tempted to dress comfortably and keep a snack or cup of coffee within arms reach. However, the video admissions interview should be held in the same regard as any other interview, where your goal is to impress. Dress in semi-formal attire and make sure you are as well-groomed and presentable as you would be for any other interview. Its acceptable to have a water bottle nearby since you will be talking a lot, but any other drink or food item (soda, chips, etc.) is not recommended. Most importantly, turn off your cell phone! If you keep your phone on and within sight, you could be tempted to look at it. Ringtones and vibrations can be easily heard through video chat, so save yourself the embarrassment. Just hit the power or silence button; your texts and calls can wait. [RELATED: 3 Things You Must Do After an Admissions Interview] Video admissions interviews deserve as much attention as classic in-person interviews. However, the complications that may arise are a bit different. By taking care of the technological and visual components of the process, you will be on your way to a successful video admissions interview. 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.

The Overall Best Way to Learn Japanese Immersion

The Overall Best Way to Learn Japanese Immersion Learn to Speak Japanese in Japan Chapters Learning Japanese in Japan with Language Classes Learning Japanese Through a Language Exchange Program  The Best Way to Learn Japanese on your Own is by Hanging Out with Japanese SpeakersAccording to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), over 28.5 million people visited Japan in 2017, which was a 19.3% increase on the previous year.  In fact, tourism in Japan has increased every year since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.Any language that doesn't use the Latin alphabet (Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese etc) posses an immediate problem for any English speaker. Without prior experience of reading and writing Japanese, a complete beginner will have an overwhelming sense of feeling lost and slightly confused as  most things in Japan are written using the local hiragana, katakana, and kanji writing systems.Being able to communicate is made even harder when you consider that Japanese people famously struggle with learning English.Therefore speaking Japanese is essential before you visit the land of the rising sun.However, you needn’t master everything before you go, you just need to learn some of the most important Japanese expressions so that you are able to have a conversation.Just as in other Asian countries like China, Taiwan, and South Korea, it’s rare that the locals outside of the big cities speak English.  Trying to speak English to merchants in Okinawa, Fukuoka, or Sapporo isn’t really worth your time.  The first thing you should do is attempt to learn your first words in Japanese phonetically, rather than trying to learn how to write them.Once you're there, you can improve your basic Japanese so that you become a master of the local tongue.There is a lot of useful advice for learning Japanese  on the internet. In this article, Superprof will focus on how you can perfect your Japanese whilst in Japan.There are longer courses (lasting 1 or 2 years), as well as courses over the summer, and courses that last one month or 10 weeks.There are also 10 different levels available so you can start as a new learner before moving on to being an intermediate, and ultimately reaching the more advanced levels.The school focuses on ensuring that students are put into smaller classes (with 6 to 12 students per class) and enjoy a cozier atmosphere than they would in a college.There are also extracurricular activities for students interested in learning more about Japan and Japanese culture. This is important because the language and culture are almost intertwined in Japan and therefore learning about one can help you simultaneously learn about the other.Students can learn things like:Chinese characters (kanji) that are used for writing in JapaneseKana: the Hiragana and Katakana writing systems used in Japan.How to read and write in JapaneseJapanese etiquette (which is far more important than you’d think)Japanese pronunciationJapanese grammarISI Japanese Language SchoolThis Japanese language school can be found in the Toshima district of Tokyo, as well as in the cities of Kyoto and Nagano.There are plenty of different courses available depending on why you’re learning Japanese: for work, study, or just to travel.  There are also extracurricular activities for those who’d like to familiarize themselves with Japanese culture and history. This makes the learning process more interactive and interesting.Kai Japanese Language SchoolThis school is located in the Shinjuku district of Japan's capital.  There are 4 main curriculums available and you can choose whichever of their language courses that works best for you.The general course is your traditional language course that covers levels from beginners to advanced.There’s also a shorter conversational course for those who just want to learn how to speak Japanese.If you’re looking to become fluent so that you can work in Japan, you’ll probably want to consider doing the business Japanese course which includes the expressions you’ll need for intervi ews and meetings.Finally, there are the summer courses. As the name suggests, this is the course you’ll do if you’re only in Japan for the high season.In addition to these courses, there are also private tutorials available from the school which can be taken on their campus or elsewhere.  In this case, your tutor will provide your personal Japanese language course for you.Libraries should be the first place you visit when you start learning Japanese. (Source: pixabay.com)Shinjuku Nihongo GakkoThe Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute (Shinjuku Nihongo Gakko) is an educational foundation that’s recognized by the Japanese government.  It was created in 1975 and has students from all over the world.They use the “Ezoe Method” which makes use of cards and gestures to help students learn Japanese more effectively than they would using traditional methods.  This allows students to continue to study outside of the classroom when they’re at home without their professor. Learning J apanese Through a Language Exchange ProgramWhat’s better than learning Japanese in order to travel to Japan, immerse yourself in the language, and participate in an inter-cultural exchange program?Of course, this means you’ll have to leave your past life behind and start living exclusively like the Japanese. Here’s our advice for making the most of your language immersion on a daily basis.If you study hard, you'll find that learning Japanese isn't as difficult as you thought. (Source:  startupstockphotos.com)Some people genuinely worry if it is possible for an English speaker to learn Japanese. Don't worry-apart from Japanese writing system, learning the language is just like learning Portuguese, Spanish, or French.And just like if you want to learn German, Italian, or any other language, moving to the country is the best way to go about it.So what about finding work in Japan?  That’s a great idea! Getting a job in Japan is a great way to learn technical vocabulary and learn things that you won’t in the classroom.  If this is your plan, it might be worthwhile investing in specialized dictionaries and flashcards to help you learn more quickly.Working in Japan isn’t as easy as finding work in other English-speaking countries like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.  For one, there’s no working holiday visa program for foreign nationals, and it’s unlikely that the jobs that don’t require any qualifications (like working in bars or restaurants) would sponsor your visa.However, if you have qualifications, or are an English-language teacher, a number of doors will open to you. If teaching’s what you want to do, you should consider looking at TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualifications.  The Best Way to Learn Japanese on your Own is by Hanging Out with Japanese SpeakersThere are a number of great books to learn Japanese  if you want to study on your own. These can help you with Japanese writing, but you'll still need more exposure to the language in order to practice and pick up more Japanese phrases.Sharing an apartment with Japanese speakers is arguably one of the best ways to learn Japanese.In addition to learning new Japanese words, your roommates may even teach you to make Japanese food! (Source: pixabay.com)Sharing an Apartment in JapanFinding an apartment in Japan can be particularly difficult, especially in large cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, or Sapporo.  However, by sharing an apartment with native Japanese speakers, you’ll benefit from free Japanese tuition by practicing on a daily basis without having to spend a single penny.There’s nothing better than sharing an apartment for improving your mastery of the spoken language. You can put down the textbooks and just have a Japanese conversation.You should also consider writing down the new words you learn (phonetically where possible) and making a small list of essential phrases like:Hello: Ohayô gozaimasu, Konichiwa, Konbanwa,Thank you: ArigatôPlease: Onegaishimasu or KudasaiGood night: Oyasumi.The Japanese are very interested in foreign cultures and will be happy to talk to you about their culture, and help you learn about their language.  Additionally, if you teach children English, you’ll inevitably end up learning some Japanese while you do.Your roommate will also help you learn more about colloquial Japanese, something you won’t learn as much about during your Japanese classes.Use Japanese as Often as PossibleWhatever you find yourself doing in Japan, you should try to use the language as often as you can.One of the best (and most fun) ways to do this is to go to Japanese bars, restaurants, and clubs. However, as with any new language, in the beginning you might feel a bit like Bill Murray in the movie “Lost in Translation”.Japanese is language which uses syllabaries. This means the language is built around consonant-vowel units or consonant-vowel-consonant units.  Once you’ve learned the syll ables used in Japanese, there are no other pronunciations that you’ll need to worry about.  With only 5 vowel sounds in Japanese, there are far fewer than in the English language.  That said, you should still be practicing your pronunciation as often as you can with your Japanese friends.Karaoke’s very popular, too! Why not invite your Japanese friends to a karaoke evening?  Spending an evening in a karaoke bar is a great way to meet locals while having a good time and learn the language without even realizing that you’re actually “studying”.Rather than spending your time with other foreigners, you should seek out actually Japanese people and make new friends. Stepping out of your comfort zone has never been so fun!Another great way to become fluent is by taking japanese lessons online. Alternatively, look for 'japanese classes near me'.

The Shy Singers Survival Guide

The Shy Singers Survival Guide Suzy S. Getting up on stage can be scary for any new musician, but the feelings of anxiety can be even more intense if you consider yourself on the quiet side. So how can a shy singer survive? Before you relegate yourself to the audience for the rest of your life, know that many timid musicians have made a name for themselves Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan and Carly Simon, to name a few, have all dealt with anxiety or shyness off-stage. The good news is that there are ways to train yourself to become a confident, energetic performer even when youre battling nerves. Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your spirits up: 1) Focus on positive feedback. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that were doing awesome. We all have different reasons for feeling timid, and fear of rejection or critique is a common one. So when you receive praise from others, dont brush it off. Remember their feedback, and remind yourself of it before your next performance.  Working with a private voice teacher is also important; find an instructor who balances helpful feedback with positive praise, and be honest with him or her about your fears. You and your teacher can work together to find exercises for stage presence and stage fright that help calm your nerves. 2. Amp up your experience. You spend hours, weeks, months preparing a piece before it sounds perfect, right? Same idea can be applied to performing. The first time you get up in front of a crowd may feel overwhelming, but the more you do it, the easier it will become over time trust us! (Not sure where to start? Check out this list of low-key performance opportunities to  build stage confidence.)  Of course, this doesnt mean rushing into performing, either. If youre simply not ready to take it to that step, dont force yourself. In the meantime, try joining a choir to get experience without the center-stage pressure. 3. Dont forget the basics. When youre shaking in your boots, it can be all too easy to completely forget the basics, such as proper breathing and good posture. For some singers, it can help to write down simple things to remember, and review the list before going on stage. Take a deep breath, feel free to take a few moments after youve situated yourself on stage (no need to rush!), and fill your mind with positive thoughts. Above all, dont forget why you enjoy singing. Sharing your passion with an audience can be a very rewarding experience and remembering that passion can often mask any signs of nerves. 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

Why Study Latin

Why Study Latin Why Should You Learn The Latin Language? ChaptersStudying Latin To Understand  EuropeLearn Latin To Master EnglishLearn Latin To Ace All Exams“Nescire autem quid antequam natus sis acciderit, id est semper esse puerum. (To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.)” ? Marcus Tullius CiceroTo learn ancient languages such as ancient Greek or Latin is often viewed as only reserved to students going to the best schools, often in the private sector and rarely state-run  schools.And to many learning Latin, an extinct  and seemingly useless language is just a waste of time and energy.However, studying the Greco-Roman world gives you the tools to understand the state of Europe today. Knowing the history of the continent from its antic period and studying the Roman civilisation will give you a great insight into how our culture, language and country emerged.St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is covered in Latin, which remain the official language of the Church still to this day.Today, still 10,000 students take Latin for their GSCEs. However, following budget cuts, some schools that have been teaching Latin for many years have found themselves  incapable of continuing those classes.Some scholars and academics justifiably fear that Latin will slowly stop being taught in school and emphasise  its importance in English, even though the language spoken in the United Kingdom isn't a Romance language.So Superprof will outline why you should learn Latin.Computer Science: CS, engineering, etc., especially jobs that require programming knowledge, are excellent career paths for people who have studied Latin. Why? Because Latin gives you a great understanding of ANY language, and computer programming uses its own set of languages whose rules are a lot easier to understand with a Latin background!Medicine: A background in Latin makes a lot of medical terminologies a lot easier, and tells medical schools that you are serious about academics and not afraid of memorization.Law: Law schools love to get applications from classicists - success in the study of Latin proves that you have a mind capable of learning and using the kind of detail you will be required to deal with as a lawyer. It doesn't hurt to already know all those Latin terms, either!Education: Like Mr Carruth, you too could end up teaching - and not just Latin; a Classical education helps prepare you for English, history/social studies, geography, and is a great basis for starting other languages.Find a Latin tutor here.The University of Cambridge in England is one of the oldest one in the world and has been teaching Latin since it was founded. (by Scudamore's Punting Cambridge)To sum things up, Latin will allow you:To improve your general triviaTo learn about the Roman civilisation, the cornerstone of Europe's cultureTo improve your EnglishTo improve your gradesTo make it easier to learn other European languagesTo sharpen your mindTo access your dream university. Why not Oxford or Cambridge?Get your book s and start learning!

How Is the Violin Played Around the World

How Is the Violin Played Around the World How Do Violinists Play Around the World? ChaptersThe Violin in AsiaThe Violin in EuropeThe Violin in the AmericasThe Violin in Africa“If it is true that the violin is the most perfect of musical instruments, then Greek is the violin of human thought.” - Helen KellerThe violin, viola, and cello all originated in Europe and Italy, in particular.So does that mean that the violin is played in the same way in Europe as it is in the Americas, Africa, and Asia?Of course not!While a lot of children learn to play the violin in the United States, very few in Ghana and Moldavia do. Violin playing varies all over the world and before you start taking violin lessons to learn how to play the violin, you should learn more about the instrument around the world.So let’s have a look at what learning this orchestral musical instrument is like around the world. TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson f ree!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Violin in AsiaFor many musicians, playing the violin represents excellence, technique, and precision. It seems that many countries in Asia would agree with this, too, since they include some of the greatest violinists in the world. Asians represent 47% of entrants and 35% of winners in violin competitions such as the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists. They need to adopt the right posture, coordinate their left and right hands, and get music theory lessons.The violin is very popular across Asia. (Source: Quangpraha)There are similar instruments, too. While yo u don’t necessarily need to play with a bow nor with a soundbox, the strings are essential for all instruments in the violin family. For example:In China, there’s the Ehru.In India, the Vînâ.In the Middle East, the Vielle is common.In Japan, it’s the Kokyu.It should be mentioned that with 47 different countries in Asia, it’s difficult to generalise. In Southeast Asia, the traditional violin is popular as it is in the Middle East.In China, Korea, and Japan, the violin is a sign of perfection and you need to know violin pieces off by heart.Whether you’re a beginner or want to become the greatest violinist in Asia, here are some of the greatest Asian music schools:The Korean National School of Music in South KoreaThe Delhi School of Music in IndiaThe Khoshnahad Peiman Conservatoire in IranThe Bechmann-Mehta School of Music in IsraelThe Aichi Music School in JapanThe Kuala Lumpur International College of Music in MalaysiaThe Taiwan Normal University College of Music in Taiwa nThe Istanbul Mimar Sinan Conservatoire in TurkeyThe Conservatoire of Hanoi in VietnamIn Asia, you could say that the violin is played in a variety of ways while respecting the traditional customs of the instrument.So what’s it like elsewhere in the world?Search for  violin lessons London  now.The Violin in EuropeDid you know that 79% of European violinists are under 25 years old?That’s because, as the birthplace of the violin, there’s a culture of learning instruments from a young age. Keep in mind that the vielle was born in Cremona, near Milan, an essential town for luthiers.Cremona, Italy, is the birthplace of the violin. (Source: maristeneva0)Furthermore, the golden age of the violin took place in Europe with the Renaissance and the Baroque period when new variations on the violin came about (such as the baroque violin). There were also many talented musicians such as Bach, Paganini, Vivaldi, Pizzicato, Mozart, and Kreutzer, musicians who are still part of the violin’s classical orchestral repertoire.You don't need to play in a symphony orchestra in order to be a great violinist as there's a lot of folk music being played on the fiddle and contemporary musicians using the electric violin in modern music.Today the violin is universally popular in Europe for:Contemporary music in Western European countries.Popular and traditional music in Nordic countries.Gipsy music in Eastern Europe.It’s hardly surprising that there are over 1,500 different establishments for teaching the violinists of tomorrow. If you want to learn to play the violin, you should check out the following places:Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, GermanyMozarteum University Salzburg, AustriaRoyal Conservatory of Brussels, BelgiumAcademy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts - Plovdiv, BulgariaAcademy of Music, University of Zagreb, CroatiaRoyal Danish Academy of Music, DenmarkConservatorio Profesional De Música Arturo Soria in Madrid, SpainSibelius Academy Helsinki, FinlandÉcole Normale de Musique de Paris, FranceAthens Conservatoire, GreeceFranz Liszt Academy of Music, Budapest, HungaryTrinity College Dublin, IrelandMilan Conservatory, ItalyJazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music, LatviaAcademy Of Music, MonacoRoyal Conservatory of The Hague, NetherlandsRoyal Conservatoire of Scotland, EdinburghConservatoire de Musique de Genève, SwitzerlandWithout a doubt, Europe has no shortage when it comes to learning stringed instruments. After all, it’s the home of many of them.What about the Americas?The Violin in the AmericasJust like with Europe, the Americas have a long history with the violin. While the way the instrument is held may differ, the violin is played in the same way in the United States of America and Canada as it is in Europe. However, scordatura tuning is sometimes used in the US. There are a lot of similarities, unlike with Latin America.The Americas are a mixing pot of musical genres and influences. (Source: Free-Photos)For example, you mightn’t see as many violins. There are local variants that are more popular for making music:In Chile, Guatemala, and Ecuador, you may see the RebecIn Brazil, they also play the Rabeca, a Portuguese variation of the violin.In Peru, they play the kitaj, a blend between a ukulele and a violin inspired by Incan music.It should be noted that in North America during the 1920s, the violin helped create two types of music.BluesCountryIf you’re looking to learn the violin or become a famous violin player in the Americas, you’ll probably need to study in some of the greatest music establishments:Musical Conservatory Beethoven, Saõ Paulo, BrazilConservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal or the Humber College School of Music in Toronto, Canada.Projazz Professional Institute, Providencia, ChileEMMAT, Bogota, ColombiaUniversidad de Costa Rica, Costa RicaConservatorio Amadeo Roldan, Havana, CubaJulliard School, New York, United States of AmericaConservatorio de Música de Occidente “Jesús Castill o”, GuatemalaInstituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura, Mexico City, MexicoFacultad de Bellas Artes, Panama City, PanamaConservatorio Nacional de Música, Lima, PeruConservatory of Music of Puerto RicoEscuela Universitaria de Música, Montevideo, UruguayConservatorio de Música Simón Bolívar, Caracas, VenezuelaWhichever American country you find yourself in, you can learn to play the violin at any time and even get beginners violin lessons near me from the locals.The Violin in AfricaIn terms of music, Africa is quite different as the violin is rarely used and there are very few variants of it:In West Africa, you can find the riti, an instrument with just one string that creates a high-pitched sound with the bow.The N’goni from West Africa is halway between a guitar and a violin.In Central Africa, the ennanga is a harp-shaped instrument with an oval soundbox.The guembri is popular in North Africa, especially amongst the Berber and Tuareg populations.In East Africa and Ken ya, the orutu is very similar to the violin as it’s an old vielle.In Central Africa, the n’gombi is a mix between a harp and a violin.The kabosy, a guitar-shaped instrument, is popular in Madagascar.The violin has found crossing the Sahara dessert very difficult. (Source: parvel)Generally, there are only really North and West African variants of the violin given their history with Europe. Across the rest of Africa, percussion is more popular than stringed instruments. A lot of the violin practices were borrowed from Europe in North Africa.If you want to learn to play the violin in Africa, you should consider:Conservatoire National De Musique Et De Danse, Rabat, Agadir, or Tetouan, MoroccoMusic School of Eastern Africa, Kisumu, KenyaNational Center Musique Des Arts Populaires, Tunis, TunisiaCairo Conservatoire, EgyptDakar Music School, SenegalThe Music Fund provides music education in Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of the CongoExcept for North Africa, the violin isn’t ver y common in Africa as there isn't much classical orchestra music or string quartet music. A musician in Africa is more likely to play percussion than become a violin virtuoso. That said, that doesn't mean there are no African violinists and there are actually some exceptional African musicians playing violin music.Whether you want to learn traditional Latin American violin, Jazz violin from North America, buy a Stradivarius in Europe, master the violin in Asia, or benefit from African music tuition, our private tutors are ready to help you. So are you ready to learn to play the violin?If so, you'll need to learn more about the fingerboard, which violin strings are the best, how to hold a violin bow, fingering technique, how to apply violin rosin to your bow, and how to tune your instrument. Don't worry, we've got plenty of other articles about the violin for you to check out!

Prasannas Volunteer Drama Workshop!

Prasanna's Volunteer Drama Workshop! Prasanna P is an experienced actor starring in major stage productions, TV shows and film. Recently Prasanna has taken a few hours a week from his busy schedule to volunteer for The Tutorfair Foundation, helping the 6th Formers at Pimlico Academy develop their Drama skills. Prasanna easily built rapport with the students, providing advice that they were able to act upon immediately. Lisa D - Drama Teacher at Pimlico Academy said, “Prasanna is just one of life’s nice guys. The advice he is giving is something the students can really relate to. He thinks about it on their level, which is great.”  The students were all working on various pieces for their GCSE drama, requiring a differentiated approach to the tutoring. Prasanna delivered quality support to each student and group, depending on the requirements of the piece. Lanta and Amy said “He helped us with our scene, which has improved a lot since he’s started helping! He gave the scene a better style making it much more believable” Being able to strike a chord with the students has certainly helped Prasanna ga in their respect. Lisa added, “The students aren’t struck particularly [by the fact he’s currently on TV] but they are very receptive to good advice, which is what he gives” You can tell by the  way the way the students listen and respond that they value Prasnana’s input. Tashan and Daniela made the following remarks; “He helped us with creative techniques and we have definitely gained in confidence” and “he accepts what we have to say. He sticks to our ideas allowing us to develop them, rather than giving us his own.” It really is an inspiring sight to see so many students engaged and clearly benefitting from the help of a volunteer. When asked about the experience Prasanna has this to say: “The students were hard-working and imaginative in their scenes and improvisations. They responded brilliantly to new possibilities in their work and they were a pleasure to teach.”

English Idioms Related to Goals - English Lesson via Skype

English Idioms Related to Goals - English Lesson via Skype Today were going to look at common English idioms related to goals and to achieving goals.A new year is a great time to set out your goals for the future whether they are  personal or business orientated (connected to).It is important when setting goals to follow  some basic guidelines:you want to ensure that your goals are achievable (do not make them  too hard or too easy),you want to be able to measure them (need to have some way to  determine if you are successful or not) andyou should commit your goals to paper (write  them down) and place them somewhere you will see them everyday (on your fridge or your  desk) and finally review them regularly so there are no surprises (check your progress, do  you need to do something differently). Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: 10 English Idioms Related to Goals Before you start off on your goals we need to look at the preparation.1. BUCKLE DOWNWe use this to tell ourselves it is time to get to work and start your project.Example: Come on, its time to buckle down to these goals and get started.2. EXPLORE ALL AVENUESBefore you start it is a good idea to do your research and understand clearly what your goals are.Example: I really explored all avenues open to me and eventually decided that this was the best option.3. LAY THE FOUNDATIONSIf you wish to be successful at anything it is really important to prepare and get everything ready.It is like building a house. You would never build a house unless you prepare the ground first and dig your foundations.So before attempting any goal  make sure you lay the foundations, do your preparation and the goal should be achieved  more easily.4. HAVE A BEE IN YOUR BONNETto be obsessed by an idea, to be constantly occupied with thoughtsExample: Peter has a bee in his bonnet about healthy eating.5. DIG YOUR HEELS INto refuse to do something or change your mind about somethingExample: She dug her heels in and said she wouldnt speak with me anymore.7. GET YOU TEETH INTO SOMETHINGto put a lot of effort into somethingExample: She really got her teeth into the writing. English Idioms related to Goals - Infographic When you have finished your project and you can review whether you have succeeded or not  and whether you are satisfied with the results.If you are satisfied, you can use the following idioms for achieving goals:7. BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMSIf you have really over achieved you will be absolutely  delighted and excited with your results.Example: I lost so much weight this time I am really happy it is beyond my wildest dreams!8. GO THE EXTRA MILEto put more work or effort than is expected of youExample: Sarah went the extra mile to achieve academic success last year.9. BLOOD, SWEAT and TEARSWhen you dedicated a lot of time and effort and energy into your project you can take even greater pleasure from any success.Example: I worked so hard at my goals, I gave it everything (I did as much as I could). I gave blood sweat and tears for this (I was 100% committed).10. AT ALL COSTSWhen you were determined to succeed no matter what it took you can say I did  it (or I was prepared to do it) at a ll costs.Example: When I set out on this project I was determined that nothing would get in my way. No matter how long I had to spend or how hard I had to work I was determined to succeed. I did it at all costs. Sometimes (occasionally) we are not as successful as we had hoped. In these situations we  can say we came up short or fell short of our desired goal. It is not a total failure but just  under the target we set out. From time to time the reason for our lack of success may be due  to someone else.For example, if in a work environment you are trying to achieve your sales  target but you miss out (fail) because your boss increased the targets half way through the  sales period then we can say:I missed my target because someone moved the goal posts! (the boss increased your target).If the reason why we did not succeed is due to our own  mistake then we might be accused of scoring an own goal! (we caused the mistake ourselves).ex. If you have a big sales target to achieve in the month and half way through the month you  take a few days holiday then you might be guilty of scoring an own goal! (literally an own  goal is a football expression which means you put (kicked) the ball in to your own goal by  accident and gave the advantage to the other team).Hope youve enjoyed this post. As always, I would appreciate if you could share these English Idioms related to Goals with your friends. Lets speak better English!