The Benefits of Biology Tutoring

The Benefits of Biology TutoringBiology tutoring should not be relegated to only the most gifted students. Learning biological and related subjects can make for a fun and engaging learning experience that will make even the least accomplished student feel like a genius. There are several different lessons that biology tutors can help you learn, such as general biology, plant life, or animal life.Biology tutoring has been around for many years and is among the more popular and widely used learning methods in schools today. Because biology is such a broad subject matter, there are many different types of lessons that can be taught to students, from the basic topics to the advanced topics. You can teach biology at your school or in a community college, or you can join a science or health club that offers tutoring sessions in biology.Biology tutoring typically involves learning to make observations of living things and their natural interactions with each other, as well as being taught h ow to write information down and record observations for future study. It is important that students understand the scientific method so that they can research on their own and make informed conclusions about different subjects.Biology tutoring also involves teaching students how to record and interpret data so that they can understand and use it to answer questions. This includes information about the types of tests that have been given to different animals, and the answers that have been given to those tests. By understanding the differences between the results of the test and the results of the study that has been conducted, students will be able to apply what they have learned in their own life.Another great advantage of biology tutoring is that it helps students develop their critical thinking skills, making them better problem solvers in their own lives and in the world around them. They can make connections between what they know and what they have observed, rather than simpl y accepting that something is so simply because they have seen that same thing happen in their life.The best way to learn about biology and other related subjects through biology tutoring is to visit the tutoring center that you select and find out more about what is available. A biology tutor will guide you and help you to learn in a manner that will appeal to you and to your current level of learning. It is important that you have a personal tutor to be certain that you are learning all that you can from the tutor and that you are receiving the attention that you need to be successful.For the most part, you will find that there are two different types of tutors. One type of tutor will work in a classroom setting where you will be required to spend some time with the tutor as he or she teaches you specific subjects. The other type of tutor will work from home, offering you hours of hands-on experience to enable you to understand the subject matter.To find a tutor that meets your ed ucational goals, look for a tutor who can offer you the support you need in an environment that fits your needs. You can find the right teacher for you, giving you the chance to succeed in biology tutoring.

Play Online English Learning Quiz Games to Improve Your Skills

Play Online English Learning Quiz Games to Improve Your SkillsEnglish learning quiz games help students in their studies by letting them practice and improve their skills in the language. They are interactive and offer a variety of ways to solve the problems in the tests. If you think that you would not be able to do well in the examinations then this is the perfect solution for you.English learning quiz games can also help you improve your skills. These games are ideal for English beginners who are struggling to get good grades in the exams. If you feel that you are not able to handle the questions in English learning games then there are alternatives available to you.English learning games are especially designed for easy understanding. You do not have to be a professional to play the game because the rules are simple. For every question you have to answer correctly you get a point. To play the game you need to choose the correct answers before the time runs out.There are many diff erent games available for you to choose from. So, it is up to you to find the one that you can enjoy and get the best results.In this game you will have to read some sentences and find the meaning of each and every word in the sentence. You have to also match the words with the corresponding numbers. In some of the English learning games you have to find a match and connect the words. If you understand the entire sentence then you win the game.The games are suitable for both children and adults. Sometimes the games can also help you to forget the miscommunication that is often common in the classroom. If you are confused or you cannot find the right answers then it is better to consult an expert in the field of English learning quiz games.You can choose to play the English learning quiz games in the comfort of your home. You need not worry about your work because you will be providing you with entertainment.

English Words - Know Them

English Words - Know ThemEnglish words can be a tedious task to learn and you will not find an easier way. You can also do it in a different language. There are two methods to consider when you want to know the English words in a foreign language.One of the easiest ways to learn a new language is to use an audio. Listen to the words and try to understand them. An audio helps you with the process of learning. This method will only teach you a few words that have different meanings. This is not a good method if you want to know hundreds of words.The second method to learn vocabulary is to search for English words in a book that is written in the language you want to learn. For example, if you want to learn the English words 'fish'mice', you can go to your local bookstore and search for the words on the shelves. If you do not know the correct spelling, you will find an online dictionary that is helpful for these words. It is not necessary that you have to purchase the book or audio to h elp you learn English words. You can also find these books in the public library.If you want to know the English words, your best option would be to find a site that provides translations of the words in different languages. There are many sites that provide English words, but you need to find one that is accessible in the language you want to learn.You can also search on Google as well as other search engines for English words. There are several keywords that are common to all languages and these words should provide you with useful information.If you know some words or phrases in the English language, you can use these words in a sentence. For example, 'a fish swims faster than a fish can swim'.Learning the English words can be a hard part, but it is a simple process once you have learned the proper techniques. Even though this method does not teach you how to use a computer or laptop, it will definitely help you learn vocabulary, for example, the English words 'mother's', 'man's' , 'father's' etc.

Quiz Can You Spot These French False Cognates

Quiz Can You Spot These French False Cognates Megan L. False cognates, or faux amis, are French words that look like English words but mean completely different things. Take the false cognate quiz to see how many of these French false cognates you can pick out! Thanks for taking the quiz, and be sure to keep studying with our French verb guide or get help from a private tutor. How did you score? Tell us how you did in the comments below! 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

Private Tuition at University

Private Tuition at University Finding Personal Tutors in Higher Education ChaptersWhich Subjects can Private Tuition Help With?Home Tutors for Exam ResitsPrivate Tutoring for a Change of CourseBoost Your Knowledge with a University Tutor Prepare for Exams with a Personal TutorAround 4.7 million students graduated from an EU higher education institution in 2015.The university bubble is one where success relies on self-discipline.Sometimes it’s difficult to get the balance right, especially with the new found  freedom that comes with moving away from home.Getting help from a private tutor will give you the best chance of doing well and stand you in good stead for the future.To find out how, read on! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson f ree!Discover all our tutorsWhich Subjects can Private Tuition Help With?University is the first time that students have full responsibility for their learning. The challenges for private tuition vary greatly from those using tutors at  primary school.No one is there to get you out of bed for lectures. With lessons delivered in huge lecture halls, the anonymity and twice-yearly exam sessions are the perfect cover for students to hide.Of course, the teaching methods vary from course to course, but all subjects have one thing in common: the way each individual chooses to handle this big change reveals a lot.Don't get caught out by university life ¦ source: Pixabay - markusspiskeThe new environment at university, which is designed to create social interaction, can be distracting. The key to making the most of this without neglecting your studies is to get the balance right.As a student, you will have a lot of free time to go over your class notes and do any pre-reading. Choosing to do this before attending social events makes for a healthy balance.Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveal that in the academic year 2014-2015, 6.2% of first year university students did not stay for their second year.A one to one tutor can give you the boost you need to persevere with your learning.How should you organise your notes? When is the best time to work? How do you stay motivated for the whole term?At this level of study, you should find someone who is highly qualified enough to assist you. In addition to using effective teaching methods, they should themselves be capable of passing your modules with a high grade.Whether you're scheduling a session with an English tutor, math tutor or Spanish tutor, they should be an expert in their field.Your tutor is there to help you achieve academic success, without any exam retakes.Home Tutors for Exam ResitsIf you fail to pass all of your modules, you may have to retake some exams.But don’t panic!Your good grades are in the bag, all you need to do is improve the rest.Even though resitting a year or even a couple of exams is tedious, it is important that you make the most of this extra study time to fill any gaps in your knowledge which may affect you further down the line.There is no time to waste â€" put in the work and bounce back stronger!So how do you transform this period of resits into a real boost? Start by asking yourself about your working methodology and look at how you manage your independence and organisation.In home tutoring services can be a good option whether you’re working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree, your personal tutors UK can offer you a methodical and tailored approach to learning.Taking stock of your strengths and weaknesses in each area gives the private educator the means to create a personalised revision plan, allowing you to learn at your own pace.Whether you need academic support with physics, music or biochemistry, your in home tutor will help you ma ke significant progress throughout the year.Their help will motivate you when you feel defeated â€" so start looking for a private tutor today! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5 .00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPrivate Tutoring for a Change of CourseThree years is a long time to spend studying one subject, and you may realise you want a change of course. A private tutor can make this transition as smooth as possible.Whatever your reason, it is completely possible to change your degree from a bachelor’s to a master’s, change study path or even change university during your studies.A tutor can advise and reassure you on which door to open ¦ source: Pixabay - qimo noDuring your first year, these changes can usually be made within your university.Before acting on your idea to change course, make sure you take the time to seriously question your motivation.Go with your heart and study the subject you’re most interested in. You can also ask other students for advice before you enrol.Analyse study and career prospects, look at the major changes that this involves in terms of work rhythm, learning techniques, and change of campus.You should also create your own course change plan!Put together a file of evidence of your academic performance and reason for changing. It is also a good idea to stick to your university curriculum while waiting for approval, just in case your application is declined.Continue to do the required work to your best standard and pass your exams. This will support your application.Once your application to change course has been approved, you can get a head start before term starts with one on one tutoring.It is important to make sure that the tutor you choose is appropriate for your current level of knowledge, so you don’t have to relearn anything or start with a complex topic.Boost Your Knowledge with a University TutorIt’s not always easy to maintain a good record.Maybe you don’t have all the appropriate A Level qualifications for your chosen university course, or your bachelor’s degree doesn’t align well with the master’s course you’re interested in.Enter the exam hall armed with the right knowledge and skills ¦ source: Pixabay - PublicDomainPicturesWhen you start university, it is possible to spend a year bringing your knowledge and skill up to speed to prepare you for your course.This is called a foundation year and acts as a transitional period between sixth form college level and university, where your faculty makes sure that you get the best start to your degree.For example, if you want to enrol in a BSc course without having taken an A level in biology, this intermediate year w ill allow you to catch up with supplemental instruction in maths, physics, chemistry, and, of course, biology.Support from a one to one tutor will help you to make significant progress and catch up in a calm environment, removing the pressure of self-teaching.Your private educator will be able to accompany you throughout the academic year so that you develop a good understanding of all the concepts that are central to your course.In some cases, the university will not provide any catch-up sessions or resources.Ultimately, it’s up to you to give yourself the best chance of catching up with your fellow students.Taking private lessons may be appropriate depending on the gap in understanding that separates you from your future coursemates.Prepare for Exams with a Personal TutorDo you have the right learning strategies? Are your resources up-to-date and relevant? Have you made a revision timetable?These are all questions to which your GCSE or A level tutors could help you find the answ er.Good test preparation doesn’t happen the night before! You need to be diligent and consistent in your approach to university exams. Read the right material, practice the relevant exercises. It is an uphill struggle, but your academic success should not be improvised!Depending on your ambitions, consider how to get things on your side to succeed.In order not to feel overwhelmed, it is best to avoid studying alone. The isolation that can sometimes be felt in the university is conducive to stress and anxiety and will have a detrimental effect on your grades.Having the support of a teacher can be a real game-changer during term time and throughout your degree.Private tuition could change your graduation ceremony and your life ¦ source: Pixabay - PexelsAs a specialist in your field of study, your tutor will be capable of providing you with course content as well as study skills  based on your personal learning style.If your tutor has graduated from your specific course, this is a b onus since they will know what the university examiners are looking for.Exam success gives you an advantage when it comes to applying for internships and graduate schemes.Getting through university with all of its distractions and new responsibilities that aren't present while studying at secondary school requires a lot of independence and organisational skills. Taking initiative by finding yourself a good teacher will help you fulfil your potential. Find Edinburgh tutors, Bristol tutors and UK wide online tutors on Superprof!

Hiring Online Math Tutor - Some Effective Tips

Hiring Online Math Tutor - Some Effective Tips 0SHARESShare Mathematics is a subject that really dominates Mathematics has always been a subject that dominates the entire academic scenario with its fearful mechanism. Be it a student of lower level or higher grade, everyone faces challenges in solving the mathematical problems. Since we are living in the age of technology and advanced computing, getting  online math tutor help for any subject has become easier. Very easily, students can find an online tutor and start studying as per their convenience and comfort. In the following text, we will discuss some points about which students must be highly particular while looking for an online math tutor: While selecting an math online tutor, it is imperative for students to know the repute and recognition of the tutor bureau from where they are going to choose their tutor. The cyber space if full of tutors and tutor bureaus that boast of providing high quality tutoring. Students have to be choosy and selective before taking the final decision in opting online tutors. It is also unavoidably necessary for students to ask the concerned tutor for a free trial. It will help them take a wiser decision. Having a check on the track record of the tutor is also advisable. Try to get some references related to the tutor’s performance in the past if you can. Try to watch your mind while having a trial session and guess whether you are feeling comfortable with your online math tutor or not. Online tutoring gives you the best value for money. Whatever you invest comes to you many times more as return. What you need is the use of maximum prudence and farsightedness while finalizing your tutor. [starbox id=admin]

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Derek Meeker

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Derek Meeker Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Derek Meeker is the Founder and President of Dean Meeker Consulting, a law school admissions consulting company. Derek previously held the role ofDean of Admissions and Financial Aid for the University of PennsylvaniaLaw School. He has also served as theRecruiting Manager for the global law firm, Paul Hastings, and as an admissions reader for The University of ChicagoLaw School. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a Law School application? Derek: The amount of time it takes to adequately prepare for and complete a law school application is anywhere from six to ten months. Applicants must give themselves several months to study for the LSAT, and preparing for and taking the exam should (ideally) be done before the application season opens (i.e. prior to the fall). That way, applicants can focus solely on the other components of the application during the late summer and fall months, as they likely will also be juggling school and/or work obligations. Applicants also need to arrange for letters of recommendation, and they should give their references at least two to three months advance notice. Professors will be much busier in the fall and may be difficult to reach during the summer, so, again, planning several months in advance and well before the admissions season opens is ideal. Finally, the personal statement is a crucial component of the admissions process, and most applicants find writing a personal statement to b e extremely challenging; thus, allowing a couple of months to brainstorm topics, write several drafts, get feedback, and tailor the essay for various schools is essential. There are several other administrative steps (e.g., requesting and submitting transcripts) and written components (application forms, resume, and possibly supplemental essays or addenda) that will also add to the timeline. VT: What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Derek: Aside from LSAT preparation, the single most important thing applicants should focus on is superior writing in all components of the application (i.e. the application form, personal statement, supplemental essays, resume, and any addenda). Writing is the single most important skill for success in law school and for success as a lawyer; everything you submit as part of your application will be a measure of your ability to write effectivelyi.e. in a way that is descriptive, informative, and compelling, yet also cohesive, concise, and genuine (and, of course, grammatically impeccable!). VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on a Law School application? Derek: Aside from the obvious mistakesgrammatical errors, typos, failing to follow instructions, or failing to respond to required questionsone of the biggest mistakes one can make is writing the personal statement as a mini biography, or taking the admissions committee on a resume tour, as I like to call it. I always advise applicants to complete the resume before writing their essays. (And note, a two-page resume for the application is perfectly acceptable, unless the instructions specifically state otherwise.) Writing a detailed resume will paint a broad picture of your academic, work, community, and extra-curricular experiences; use the personal statement and supplemental essays to delve more deeply into specific experiences or to present valuable information that may not be apparent from other parts of the application. Another big mistake that applicants make is submitting the same exact personal statem ent to every school to which he or she is applying. Simply changing the name of the school in every essay (or worse, forgetting to change the name of the school!) is not advisable, particularly for highly selective or reach schools. What often separates similarly competitive applicants from one another is the extra effort or personal touch that one puts into his or her application. Show through your essays the unique perspective you would bring and contribution you would make to that particular law school. Show that you have done your research on the school by discussing why it is a good fit for you personally, academically, and professionally given your values, interests, and career goals. (Note, some schools provide this opportunity through optional supplemental essays; do the supplemental essays.) Putting in that additional effort will make your application stand out because it will convey that you are genuinely interested in the school, focused and goal-oriented, and, thus, more prepared for law school and legal practice. VT: What do Law School admissions officers look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Derek: My advice for the personal statement is: be who you are and share who you are. As the Dean of Admissions for Penn Law School, I always asked when reading applications, What voice will this person bring to the classroom? How will he or she contribute to the law school community and to the legal profession? Two of the most common questions I hear from applicants are: But theres nothing unique about me; I grew up in a middle-class suburb, went to fine schools, didnt have to overcome significant challenges, etc. What could I write about that would be interesting? Or, at the other end of the spectrum, But dont a lot of people write about their challenges as a first-generation American (or being raised by a single-parent, or spending time abroad to study or work)? The personal statement is about youyour experiences, your achievements, your challenges, your goals. It matters less what the topic is (e.g., whether it is common) and more how you write about it. What did a particular exp erience or challenge mean to you? How did it affect, influence, inspire, or teach you? What decisions have you made or what actions have you taken as a result? How will you affect, influence, inspire, or teach others as a result? It is a personal statement, so make it personaltake the reader into your experiences through clear, vivid, and descriptive prose. As long as you write about something that is meaningful to you, about which you genuinely feel passionate, and that has somehow shaped you or defined your goals, it will be compelling. VT: Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify them from being considered for the program? Derek: Providing information that is dishonest or failing to write an addendum that adequately explains a criminal record or academic misconduct could lead to automatic disqualification. VT: What about the Law School admissions process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Derek: Because you will be applying for a professional degree, it is important for the law school admissions committee to understand why you are interested in attending law school and what your career goals are (at least, generally). In this regard, the information you submit needs to be more specific. Law schools expect their applicants to be more mature and focused, to have a deeper awareness of themselves, and a broader awareness of the world in which they live. Also, very few law schools offer the opportunity to interview, something that is much more common in the college admissions process. VT: What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise them not to apply? Derek: Maturity, focus, and a keen understanding of what law school entails and what it will cost them, as well as an understanding of what lawyers do and earn. Law school is expensive and the current legal market is extremely competitive. It is absolutely imperative that students understand what career opportunities are likely to be available to them from the schools at which they will be competitive (i.e. what the return on investment will be). Also, having spent the last four years as the Recruiting Manager for a large law firm, I highly encourage students to get some full-time work experience before enrolling in law school. While it is not required, substantive work experience will make them more compelling as candidates for attorney positions and more prepared for the rigorous work ahead of them. VT: Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put them ahead in the running? Derek: The admissions committees goal is to put together a class of students that will engage, challenge, and teach one another through their diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Thus, anything that is distinct or unusual relative to the overall applicant pool (e.g. a particular course of study, job, or accomplishment, geographic background, cultural upbringing, a personal hardship or significant challenge, etc.) will immediately stand out. One of my favorite stories from my time at Penn is when I called an applicant to tell him that he had been admitted. Apparently in shock, he replied, Why did you admit me? And I said, Because you grew up working on a ranch in Montana. Now, I distinctly remember that that applicant did not have as high a numeric profile as the majority of applicants admitted to Penn. But what put him ahead of the running is that he brought a perspectiveone that he effectively articulated in his applicationthat was not represented in the student body. VT: What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep? Derek: How much time it takes to sufficiently prepare for the LSAT varies greatly from applicant to applicant. What is important to note is that you will not know how much time you need to adequately prepare until you start taking practice exams. You also may not know what the most effective method of preparation will be for you until you are in it. Some applicants will find that studying on their own by using resources that are available through LSAC is sufficient; others may feel a classroom environment would be more effective and will want to take a prep course. Still others may learn best by working one-on-one with an LSAT tutor. The cost of each of these methods also varies greatly. Thus, my advice is to begin preparing and taking practice exams many months before you plan to take the LSAT so that you have adequate time to determine the method of preparation that works best for you, and to save additional money or make scheduling adjustments, if necessary. VT: What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Derek: Admissions officers expect the letter writers to know the applicant extremely well from an academic setting, employment setting, or, perhaps, through substantive community service or extra-curricular activities. The letters should include specific and detailed examples that illustrate the applicant has the skills or characteristics that are necessary for success in law school (and as a lawyer), such as outstanding writing, oral communication, advocacy, analytical, and critical reading and reasoning skills, discipline, perseverance, confidence, maturity, focus, adaptability, judgment, and attention to detail. A diverse portfolio of letters (i.e. letters that provide unique perspectives on the applicant) is ideal. Visit Dean Meeker Consulting for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

The Benefits of Trying Another Instrument

The Benefits of Trying Another Instrument Suzy S. Mastering one instrument is hard enough but playing around with a few, even just for fun, can be surprisingly beneficial to your overall knowledge and skillset. Check out Baltimore teacher Laudon S.s story here Having been a student of music for most of my life, I have become well-acquainted with the hardships of mastering an instrument. I dont think these hardships would be foreign to any musician out there. The struggles of learning to read musical notation, the endless technical drills that are supposed to make the music easier, and the frustration of just not being able to attain your goals in the time that you have set for yourself all stand in the way of enjoying music-making. Each accomplishment, while satisfying, leads to a new challenge, and a new horizon for you to push toward. Half of loving music is accepting that it is a work in progress.there is room for improvement, even among the highest echelons of musicians. If this is true and there are no limits to progress on an instrument, how can anyone be asked to play a second instrument, let alone several instruments? The answer lies in the fact that while we may want to be really great on our instrument, we need to be great musicians first, and that means experiencing music and learning from as many sources as we can. A few years ago, I hit a wall in my guitar playing. I was practicing about six hours a day, and while I was certainly improving technically, my playing seemed flat to me and I just couldnt figure out how to instill more emotion into the music. Frustrated, I decided to take the summer off from guitar. No more than a few days into my musical vacation, a friend of mine asked me if he could practice teaching me the viola. I thought, “Why not?” I certainly didnt care if I was any good at it and I had plenty of free time. The first few lessons didnt do much to change my interest in the viola, but over the course of the summer I came to realize something that would change my playing entirely. Every instrument has strengths and weaknesses. For example, the guitar is great at chords, arpeggios, strumming, etc., but you cant crescendo on a single note like a trumpet or a viola can (I mean, unless you are an electric guitarist with a volume pedal!). Learning to shape long notes on the viola taught me that the guitar can shape just as well, but it needs more than one note to do it. I realized what all those crazy runs and scales on the guitar are for. They are just written out crescendos and decrescendos! The point is, learning other instruments helps us to fill the gaps in our musical knowledge and see our preferred instrument in new ways. Today I divide my time between the guitar, the lute (a relative of the guitar), and the theorbo (a giant lute), but I have also dabbled in piano, harpsichord, saxophone, and I hope to take voice lessons soon because being a better musician makes you better at any instrument. Laudon S. teaches music theory, music performance, lute, theorbo, and guitar lessons in Baltimore, MD. He joined the TakeLessons team in September 2012, with over 9 years of teaching experience, and a Masters degree in Music from the Eastman School of Music. Learn more about Laudon, or search for a teacher near you? Photo by dorena-wm.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation There are seemingly endless parts to your college application, but the comforting thing is that you have total control over them. You have the power to write a beautiful personal statement, to get the ACT score you need, to fill out every last blank of required information perfectly and neatly; its just the drive and discipline that is necessary to put that power to successful use. However, there is one area that pops up that you may feel you have far less control over, and that is the infamous letter of recommendation. This can certainly be nerve-wracking since its the one part of the application you cant write up on your own or study for to make it top-notch. You wont know what that person is saying or how well theyre saying it; youre just going to have to trust that it was great and turn it in. But thankfully, what you can do is control the way you go about asking for it. Obviously the first step would be to pick out the person you are going to ask. Most often, you will be going to a teacher for this letter, so you must identify what teachers you have the appropriate relationship with for this. This is one of the most crucial steps of the process because if you spend your time asking and counting on a teacher who you really dont have that strong of a relationship with, youre either going to get a no or a very generic letter that lacks a sincerely personal perspective. Since neither of those are options you desire or have the time for, its clearly best to just get your choice right the first time. To make this easier, lets go over the criteria for this esteemed teacher-student relationship. To start, this needs to be a teacher that easily remembers you by name. It is no secret that teachers have tons of different students throughout the years and although they may recognize your face and say hello when they pass you in the halls, they may not always directly remember who you are. A teacher who you are planning on asking for a letter of recommendation must not fall into that category. This teacher needs to be someone who when they see you, remembers your name and what kind of student you were in their classroom. Good teachers pay attention to their students and if you stand out to them for whatever reason, you will leave a lasting impression on them. It doesnt necessarily mean you will be on their mind forever, but their specific memories of you will immediately return when they see you. Hence, this is the kind of teacher you want writing this letter. Secondly, this teacher should ideally be someone who you worked with in some way outside of the scheduled class hour. This could mean a lot of things; you made consistent efforts to show up early in the morning to get help on the class material, you were part of a school organization they sponsored or coached, you consulted with them on your class schedule, etc. Whatever the specifics may be, it is pivotal that you had some sort of personal connection with them that made you more than just one of the kids in the many rows of desks. It just wouldnt make sense to ask a teacher for a recommendation letter if they never had a conversation with you that didnt involve you raising your hand amongst twenty other students. Finally, its probably obvious that this teacher likes you since youve made it this far in considering them as your letter writer but make sure you are really certain about that. Nine out of ten times, youre probably right and they do genuinely like you, but this is the kind of thing you would hate to overlook and have hurt you later. Never assume a teacher is crazy about you unless you are completely, utterly confident about it. Any doubts in your mind, no matter how tiny, should be well-evaluated before you make this decision. In regards to the process of actually asking for the letter, you should write a simple, polite, and informative note its the way you go about writing it that can make or break your chances of success, however. So, look at this as another opportunity to control a portion of your overall application. Put your best effort into this note as you have with all of the other areas. This note must begin with a very kind reminder of who you are, as well as a sincere interest in how the teacher is doing. Relate back to the reasons you know them outside of the classroom and touch base. This is an extra reminder of why you two have a good relationship and also a way to protect yourself from immediately diving into I need a favor. Next, when you actually ask them for the letter, it is incredibly important that you give a good amount of significant details about the school and program youre applying to, as well as what the admissions staff is looking for the letter writers to address, and of course, your deadlines. The more information you give right away, the better idea the teacher will have of whether or not they can do it and with you being considerate enough to give the information so promptly, they are very likely to agree to your request. Top off the note with an honest thank you and this inquiry of yours will be very hard to turn down. Lastly, give the teacher plenty of time. Nothing could hurt you more than sending this note only a week or two before you need the letter. Make sure you are asking well in advance so the teacher does not feel pressured or rushed. Most teachers, especially the ones you feel comfortable enough to go to for this type of thing, are happy to write these letters. So as long as you show them you are respectful, helpful, and deserving of one, you are sure to get one.