How to Find Success as an Introvert in an Extroverts Job - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Find Success as an Introvert in an Extrovert’s Job - Introvert Whisperer How to Find Success as an Introvert in an Extrovert’s Job How to Find Success as an Introvert in an Extrovert’s Job You might identify as an introvert â€" you feel more recharged after a night in than a night out, say â€" but that doesn’t mean you should feel limited in the types of jobs you can pursue. Stereotypically, introverts are portrayed in positions where they can work outside of teams or even separate themselves completely from other people, in roles like authors, archivists and astronomers. However, the truth is that introverts are everywhere, and many find great success in jobs that require them to exert extrovert-like skills. You, too, can be successful in a career that might not rely on your introversion â€" but it will take some effort to overcome your natural tendencies and settle into an extrovert’s job. Here’s what you can do if you are drawn to extroverted career paths. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses Just because you are an introvert doesn’t mean your strengths only consist of “working well alone.” In truth, most people fall somewhere in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum, which means you probably have plenty of extrovert-like strengths as well as your share of introvert weaknesses. For instance, maybe you quite enjoy talking to people face-to-face about serious issues, but you struggle to make small talk or connect with people over the phone. You should work to identify your strengths â€" especially those pertaining to extroversion â€" and utilize them to your best ability in your role. Furthermore, you should work to improve areas in which you are weak, but you should also try to limit your responsibilities that rely on your weaknesses. That way, you’ll feel more confident and competent in your career. Focus on the Your Job’s Function It’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking at a list of daily tasks and seeing so many that rely on extroversion. Thus, you should try to avoid approaching your job that way. Instead, you should think about your job in its ultimate outcome â€" how you are impacting your employer, your clients or your community. For example, if you are pursuing a graduate degree in the mental health counseling field, you might be exhausted by the idea of talking to clients day-in and day-out and trying to empathize with their problems, needs and emotional states. However, if you pivot your thoughts toward what you will be accomplishing with your clients â€" e.g. overcoming mental illness, establishing healthier behaviors, improving the lives of individuals and their communities â€" you might find that the job becomes not just acceptable but exhilarating. By reframing how you think about your job, you might be less intimidated by its requirements. Practice (or Fake) Extroversion When You Can Your personality is not stationary. It is possible to change not just your skills but also how you think about them â€" it just needs practice. Practicing extroversion consists of forcing yourself to smile more, holding conversations with different types of people, noticing your body language and tone of voice and generally being more aware of how you communicate. You can practice your extroversion almost any time: alone at home, out and about with friends and even at work with coworkers and clients. As long as you give yourself time to recharge between extrovert practices, you should find the extra work rewarding in your career. Be as Prepared for Work as You Can Be Talking on the fly is not typically an introvert’s strength. Thus, you should try to avoid spontaneous communication as much as possible, instead preparing for your extroverted work as much as you can. If you are a teacher, this means you need to have lesson plans in place well ahead of schedule. If you are in sales or some other business field, you might need to rehearse presentations in advance. It also helps to get to work early and settle into your job before everyone else gets there, so you have time to get into your extroverted work mindset.

Where to Find Painting Classes in Belfast.

Where to Find Painting Classes in Belfast. Learn to Paint in the Capital of Northern Ireland ChaptersWhy Take Painting Classes?And for Beginners?Join a Painting Class at Crescent Arts BelfastFind a Private Painting Tutor at SuperprofLike all of the UK’s capital cities, Belfast is crammed with opportunities for learning art. Whether it’s printmaking, ceramics, digital photography, or sculptural work you are after, you’ll find the perfect option for you. And this, of course, includes painting â€" from the still life to the expressive, watercolors to oil paint, portraiture or abstraction. You’ll find it in Belfast.And that, as you know, is because Belfast is a bustling and busy city with a packed festival calendar â€" from the Belfast International Arts Festival to the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival and the Belfast Children’s Festivals. These â€" and particular the first â€" bring art students, professional artists, and young artists from all over the world. There is literature, dance, theatre, and comedy too â€" and all the different mediums that you can imagine.But , with some of the best art education institutions in the country â€" from the prestigious Belfast School of Art to the community centre, Crescent Arts â€" there are opportunities for art classes for all. And that’s if you are looking for a general art education or if you want to join a little group of painters, if you want to learn about art history or practice your gouache or watercolour, learn to draw and paint together or develop your representational skills on the human figure.Whatever it is you want to do, you can do it in Belfast!Finding painting classes in Cardiff and painting workshops in Edinburgh!Take painting courses in Belfast! FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Take Painting Classes?If you are on this page, you probably already have a passion for the arts. Maybe you have your own art studio already, you like to work with acrylic paint, with light and shadow â€" or with whatever â€" already, and you are happy with your skill and with your creative process.But do you sometimes feel as though you are just doing the same things? That you aren’t developing as much as you would like, or that you keep returning to the same palette, subjects, or styles?This, in a nutshell, speaks to the benefit of taking an art class or a series of art workshops. Because you know the benefits of painting already: the outlet for your expressive potential, the joy of filling can vases with your thoughts and feelings, the opportunity to let it all go and give yourself to your artworks, the still lifes, the sketchbook.But what you don’t know perhaps is the benefit of getting out of your comfort zone, of being pushed into new artistic territories, the pleasure of having an art teacher to give critiques and suggest improvements to your work. Their role is a valuable one for artists who have been painting on their own their whole life â€" because when you are alone, you don’t necessarily know your full potential!So, sign up to an art school or individual art lessons, participate in a class on color theory or watercolor techniques and expand what you know about painting!Find painting classes across the UK and painting classes in London!Let that be your work up there!And for Beginners?But classes in the visual arts â€" or art classes in general â€" are not just for those who already know how to paint. There are adult classes â€" and those for teens and kids †" for which no experience is necessary.These classes for those of a lower skill level will be the most fun you’ve had for ages. You won’t just be learning the technical stuff â€" from how to mix paints to the theory of underpainting, from the range of art materials to the obvious technique of actually how to paint â€" but you’ll also be surrounded by people similarly curious and enthusiastic as you.So, whatever level you’re at, you’ll find that art classes â€" and painting classes specifically â€" may well be the best thing you’ve ever done. So, if you’re curious about joining an art center in Belfast, you’re in the right place. Because we’ve put together what we hope to be a helpful little list of some of the best places to learn painting in Belfast.We hope you find it helpful!Join a Painting Class at Crescent Arts BelfastThe Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast is the well-known arts center on the north end of the city’s Queen’s Quarter. Offering all sorts of art programs to all skill levels, Crescent Arts hosts classes in everything from digital art and digital media to watercolor classes, studio courses, seascape work, and the use of acrylics.It’s a beautiful little place, with plenty of art studios and different opportunities for teen art and kids art. They are open Monday-Friday, and at the weekend â€" and have all sorts of different events. The summer, in particular, is a great time to go â€" as they have weekly summer camps in all sorts of different artistic disciplines.Check it out if you are in that part of town.Learn to Paint with Julie DouglasA little to the east of Belfast is the home and studio of Julie Douglas, a local artist and renowned painting teacher. She hosts painting lessons there, and caters to an international crowd.She has, apparently, been all over the world giving talks and workshops with artists both budding and professional â€" and she is generally seen to be something of an expert in her field.Julie runs weeklo ng workshops for all levels, in which you can develop a personally chosen skill or subject area â€" in teeny-tiny and therefore intensive groups. If you can’t take the time off to take advantage of these wonderful things, then you can organise weekly classes with Julie. These take place at the major locations in Belfast city centre â€" from the MAC to the Ulster Museum.Find painting classes in Leeds and painting lessons in Birmingham.Take Summer Art Classes at Lawrence Street WorkshopsDown near Queen’s University, there is a nice studio art collective that runs adult art courses throughout the summer. These guys â€" the Lawrence Street Workshops, as they call themselves â€" teach essentially whatever they have to hand: pizza making, sculpture, guitar maintenance, and something to do with bikes. They also do a funfair.They are an incredibly fun lot, and their classes are a real experience. You will also learn an awful lot about painting!Get practicing your painting!Find a Private Painting Tutor at SuperprofWhilst a group art workshop can be a wonderful thing â€" fun, mutually supportive, and stretching and challenging in the best way, they also have a few downsides. If you are looking to develop your particular technique â€" your observational work, say, or your use of pastels â€" you may find that you don’t get the personal support and guidance that you would like.That’s totally understandable â€" and community art centres are not exactly supposed to provide bespoke tuition to individuals anyway.So, if you want to develop your personal arts skills, why not look into some private painting and art instruction? Whilst you might think these are a little indulgent, you shouldn’t â€" because the returns on your investment from individual sessions with a painting teacher will be much higher than that from community arts classes.Superprof is a great place to find such individual painting tuition. In Belfast, we host five painting tutors, charging an average of £18 an hour â€" tutors who are local artists themselves and offer classes either in their studio or in your front room.Whichever way you choose, you can be sure that your painting tutor will be friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable!Study for a Degree in Painting at the Belfast School of Art.Providing some of the best arts education in the UK, the Belfast School of Art makes up part of Ulster University. They offer degrees in art and design and graphic design, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts.This latter course is your best option for an art program if you are looking to study painting at degree level. It places the art student in a practice-focused environment, in which their creativity is supplemented by additional modules in art history and theories of artmaking and aesthetics. It’s a challenging and prestigious course that sets you up for professional work in the art world, with real skills in visual art.You’ll be taking part in your own art exhibition and be given plen ty of opportunity to impress all the right people in the art industry.Do it if you are serious about your work!Find painting courses in Manchester and painting classes in Glasgow!

The 7 Best Online Resources for Studying French Grammar

The 7 Best Online Resources for Studying French Grammar Madalyn Danielson Got grammar questions between French lessons? Tutor  Natalie S.  shares the best places to find answers to your French grammar questions online Studying French grammar tends to be a lot of work, because it differs widely from  English grammar. Luckily, there are some online resources for French students that make  the learning process much easier. Check out the list below of our top favorite online  resources for studying French grammar. 1) Language Guide French This is a very basic resource that is perfect for people just  beginning to study French. This free website breaks down the introductory grammatical  rules regarding conjugations, verb tenses, and pronouns. The resource is free; however, it  will only detail the basics of French grammar. 2) YouLearnFrench YouTube Channel This channel  is centered on teaching both French  grammar and French vocabulary to beginner students. They currently have 188 lessons posted on  their channel, and they are all available for free! If you are a visual learner, this resource  is perfect. 3) Learn French by Podcast This podcast  currently  features 173 episodes that teach the listener all  about the French language. The early episodes are geared towards beginners, while the  later episodes are for more advanced students. Start at the beginning to build a strong  base in French grammar, and work your way up from there! These podcast episodes are  free and available on iTunes. 4) One Minute French Podcast Available for free on iTunes, this podcast teaches students  French in short, two-minute lessons. It is aimed at beginners and focuses on the basics of  French grammar and vocabulary. 5) Bonjour de France This website offers French grammar lessons, quizzes, and games to  help students practice their new skills. This is a free resource that is best suited for more  intermediate students, because most of the grammar exercises are written in French. 6) About.com French Language Page The French section offers pages of verb charts,  grammar explanations, vocabulary lessons, and online quizzes. Grammar points are  explained in a simple and comprehensive manner with multiple examples. This resource  is also free! 7) News in Slow French This podcast is a topical show that slowly breaks down current  events in French. Each episode features news stories and grammar lessons. Currently,  there are 221 episodes available for free on iTunes, and the podcast is ongoing. While these websites can be extremely helpful, utilizing a personalized tutor is one of the  best ways to learn a new language quickly and effectively. Find the perfect tutor for your  French grammar needs here! Natalie S. tutors in English, ESL, History, Phonics, Reading, and Test Prep in San Diego, as well as through online lessons. She received her BA in English Education at the University of Delaware, and her MA in English Literature at San Diego State University. Learn more about Natalie here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by John Loo

Our Tips To Travel In Italy!

Our Tips To Travel In Italy! Everything You Should Do While Visiting Italy ChaptersSightseeing In Italy's Most Famous CitiesVisit The Most Famous Italian MuseumsWhat To Budget To Travel In ItalyFind Accommodation In the Italian PeninsulaIf you want to go on holiday to Italy, you have made the right choice!Indeed, the Italian peninsula is one of the best countries to visit in Southern Europe, whether you go to Northern Italy or Southern Italy. With its many monuments and sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italian cities are full of historic localities and fine sandy beaches!The Italian boot heel is, therefore, the ideal place to go on a trip as part of a cheap stay that will give you the chance to discover Italian gastronomy, the cultural bounty of the Italian civilisation amongst which feature archaeological sites and volcanoes!Superprof offers to help to guide  you throughout this magical country and discover the most beautiful Italian cities and their most famous monuments.In addition, you will find all the information you need to prepare your b udget for a trip to Italy and to find accommodation from the Sicilian island to the Italian Riviera and the Amalfi coast!Take some Italian language courses before your trip to Italy. DanielaItalian Teacher 5.00 (9) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuciaItalian Teacher 5.00 (4) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarilùItalian Teacher 5.00 (8) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarcoItalian Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AntonellaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GiusyItalian Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EnricoItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FedericaItalian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsSightseeing In Italy's Most Famous CitiesUrban tourism in Italy is the best way to be immersed in Italian culture and discover the wonders of this country. Here is a sample of the most famous touri st cities on the Italian peninsula!Rome, the Italian capitalVisiting Rome, where all roads lead, is a mandatory part of a trip to the Italian peninsula!The city of Rome is called the eternal city because of its very rich history dating back to the centuries during which the Roman Empire exercised political hegemony throughout Europe and North Africa. As a result, it is dotted with archaeological remains of inestimable value.Rome's historical heritage is varied, but the most famous monuments that you must absolutely see there are undoubtedly the Colosseum and the Roman Forum!In addition, Rome harbours the papal city in its heart, with the famous Basilica of St. Peter, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Citing everything there is to see in the capital would be too long, so come and discover the joys of a Roman stay for yourself, from the Trevi Fountain to the Villa Medici!Siena, an architectural gem in TuscanySiena is a must if you travel in Tuscany. With its many Gothic arch itecture buildings such as its Duomo (cathedral), it offers an extraordinary medieval Italian atmosphere, especially if you are in the middle of Piazza del Campo!In addition, the former administrative headquarters of the Sienese Republic now houses the Museo Civico, which contains many frescoes such as the famous Allegory and Effects of Good and Bad Government of Lorenzetti!Conclusion: Siena has a unique charm that needs to be discovered, so hurry up! Destination Italy!Learn how to say buonsera before you holiday in Tuscany Source: Pixabay Credit: Cal PrestBergamo, the city on two floorsLocated near Italian Lakes such as Lake Como, Bergamo is a splendid city, divided between its upper city, Città Alta (the historic heart of Bergamo) and a more modern part, Città Bassa.It is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Lombardy. Also, lovers will be able to discover local gastronomy while enjoying the beautiful architecture!Castelmazzano, the lost village in ItalyLocated in the south of Italy, Castelmazzano has the particularity of being a city totally surrounded by rocks!Whether during the day or at night, visiting this hidden gem it is wholly exotic. The night lights enhance the amazement of tourists.Special mention to the Volo dell Angelo (The Angel Flight), a cable that lets you reach the village of Pietrapertosa at more than 110 kph above the void, an experience rich in sensations!Join some of the best  Italian Classes London.Venice, the city of loversThe city on the water is one of the most famous cities in Italy and not for nothing!Here is all that it is possible to see and visit in the serene Venice:Take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal,Visit the Doge's Palace,Discover Saint Mark's Square,Pass over the Bridge of Sighs,Participate in the Venice Carnival.An obligatory stop for tourists eager to discover Italian History as much as for romantics in Italy for their honeymoon!Visit The Most Famous Italian MuseumsThere are many monuments to visit in the Italian peninsula during your travel there!The Duomo of Milan, a holy and sacred placeIn the capital of the Italian fashion industry, is one of the most beautiful architectural pieces in the whole peninsula: the Milanese cathedral, also known as the Duomo of Milan!Very spectacular, the religious building refers directly to Gothic architecture and testifies of the rich historical and artistic heritage of the Milanese people.Climbing up there offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city. Not to be missed!Venice, Pompeii, or Rome? If your child wants to become multilingual, you should take them on a trip to Italy. (Source: pixabay.com)The ruins of Pompeii, vestiges of an ancient history.In 79 A.D., the city of Pompeii was buried under the lava of Mount Vesuvius, the neighbouring volcano. Since then, the ruins of the city remain, witnesses of the ancient past of this place near the Bay of Naples!A true historical wonder, it would be a pity to miss the visit of these world-famou s remains, whose history still fascinates us so much!The Roman forum, past glory of the EmpireIn the middle of the Italian capital, between buses and narrow streets, stand the remains of the Roman forum, the former Roman public square on which the most important temples and administrative buildings stood.Located between the hills of the Capitol and Mount Palatine, the forum has left its mark on Rome and it is now possible to visit the ruins that contain (among others):The temple of Vespasian,The Temple of Concord,The temple of Saturn,The Severe Septimius Bow,Julia's Basilica,The temple of the Dioscuri,The temple of Antonine and Faustina,The Arch of Titus,The Arches of Augustus.In other words, it will take a whole afternoon to visit everything and immerse yourself in the ancient history of Rome!The Tower of Pisa, a leaning wonderThere is no need to present the very famous leaning tower that has made the city of Pisa famous!Built from the 12th century, it was used as a bell tower to t he adjoined cathedral, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta. It is, of course, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the view from the top is incredible!Surprisingly, since 2013, the tower seems to have straightened itself out (4 cm in 2018) after centuries of subsidence!The Colosseum, symbol of the greatness of RomeAn emblematic monument of the Eternal City, the Roman Colosseum is the most famous amphitheatre in Italy!Built under the Emperors Vespasian and Titus, the Colosseum is the largest building of Roman antiquity and is now the most visited monument in the capital.Inside, it is possible to discover the old bleachers and basements of the arena, which are now in a very dilapidated state due to time. A few parts are missing, but a slight effort of imagination makes it possible to appreciate the grandeur of this battlefield and entertainment space for the Romans!What To Budget To Travel In ItalyYou may be wondering if it will take a lot of money to travel to Italy. Superprof gives you al l the tips to know how to budget and prepare for a trip to Italian!Accommodation in the Italian peninsula As in the UK, in Italy, there are many types of accommodation available to suit all budgets!The part of the budget dedicated to accommodation is often the biggest expense you may incur when travelling abroad, so spending time comparing and researching for the best hostel or hotel will be worth it. The ideal choice would be to combine practical, inexpensive and comfortable accommodation.For tight budgets, youth hostels seem to be a good option, just as much as couch surfing, going to live with the locals for free. If you have a little more money, hotels or Airbnb allow you to visit Italy in a more comfortable way. The average price of hotel rooms is £60 per night, a cost that should guarantee a more pleasant experience during your stay!Visiting Italy and its thousands of restaurantsOne of the pleasures of a holiday abroad is of course to taste the local cuisine. In this aspect, Italian cuisine is not the last: Italian dishes are among the most famous in the world!In restaurants, prices are essentially slightly cheaper as in the UK: about £22 for a 3-course meal. Be careful, however, with the water and bread that cost an extra fee!If you buy food in supermarkets, you will find that Italian prices are lower than those found in France.Obviously, prices will be higher in large cities such as Rome, Naples, Florence or Bologna than in more remote regions, such as Sicily, Calabria or Puglia. However, your wallet should not be too bulky and you will be able to enjoy a nice glass of Chianti without ruining yourself.Tips to manage your budget for an Italian stayIf you have a limited budget, you will have to calculate each expense so as not to get into trouble with your bank!In terms of accommodation, opting for couch surfing will save you money. Similarly, to travel, public transports are the ideal solution to avoid bankruptcy: a metro ticket costs less than £1.5, much cheaper than a taxi.Coffee lovers should not have hard time-saving money as espressos and cappuccinos will often be half the price found in the UK. Same goes for wine lovers, as part of the Italian tradition, a glass of wine will often come with a complimentary snack.Finally, our advice is to set a sum to spend each day: so you won't have any unpleasant surprises! So, no pressure, even if you have to know that Italy is not at all a dangerous place for your wallet if you are reasonable!Emperor Hadrian, was responsible amongst other things, for the erection of the wall that was name after him. The wall marked the frontier of the Roman Empire even though it has been proven that the influence of Rome spread even further.Find Accommodation In the Italian PeninsulaYou don't need to be a Jeff Bezos to be able to afford accommodation in Italy!There are several types of housing available for small budgets. The first of these is camping, the most economical way, even in the UK. Obviousl y, this is particularly true in rural Italy, more so than in large cities. The prices are very reasonable: between £8 to £ 16 per day in high season, and between £5 and £20 for a pitch.Another more original and completely free solution is couch-surfing, where you can stay with the locals in exchange for small services, gifts or even nothing at all. You still have to trust the person you're going to!Finally, there are Italian youth hostels, the Ostelli per la Gioventù, which offer rooms at unbeatable prices: between £15 and £30 per night!Accommodation for a mid-range budgetIf you have a little extra money to spend, use it on better accommodations and make your stay a little bit more comfortable.First, Airbnb allows you to rent an apartment for a short period of time. This is a relatively inexpensive solution, although it depends on the location and size of the dwelling.Hotels, the old fashioned way of doing things, still represent the type of accommodation most used by travell ers. There are two types: pensions (from 1 to 3 stars) and albergo (4 and 5 stars). The first ones offer honest rates between £30   (single room) and £50 (double room) on average.To find your way around all these hotels, you can go on easy-to-use applications such as Alberghi in Italia or Hotels web.it.For those wanting to splash out With a large budget or comfortable finances, no need to look at the expense. Stay in the most prestigious hotels on the Italian peninsula and make the most of your trip!Absolute comfort can be purchased for £250 to £500 per night in the most beautiful hotels with sublime decorations and rich history.Similarly, the largest Airbnb open their doors to you for only 50 € per night on average for one person and up to 120 € for 4 people.Did it make you want to go to Italy? Rely serenely on Superprof to prepare your discovery trip of the peninsula! In order to be well prepared, you can also learn Italian online through Superprof!

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.

Choosing A Research University

Choosing A Research University The tips below will provide students with insights from an article in The US News World Report regarding the pros and cons of small/large colleges. Typically research colleges are much larger, and their professors focus highly on research, opposed to teaching. Here are 10 benefits of attending a research university: 1. The best researchers can be the best teachers: There is a common held belief that professors who focus mainly on research are not committed to the classroom and are therefore poor teachers. However, that is not always the case. Top researchers can be more knowledgeable about the field they teach because they are constantly engaged in that field. They can share more expert advice than most other professors could. 2. Professors are more current: Research professors will always be looking for new trends and opportunities in the classes they teach. They will be more up-to-date with breaking discoveries that may not have even hit textbooks yet. They will use these findings as material for their classes. It is very unlikely for them to teach out-dated, obsolete information. 3. Professors are more self-confident: Professors at research universities are always seeking new discoveries, awards, salary raises/bonuses and other accolades. Most of them are very successful in achieving these or else they probably would not be teaching. Therefore, they have more enthusiasm for the subjects they study and teach. They feel better about themselves, which can motivate them to work harder with both their research and their teaching. Professors will bring their honest excitement into the classroom. 4. Collaborative research with professors: There are still plenty of opportunities for students to collaborate in research findings with professors at smaller colleges. However, there is always a continual high amount of research that is channeling through research universities. Students will have great opportunities to work with professors and even coauthor or present findings with professors. Figures show that students learn more effectively outside of the classroom in hands-on, real-world scenarios rather than inside a classroom. 5. More majors to choose from: Some students go into college knowing exactly what they want to study and where they want to work. Others have no idea, and some think they know what the want to do, but then later think twice about it. Unless youre the first student, a research university will benefit here. Research universities offer many more majors, which allow students to completely change their course of study without having to transfer colleges. At some larger, research colleges, students can choose from over 300 majors. However, at smaller schools they may only have 25-30 options. Students may not have as much flexibility with seemingly creating their own majors. However, their majors can be more specific and specialized. 6. New, updated facilities: Science professors at top universities have access to some of the best labs in the country. Where do you think they teach from? Also, top research universities consistently find ways to glean more government funds, which allows these colleges to build larger libraries, labs and facilities. This gives their professors access to more information and technology. Professors will be continuously learning and sharing that information with their students. 7. Interaction with graduate students: Some believe that graduate students can distract professors attention and efforts away from undergrads. Also, others believe that many grad students are not qualified to teach undergraduates, as many of them do. This can be true in some cases. However, graduate students can serve as great mentors for undergrads. Most of them are very current and up-to-date in their fields of interest. They can offer valuable advice to undergrads regarding internships, jobs and grad schools. 8. Students can take graduate-level classes: This is college students version of taking Advanced Placement classes while in high school. Motivated students who are up to the challenge of graduate-level classes will be pushed much harder than what they are used to. This can be very beneficial to students who are interested in attending grad school. Also, graduate-level classes demand more research papers and real-world scenarios. With graduate-level classes, students can be further engaged in what their fields will demand after college. 9. You will be more recognized: Your first job interview could begin with your prospective employer mentioning that your college is a great school. At a smaller college, however, your employer might be stuck asking where that school is or what its all about. Larger, research universities are much more recognized than smaller colleges. Therefore, it is sometimes believed that their students are of a higher caliber. This may not always be true, but it could help you earn a great job/internship, or help you get accepted into a prestigious grad school. 10. Greater networking opportunities: Get used to hearing this term over-and-over again. Professors and alumni from all colleges preach tirelessly about the benefits of networking. Many will tell stories about how networking helped them get their first job or internship. Its true, but we wont harp on it. Professors at research universities because of the quality of their research are very well-connected in their respective industries. They are more than willing to help their best students find jobs and internships. Most professors will even bring students on company tours and introduce them to their industry peers.

Listening Exercise Practice Those Pesky Prepositions

Listening Exercise Practice Those Pesky Prepositions The other day, I was speaking with a student about what makes prepositions so difficult.  First of all, there are just too many!  Second, English learners very commonly substitute or omit them.  Some of you might agree that you understand prepositions during an English lesson, but when it comes to real-world situations, you forget which ones to use.  The best  way to improve this is  to practice, practice, and practice some more.  So, in todays lesson well do just that.I came across this viral video  the other day.  Some of you may have seen the show, American Ninja Warrior.  On this  show, contestants must complete a ridiculous obstacle course in order to qualify for the final round  in Las Vegas and hopefully win the $500,000 prize.  In this video, a father creates a similar obstacle course for his young daughter in their backyard.  Listen closely to his commentary, and fill in all the missing prepositions.  Write your answers in the comments section below!Welcome __ Amer ica Ninja Warrior Denver City FinalsShes ready to go __ 3, 2, 1Shes making short work of it.  __ __ the fourth one, _______ __ the fifth oneLook at that, no hands!  Alright, and __ __ the balance beamAnd now __ __ a new obstacle, the teeter logWhoa!  Almost falls ___ there, now __ __ the cargo climbVery quickly __  the cargo climb, __  __ the top, ____ the log, crosses ____ the first shed, _______ the grocery cart conference tableAlright, now shes __ her way ____  the second shed __ the roof, __ __ the platform, ______ the bridge and __ __ the zip lineOne-handed ____ the water bottles and she makes it, no problemNow, __ __ the hanging steps __ Christmas tree cornerShes working her way _______ this very tough sectionWhoa!  Almost falls ___ there!Now, shes __ her way __ the warped wallYes!  Shes made it __ the warped wall!  3:23 and shes __ her way __ Vegas!Would you like more practice?  Book a free 25 minute class  with LOI today!  Cant wait until class?  Here are some helpf ul posts from LOI instructors about prepositions:To and for  (video and exercise)In, at, on  (video and exercise)In a Book, On the Internet  Learn Prepositions With Thriller and This is Halloween  Prepositions and the Worlds Largest Graffiti Tag

Do ADHD Medications Lead To Addictions

Do ADHD Medications Lead To Addictions ADHD medication can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for kids with ADHD. When a child or teen responds well to medication, the positive impact on almost every aspect of their life is profound. They do better in school, with friends, and at home, and their self-esteem often greatly improves. However, many parents are understandably reluctant to have their child take medication for ADHD. One of the biggest worries is that ADHD medication will lead to addiction down the line. Fortunately, theres been a great deal of research examining the effects of ADHD medication on future drug addiction. Numerous studies funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse have found that ADHD treatment with stimulant medications does not lead to drug abuse during adolescence or adulthood. In fact, 11 studies showed either no increased risk or a decreased risk for substance use problems in individuals who were treated with stimulant medication. One study showed a slightly increased risk for later substance abuse only when ADHD medication was started earlier in childhood (although there are a number of additional factors that may have contributed to this finding beyond the use of ADHD medication). While research suggests that taking medication to treat ADHD in childhood or adolescence may protect against substance use problems during the teen and adult years, some studies suggest that treatment response to the medication may also be an important factor. Specifically, the kids and teens who had the best medication response (meaning their ADHD symptoms were well managed by their ADHD medication) are the least likely to go on to develop substance abuse problems. Overall, studies suggest that ADHD medication treatment may protect against later substance abuse especially when a child or teens ADHD symptoms are well managed by their medication. This finding is extremely important because teens and adults with ADHD (when compared to teens and adults without ADHD) are at higher risk for substance abuse problems overall. While the exact reasons for this risk are unknown, there are several factors that probably contribute. Specifically, the impulsivity associated with ADHD likely puts individuals at increased risk, as does higher rates of a family history of substance abuse, and the possibility that teens and adults whose mental health symptoms arent well managed with medication or behavioral treatment are essentially self-medicating with alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs at teens or adults. Effective treatment with ADHD medication is just one of the many routes parents can take to help protect their child from future substance use problems. Effective academic and social supports for kids with ADHD may buffer against future drug abuse, as can strong and supportive family relationships. So, if you are leery of having your child take ADHD medication, or if your child simply doesnt respond to or tolerate ADHD medication, then its especially important that they receive extra behavioral supports and treatment to help minimize the impact of their ADHD symptoms on their current functioning and future development. 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.