Monday, March 23, 2020

How to Learn Japanese on your Own

How to Learn Japanese on your Own The Best Ways to Learn Japanese Independently Chapters What Are the Best Books to Learn Japanese? Can English Speakers Learn to Speak Japanese Fluently? Our Tips for Learning Japanese Easily  The Best Way to Learn Japanese on your Own: ImmersionWith 127 million speakers, Japanese is the 9th biggest language in the world and is just ahead of French in terms of native speakers.  While Japanese isn’t spoken in many places outside of Japan, there are plenty of people who want to take Japanese lessons  because they’re interested in the language itself and the culture of Japan.Thus, learning Japanese is key to getting the most out of any trip to Japan.  If you want to make your way from the airport to your hotel in Shibuya, you’re going to have to know how to read some of the Japanese characters.Just like if you want to learn Chinese, Arabic, or Korean, you’re going to have to get to grips with a new way of writing as the Japanese writing system doesn't contain many words written using the Latin Alphabet.If you’re teaching y ourself basic Japanese before a trip, you should aim to:Learn and study how to read and write: Look at Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, and RomajiFamiliarize yourself with Japanese pronunciationLearn how to read, write, and pronounce Japanese characters.Memorize Japanese vocabularyLearn the grammatical structures used in JapaneseLearn Japanese manners which originated in the Shinto religion.Learning Japanese in Japan is one of the best ways to become bilingual and speak Japanese like a native speaker. So without further ado, here are Superprof’s tips and tricks for learning to speak Japanese.English speaker to learn Japanese.And although European languages such as French, Spanish, and Portuguese use the Latin alphabet, Japanese language learning isn't too dissimilar to these more popular options.Try not to worry too much. If you want to learn more about Japanese literature, use a few common expressions, chat with friends, or just order something to eat, you’ll first need to learn how to speak.  Learning to write will come later.Here are five basic rules for learning Japanese:Be motivatedImmerse yourself as much as possible in the languageFind a native Japanese speaker to practice with (over Skype or Facebook, for example).Speak, study, repeat, study, speak, and speak. Speak some more! Learn from your errors!Learn the kana by heart.Motivating yourself to take a Japanese course, or even worse, learning on your own, can be difficult. But the end rewards will be great, and you will end up with an enhanced understanding of a new language and culture.And while you can make a good start on your own, you might want to look up Japanese lessons London, Manchester or Glasgow to help you with your pronunciation. Our Tips for Learning Japanese EasilyAre you trying to learn Japanese but getting nowhere?If you're finding Japanese difficult, you should go back to basics and learn like a child would. (Source: pixabay.com)Here’s some advice for learning Japanese from Superprof. Even if you’re really motivated, there will be times when your goals seem unreachable.  Perhaps your struggling to get your head around Japanese Kanji, or it could be that you simply can't remember key words and phrases. Your first year will probably have moments where you just want to give up and you feel like you’re getting nowhere. However, after a year of hard work, you’ll be so surprised at how much progress you’ve made.Passion, knowing how to recover from failures, and perseverance are imperative when it comes to learning foreign languages, and getting them right.Here are some tips and tricks for making things easier.Learn like a child wouldLearn the kana by heartPractice every daySpeak Japanese with a native speakerLearning a new language puts us in the same situation as a baby when they learn a language. We repeat simple expressions like “hello”, “I want...”, and “thank you”, and learn colors, numbers, etc.  When a child is first learning how to socializ e, they have to learn the values of their family and peers in order to integrate themselves into society.A child repeats the same process as a student learning a foreign language;  they listen and repeat what they hear. Listening to the radio or Japanese podcasts, watching Japanese films, following the news in Japanese, and listening to Japanese music are all great ways of speeding up the learning process.If you want to become bilingual, you have to learn how to write in Japanese.  In order to do this, you’ll need to study the Japanese writing systems: Kana, kanji, and romaji.  You’ll first have to look at kana writing systems, which include hiragana and katagana, and function like our alphabet.Here are a few steps you should follow in order to learn them:Learn kana in the same way a musician would learn to read musicCreate a system of flashcards to help you memorize themCreate a revision plan to make sure you’re getting the most out of your learning.Create a positive routine for studying that you’re able to followFind a Japanese speaking native to practice with - you can look up Japanese lessons online for a tutor to help you!  The Best Way to Learn Japanese on your Own: ImmersionImmersing yourself in Japanese  is by far the best way to be successful at learning the language. This could mean listening to Japanese music, and watching Japanese films and television.However, going to Japan is arguably the best way to learn Japanese. However, this can take a lot of planning.  Firstly, you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate visa.  Depending on your passport, you’re normally not allowed to stay in Japan for more than 90-days without a visa. If you are planning on staying longer, you’ll need to look at getting a work or student visa.The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs deals with all visa and entry requirements for citizens of every country in the world, so make sure you check out what you need to do (if anything) before you travel.Destin ation Tokyo. Are you ready to learn Japanese? (Source: pixabay.com)While it might seem scary being in a place where you don’t speak a language, it’s actually the best way to learn a language.Here are a few examples of places where you can take language lessons in Japan so that you don’t end up like Bill Murray in the film Lost in Translation:Shibuya Gaigo GakuinISI Japanese Language SchoolKai Japanese Language SchoolShinjuku Japanese Language Institute (Shinjuku Nihongo Gakko)These are just a few examples of the many language schools in Tokyo and there are even more around the country in places such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.Working in Japan is a great way to learn specialized vocabulary, too. Unfortunately, finding work in Japan isn’t as easy as that. Nevertheless, it’s not impossible.There are opportunities for those who speak English. You could become an English language assistant or an English teacher, for example. You could teach private classes to Japanese stude nts or do language exchanges where they teach you Japanese for half the lesson and you return the favor for the other half.Finally, two more ways to come back home being able to honestly say “I can speak Japanese”:Share an apartment with a Japanese speaker.Hang out with as many Japanese people as you can.Hanging out with Japanese people is a great way to learn a different type of Japanese to that you’d learn in traditional classes. It’ll also help you learn to speak like a native and learn much more about Japanese culture. You'll pick up a diverse range of Japanese phrases without really realising it. Every conversation that you have will act as Japanese lesson so you will learn to communicate quite quickly.The main thing is to enjoy it. Japanese culture is different to western cultures, and the language can be tricky at times. One thing that is guaranteed is the incredible learning experience that you will have by choosing to learn Japanese in Japan.

Friday, March 6, 2020

6 Things Millennial Introverts Should Know About Job Hunting - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / 6 Things Millennial Introverts Should Know About Job Hunting - Introvert Whisperer 6 Things Millennial Introverts Should Know About Job Hunting Kayla Matthews October 2, 2019 Career Development, Networking No responses nullGo to top Job hunting can be a journey, especially when youre the introverted type. However, it doesnt have to be a struggle â€" all it takes some extra accommodation. Maintain your confidence by preparing before you socialize and taking breaks whenever your energy declines. A good pep-talk doesnt hurt, either. Your wellbeing doesnt need to take the back burner for you to succeed as an introvert in the workplace. For more in-depth advice on acing the job-hunting process, look below for six helpful tips. 1. Study for Your Interview Show your interviewer youre fully engaged by asking them questions. An interview should ideally feel more like a conversation than an interrogation â€" avoid letting it be one-sided. Prepare a list of questions about company culture, salary, benefits and other relevant factors. Interviewers look for a strong work ethic, which can disadvantage millennials who are often deemed entitled. If your interviewer senses you only want the job to pay bills, they may hesitate with hiring. Display your passion for the position by giving examples of what you can bring to the company. Research the company ahead of time. Get to know their specializations and their mission. How will your presence enhance their mission and help them achieve their goals? 2. Build Adequate Skills College, trade school and other avenues give you valuable hard skills, but soft skills are equally important. Communicating with others, listening, learning and maintaining an organized workflow are critical components to any job. Emphasize these attributes in your cover letters and interviews, but dont embellish. Give specific examples of how you embody these traits. Once youre on the job, continually improve your skills. Find practical solutions when problems arise, or seek out the authority of others. Demonstrate your knack for leadership by making wise decisions and handling challenging tasks. Contribute creative ideas and listen to suggestions from others. 3. Consider the Benefits Consider the benefits package before you choose any job. Some companies offer dental insurance, paid medical leave and tuition assistance, while others skimp on the luxuries. What you require to thrive in your career â€" and your personal life â€" is up to you, so dont be afraid to turn down an offer if it isnt the right choice. Many businesses offer life insurance within their benefits package, but this doesnt carry over to subsequent jobs. Millennials tend to switch occupations four times on average in the 10 years after college, which means a new policy for every position. Its much easier to have a steadfast plan than hop on a new one with every move. 4. Network Frequently As an introvert, networking may be a scary word to you â€" but its necessary to secure top-notch positions. Knowing people in high places is often the best way to obtain a high-quality job. Reach out to family and friends who have valuable connects. If youre still in college, now is the best time to network. Youll feel more comfortable linking up with people you already know, such as professors and classmates. Plus, youll have more opportunities for job-seeking through your student resource office. Visit on-campus career fairs. Many companies send representatives to these events with the intentions of hiring on the spot. Join a local networking group if youre not a student. These groups consist of community service clubs to professional organizations, but they all aid in fostering connections. 5. Keep Expectations Realistic Its essential to have goals, as these encourage motivation, but make sure youre keeping things realistic. Most people wont find their dream job on their first round of job hunting. Even if you find a job you like, the work environment wont be perfect â€" perfection is an impossibility we all must come to terms with. Socializing may become a big part of your duties, so prepare yourself accordingly. Practice holding conversations with yourself in the mirror or role-playing with friends. As long as your company isnt mistreating you or damaging your health, you may have to compromise on aspects you dont like. Avoid letting these things discourage you, however. Keep building and learning so you can move on to better things. 6. Present Yourself Appropriately Presentation matters when it comes to job hunting. People receive their first impression of you from your appearance. Although this isnt an accurate way to judge someone, its the first â€" and sometimes only â€" thing people notice. This reason is why you should always strive for professionalism in your on-the-job style. Dress up for interviews whether theyre face-to-face or over Skype. If the company has a particular dress code, look the part. Your presentation also includes your social media presence. Sixty percent of recruiters search their applicants profiles during the hiring process. Scrub your profiles for questionable content or set them to private. Be conscious of what you post and whos looking at it. Dont say anything on social media that you wouldnt say out loud to people you know. Job-Seek With Confidence The key to any professional interaction is confidence. When people notice your abilities and self-assuredness, theyll trust you to deliver. Hone your talents and practice your communication skills, and the offers will come. Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.   Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Coaching Boxing

Coaching Boxing The Practical Guide to Becoming a Boxing Coach ChaptersTraining to Become a Boxing CoachWhere You Can Teach BoxingWhat Training for Boxing Coaches is LikeThe Pros and Cons of Becoming a Boxing CoachThe words “ring” and “gloves” will undoubtedly make you think of the world’s most popular combat sports, boxing. An increasing number of people are turning towards boxing each year to let their fists do the talking in the ring and boxing is becoming more popular.Additionally, many people are putting on boxing gloves to get in shape since a boxing workout is great for a fitness class. While not everyone dreams of becoming a professional boxer, there are plenty of people interested in private training, amateur boxing, or just finding a way to get fit and achieving their fitness goals.A lot of boxers are now looking to pass on their skills and passion for this sport as trainers and coaches. One of the best ways to keep the boxing flame alive is to become a coach and teach the future generation of boxers. In this article, Superpr of is looking at how to become a boxing coach and the pros and cons of doing so. AndreyBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KostiaBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeeBoxing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SajBoxing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KaranBoxing Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ThomasBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HaileyBoxing Teacher 4.50 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidBoxing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTraining to Become a Boxing CoachThere are a few ways to become a boxing coach and all of them allow you to teach boxing in boxing gyms and clubs. Here are the clearest ways to become a boxing coach. While training is important, without a passion for your discipline, you'll never be a successful coach. (Source: Claudio_Scott)Level 1 Boxing Coaching CoursesThe level 1 coaching qualifications are for those wishing to coach competitive amateur boxing in England Boxing-affiliated clubs.The courses cost £140 and last four days. To receive your certificate, you'll need to register on the Vault to an EB affiliated club, have a valid DBS, attend a safeguarding workshop, hold a first aid qualification, and pass the course.As the name suggests, you'll need this qualification before you can move onto the other levels.Level 2 Boxing Coaching CoursesOnce you've had your level 1 coaching qualification for at least 12 months, you can move onto the level 2 qualification. The level 2 qualification will allow you to supervise sparring and subsequently move onto a level 3 qualification.Before you can do this course, you need to have had your level 1 qualification for 12 months and be a registered member of an England Boxing-affiliated club. Much like the level 1 coaching qualification, you also need to have your safeguarding and first aid certificate, a DBS certificate and be recorded on the England Boxing National Database and England Boxing Vault.Find out more about boxing coaching courses.Where You Can Teach BoxingBeing a boxing coach is all well and good but you’ll need somewhere to teach the future generation of boxers. There are several places where you can teach young boxers and bring them into the world of boxing. Boxing clubs are an ideal place to coach boxing. (Source: skeeze)Teaching in a Boxing Gym or ClubThe most logical place to teach people how to box is in a boxing club. There are hundreds of them across the UK. In these places, you can find everyone from aspiring to experienced boxers. You can also teach boxing in gyms, sports clubs, and fitness clubs or anywhere with the necessary equipment. However, boxing clubs remain the place to go to learn how to box.Becoming an Online Boxing CoachNowadays, there are new ways to teach and work. You can use online platforms to teach boxing. Through private online boxing tutorials, a boxing coach can teach budding boxers from anywhere at any time. Furthermore, you’re the boss!This is a great option if you can’t find any nearby boxing clubs or you’d like to provide tailored boxing tutorials. There are plenty of sites where you can create a profile and start offering tutorials, including Superprof.Keep in mind that it's far more difficult to s upervise your students when you're teaching online so make sure that during your boxing class, you take particular care as your students are working on their cardio, punching bag, jump rope, speed bag technique, or footwork.What Training for Boxing Coaches is LikeTo become a professional boxing coach, you’ll need to study coaching and boxing.So what are the courses like?Here’s what you can expect. Coaching involves a deep understanding of teaching techniques. (Source: skeeze)The Content of a Boxing Coaching CourseThere are two main parts to all coaching training: theory and practical. You’ll learn about safety, organising sessions, and sports philosophy and theory. A coach isn’t just there to help a budding boxer put their gloves on!The practical parts of training are there to give you first-hand experience of training. You’ll often learn from someone who’s done it all before. In many cases, you’ll learn by doing.The Skills You’ll Get from Training“Never give up, which is the lesson I learned from boxing. As soon as you learn to never give up, you have to learn the power and wisdom of unconditional surrender, and that one doesn't cancel out the other; they just exist as contradictions. The wisdom of it comes as you get older.” - Kris KristoffersonOne day, you may even find yourself spouting words of wisdom like these! In the meantime, you might want to learn so me important skills for boxing coaches like:Managing a training sessionAdopting your pedagogy to each studentManaging groups of studentsKnowing how to quickly adapt to different situationsManaging both novice and experienced boxersMost coaching programmes will include all of this and more.Find out more about where boxing coaches can work.The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Boxing CoachIf you’re passionate about boxing, you’ll probably want to coach once you metaphorically hang up your gloves. However, like any line of work, there are pros and cons to boxing coaching. Let’s have a look at the job prospects and wages. A boxing coach needs to be passionate about their discipline. (Source: dfbailey)Wages for Boxing CoachesA boxing coach’s wages depends on several different factors. Who your students are will drastically affect this. If you’re teaching a titleholder, you’ll earn far more than someone teaching amateurs in a boxing club. On average, boxing coaches charge between £45 and £60 per hour of training.You’ll probably earn less if you’re working for a boxing club or gym but you’ll also guarantee more hours per week. A private boxing coach can charge more for their sessions but they need to ensure that their schedule has enough boxing classes in it to make it financially viable.Of course, they can always supplement their income by diversifying their offering and providing fitness classes, fitness boxing, self-defence, boxing training, sparring, kickboxing, and full-body workout sessions, for example.Find out more about becoming a boxing coach.ProspectsThere aren’t many career ad vancement opportunities for boxing coaches as it depends on your students. The better your students, the more famous you’ll become as a coach and the more you can charge. With so few opportunities for advancement, you should make sure that you love boxing before you start.Of course, you can always improve the way you teach. You can look for ways to master your teaching approaches and get the most out of every hour spent with aspiring boxers.“They got no idea what it is. Boxing is about respect: getting it for yourself, and taking it away from the other guy.” - Eddie, Million Dollar BabyThere’s a certain amount of job security you can get from ensuring you provide one of the best coaching services around. Similarly, all types of teaching are incredibly rewarding.Whether you're offering personal training, boxing fitness, fitness training, boxing techniques, kids boxing training, strength training, or just boxing lessons, you have to enjoy what you're doing.Now that you know a bit more about boxing coaching, you can take the next step. To learn even more, you can read our other articles on the subject.Similarly, on Superprof you can get boxing tutorials with qualified and experienced tutors. There are many boxing coaches around the UK and all over the world ready to help you but you need to choose the right one and the right type of tutorials. There are three main types, face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials, and each has its pros and cons.Face-to-face tutorials are between you and a tutor and are a great option if you have very specific requirements since the tutor usually tailors their sessions to you, the student. Since you'll be getting a bespoke service, the tutor will usually put in a lot of hours outside of the sessions planning and preparing and all this extra work comes at a cost, which is why face-to-face tutorials tend to be the most costly type of private tutorials. However, they're also the most cost-effective!Online t utorials are also just between you and the tutor but your tutor won't be physically there in the room with you. Thanks to the internet, anyone with a webcam, microphone, and decent internet connection can get tutorials from tutors all over the world at any time of the day. While these types of tutorials are better for academic subjects, with the right tutors, you can learn almost anything remotely.Finally, group tutorials include several students being taught by a single tutor. Of course, you won't get lessons that are tailored to just you since the tutor has other students to think about. That said, you will benefit from all the other students also paying for their share of the tutor's time, making the lessons cheaper per student per hour on average than face-to-face tutorials or online tutorials.Think carefully about your budget, your goals, and how you like to learn before choosing your private tutor and remember that many of the tutors on Superprof also offer free tuition for th e first hour. While this isn't usually a proper session, it's a good opportunity to meet your potential tutor, find out how they like to teach, see if you get along with each other, and agree on the details of your private tutorials.

Where do you start with an electric piano

Where do you start with an electric piano Learn how to play the electric piano ChaptersDifferent learning methods for the electric pianoWhat’s the best electric piano for performing?Looking forward: learning to play the electric pianoJust as prestigious in the world of music as boxing is in the sporting world, the piano is the preferred instrument for musicians and composers around the world.It’s the 2nd most popular instrument in France - just after the guitar, and far ahead of the violin and saxophone - and also boasts the largest number of players of any instrument, when you combine together everyone playing acoustic uprights, keyboards, electric, and digital pianos.Piano music also seems to have a much longer shelf life than the average pop song - Beethoven was the most played artist in the world in 2016. To general surprise, it also turns out that Vladimir Putin is a pianist and can bust out some old Soviet songs when sat on a piano bench.While we’re still finding hidden treasures in old acoustic pianos across the pond, it’s generally electric pian os on which piano students are discovering chords and octaves for the first time today.In this article we’ll walk you through what you need to do to learn to play an electric piano, list the best electric pianos to buy now, and talk about the future of this popular (and fairly high tech!) instrument. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsDifferent learning methods for the electric pianoThe famous guitarist Jimmy Hendrix never learned to read music!There are many ways to lear n to play the piano - you can find free online classes, sign up for evening lessons, or enroll in a summer program.The traditional way to learnLearning the traditional way often includes learning some music theory, and a bit about the history of the piano. This is a common curriculum for those learning how to play the piano, and is generally the way courses at music schools and conservatories are taught. Music teachers at these schools generally have a degree in music.Alternative ways to learnAlternative learning methods usually still include a mix of theory and practical exercises, but the teaching is more hands on during piano lessons, with the goal of progressing the student quickly.When you're beginning piano, you can find paid and free online piano lessons for the budding musician that focus on:the keys and learning the notes by namesimple pieces of music to learn and breaking down piano scales and chords one key at a timethe correct posture and hand position to adopt when faci ng a pianoThe height of the keyboard - learning to position yourself properly and find the right keys - and work on your fingeringLearning your first chords and how to play multiple notes at one time, especially using your left handAn introduction to piano history - from the first acoustic pianos, right up to today’s digital pianosLearning how to use the piano pedals, especially the the soft pedal (or una corda), the sostenuto pedal, and the sustaining pedal (or damper pedal)Learn the different variations on the notes including sharps and flats, how to recognize a wrong note, and learning to play by ear.A method based on inspirationIn contrast to all the other ways to learn the piano this method is often used to free its players of stress and depression via music or piano therapy.It allows the player to express their feelings through music, and to share what's on their mind (and in their hearts) without first taking a class in music theory.This method can be summarized in 3 words: PlayChangeAnd play againThis innovative method places the creativity of the student as paramount and helps them compose their own pieces of music. Without any constraints, the players are freed to let their imagination and hands run free on the keys and work on their improvisation.However, its worth noting that this method would not be appropriate for anyone who’s hoping to become a virtuoso or study classical music. You won't really be learning about reading music, major scale progressions, notation or octaves, so it’s more a way to learn piano for people open to any style of music.Would you like to learn how to play the grand piano?What’s the best electric piano for performing?Can you start playing piano without knowing how to read music?Once you’ve been introduced to the electric piano, your level of playing can quickly progress from beginner to professional, and you'll usually start to want to share your music with others, now that you're a proper piano player.It’s wor th keeping these future performances, concerts, or even jam sessions in mind when you’re considering what kind of piano to buy.Just like with acoustic pianos, there are good and bad electric pianos. Some are perfectly good for playing the piano and practicing in the house, but play poorly in large spaces when their acoustics are complicated by the noise of an audience.Besides the sound, it’s worth considering how easy an electric piano will be to move and cart around to live performances.Discover how to choose the right piano for your playing style...The electric piano Clavia Nord Stage 2 EXConsidered one of the best portable digital pianos for performances, the Nord Stage 2 EX is made by the Clavia brand. And it takes up much less space than a grand piano.This model includes a range of different piano recordings, as well as an additional gigabyte of storage. The factory bank includes:5 grand pianos7 upright pianos11 electric pianosClavinetHarpsichordOrganand a bank of recording s including choral, folk, and string instruments.Looking forward: learning to play the electric pianoMusic teachers must always keep the pleasure and joy of music as their top priority.Whether it’s sports, administration, or journalism, computers have changed and continue to change the way people communicate and work, and improve productivity.Music, and more specifically, pianos, have also been touched by this sea of change, and whether you’re taking music classes at a music school, conservatory, or with a private teacher you’re sure to run into some of the new technology as you begin to learn to play piano.Like any form of teaching and learning, music and piano are now in version 2.0, with some traditional methods being tossed aside for the new and exciting. Before you get too excited though, it's worth pointing out that no new technology can eliminate the need for regular practicing until you can play with your left hand and right hand seamlessly in tune, running across the white and black keys.These technologies include:More interactive - with all the new touch screens now filling our bags, it’s easy to download a piano app for your tablet or cell phone.More analysis - thanks to all the data that’s been accumulated by digital instruments and digitized music.More freedom - which makes it easier to teach yourself. Thanks to online classes, it’s much easier today than it used to be to teach yourself how to play piano.More immersive - all these new technologies help you immerse yourself in the music, whether it’s artificial intelligence, augmented reality, or virtual reality.In order to really understand the sea change that’s taken place, check out some of the new innovations and apps that are reinventing the way we approach music and the electric piano.Would you like to learn how to play the digital piano?SpeechiTouchSpeechi makes those giant interactive learning screens you often see in classrooms, similar to Smart Boards, and they’ve made h elping to teach music one of their key goals. Using their tools a musician can learn:how to read noteswork on their ear for musiclearn about the keybed and keys of a piano.By using their One Smart Piano, which is a physical ‘smart’ piano, learning to play the piano becomes fun, easy, and interactive. One of the One Smart Piano's novel points is that you can connect it to an app on your smart phone or tablet to access even more features while you play, and help you really learn all about octaves, basic chords, and identifying middle C.Teomirn - when augmented reality can immerse you in learning the electric piano.Learning music theory will give you a wider scope of music to choose fromIt’s still in the development phase, but the Teomirn project has the possibility of changing everything about the way we learn and play the electric piano today…It’s the kind of thing that would make Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin turn in their graves!It’s also probably not something for techn ophobes, as it’s the first project which has ever used augmented reality to teach music.It’s being made by a Japanese team, and the electric piano and its associated app offers two different ways to layer 3D elements over your piano keyboard.A ‘watch’ mode, where you can learn how to play the piano through observation. You watch a short piece that you’ve chosen be played by a pianist, and the different keys on the piano are highlighted using different colorsA dynamic mode, in which a virtual keyboard and pair of hands appear on the screen. The Teomirn technology, helps you shadow the hands of the professional, and work through the notes of the piece of music you’ve chosen.It’s important to keep in mind that while Teomirn is focused on making it easier to learn instruments, and specifically how to play the piano, the team behind the app doesn’t have any plan to also include the traditional theoretical part that normally accompanies the practical study of piano, so pia no players will still need to learn how to read sheet music and sight reading on their own.This method may please beginning pianists, but it does fly in the face of the traditional emphasis placed on music theory by music teachers.This project has received considerable attention from budding pianists of any age - adult or child, as well as music fans and technology enthusiasts. It was recently demoed in a YouTube video - learn to play the piano - using Microsoft Hololens.However, the project isn’t yet commercialized and the head of the project Ayato Fujii, is currently searching for investors and partners. So for most of us, it’ll be months and probably even years before we can start learning to play the piano through augmented reality, so it might be a good idea to find a piano teacher in the meantime.Now find out which model piano you should buy for your youngest players...

Where to Find a Photography Course in Leeds

Where to Find a Photography Course in Leeds Take Photography Lessons in Leeds ChaptersLearn About Your DSLR With a Professional PhotographerTaking Pictures with a Photography ClassAttending a Photography Course in LeedsOnline Photography CoursesConsidered the cultural, financial and commercial heart of the West Yorkshire Urban Area, Leeds is the third most populous city in the UK, after London and Birmingham.Leeds' landmarks, both natural and architectural are compelling enough to attract nearly two million travellers each year.Everyone enjoys the food, drink and hospitality, after plying their camera on such diverse sites as Otley Chevin and Morley Town Hall.How much would you bet that a substantial portion of Loiners also own a camera?Are you a Leodensian who wishes to capture your unique city's architectural treasures on film  or memory card?Do you have a special feeling for Roundhay or Temple Newsam? Are you intent on photographing all of Leeds' singular  spaces?It all starts with expanding and polishing your photography skills.Let us now find out where an d how you can learn  to capture all of the sights around the Knightsbridge of the North.If you're a proud Northerner but Leeds is too far to travel, why not consider photography lessons in Liverpool?Leeds Photographic Society, established more than one hundred seventy years ago, has been helping photographers young and old prove, and improve their skill behind the lens.If you have just discovered the heft and feel of the digital shooting instrument in your hands, LPS is ready to introduce you to the latest of photographic techniques.If you have been using an early model film camera for years, you would be equally â€" perhaps most especially, welcome to join them!Although they do not offer any structured lessons, the members' wealth of knowledge about photography permits them to host lectures and illustrated talks.They even invite keynote speakers!Topics include: wildlife photography, how to shoot fireworks, and making the most of your panorama shots.You can also learn about exposure limits, aperture and shutter speed; and how to use them effectively.This convivial group even explores the burgeoning field of drone photography!That would be taking aerial photos using a remote-controlled device, not taking close-up pictures of male bees.Find a photography course in Cardiff!This is the drone meant when engaging in drone photography! Source: Pixabay Credit: AllesAdvanced photographers could benefit from their post-processing tutorials: how to add borders, and processing RAW files.If you are the type to press the shutter button with savage glee, capturing a one-of-a-kind shot, perhaps you would like to enter one of their friendly competitions.Your imagery would compete in-house, against other members of the Society, and externally: in regional and national showings.What we love about this group is their long-standing tradition, coupled with reasonable pricing: a £40 annual membership covers any lecture/tutorial fee, and the cost of outings.Yes, LPS goes on regular outings around the city!What we are less wild about is that their focus seems mainly to be on digital photography and processing â€" rather a letdown, considering how long the Society has been active.Still, evolution is never a bad thing!Another group of photography lovers in Leeds, that is keeping up with the times, is Aireborough Camera Club.They pride themselves on their informality, welcoming beginners to the world of photography, as well as professionals and those with artistic flair seeking an outlet  for their creativity.Their syllabus includes guest lecturers, competitions and members' events, with tutorials sprinkled throughout.They adopt a mentoring style, with more seasoned photographers guiding novices in developing their photographic skills.Joining them for an evening would run you £3, refreshments included.Should there be a tutorial, an extra fee would be levied for the use of the club's equipment and supplies.If you like what Aireborough Camera Club is all about, you can become a member for £40 per year.What we like about this photography club is that they have photo processing equipment available, and such an active programme.What we're less fond of is that their tutorials are done on an ad hoc basis: if you propose a topic that generates enough interest, a knowledgeable person will expound on it... at some point.Of course, that is offset by members' generosity in sharing information informally, so perhaps actual photography workshops are superfluous.If photo courses in Manchester would suit you better, take a look at our article.If you are seeking an education in the art, with the intent of becoming a professional photographer, the next section is for you.Attending a Photography Course in Leedsif you are indeed interested in professional photography, earning a Bachelor's from Leeds Arts University would be the sure bet way to achieve your goal.Their three-year programme will take you through the history of photography to technical skills, an d then drill down to specific aspects of photography as a career.Do you want to specialise in fashion photography? How about documentary photography, or fine art?If you have not yet invested in a camera, they are prepared to lend you a camera body and lenses, and the use of their studio and lighting equipment.Their curriculum includes instruction on 35mm film of various speeds, as well as how to photograph and process images using modern technology.Are you aware there is a healthy debate raging in photographers' circles about the merits of digital versus film photography?Leeds Art University has established itself as one of the foremost photography degree programmes by maximising graduates' employability in the field of professional photography.In the course of your three years with them, you will have the opportunity to build a substantial portfolio, including:black and white photographyportraitsheadshotsfashion shootsgraphic designWait... graphic design?More often than not, these days, photographers are called on to display their talent across several genres; with digital art being just one of them.Leeds Art Institute will prepare you for any branch of photography you hope to make your mark on.If you are undecided about which type of photography you could best express yourself in, or earn your living at, you would be able to try them all out, to see which is the best fit for you.Or, you could consider the photography courses at the University of Leeds.Theirs is also a three-year programme, with an additional focus on movies and film making.In fact, their syllabus prepares students for work in all communications and visual arts industries, from screen writing to advertising.Although their curriculum embraces digital photographic technology, they are much more interested in providing students with history and theory of the disciplines.This allows you to range among the various forms of the art, and choosing one that suits you best.They too foster a supportive environment, even after graduation, in the form of job placement.Who takes the pictures of graduates from photography School? Source: Pixabay Credit: PTKSGCOnline Photography CoursesWhat if, for whatever reason, you could not attend university?And don't have a great deal of time or desire to rush out for club meetings and the like?But you still want to learn photography: maybe as a career change, or simply to capture all of the special moments in your life.And if Leeds is slightly too far away, maybe looking for photography courses in Birmingham would suit you better.If pursuing photography is your greatest ambition, your education could start with The Photography Institute.Their programme runs strictly online photography courses, with no deadlines to meet or classes to attend.Through them you would learn everything from camera components to advanced photography techniques, in twelve compact modules.Do you want to learn how to photograph babies, or would you prefer documentary photo graphy?Their syllabus is self-paced, which removes the obligation to dash to class in the evenings, or on weekends â€" time no doubt reserved  for other pursuits.The expectation of The Photography Institute is that you dedicate at least four hours per week, completing the course in approximately six months â€" in spite of outside obligations.Naturally, it would be possible to extend the course duration, as needed.What if you feel that photography workshops and photography schools reduce this art to so many technical details, with neither heart nor soul?Maybe you contend you only need a few tips â€" loose instruction, to set you on the path of photographic genius.Should that be the case, Superprof boasts a cadre of trained  professionals who are all ready to impart photography tips, one on one, via webcam. Find  a photography course in Leeds. Or if you're in the South, why not ready about learning photography in London?You could even widen your search and look for online photography courses given by teachers all over the world!From questions about exposure timing to how to use Photoshop, our tutors will deliver the instruction you need, when you need it, in the comfort of your own home.Photography is so much more than simply pointing and shooting.If your aim is to make a name for yourself behind the lens, it would be best to understand every feature of your image-capturing  devices, and earn an official certificate for your efforts while you're at it.Should you have a passion for photography, you could learn more about it among those who share your feeling, by joining a camera club.Whether photography is your future or your first love (or both!), now you know where to take photography courses in Leeds.Find out more about photography lessons across the UK  or serach directly for photography courses on our site.

English Listening Exercise President Obama on Between Two Ferns

English Listening Exercise President Obama on Between Two Ferns The video for this weeks English listening exercise is really interesting and funny.President Obama goes on the comedy show, Between Two Ferns which is a really funny and pretty odd type of comedy. It is surprising that he would go on the show and it proves how he is really pushing younger people in the United States to join the health care program he helped create.Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama from President Barack Obama Try the Listening Exercise:1. Why did he cancel a few times?2. In 2013 you pardoned a turkey. What ___ you ___ planned for 2014?3. Why dont we ______ __?4. What does he compare running 3 times to?5. He kind of ______ that movie didnt he?6. Be short and _____ and ____ like Doritos and try to ___ __ in Hollywood.7. Where are you planning on building your presidential library in _____ or your ___ country of Kenya?8. What would he do if he was president? Why?9. What did Obama go on the show to plug?Writing: Would the leader of your cou ntry go on a show like this? Why or why not? Do you think that stuff like this works?

So, What Is The Deal with So

So, What Is The Deal with So So is an important conjunction in the English language. There is often confusion with so and such. You can check out our grammar video about so and such  here. The audio clip below talks about h0w  English speakers are now using so in different ways, sometimes more similar to the way native English speakers use like well, or um. Its also being used to say that there is a backstory or background information that must be understood before you can receive an answer.  Listen to this linguists thoughts on so and answer the questions.Answer the questions below and we will respond in comments.We dont usually notice little words ______, ______, and ____.Where did use of so rank in the misused words list?Does NPR overuse so?So is a conversational work-horse, it _________ a new topic, it ________  causes to results, it ___ __ a joke. (Click here for the phrasal verb in the last blank.)Did F. Scott Fitgeralds editor recommend using a different word in the last sentence of his novel The Great G astsby?What is the new use of so?Which professions use so more than anyone?What are the three criticisms he cites about using so?Can you write 4 sentences using so?

Secret of Happiness is Freedom, the Secret of Freedom is Courage

Secret of Happiness is Freedom, the Secret of Freedom is Courage The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage Carrie Jones Carrie Jones is an American writer who became famous thanks to the work in the genre of young adult fiction. Jones has received several awards and her books filled the shelves of bookstores in New York, becoming bestsellers. Carrie Jones grew up in Bedford, New Hampshire. She moved to Lewiston, Maine to attend Bates College. Initially, Jones did not want to be a writer, she was much more interested in the prospect of becoming a lawyer. But life turned out differently. And it has led to the success of working as a reporter and editor of the newspaper. Subsequently, the author has received awards and eventually she was awarded the prize for non-fiction literary.