Free Help With Algebra Exam Review

Free Help With Algebra Exam ReviewThis article will give you free help with algebra 1 exam review. The computer has revolutionized everything we can do in the world today and in learning new things. With a PC you can learn anything, at any time.Learning new skills you never learned before is a pleasure that you cannot get from your daily routine. The same applies to algebra. Today's computers have made it possible for anyone to learn anything, anytime they want to. Learning online from good sources like free help with algebra 1 exam review will not only give you more time to enjoy what you are doing, but it will give you the opportunity to improve your skills and knowledge of the subject matter.With the variety of available online resources, the problem can be in knowing where to start. This is where free help with algebra 1 exam review comes in. All you need to do is find a good source for information. There are free tutorial web sites on the internet that can give you the opportuni ty to see for yourself the advantages of taking a free help with algebra 1 exam review.When you take a free help with algebra 1 exam review, you will have the opportunity to see for yourself how learning math skills can help improve the way you think. It is a very enlightening experience that allows you to see a step by step procedure as to how you can improve your skills. By studying from a site like this, you will see your skills improving at a rate that is faster than you can do it on your own.You will also find a variety of computer programs that you can learn from that can give you the chance to improve your algebra knowledge. These programs are popular because they teach you a mathematical concept so you can improve your overall knowledge of the subject. In learning, especially math, it pays to know the basics, so these computer based tutorials are great way to go.Before you decide which programs to choose, do some research and find out which programs are the best online lesso ns. Remember, a computer based tutorial is going to have a lot of the same features as a tutorial in a book. You need to be able to write about the concepts that you are learning to develop an understanding of them. Many free help with algebra 1 exam review sites will let you write your own self-paced tutorials that you can use to learn from and then move on to another topic when you feel you have the basics down.If you go online you will find that there are thousands of online tutorials to choose from. Take some time to investigate what is out there and make a list of what you find interesting. Of course you want to make sure that the program is reputable and not just another scam, but it does not hurt to ask for referrals. Find out what other people are saying about a specific program so you can see if it is right for you.It is a good idea to take a free help with algebra 1 exam review from time to time so you can see if you are making progress or not. You should also try to ask s omeone else who is also learning math to give you a helping hand. Be sure to check with someone who is very knowledgeable in math to give you a helping hand, this way you can take advantage of their experience and knowledge and learn from them.

Organic Chemistry Tutor - Finding The Right One For Your Needs

Organic Chemistry Tutor - Finding The Right One For Your NeedsA certain discovery about organic chemistry is the fact that it is an interesting subject and all of us aspiring to become chemistry teachers and organic chemistry tutors are aware of this fact. The reality is that most of us do not have enough time and are also too busy in other responsibilities to get all the help we require for studying the subject. So it is better if you opt for a chemistry tutor name by putting a search on the internet.To select the right organic chemistry tutor for your needs you must have the right knowledge of the subject. So it is best if you visit the local library or bookstore and check out the different books regarding organic chemistry, which you are interested in. If you are using the Internet to search for a tutor then go through the resources offered in the websites and compare the prices offered by the various institutions so that you can find the one that is best suited for your needs. Yo u should also remember that if you choose the wrong organic chemistry tutor, then it is likely that you will make more mistakes and will end up making a lot of money if this is the case.One of the points that you should consider before selecting a tutor is the credentials and experience of the tutor. You should check out the credentials of the tutor and this includes his background, his experience and his degrees. It is because only those who have been in this line of job for a very long time can ensure that you will get the right organic chemistry tutor for your needs.You should also go through the general information about the tutors in the website. Check out if the tutor has the experience in the field of teaching. This is very important because if he has the experience then it is much easier for him to understand the subject and help you in learning the basics. You should also check out the type of teaching that he has done and also if he has any publications in the area.Another point that you should look into is the fee that the organic chemistry tutor charges. You must know that it is not very easy to take a cheap organic chemistry tutor name as there are many well established and qualified individuals who charge high fees for their services. So it is always better to go for the well-known names and you can see the list of these names on the website. The name of the tutor should also reflect the topic that he teaches so that he is easily understood by the students.It is also essential to go through the internet and check out the blog of the tutor, which is used to update his students regarding the latest news and developments in the organic chemistry field. This will help you in learning about his past work and also in understanding the style of teaching he has done. It is also advisable to look out for a tutor name who is updated with the latest in the field of organic chemistry so that you get the right organic chemistry tutor name.The organic chemistr y tutor name is the best way to get all the help you need in teaching your students about organic chemistry. But the fee that you pay must also be justified by the services he can provide to you. This is the best opportunity to earn from your study and if you study diligently, then you will be able to earn well in the future.

Amine Organic Chemistry - Do You Know What This Science Has To Do With?

Amine Organic Chemistry - Do You Know What This Science Has To Do With?Amine Organic Chemistry is the next science that has to do with the understanding of the organic synthesis and the action of amines. It also has something to do with the formation of an organic chemical compound that has a number of amines that has specific properties.Amine Synthesis and action are something that occurs very early in the life of a living creature. This is very important in an organism, because the survival of the organism depends on the ability of the organism to utilize these compounds for the purpose of its life cycle.For example, proteins in the human body are important for the human's metabolism. They allow the protein to enter the blood stream. So when these proteins undergo the process of amine synthesis, they can absorb other substances and create another protein.Amine Organic Chemistry has nothing to do with the substance that is used for the synthesis of a compound. This is the kind of sc ience that happens when the product of a chemical process is altered chemically to create a product that has the same chemistry.The use of a catalyst is also something that can be done in order to have such chemical alteration. The amine organic chemistry involves the knowledge of how a catalyst can be used in order to make a compound that has a particular property that is not present in the original substance.For example, a compound that has an amine in it could be able to stop a motion or could be used to prevent a reaction from occurring. There are also compounds that have a number of amines in them.There are also a number of organic chemistry textbooks that will explain what amine synthesis is and how it is performed. These can be used in the classroom or as a supplemental study guide to other organic chemistry courses.

What is it Like to Attend University of Maryland

What is it Like to Attend University of Maryland The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Gabby is a Washington D.C. tutor and 2011 graduate of the University of Maryland. She holds a Journalism degree and specializes inmany subjects such as Writing tutoring, Italian tutoring, and SAT prep tutoring. See what she had to say about her undergraduate experience: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Gabby: The campus is beautiful and sprawling. UMD has a reliable shuttle system that goes to every corner of campus, although many students also walk or bike to class. The campus is generally safe, but its always a good idea to use the buddy system when walking around at night. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Gabby: The professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants are very accommodating to students needs. They all hold office hours and are often willing to schedule appointments outside of their posted hours. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Gabby: Dorm life is one of the best ways to get to know your fellow Terps. Most freshmen live in the high-rise buildings on campus, and many are grouped with other students in their majors. The rooms are nothing luxurious, but they are perfectly suited to house two students. The underclassmen dorms are located next to a dining hall, 24-hour snack shop, fitness center, and recreational spaces. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Gabby: Two of UMDs best known and highest ranked programs are Business and Engineering. I studied Journalism another nationally ranked program. During my junior year, the university completed construction of a new Journalism building that features state of the art production facilities and computer labs. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Gabby: Making friends as a freshman is easy thanks to a week of fun orientation activities. Resident advisers in the dorms are also great at organizing floor meetings to help students get to know their neighbors. Fraternities and sororities are popular, but its just as common to not participate in Greek life. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Gabby: UMD does of a fantastic job of offering career services to students. The Career Center offers free resume workshops and mock interviews. There are two major job fairs, one each semester, that attract employers ranging from the federal government to engineering firms. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Gabby: No matter where you live on campus, you will be close to at least one of UMDs eight libraries. There is always a quiet place to sit and study. For a more casual space, there is the Stamp Student Union which also has a variety of fast dining options. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Gabby: UMD is located in the heart of a college town. College Park has scores of student-friendly restaurants, many of which deliver and stay open late. Students also go into the town for bowling, ice-skating, or to catch a movie. There is not much in the way of shopping. Luckily, College Park is just a short Metro ride away from Washington, D.C. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Gabby: One of the best things about UMD is the combination of large school perks and small school feel. Nearly 27,000 undergraduate students attend UMD, which makes for a strong network of Terps fans. The university draws exciting speakers and performers, as well as prestigious faculty. But one should never feel lost in a crowd. Opportunities abound for finding your niche including extracurricular clubs and teams, specialized learning communities, and small class sizes. In my four years there, I had only two lectures with more than 50 students. Usually my class sizes were 20-25. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Gabby: One of my favorite classes was a survey of world religions. The class attracted students from a wide variety of backgrounds and majors. To break up the lectures, we would split into small groups for discussion. I met so many new people and broadened my viewpoint at the same time. Check out Gabbys tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

My Experience at University of California-Berkeley

My Experience at University of California-Berkeley The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Daniel is a San Francisco-Bay Area tutor and 2014 graduate of University of California-Berkeley. He holds a Bachelors degree in Anthropologyand tutors several subjects, specializing inCollege Essay tutoring, GRE Verbal Reasoning tutoring, and Writing tutoring. Check out what Daniel had to say about his time at University of California-Berkeley: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or rural is the campus? Did you feel safe on campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Daniel: University of California-Berkeley is a bustling, urban campus ringed by businesses, restaurants, office buildings, clothing stores, and cafes. It is centrally located in the city of Berkeley with easy access to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), as well as a multitude of regular bus lines that head toward attractions in Oakland, Emeryville, San Francisco, and beyond. There are several all-night buses for those late trips into the city. Though there is certainly crime in and around campus (typically muggings late at night), the university police force is a presence, and the campus provides a reliable late-night shuttle service. Bikes are very common, often with dedicated lanes or streets, and cars are absolutely unnecessary (plus you will quickly find yourself inundated with late-night airport trip requests as that person with the car). VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Daniel:Professors and GSIs (graduate student instructors, or teaching assistants) hold weekly office hours. Depending on the popularity of the professor, time slots can fill up almost immediately. Although professors are usually friendly and helpful, it often seemed to me that teaching was not their academic priority. GSIs may be just as busy, but they generally lavish more attention and time on students. It helps that the average GSI is much closer in age to the average undergraduate. My major adviser was knowledgeable and supportive, but from what I have heard, that does not necessarily carry across all departments. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Daniel:I never lived in the dorms, but I lived in the off-campus student cooperative system for several years. A very popular option for students (with an accompanying long waiting list), the Berkeley Student Cooperative consists of 13 houses and three apartment buildings scattered around the north and south sides of campus. The houses range in size from 17 to 149 members (all students), who work, cook, study, and socialize together. In the apartments, priority is given to low-income students. Two members cook dinner for the house six days a week, and there is a fully stocked kitchen. Decisions are made democratically at weekly councils, and members pool money to put on frequent social events. Veteran co-opers can go on to become house managers, central office employees, or members of the Board of Directors. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Daniel:STEM majors are generally better funded than the humanities and social sciences. University of California-Berkeleys Computer Science and Business majors are considered especially selective (and well-funded), as is the College of Chemistry and the College of Engineering. New Astrophysics, Business, and Engineering buildings are currently being built, as well as a new art museum which may house the Art Practice major. I majored in Sociocultural Anthropology. I felt drawn to Sociocultural Anthropologys unique combination of philosophy, critical theory, and interpersonal fieldwork. Anthropology at University of California-Berkeley has many world-class faculty members and a strong graduate program, meaning strong graduate student instructors. Sadly, Anthropology does not garner much attention from the university, so graduate students receive very little funding. This means fewer discussions can be held. Discussions are small, GSI-led classes meant to explore and reinforce what is l earned in the weekly lecture. I found my discussion classes to be regularly enlightening, and I disliked their relative scarcity. Other relatively underfunded majors, like Philosophy, do have discussion sections for every course. Other than that, the university provides an adequate framework for undergraduate research opportunities in Anthropology and other fields. Paid research opportunities are occasionally available, usually subsequent to a volunteer position. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Daniel:Living in student cooperative housing, I found it very easy to make friends. The student co-ops emphasize consent, antidiscrimination, and other safe-space social activities. It is noticeably more difficult for students living in apartments, but certainly not impossible. Many students struggle until they find a club with like-minded people. Luckily, there are a plethora of student organizations available. Greek life (sadly) plays a significant role on campus despite the numerous sexual assaults which have been reported in recent years. There are certainly positive and productive Greek organizations, particularly the academic fraternities and the queer fraternities and sororities. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Daniel:I know many people who have found the Career Center to be a helpful and supportive environment. There are several large career fairs every academic year, as well as many smaller, major-specific recruitment fairs and information sessions. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they overcrowded, easily available, spacious? Daniel:There are dozens of on-campus libraries, reading rooms, study lounges, and cafes open to undergraduates. Different students study more efficiently in different levels of noise, light, color schemes, etc., and the plethora of venues available suit any situation. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments/things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Daniel:Berkeley is a vibrant city with tons of interesting restaurants, bookstores, and parks. The campus is located next to bustling and urban downtown Berkeley, as well as more quiet and quaint neighborhoods like North Berkeley and Elmwood. Anyone who gets tired of Indian food, botanical gardens, and Marxist libraries can hop on a bus or BART and head into Oakland for an arts fair and amateur professional wrestling every first Friday. Emeryville has Ikea, Target, and other big box stores, and San Francisco has anything and everything. For nature enthusiasts, Tilden Park and the Strawberry Canyon Fire Trails are easily accessible. Marin is also available, if a bit more of a trek. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Daniel:University of California-Berkeley is a large school, though not unmanageably so. It is easy to find oneself within a fairly circumscribed social circle where coincidental mutual friends are common. The class sizes vary greatly, and most large lectures are helped by smaller discussion sections. I generally enjoyed my smaller classes more, but large lectures are an inevitability at a university with celebrity professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Daniel:My first semester after transferring to University of California-Berkeley from a community college, I signed up for a Medical Anthropology course based on the provocative title Critical Bioethics. As the course began and we read and discussed my professors work, I realized, to my shock, that I had already been taught this. Her cases had been used as boilerplate examples and her ideas taught as basic anthropological theory in my community college classes. I came to realize that at University of California-Berkeley, it is normal to stumble into a class with someone whose exceptional work has become fundamental to a field. Check out Daniels tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

6 Easy Improvements to Make to Your Study Space This Fall

6 Easy Improvements to Make to Your Study Space This Fall School is back in session! As such, you might be wondering how you can enhance your study space to help you perform at your highest potential. There are several quick changes you can make to improve your study space right at home heres what you can do: 1. Cut out distractions What tends to distract you when you are trying to buckle down and study? Is it a nearby poster with bright colors that catches your eye, a beanbag chair that is a bit too relaxing, or a mechanical pencil you constantly are playing with? Any distracting objects or features of your study space should be eliminated. In theory, getting rid of these distractions should be relatively easy. Excessive light can be reduced with curtains and furniture can be rearranged. With some creativity, mostly everything about your study space is adjustable. [RELATED: Top 5 College Study Tips] 2. Clear the clutter Your study space should only contain the things you need to study nothing more, nothing less. When you keep more than you need in your study space, it can lead to stress and distractions. Clean up garbage, put away extra books, and relocate picture frames, trinkets, etc., or any other objects that are not conducive to studying. Go for a minimalistic approach. 3. Adjust the lighting Lighting can have a huge psychological impact on your study efforts. Your study space should be properly lit: not so bright that it hurts your eyes, but not so dim that you have to squint. Natural light is often better than artificial light, so take advantage if your study space has a window or skylight. If possible, open the blinds rather than flipping a light switch (you can save electricity this way, too). 4. Reduce noise Some students enjoy studying with their headphones in or the radio on. However, some studies show that people tend to remember less of what they study when they study with too much background noise. However, there are other instances when music can be helpful to ones concentration, perhaps when it is soft and familiar. New sounds can negatively affect concentration, however, as they will likely be distracting. All in all, this aspect of a study space depends on your personal preferences. 5. Personalize To customize your study space, you must get to know yourself. Think about all of the different parts of your study space: lighting, seating arrangement, organization, temperature, acoustics, etc. Now, think about how you can tailor those elements to make them create the perfect study environment for you and only you. Only you know under what conditions you learn best. 6. Ditch your phone One surefire way to increase your study productivity is by putting your phone down for awhile. As hard as it may be, not having email, texting, and social media at your fingertips will greatly help you focus on the schoolwork at hand. At first, it may be a tough adjustment, but you are very likely to be pleased with how much you accomplish. If you are ever using your study space for group work, encourage your team members to put their phones aside as well; they just may thank you later! Improving your study space does not have to be difficult or expensive. Follow these tips and you will have already taken the first step to higher test grades. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Improving Work Ethics For Introverts - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Improving Work Ethics For Introverts - Introvert Whisperer Improving Work Ethics For Introverts When you read the words ‘work ethics’ how do you feel? Does it conjure up images of HR workshops and dreaded role plays? Or does it? As an introvert, make you feel instant anxiety when you think about playing an active part in the workplace?   In general terms, workplace ethics covers behaviour based skills such as dedication, teamwork, integrity engagement and behaving appropriately and respectfully. Introverts may not immediately see how their natural common traits can benefit themselves and others in an obvious way in the office, but you would be wrong!   Many introverts have gone on to be great leaders of history.       One of the most famous introverts in history would be Mahatma Gandhi, but some great leaders will surprise you. For example; Rosa Parks, who infamously remained on her seat on the bus, was a very introverted, gentle and quiet woman. Elon Musk whom it would seem loves the stage and taking the mic in huge auditoriums, is a tech-focussed introvert who had to train and change certain behaviours to take that seat at the head of the boardroom table. JK Rowling’s introverted nature allowed her to write and write and write, building beguiling worlds full of wizards and fantastic beasts.   Sure, these guys are a tiny per cent of truly, globally successful people, but it demonstrates that being an introvert should not hold you back and you can contribute and live positive work ethics every day.   Engagement is probably the toughest ‘natural spot’ for those that tend to be a little introverted. The thought of a work party with its loud music and cackling laughter and singing can feel a bit overwhelming, and you may be tempted to hand back at your desk chatting to the office cleaner rather than join the fun. You may also recoil at the thought of presenting to a group of people, but your introversion shouldn’t hold you back when it comes to seeking out friendships, good working relationships and in turn, positively raise your profile in the workplace.     Connect with people in a comfortable way for you.   Have a quiet morning coffee or breakfast one on one with your manager or maybe some colleagues who are collaborating on a project with you. One to one time and small group gatherings are a great forum to get your point across and share ideas. If you are a team leader, share your wins!   You don’t need to get on the mic or take a bow, but you can send a thankful email to the business sharing the successes and how your team has improved the company. Similarly, if a team member has performed well, remember to give them a thank you.   Ditch the headphones! It can be a comfort zone to stick on the headphones and concentrate on your work, but to others, it can be perceived as isolating yourself from the group or disinterested in the team or those around you. Keep the headphones for when you’re working to a tight deadline or need to concentrate on a specific document leaving yourself open to some engagement and conversation.     Introverts have some excellent traits when it comes to promoting good work ethics.   We think before we speak, choose our words carefully, and we tend to steer clear of watercooler gossip.   Because we tend to take our time with responses, we can also navigate office politics pretty well, but it’s good to remember that from time to time you do need to put yourself out there and speak up in meetings, or if you believe strongly in an opinion.     If you don’t know where to start, think about some coaching, or speak to your HR department about some training on speaking publicly and presenting.   It may never be your comfort zone, but you’ll feel a great deal of achievement when you do hit those milestones and feel rewarded when the company you work for gets to recognise your good efforts.       Ultimately, we all need to connect with other people, it’s human nature, and by taking steps to communicate more with others, you may find that you have more in common with some of your colleagues than you think! Author Bio: Lara Blanco: Culture happiness centric individual with the belief that happy teams make happy  customers, which in turn makes everyone happy. I also know a thing or two about cleaning

Learn to Sing the Most Beautiful Songs

Learn to Sing the Most Beautiful Songs Master the Greatest Songs in the World ChaptersLullabies from a Young AgeLearn the ClassicsThe Best English-Language MusicBroaden Your Musical Horizons with French MusicAs the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect”. This is even truer for any musician who wants to sing.  Whether you learn to sing with singing lessons, in a music school, as part of a gospel choir, or in the shower, you’ll quickly learn how enjoyable it can be singing your favourite songs.  From listening to singing is to go from a passive participant to an active participant in the world of music.Find out more about vocal training and vocal coaches.While singing at home can be really enjoyable, there’s nothing better than interpreting some of humanity’s most beautiful songs for an eager audience. Whether you like jazz, pop, reggae or classical concerts, there should be something for the soundtrack of your life. TraceySinging Teacher 4.92 (13) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PortiaSinging Teacher 4.91 (11) £35/h1st lesson free!Disc over all our tutors NicolaSinging Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JazzSinging Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PerrineSinging Teacher 5.00 (3) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TiemSinging Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomSinging Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MiriamSinging Teacher 5.00 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLullabies from a Young AgeYou can get into singing at a very young age. In fact, children can be exposed to music during pregnancy and there are singing lessons available for very young children.You should start singing as soon as you can. (Source: pixabay.com)Babies, love music, after all. Children can learn to sing in the same way that they learn to speak either their own or a foreign language.  Not only do children have beautiful voices and a range that works particularly well for certain types of music (like church choirs), t hey learn quickly and have an adaptability that we tend to lose as we get older.Additionally, careful use of the vocal cords will help them to sing in tune as well as protecting them from the inevitable tightening of the vocal cords that occurs in later life. The breathing techniques they’ll nurture will also help improve their health and fitness.With so many songs for children, a voice coach will be able to find plenty of different ways to keep child students interested in learning to sing with music from our own childhood.While it might be difficult to remember the words after all these years, there’s always the internet, an invaluable resource where you can find almost anything, both good and bad, including lullabies and nursery rhymes from yesteryear.You can have fun teaching your student or child all the nursery rhymes you learnt growing up.Despite what some may think, nursery rhymes and lullabies aren’t necessarily bad pieces of music. In fact, Mozart composed the music that we commonly associate with songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”, the “Alphabet Song”, and “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep”. They’re all variations of his piece “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman” which was obviously a French song.Learn the ClassicsAlmost everyone has gone through a phase where they dressed like their favourite pop stars and performing artists or adopted certain elements from their fashion.  While these celebrities have outrageous lifestyles that most of us can only dream of, it’s never stopped us trying to emulate certain elements of them.However, this is quite different to the lives our ancestors led. In the past, long before recorded music, workers in the fields would sing to themselves to pass the time and music used to be used to pass local tales from generation to generation.There were plenty of choirs around the country and singing aloud was far more commonplace that you’d first think. In fact, the “Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho” of the dwarves wouldnâ €™t be out of the ordinary.  Around the turn of the century, political parties used songs including Land of Hope and Glory, The Red Flag, and The Land.While certain families may remember the anthems of political parties, music was passed down through choirs and associations such as the army, scouts, navy, etc.  A lot of these pieces include lyrics written about certain events and are sung over music that already existed.However, in the case of “Jerusalem”, the music was written over a hundred years after the lyrics which were taken from the William Blake poem “And did those feet”.  Then there’s “Land of Hope and Glory”, another British patriotic song that was written by Edward Elgar, a composer famous for all his patriotic music.However, it might surprise you to know that Elgar took a huge amount of inspiration from continental music (which you should, too!).You should learn some music theory to help with your singing. (Source: pixabay.com)You’ll probably be familiar with his work if you’ve ever watched The Proms. The Last Night of the Proms, which has aired annually since 1953, regularly features Elgar’s work as well as Jerusalem.  That said, there’s so much more to The Proms than the last evening, you should check out as much of them as you can. The programme runs for 8 weeks, after all.The Best English-Language MusicOne of the huge advantages of speaking English is the sheer amount of music that’s available to any aspiring singer. You can start learning these songs before you’ve trained your musical ear.  There are also so many choices that you can practise singing almost every type of music.  This also means that you’ll be able to work on your elocution.If you’re looking for pop rock, there’s the most famous acts like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones from the 1960s (and onward). They’re a good way to get into the music without risking your throat too much.Since you probably already know the most famous acts in the Englis h language, let's have a look at the songs of France and the most famous singers from across the channel.Broaden Your Musical Horizons with French MusicUntil now, we’ve mainly focused on classical pieces. Popular pieces that are timeless and, while they won’t be topping the charts any time soon, they’ll still be a popular choice.  Let’s move away from British classics and consider music that isn’t in our mother tongue. These pieces can help you significantly when it comes to singing.If you head across the channel, you'll see that France has a rich musical landscape and a beautiful-sounding language (the language of amour) to go with it.  Additionally, there are plenty of French songs that you can sing without needing a music PhD.In the first half of the 20th century, France gave rise to a number of famous singers: Edith Piaf (who gave us Non, je ne regrette rien and La vie en rose), Jacques Brel, and Charles Trenet (I bet you didn't know that Across the Sea was originally written by a French singer!).You need to listen to singers that inspire you to sing. (Source: Randy Tahtinen)If you want to dive even further, there’s also Georges Brassens and Bobby Lapointe. These artists made music simply with just a guitar and recording quality that left a lot to be desired. The choruses have a degree of familiarity that seem to throw the music classes we took in school out of the window.During the post-war period, French pop music started being increasingly influenced from across the Atlantic and new genres were springing up all over the country. The singer-songwriter and all-round performer Michel Polnareff, Jean-Jacques Goldman, and Claude François were all hugely popular.France isn't the only French speaking country with great musicians, the French-Canadian Céline Dion started her career with French-language songs and representing Switzerland at the Eurovision song contest.Charles Aznavour was famous for his qualities lyrics and Francis Cabrel and Serge Gainsbourg (whose song Je t'aime... moi non plus was banned from the radio in the UK) were superstars in their own right.Henri Salvador’s lyrics were a thing of beauty and you should check out some of his songs like Jardin d’hiver and Zorro est arrivé.  Jean Ferrat was famous for his political music.While the list could go on and on, we’ll mention just a few more names like Maurice Chevalier, Michel Sardou, Marc Lavoine, Daniel Balavoine, Juliette Greco, Georges Moustaki, Alain Bashung, Yves Montand, Claude Nougaro and Serge Reggiani.There’s also Johnny Hallyday (who recently passed away), Lara Fabian, Calogero, Alain Souchon, Patrick Bruel, Florent Pagny and Renaud.  With all these names, you’re bound to find some amazing French music to listen to.These are the names that will fill up any French dance floor and should even get the most serious singers tapping their foot. Additionally, if you want to sing opera, it wouldn’t hurt to be able to sing a bit in French.If you 're more interested in modern music, there's also the Belgian artist Stromae who blends hip hop, house, and electronic music with fantastic melodies. (you might have heard his international hit Alors on danse).There are plenty more that we’ve missed out but these names should be enough to get you started and if you’re listening on Spotify or on YouTube, the suggestions provided will help you explore even further. Just like in English, you can get rap, gospel, soul, hip hop, religious music, etc. in French, too.Whether you’re in the shower or in the car, working with a private singing tutor or not, famous songs are some of the best ways to improve your singing voice. Don’t ever forget that you should always learn to sing for the love of singing before you consider singing as a career!Find a tutor for singing lessons on Superprof:Singing lessons LondonSinging lessons ManchesterSinging lessons BrightonSinging lessons online

Ask a Private School Admissions Expert Emily Glickman

Ask a Private School Admissions Expert Emily Glickman Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Emily Glickman is the founder and president of Abacus Guide Educational Consulting, a leading private school consulting service in New York. She currently serves as an alumni admissions interviewer for Columbia Universityand is a vastly well-known expert on private school admissions. Emily has also been featured in several prestigious publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. VT: What is the typical timeline for private school admissions? Emily: Families should start to think about private school admissions about a year and a half before a child starts a new school.While the private school admissions process officially starts right after Labor Day, advanced planning means you have more time to research and sometimes visit schools, study for required exams, and improve your familys and students admissions profile. If your child applies to private school, plan for a busy fall!Usually, private schools upload applications to their websites in late August or early September.Then its a sprint:essays, interviews, testing, references, and transcripts.Before you know it, its the New Year and its almost time for February or March decisions. VT: What is the typical process that admissions officers go through to evaluate applications? Emily: Private school admissions directors review a students whole profile: parent and (for middle school and high school) student essays, interviews, school reports, and teacher recommendations. VT: What are the most important things children need to have represented on their applications? Emily: Kids need to seem like they will be successful in a new school.Every admissions officer likes an articulate, friendly, easy-going student with a solid academic record. VT: What are common mistakes parents make when applying to these programs? Emily: Sometimes parents think they need to snow admissions directors with extensive talk about their vast real estate holdings, multiple doctorates from the worlds best universities, and thirty board memberships.While private schools like generous, community-minded people, nobody likes a showoff. VT: How should parents go about determining the culture of a private school, and whether it would be a good fit for their children? Emily: When parents evaluate private schools, they should start with an open mind and a willingness to look at a number of schools. In New York City, its a sellers market, so buyers need to give themselves many possible options.Families should go to school-sponsored events and talk to current parents. Some of my clients have found YouTube videos of school events and the school newspaper to be good ways to ferret out real information that you dont get from marketing materials. VT: How important are standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Emily: For NYC kindergarten admission, ERB scores are critical.I find that for middle school and high school, students grades carry more weight and sometimes will mean more than a disappointing ISEE or SSAT score. VT: What tips do you have in regards to ISEE prep, SSAT prep, and preparation for other standardized assessments that private schools might require? Emily: If students want to have the best possible choice of schools, they should prep.In my experience, prepping can dramatically improve students scores.That said, some parents want to prep years in advance!That is too much.Children are only children for a short period.Test prep should be practiced in moderation, and only when it is productive. VT: What are the most important things parents need to have well represented about themselves when meeting with admissions officers? Emily: Parents need to seem like pleasant, community-minded, thoughtful people who will reflect well on the school. VT: How does networking and having in-school connections affect one's chances of admission? Emily: At almost all schools, some more than others, networking matters.Connections help, especially when a student is qualified. In many ways, NYC private schools are like country clubs.If you know someone there, youve proven yourself to be their kind of person. VT: How can a student best prepare for admissions interviews? Emily: I work directly with students and coach them on how best to answer questions.For kids who want to prepare on their own, my best advice is to show your best self.Its not the admissions officers business if your favorite activity is playing Xbox while scarfing nachos. Instead, discuss your favorite school subject or your interest in American biography. Check out Abacus Guide Educational Consulting for more information or get in touch with Emily at info@abacusguide.com The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.