Where to Find Painting Classes in Cardiff

Where to Find Painting Classes in Cardiff Learn to Paint in the Capital of Wales ChaptersWhy Learn to Paint?Attending an Art ClassLearning to Paint in Cardiff: Your Best OptionsGet Yourself a Private Painting Tutor at SuperprofToo often, people think of painting as something that was done in the past. Like the classical music industry, or, say, philosophy, the painters and paintings that we recognise most easily are those that have been around for centuries. Think about Leonardo da Vinci or J.M.W Turner, Matisse or Gainsborough. These guys â€" and, unfortunately, they are almost always guys â€" determine what we think about and recognise as painting.And so, in every art museum you’ll ever go into, you’ll get the vibe that, with painting, the older the better. An arts education is really an education in art history â€" and there’s a constant sense of age. Really, we’re under the impression that a good museum of art is one that is a collection of relics, houses of history as much as houses of visual arts, ceramics, printmaking, and all the other art mediums that should, indeed, be timeless.The other side of this obsession with age â€" and, we suppose, with monetary value â€" is that the newer artists don’t really get a look in. Francis Bacon’s expressive images of the human figure, whilst stunning in themselves, are left to the art experts, and to a particular clique of art students who want something a bit different. Bacon, however, is moving, along with his artworks, into the pantheon of the great names in art â€" although, still, not really many people have heard of him.In this way, we find it quite refreshing that someone like Banksy â€" just down the road from Cardiff in Bristol â€" has developed such public fame and has done so by moving the creative process outside of the museum. He’s just been named the favourite artist of the British â€" and so should be an inspiration for artists today. For those that fiddle around in an art studio at home, as well as for those like you who â€" wisely, we might say â€" have decided tha t it is time to have a look for some arts classes to join.Finding painting classes in Edinburgh and painting workshops in Belfast!Painting is beautiful - give it a go!everyone should dabble in watercolors, acrylics, or oil paint; we think everyone should explore their creative side, whether in a sketchbook, in sculptural work, calligraphy or digital photography; in abstract portraiture or representational still life. And we’ll tell you why.We have a sneaking suspicion that engaging your creative mind â€" whether through digital media, color theory, or art and design â€" makes you a much healthier, happier, and more successful person. We suspect that people who have a love for the arts â€" from young artists to the elderly â€" and who make the space to develop that love, have better mental health. And this is because they have a space in which to express their feelings, to gather their thoughts, and to put their mind at rest.We suggest then that you do something similar. And whilst you can paint all you want at home â€" whilst at home you have the space to draw and paint, to dedicate yourself to your art forms and the skill of how to paint â€" you may well find that some guidance would be nice. And, alongside nice, it can be really helpful for the development of your skill.Find painting classes across the UK and painting classes in London!Attending an Art ClassBecause whilst it is lovely to spend your evenings at home indulging your love for visual art â€" dreaming of your first art exhibition and the praise of local artists â€" joining some class at the local center for the arts can be a real motivating factor in your work.Art camps, art workshops, or a formal art school are not just moments of teaching. They are times in which someone can guide you to explore new areas â€" new art materials, new techniques (abstraction, say, or observational work), and new subject matter. Art lessons are opportunities to listen to critiques of your work, and to develop on t hem. Painting classes are moments of inspiration â€" in which you can see what other people are doing and learn from them.This applies to painters of all skill levels and for ages from minors and kids art to adult classes and classes for teens. Learning to paint can be a little lonely and frustrating if you don’t know what to do with your materials and art supplies â€" your acrylic paint, say, or your gouache â€" and it’s this factor that usually makes people stop painting before they have even got going.The point is to avoid this lapse of interest. And art classes â€" from summer camps to adult painting classes London, a lecture series or a community art session â€" are the best way to keep this interest high.Explore your creative side with painting classes in CardiffFind painting classes in Leeds and painting lessons in Birmingham.Learning to Paint in Cardiff: Your Best OptionsCardiff isn’t exactly a byword for art â€" for public art nor for contemporary art. However, this i s really a little unfair of us all. Because the capital of Wales actually boasts a number of excellent art galleries, art schools, and opportunities for family art and adult art classes, alongside art schools for those fancying an arts degree. And it’s not like Wales, or indeed Cardiff, have ever been absent from the history of art either.So, all in all, it’s a great place to study, learn, and practice. And here are your best options for getting on with it!Paint and Create with Cardiff’s ArtSpaceThe ArtSpace is one Cardiff’s most reputable art learning centres â€" providing painting classes and workshops to adults in all sorts of different aspects of art production.They are based on the Curran Embankment â€" a short walk from the centre of town â€" and their programmes are pretty much always sold out. So, if you want to learn how to paint in a friendly, relaxed, but rigorously professional environment, you might want to book wayyy in advance.Just to get an idea, the courses on offer range from ‘Impressionist Painting’ to landscapes to palette knife painting. So, whatever art is for you, you’ll find it at the ArtSpace.Try some colour with Cardiff's art classes.Take a Degree in Painting at Cardiff MetWhilst it offers a whole load of short courses, evening classes, and adult learning opportunities in painting, Cardiff Met has a respectable school of art too. So, if you are young, and fancy studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts, or indeed a Master of Fine Arts, there’s absolutely no reason not to.If you are interested in developing your studio art here, you’ll be showered with opportunities to learn fascinating stuff â€" from the history of art to cutting edge techniques. So, whether you are interested in watercolour or digital art, fiber art or the philosophy of artmaking, you’ll be well looked after here.And, with a degree in art, you’ll be equipped to navigate the commercial, practical, and social elements of being an artist â€" and prepare d to enter the world of art.Here are painting classes near me.Get Yourself a Private Painting Tutor at SuperprofWhether you are deadly serious about your art practice or just in it for the fun, if you are interested in art therapy or you want to apply to art school. Whichever is your motivation â€" and whatever your needs â€" you’ll find someone to help you indulge it at Superprof.Superprof is a platform that connects students to private tutors locally and across the world. Right now, we’re approaching eight million tutors worldwide in over a thousand different subjects, and painting â€" obviously, it goes without saying â€" is one of them.In Cardiff, we have eight tutors teaching painting, charging an average of £21 an hour. You’ll find here teachers specialising in watercolour or in oil, in graphic design or in drawing â€" and they are all lovely, friendly, and committed to what they do.Learn to Paint at the Art Workshop Cardiff.Over the last seven years, the Art Workshop i n Rhiwbina has been drawing kids, adults, and art enthusiasts of all ages to its doors â€" with the promise of first-class, professional painting education.From watercolour to printmaking, drawing to 3D work, it seems almost like there’s nothing the pair of artists who run the place can’t do.The classes are wonderful â€" enriching, fun, and creative â€" and the support you’ll get with your own work will make you reluctant to leave!Find painting courses in Manchester and painting classes in Glasgow!

Seeing Drummers Live Will Change the Way You Play.

Seeing Drummers Live Will Change the Way You Play. Be Inspired by the Best Drummers in the World. ChaptersThe Benefit of Seeing Drums Live.Some of the Best Drummers and Bands to Follow.Top 6 Worldwide Drum FestivalsOff-the-Wall Percussion Shows that Might Intrigue You.History Of The DrumEvery year there are millions of large and small music concerts where you can listen to live bands, the best drum music and see musicians on stage performing. If you are a performer, drummer, jazz music lover or improvisational lover of a percussionist instrument, there is a gig for you where you can be inspired, amazed, and surrounded by other like-minded people.In this article, we will look at different events - gigs, festivals, conventions - that are dedicated to drums from around the world, where bands will excite you and allow you to discover the drums  in a way that you have never seen! Can we have a drum roll, please!Listen to live bands and see musicians on stage performing. Photo Source: Unsplashyour dream drumset, drumming teachers and even tech smart drumming machines. But the best part or the icing on the cake is that they have performers on stage for your viewing pleasure.The  Bag'Show festival  is the biggest drummers event in France and drums have been beaten since 1979 in Paris. The artist changes every year but visiting this event, you can take the opportunity to discover or rediscover drummers like Rodney Holmes (Santana), Ash Soan (jazz fusion), Derrick Wright (Adele), Romain Joutard (Frero Delavega, Christophe Mae) or Adam Marcello.Throughout the day drummers  and percussionists demonstrate their gift on the stage.  Once you have seen them perform why not discover the new products on the market from big brands like Yamaha, Roland, Gretsch, Ludwig or Tama. Even the acoustic and electronic instruments can be tried for free on the various stands.This is a great place to go to have some classes to learn how to play drums like a rock star, buy the instruments for your new band, or buy your first drum and have some beginner drum lessons. Why not get an experime ntal drum so that you will be able to play funk, reggae or jazz with your group. This festival brings together under one roof the Amateur, and professional artists,  drummers, specialized journalists and manufacturers, and all music styles are explored, pop music, electronic music, African music and much more.The show is perfect for beginners who don’t know how to play the drums as well as professional musicians. Photo Source: UnsplashDrum Festival SwitzerlandLocation: SwitzerlandWhen: Adhoc event when they get sponsors it runsWebsite: https://www.drumfestivalswitzerland.com/In the 1920s the drums were in the spotlight at the front of the stage, this was the beginning of its modern history. Drums were the cornerstone of jazz music, present from the bebop era, and played the drums at every jazz concert. Gradually, the drum migrated to the back of the stage, but they did not lose its importance in the sound of the music.As they gained popularity, the drums passed through each style of music. But the drummers deserve much more than a back seat as it is a real talent that many of the musicians demonstrate when they play the drums. The  Drum festival  strives to show all of the possible kinds of expressiveness of the instrument by inviting talented drummers that are little known in Europe to gain exposure for their craft.International Festival of Drums and FanfaresLocation: La Baule, FrancePrice: Free (Indoor, Private concerts may be charged)At the beginning of its popularity, the  drum bands  consisted solely of drummers playing drums and was often used as a military musical instrument to motivate the troops and give rhythm to their march. The aspect of this formation gave rise to the marching bands that we can see so often in parades.Marching bands, of course, have,  In addition to the drums, the brass band which consists of many instruments (trumpet, tuba, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, flute). Many festivals have their fanfare, and sometimes even several, to the delight of young and old.At this festival, the musicians offer  different shows over three days: concerts, parades, outdoor games synced with light animations. The drum is not the only instrument to be honoured, but it is another way to discover it, in a more traditional form.The London Drum Show, English Drum FestivalLocation: London, EnglandWhen: Annually in NovemberWebsite: https://www.londondrumshow.com/This event brings us a weekend in London dedicated to the drums. There are drum masterclasses with musician Jonathan Rodney, Pick Withers or Pete Cater.  Which are on a first come first served basis. Throughout the show, advice is provided by professional drummers, on acoustic and electronic drums styles all of which are showcased and all of the equipment you could dream of is for sale including the electronic drum,   many things on sale at preferential prices.Free drumming classes  are offered for all levels where you can learn about drum kits, the drum beat, the drum set, d rum patterns and the sticks that you should use. After your free drum lessons, you can see vintage drums on display for your viewing pleasure. In 2018, a tribute to Keith Moon, the famous drummer from The Who, will be rendered by several drummers. drum teacher could offer to keep you updated.This is a great show where you can watch your idols perform, Learn to play the drums with different kits, trying out different styles and buy the best kit for your own band and musical adventure.The Drums Summit FestivalLocation: Toulouse, FranceWhen: Annually in MarchPrice: From €5   - €12Website: www.baguetterie.frEvery year for the past 18 years, the  Drums Summit festival  has been held in March and offers several dates of jazz concerts, around the drums.This festival is family friendly and has great to take part in the activities, for adults and children. You can take part in doing a drum solo, learning drum beats, learn how to read sheet music,   take a look at a rock bands drum patter ns, through to film-concerts, musical ensemble meetings, free drum lessons, masterclasses and jazz performances.The famous  jazz drummer André Ceccarelli  is very often present sharing his jazz drumming, as are other celebrities. The goal of  Drums Summit  is above all the sharing of culture, regardless of the style of music.Progress in areas that you had previously misunderstood. Photo Source: UnsplashOther Events Related To The DrumThe drums are a fairly popular instrument, and several other events are popping up here and there. To offer one-off workshops, online lessons, open seminars, and drumming shows.Drums Addict Festival: The last edition took place in 2010 in Bordeaux, but the association is still active, offering multiple tips to apprentice drummers.  Who knows, maybe a new edition will see the light of day soon?Drummers Festival:  They have already had 25 sessions for this Belgian festival which offers concerts, musical ensembles and exclusive masterclasses over two days .  The last edition took place in 2018 and honoured drummers and musicians Thomas Lang and Virgil Donati,Drum Fest:  Every year since 2012, the Drum Fest offers a drumming festival that looks like a fun competition between drummers.Wikidrummers Festival: Since 2016, the festival welcomes international artists and offers a Groove Contest, the groove contest is judged on your drum patterns and skills and is open to all and subject to a jury vote,Yamaha Drum Show:  Drum brands occasionally show off with their merchandise.  This is the case with Yamaha who regularly does this.The  world of drums is  attracting more and more followers, and it is becoming normal to see new events flourish in connection with the percussion instrument.Each year, it is, therefore, possible to participate in several  festivals and events  around drummers and drums, whether as a simply curious, amateur wishing to progress or professional looking for inspiration.So which drum festival tempts you?Off-the-Wall Pe rcussion Shows that Might Intrigue You.Well, we've covered the music festival circuit, as well as some of the best percussionists in contemporary music. However, we've mainly stuck to a fairly conventional drum sound. There are so many different - and equally amazing - drum performers out there that can provide you with the inspiration you need to keep moving forward with your playing.Here are a few examples.StompYou've probably heard of Stomp, the percussionist's favourite musical. It came out of Brighton in the nineties and has since been performed all over the world.Yes, it's a musical, but it's one with a difference. All of the music is created with found objects, but the rhythms they produce is really a wonder to behold. Think wicked drum work mixed with catchy rhythms and physical theatre.F.M. EinheitDrums ain't all about the snare drum, cymbals, and the hi hat. F.M. Einheit's career is really testament to this fact - but, as an experimental musician and 'industrial percussion ist', Einheit's work doesn't make easy listening.I have seen him perform his rhythmic work on sheets of metal, breaking bricks with hammers, and with a hand drill. Not something for everyone, but if you are interested in the very limits of the rhythm section, this is for you.Rhythms of ResistanceThere are plenty of samba street bands around, but one of the best - and one of the most well-known - is Rhythms of Resistance. These guys combine tight percussion work with campaigns for social justice.The cool thing is that they have thirty different groups around the world, and they regularly attend demonstrations and street parties.History Of The DrumThe drum, as we all probably know,   is a percussion instrument and must consist of at least 1 membrane covered surface which is known as the drumhead. It is from the drum head that music is made, by striking it with something, typically hands or a drumstick of some kind.Historically drums were used for ceremonies, music, to communicate mess ages, to evoke emotions, spiritual or religious and for motivation or respect. The sound of percussion instruments like the drum is highly dependent on how it was made, big or small, wide or thin and this even includes what it is made of. Drums come in many styles, and different drums are suited to different styles of music. They all make very distinctive sounds, you may know of the drumkit, but the bongo, conga and djembe are also types of drum.Drums are some of the oldest instruments in recorded history, and despite the difference in design of some modern-day drums, they have retained the same construction and functionality over thousands of years.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Violin

How Long Does It Take to Learn Violin Quickly Learn How to Play Violin with these 5 Rules! ChaptersRule No. 1 for Learning Violin: Be PatientRule No. 2 for Violin Lessons: You Need MotivationRule No.3 to Learn Violin: Your Background in MusicRule No.4 for Learning Violin: Learning is a Lifelong JourneyRule No. 5 for Learning Violin: Advice for Learning more QuicklyDid you just tell your friends that you’re learning to play the violin and now you’re scared?“But it takes 10 years to learn to play!”“My cousin gave up after a year”So how long does it take to learn to play the violin and stop making those horrible sounds?Here’s our take on the matter the time taken to learn violin or fiddle. TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teach er 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRule No. 1 for Learning Violin: Be PatientHave you ever listened to a budding violinist play awful note after awful note?Violin music can sound awful when played badly.  This can be disheartening when you know that your friend started learning the violin 5 years ago.As you may have gathered, the violin is one of the most difficult classical instruments to learn. You’re not going to learn it overnight.While some beginners seem to turn into experts after just a couple of years practising, most people will take much longer to learn how to play the violin. Check out violin lessons for beginners.There’s no exact figure for how long it takes to learn to play the violin. Remember that before you start playing songs on the violin, you need to learn about:Holding the violin bow and bowing t echniquePositioning your wristPositioning your fingersYour postureViolin maintenance like tuning the violin or changing a violin stringYou’ll also need to learn about music theory:Learn to read musicUnderstand rhythm and tempoPractising scalesThis is more than just a year’s worth of learning. A beginner will need to study how to play violin for a few years before they understand all of these things and stop hitting those wrong notes.  But don’t get disheartened just yet! Every musician is different and this will vary on your background in music. Some people are more gifted at music than others.What about you?Unfortunately, taking music and violin lessons won’t make you a virtuoso in just a few months. You have to be motivated.Rule No. 2 for Violin Lessons: You Need MotivationThis is essential for anyone wanting to become a violinist and has nothing to do with your musical ability. Anyone can be motivated.If you want to learn violin, you need to stay motivated. (Source: Sweet louise)Every musician needs to be motivated.  If you’re motivated, really motivated, nothing will stop you. The first mistake any violinist makes is giving up when things get tough.Can’t play the right notes?A sore back from a bad posture?Not able to use the bow correctly?When you’re not motivated, it doesn’t matter what the problem is.  Motivation will also affect how often and for how long you practise playing violin. Only by practising can you become a great violinist.You need to work and work until every action becomes second nature to you.  You need to be aware that time is a precious resource for a musician. You don’t need to grind away on a certain exercise. Have a break and pick it back up later on. Your brain needs time to assimilate new knowledge like:Playing the right notesVibratoPizzicatoGlissandoHaste makes waste, after all. Take your time.  Check out some of the best books for learning to play the violin. TomViolin Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all o ur tutors StacyViolin Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtieViolin Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BenedictViolin Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TaisiiaViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AmyViolin Teacher 5.00 (1) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LuísViolin Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoViolin Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRule No.3 to Learn Violin: Your Background in MusicThe time it takes a musician to learn to play the violin depends on their personality and their experience.A person who’s never touched an instrument in their life or studied music theory is definitely going to find violin playing harder than an intermediate or experienced pianist or saxophonist, for example.  In fact, musicians will have already learnt a lot of the necessary theory when they learnt another instrum ent. Their brains and their ears are also open to learning musical concepts.They already know most of the important things and just need a quick reminder. Furthermore, if they already play the piano or guitar, for example, they should already have the necessary finger dexterity.  This is an essential skill for playing the violin because the fingers need to quickly press the strings onto the neck of the violin in order to play different notes.This is good news for those who’ve already spent a lot of time learning other instruments (piano, guitar, flute, trumpet, etc.). However, there are also people who’ve never played an instrument but have a good idea of music theory. Music theory can be useful for getting over some of the difficulties encountered when learning an instrument.Knowing to play another instrument will really help when learning violin. (Source: FirmBee)Again, this depends on the level of music theory. Knowing the notes will be an advantage but it won’t make immedi ately make you a violin virtuoso.  You need to learn some of the key vocabulary, too:QuaverCrochetMinimSemibreveTempoRhythmYou’ll also need to know the definitions and their use in pieces.  A musician needs to know how to read music more quickly and spend less time deciphering the piece.  This is another thing to add to the long list of things you have to learn in order to play the violin.When talking about musicians, age is an important factor to consider, too.  A recent American neuroscience study proved that you can learn a musical instrument after 60. However, it might be more difficult to do so.A child’s brain is more flexible than that of an adult. When you see that a child seems to be able to learn a new language in a fortnight, it’s hardly surprising that they can also learn a musical instrument almost as easily.  Don’t worry, though... You can still learn the violin as an adult.Some violin sites and YouTube channel are available for those wanting to learn how to pla y the instrument.Rule No.4 for Learning Violin: Learning is a Lifelong JourneyThe violin is a difficult instrument to master. As we said before, it can take several years.But what does “master” really mean in this context?Does this mean playing a piece without hitting the wrong notes?Does this mean flawless technical ability, finger positioning, and posture?Learning to play violin can take your entire life. (Source: Annca)Each musician has their own criteria.  A violinist can know everything they need to know about violins and still not have the necessary ability to play as part of an orchestra or professional group.  This depends on why you want to learn the instrument and what your goals are.Do you want to play professionally, as a hobby, in a group, etc?Violin music comes in many shapes and sizes and if you want to become the next Mozart, you should at least be listening to the instrument's vast repertoire.If your goal is changing each year, you’ll never stop learning to pl ay the violin. Even after 20 years of practice, there’s still something else you can learn.That’s what makes learning to play instruments so interesting. A musician is always learning.There’s new ways to play, new techniques to master, and new instruments to learn.  Moving from the acoustic violin to the electric violin is one journey that many violinists decide to embark upon.  So don’t put too much pressure on yourself and go at your own speed.Rule No. 5 for Learning Violin: Advice for Learning more QuicklyIt can be tempting to try and become the next Monteverdi as quickly as possible. However, it’s unlikely that you’ll start playing as well in such a short time. Be careful!It’s not recommended that you get hung up on your exercises. By trying to go to quickly, you can overlook several important steps. You'll pick up bad habits and you won’t have the time to assimilate all the new things you’re trying to.However, there are things you can do to help you save time if you take the time to do them. This might sound like a paradox.Warm up Your FingersLike most stringed instruments (including the cello, bass, guitar, etc.), the violin requires a lot of work from your fingers and your wrists.Make sure that you practise regularly. (Source: StockSnap)In fact, your left hand (if you’re right handed) is used to press the violin strings onto the fingerboard. The wrist needs to turn and pivot next to the neck in order to get the fingering right. You need to improve your dexterity so that your fingers can move more accurately and more quickly.Don’t forget to warm up all these parts.  Regular training will help you learn more quickly. You can look for good violin warm-ups online.Use Violin TabsWhile not often used in online violin lessons, tabs can be a useful alternative for those who haven’t learnt music theory or how to read music yet. In fact, some teachers will use tabs to teach beginners how to play beginner violin pieces to those unfamiliar w ith sheet music or sight reading.They show where on the neck you need to put your fingers in order to play a given song. You won’t need to worry about spending time studying music theory before you can start playing. You can start playing a melody as early as your first violin lesson.Get Private Violin LessonsWhether you’re learning at a music school or teaching yourself, violin lessons near me can help you learn to play music on a daily basis. Some exercises require regular practise in order to get them right.A violin teacher at the music school may not have the time to go over these exercises with you. This is where a tutor coming to your house can help speed up the learning process. Private tutors can often help you practise some of the more advanced techniques like improvisation, rhythm, music theory, specialising in different musical styles, preparing for a concert or audition, or learning to read music, etc.If you're set on learning the violin on your own, you should remem ber that good violin teachers can also help correct any mistakes or bad habits you may have picked up without even realising. A teacher will also find music for your level, too, and answer any questions about the violin you might have. It’s not a waste of time asking for help, after all.While some of the best violin players taught themselves, the large majority of them have years of violin instruction under their belts and a private music teacher to help them.

Tips for the FCE English Exam Describing Photographs

Tips for the FCE English Exam Describing Photographs One of ESOLs most challenging sections for students in the oral exam is the photograph section.Lets look at one together now.In this part of the test you have to speak for 1 minute without interruption. The examiner will give you two colour photographs and you have to compare and contrast them as well as talking about your reaction to them. Your partner will get a different set of photographs and has to do the same thing. When each of you has finished speaking, the other will be invited to comment on the topic of the photographs (for about 20 seconds).Have a look at the two photographs below which show people making music in different ways. Try to think of things you could say to compare them. In this example, the examiner asked the following question: ‘Why do you think the music is important to the different groups of people?’How would you compare these two photographs?These two photographs aresimilar.alikecomparableanalogousparallelThey both show people enjoying themselves with music.They both display people making music together.How Would You Contrast These Two PhotographsThese photographs aredifferentdissimilar.divergentThese photographs display people from different cultures playing music.The music played in the first photograph appears to be tribal while the second photograph  is more likely to be  classical music  or jazz.Why do you think the music is important to the different groups of people?Music allows both  sets of people  to express themselves as individuals and as part of a group.It also enables  both groups  to spend time with people of similar interests.Music encourages  both groups to engage with the  cultural environment of their respective societies.Contact us to take FCE preparation classes.Did you find this blog helpful? Feel free to share it on Facebook and Twitter.

LSAT Tip of the Week Its All About the Bubble

LSAT Tip of the Week It's All About the Bubble LSAT Law School Blog The LSAT is famous for its tight timing. Check out this timer by Alpha Score to practice your timing. Surprisingly enough, the way you bubble your answers on the LSAT holds some importance. You have to use every second to your advantage. Although it may seem counterintuitive, bubbling in bulk will actually save you precious time. As you work your way through a section, circle your answers in the test packet itself. When you reach the end of a page, turn to your answer sheet and fill in answers for that page in bulk. This way you are not wasting time moving between the test booklet and your answer sheet. Of course, you have to be very careful to pay attention to which bubble you are filling in and if it correspond to the answer you circled. When you have about five minutes left, start bubbling answers one at a time, even the questions you are skipping. If you skip a question, make note of it by making a light dash mark by the number, but fill in a bubble regardless. This is just in ca se you run out of time before you have time to go back and address it. A total guess is always better than a blank!

Teach in the UAE in 2018 with Emirates National Schools (with job postings)

Teach in the UAE in 2018 with Emirates National Schools (with job postings) If you’re a qualified teacher looking to broaden your horizons, teaching in the UAE could be just the opportunity for you! For the past decade, teachers from all over the world have been flocking to the UAE in droves, drawn to the tax-free salaries and luxury living. And while it’s true that the quality of life and general living standards are exceptional in the UAE, that’s not all that the country has to offer. A true cultural melting pot (the UAE is home to over 200 nationalities), there’s historyand culture by the bucket load in each of the seven emirates. Living and teaching in the UAE will expose you to new people, traditions and experiences on a daily basis. And don’t forget the sunny weather, the stunning beaches and the wealth of incredible experiences available on your doorstep! Want to find out your earning potential teaching anywhere in the world? Get a decent idea of what you can expect with the help of our free teach abroad salary calculator! Emirates National Schools vacancies for 2018 Emirates National Schools are currently on the lookout for certified teachers with at least two years of teaching experience across a variety of subjects and grade levels for openings at their campuses throughout the UAE. Vacancies at Emirates National Schools for the 2018 school year include: Kindergarten teachers Elementary teachers Middle school English teachers Middle school science teachers Middle school math teachers High school chemistry teachers High school biology teachers High school physics teachers High school math teachers These two-year teaching contracts come with a lucrative, tax-free monthly salary (which varies depending on your subject specialty and experience level) and stellar benefits, including: Furnished accommodation Annual airfare for you and up to three dependents Medical insurance End-of-contract bonus Visit the Emirates National Schools page on Teach Away to find out more about the schools and available positions (or simply click the links above to apply). Best of luck with your application!

Unhealthy Habits ... Or Are They

Unhealthy Habits ... Or Are They Photo Via: http://www.healthylifegateway.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/unhealthy-habits.jpg Ah, the freshman fifteen. How we all desperately try to avoid it without sacrificing our laziness, our need for unhealthy food, our drinking habits and first and foremost without having to go to the gym. Well, you’re in luck. In a world in which you’re constantly told you have “unhealthy” habits, it turns out some of those habits aren’t actually as unhealthy as you think. So, to help you get some people off your back (*cough* parents *cough*), here are seven things that may seem unhealthy, but actually aren’t according to NBC News. 1. Drinking Wine We seem to go back and forth on this issue. Wine is good for you, no wait it actually isn’t. The only consistent part of drinking wine is that we can’t seem to stop once we start. All jokes aside, it now seems that drinking wine (in moderation, unfortunately) is actually not bad for you. A study on obesity revealed that alcohol impacts weight gain, but this study only shows significant results for those that binge drink alcohol, not those that have one or two drinks a day. So in other words, having a glass of red wine with dinner doesn’t increase your risk for obesity. That being said, drinking a bottle at dinner every day definitely will. 2. Comfort Food We all love comfort food, and we all sneak it into our diets, no matter how unhealthy. But, according to nutritionists, it’s actually healthy to occasionally indulge in our comfort foods every once in a while. Basically, if you’re craving chocolate, have a small piece you don’t have to deprive yourself, but you shouldn’t binge eat chocolate for the next week either. In fact, you’re actually more likely to binge eat your favorite foods down the road if you don’t have a little bit every once in a while. And in terms of indulging your cravings, try to stay as healthy as possible. So if you sit down to a tub of cookie dough because you’re craving it, even if you only have a little, you’re not doing your body any favors. Try to opt for a healthy, similar tasting alternative whenever possible. 3. Cheat Days (in terms of Exercise) Many people believe you have to work out every day to achieve your weight-loss goals. This is true to an extent. For some, working out needs to become a habit, so if you skip a day, all your efforts can come tumbling down. However, it’s not good to work out every day. Any personal trainer will tell you, recovery time is just as important as the time you spend exercising. Of course, if you are one of those people that needs to build a habit and work out every day, you can swap your cardio workout for some intensive stretching or yoga. That way, you’re recovering while maintaining your routine. 4. Chocolate Yes, chocolate can actually be good for you (that’s right people, time to breathe a sigh of relief). No, don’t grab a Cookies and Cream Hershey’s bar. That will, unfortunately, never be good for you (though we’ll keep trying). For chocolate to be healthy, you need 70 percent (or higher) dark chocolate, and you can only eat a few squares (not a full bar). While this isn’t the ideal chocolate munching snack, you can melt it and put it in your coffee, in your milk, onto fruit, etc. Essentially, it’s a healthy seasoning for your snacking needs. 5. Stress Yes, stress can be bad. But, it can also be good. Apparently, moderate stress levels actually improve performance (while low-stress levels can diminish it). So basically, you want to be moderately stressed. Awesome. 6. Procrastination No, you shouldn’t procrastinate. However, as discussed above, some stress is a good thing. That being said, you should still take steps towards accomplishing the task as this is the most beneficial way to procrastinate. So in other words, you can put things off so long as you are thinking about them and actively taking steps to complete the task. In other words, you don’t have to clean the whole apartment today, so long as you have the cleaning supplies and you have a plan set forth for completing it. 7. Netflix Ah, last but not least, there’s our TV go-to, Netflix. Sitting is the new cancer according to countless studies, which is unfortunate, but probably true. The more time you spend sedentary, the more likely you are to encounter health problems. Watching alone at home is a great way to de-stress, so a small amount of time watching Netflix isn’t a bad thing. It’s also a strong relationship builder, so yes, Netflix and Chill is actually good for you. Go figure (sorry single people). While Netflix is not the preferred means of de-stressing, it is a beneficial one, so now you can watch a few episodes of Shameless without feeling bad about it. Or, you probably will, but it won’t be for health reasons. So start implementing these healthy vs. unhealthy practices and feel better about yourself! It’s springtime, so the time for change is now!

9 Ways to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile

9 Ways to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile Photo Credit: linkedin.com 1. Your Photo. Your picture should be up to date, professional-looking, and should include only you in the shot no cropping you out of a group shot where you have somebodys unattached hand on your shoulder. Your photo should also preferably not have a distracting background and should be somewhat cropped in on your face so youre easily recognizable and front and center. If possible, avoid selfies. 2. Your Summary. Your summary is an absolute necessity to your LinkedIn profile but it shouldnt be too long or too short. While you may be able to use up to 2,000 characters, keep it shorter and use the space to really let other users get to know you in your voice and your tone. Discuss your major accomplishments, your background, and what your goals are, and make it personal; your description could make the difference between someone wanting to hire you and a potential employer choosing someone else. Make yourself stand out. 3. Your Headline. Though only 120 characters long, they are super important to your profile as they relay the most basic thing about yourself you want others to know. Be sure to include the most important keywords and how you are branding yourself as this is the first thing connections and possible recruiters will see on your LinkedIn profile. When coming up with your headline, try to keep in mind what your goals are for your career and write your headline based on what you want to do and be next while also highlighting your current experiences and or employment. 4. Your Groups. Similar to Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups are numerous and diverse, but important to join. Theyre great ways to network, find out about employment opportunities, get advice from others in your field or looking to get into your field, and increase your visibility. There are over 1.8 million LinkedIn groups you can consider joining, so try to find ones that are most relevant to you and your future and start interacting with other members in the groups you never know where those connections may lead. 5. Your Publications. Though you may not include links to your publications on your resume, on LinkedIn its super easy to add them to your profile and they are much more likely to be clicked on through the site. Be sure to add links to your published works to your LinkedIn profile or if there is no link, still include the name and date of the publication and perhaps a short sentence about what your work was about. You can also add links and info for interviews, videos, photographs, etc. Photo Credit: mashable.com 6. Your Connections.  Unlike Facebook, you dont have to know someone on LinkedIn to ask to connect with them (though people often follow the same rule on Facebook). Find someone whos interested in the same field as you? Consider connecting with them. Discover somebody who works at your dream company? Send them a request to connect. Having a lot of connections means you have the ability to more broadly network and reach out to people you otherwise wouldnt have even known about. Sometimes its about who you know, or who the people you know know. 7. Your Honors and Awards. This is where you get to highlight your awesomeness (#HumbleBrag). Anything from college and onward is okay to include here. Were you on the Deans List? Add it to this action. Were you the first Latina to receive a specific scholarship? List that accomplishment here. Anything you think is worth a potential employer knowing about that sets you apart and shows youre a go-getter, that you take initiative, that you work hard, and that youre an impressive person should be shortly listed in this section. If you rock at something, people should know about it. 8. Your Skills and Endorsements. This section of your LinkedIn profile is one of the most crucial as it allows other LinkedIn users and connections to affirm what skills you possess. By getting endorsements, it gives you credibility as others are willing to back up the skills you claim to have which gives future employers a bit more reliability as far as knowing what theyll get if they hire you. If youre having trouble getting people to endorse you, consider reaching out to a former boss and asking them to endorse a skill they know you have or endorse a friends skill and theyll probably endorse you back. 9. Your Recommendations. While the skills and endorsements are important, actual recommendations arguably carry more weight. Through LinkedIn, you can ask for a recommendation from a colleague, former boss, professor, or other connection who will write good things about you, which will look good to anyone looking at your LinkedIn profile or considering you for a job. So if you havent already executed these nine steps to improve your LinkedIn profile, theres no time like the present to do so. The sooner you improve and optimize your profile, the better your chances of being noticed by recruiters and gaining more connections and contacts, which is always a good thing.