What Are the Main Differences between English and Dutch Grammar

What Are the Main Differences between English and Dutch Grammar Get to know these 5 Key Grammatical Differences between the Dutch and the English Language Chapters1. Word order - one of the biggest grammatical differences between Dutch and English2. Different Usage of Verb Tenses in English and Dutch Grammar3. The Lack of Auxiliaries in Dutch Grammar4. Singular Pronouns in Dutch: ‘Iedereen’ is Used for Both ‘Anyone’ and ‘Everyone’5. The pronoun ‘Het’ (‘It’) is Used for Both Singular and Plural Forms of NounsDid you know that Dutch and English are actually very close relatives? Since Dutch and English are both West Germanic languages, the two have many (grammatical) similarities. It is even said that Dutch is the easiest foreign language to learn for English speakers because of the big resemblance between the two.Were you aware, for example, that many English words actually have been adopted from the Dutch language? And similarly, the Dutch use a lot of English words in their day-to-day conversations, many of which have even been included in the Dutch dictionary. Click here to learn more on English words with a Dutch origin.So even if Dutch is not your native language, you haven’t studied it and you haven’t even been to the Netherlands yet, you might speak more Dutch than you think. Just have a look at some of these words: appel, peer, tomaat, banaan, koekje, schoen, blauw, groen, bruin, rood. Can you guess what they are?‘Koekje erbij?’ Photo via visualhunt.com.And what is more, if you find yourself really struggling to get your point across in Dutch, it is perfectly acceptable to just throw in a couple of English terms, the Dutch do this themselves all the time anyway.Of course, as with any two languages, there are also many differences between the two. Fairly obvious ones are of course differences in vocabulary, pronunciation, spelling, phrases, expressions, etc. And although the basic grammar of both of these languages is similar, there are certainly differences there, too.If you speak English and want to learn Dutch, it might be a good idea to study some of the main differences betw een English and Dutch grammar. And you’re in luck because that happens to be the main focus of this article. So, let’s get on with it, shall we? JessicaDutch Teacher 5.00 (5) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NaomiDutch Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EliseDutch Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CéliaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VanshikaDutch Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LizaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors1. Word order - one of the biggest grammatical differences between Dutch and EnglishOne of the most significant differences between English and Dutch grammar is word order. Both Dutch and English use the SVO pattern (subject â€" verb â€" object) as a basic sentence structure. Still, the word order that is u sed in the two languages does not always follow the same pattern.Finite and non-finite verbsOne of the main differences in word order is that in Dutch the finite verb is separated from the non-finite verb. The two are separated by adverbials. To make this a bit more clear, let's use an example: ‘Kees gaat morgen winkelen in Rotterdam’.Following the Dutch word order, this would be translated into ‘Kees is going tomorrow shopping in Rotterdam’. Of course, using correct English, you would keep the finite and non-finite verb together (‘Kees is going shopping in Rotterdam tomorrow’). Although this sentence is an exception, in most cases the finite verb is placed at the end of the sentence in Dutch.Sentences that don’t start with a subjectAnother difference in word order occurs when sentences don’t start with the sentence’s subject. So, for example, you can say ‘on Friday we eat Belgian fries’ (which was actually one of few traditions in my childhood home). In Dutch, this would translate to ‘op vrijdag eten we Belgische frietjes’. If you know how to speak a bit of Dutch, you would have noticed that the subject ‘we’ and the verb ‘eat’ have swapped places here.Belgian fries on Friday. Photo via visualhunt.com.Sentences that start with subordinate clausesA similar difference in word order occurs when a sentence starts with a subordinate clause. For example: ‘if you’re going to Holland, I’ll come with you’. Or in Dutch: ‘als jij naar Holland gaat, kom ik met je mee’. Using the Dutch word order, the English translation would be: ‘if you’re to Holland going, come I with you’.2. Different Usage of Verb Tenses in English and Dutch GrammarBoth Dutch and English have four basic verb tenses: the present simple, past simple, present perfect and the past perfect. However, these tenses are not always used in the same way in both languages. A common mistake that Dutch people make while they speak English is using the present perf ect where the past simple should be used.For example, in English you would say: ‘she learned some Afrikaans yesterday’. But a Dutch person might easily make the mistake of using the present perfect here and say ‘she has learned some Afrikaans yesterday’. This is because of how you would structure this sentence according to Dutch grammar rules. In Dutch you would use the present perfect: ‘zij heeft gister Afrikaans geleerd’.Another common mix-up of tenses between Dutch and English is using the present simple instead of the future simple. Whereas in Dutch, using the present simple in ‘I teach you how to speak Dutch tomorrow’ is completely correct, in English, the future simple would be used: ‘I will teach you how to speak Dutch tomorrow’.Furthermore, don’t be surprised when a Dutch person tells you ‘I live in Utrecht since 2012’. In Dutch, the present simple is used in this kind of sentence (‘ik woon in Utrecht sinds 2012’), but in English, the present pe rfect should be used (‘I have lived in Utrecht since 2012’). Learn more about Dutch verb tenses. JessicaDutch Teacher 5.00 (5) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NaomiDutch Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EliseDutch Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CéliaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VanshikaDutch Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LizaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors3. The Lack of Auxiliaries in Dutch GrammarAs opposed to English, Dutch does not use any auxiliary to form an interrogative sentence. So to form a question in Dutch, there is no need to add an auxiliary like ‘do’ to the sentence. And since auxiliaries aren’t present in the Dutch language, the use of ‘do’ and ‘did’ might be a bit tricky for a Dutch beginner learning to speak English.Therefore, you might hear a Dutch person say: ‘like you this language course?’ (‘vind je deze talencursus leuk?’) instead of ‘do you like this language course?’What is interesting is that back in the day there was no need for adding auxiliaries in English either. It might seem very weird to you now to form an interrogative sentence without an auxiliary, but just look at back at texts of Shakespeare, for example, and you will see that the Dutch system is used there. (Side note, this might be an interesting topic for a thesis for any of you out there looking for one. Or am I the only one interested to know why this has changed?)4. Singular Pronouns in Dutch: ‘Iedereen’ is Used for Both ‘Anyone’ and ‘Everyone’Whereas the English make a distinction between ‘everyone’ and ‘anyone’, the Dutch just use ‘iedereen’ for both. So if you want to say ‘anyone can learn a foreign language’ or ‘it seems like everyo ne is learning foreign languages these days’, in Dutch you would use ‘iedereen’ in both cases.Similarly, ‘alles’, is used for both ‘everything’ and ‘anything’. So again using an example, you would use ‘alles’ in both ‘everything is written in Flemish’ or ‘I can’t understand anything written in Flemish’.Even though ‘iedereen’ clearly refers to multiple people, it is considered to be a singular pronoun in Dutch. The same goes for ‘alles’: although it refers to multiple things, it’s considered a singular pronoun. Therefore, you say 'iedereen is' en 'alles is' instead of 'iedereen zijn' en 'alles zijn'.‘Anyone’ and ‘everyone’ in English are considered to be singular pronouns too, however, in conversational English you will sometimes come across a sentence like ‘everyone is showing off their language skills’. In Dutch, albeit formal or informal, you will never come across something like this.Learn all about these and other Dutch gramm ar rules in your Dutch lessons!5. The pronoun ‘Het’ (‘It’) is Used for Both Singular and Plural Forms of NounsIf a Dutch person comes up to you and says ‘it are good quality tulips’, you’ll probably have to try hard to suppress a grin. This is how we say it in Dutch though, as a plural form of ‘het’ does not exist. In Dutch, you would say, ‘het zijn goede kwaliteit tulpen’.Lots of Dutch tulip bulbs at the flower market in Amsterdam. Photo via visualhunt.com.Okay, if it’s one of those annoying salesmen at the flower market in Amsterdam, you’re allowed to let out a little grin. But in any other situation, keep in mind that translating ‘het zijn’ into ‘they are’ can be tricky for the Dutch who are just starting to learn English.It’s not that using ‘they are’ in these cases doesn’t exist in Dutch. However, this is done only when ‘they’ is not directly linked to a noun in the same sentence. ‘They are’ is only used referring back to a noun , for example in a previous sentence.So for example: ‘het zijn goede kwaliteit tulpen’ (‘they are high quality tulips’), and ‘ze zijn van goede kwaliteit’ (‘they are of good quality’). Notice that in the second sentence, the noun, ‘tulpen’, is not present.We hope you enjoyed our blog. Why not check out the whole series on Dutch Grammer. :)

Where To Find Drawing Lessons

Where To Find Drawing Lessons Finding the Perfect Drawing Teacher ChaptersWhat Makes a Good Drawing Teacher?Take Art Lessons With Superprof Private TutorsFinding Drawing Teachers Among Art StudentsWhere Can You Post to Find Affordable Drawing Lessons Near You?Drawing is one of Britain’s most beloved art forms.Just like music, drawing stimulates your creativity and imagination, both focused on the right side of the brain. This, in turn, helps develop concentration and patience.For if there is one thing you need to learn basic drawing skills, it’s patience. Whether making simple line drawings or realistic oil paintings, you will be using up a lot of blank paper to get to the result you want.But where can you learn to wield pen and brush?There are a lot of art teachers offering drawing classes throughout the UK.How do you know how to choose a teacher?Where can you find good drawing teachers?Here are some tips on finding the perfect art teacher…To be a good pedagogist means to go at the student’s rhythm. Everyone learns in his own way and at hi s own pace… Someone trying to teach you everything at once is probably not the right art teacher for you.What’s more, your drawing instructor should be capable of giving you constructive criticism during your art lessons. It is important for his feedback to allow you to progress, improve and develop your artistic instincts.A good art teacher supports his students and introduces him to different techniques and different artistic styles.And, of course, the proper drawing supplies!From Antiquity to the present day, various artistic styles have moulded and defined art history - dadaism, impressionism, romanticism, neo-classicism, Nabis, fauvism… By discovering the culture of art, you will find inspiration. This is why art is taught in schools since grade 1.Art classes in school are good for the proper development of childen's abilities. Photo by Lee Fenner on VisualHuntA good teacher will know how to select artworks from different periods and styles of art history and encourage yo u to reproduce them in different techniques. However, a good teacher will never force a student to produce a drawing that doesn’t inspire him.A good teacher will propose several subjects over the course of a year - but leave students free to refuse and propose an alternative reproduction or personal project. The best way to make progress is to stay motivated. This way, you will never feel pressured to draw.Also, be sure to choose your drawing teachers based on your wants and needs. Some are more competent in some areas than others, such as classical oil painting, manga style or figure drawing. You just have to find someone that suits you in that regard.Take Art Lessons With Superprof Private TutorsWhen drawing, it’s important that you enjoy yourself.There are many reasons to take drawing classes. But finding the right teacher is not always easy. And the best teachers are not always those offering art lessons near you.And while intensive drawing courses or weekly classes in an ar t studio are a good way to wet your feet and discover new mediums, they are hard to fit into a tight schedule.Learning how to draw with a private art teacher might be a good alternative.It’s important to get along with your drawing tutor and be on the same wavelength ´to give you a good atmosphere to work in and develop your confidence. The best way to do this is to choose your teacher yourself.Private art teachers can focus on your needs and help develop your creativity. Photo by Len Radin on VisualHuntIn fact, Superprof offers drawing teachers throughout Britain. You can choose between 493 drawing tutors on our website.As you surf, you will realise that their profiles are all slightly different.Whether you want to study acrylic painting, watercolours, landcapes, pastel drawing, still life, portrait painting or anatomical drawing, you are sure to find the right teacher for you! Every one of our private tutors introduces himself on his profile page. Potential students can immedia tely see what their specialities are.Take the time to really think about what aspects of drawing you want to learn and choose your drawing teacher carefully based on those criteria.Choosing your tutor on Superprof also means you have a wide range of prices available to you.Most one-hour lessons cost between £20 and £30 - meaning there is something there for every budget.And private lessons are a great way to make sure your drawing classes fit into your timetable. Rather than taking weekly courses that tie you down to a certain time, take advantage of the freedom of drawing lessons at home.If you are not a great fan of the internet, Superprof might reassure you. It’s the foremost platform for sharing knowledge, with many people using it happily every day - its tutors make its reputation.If you are still not sure, don’t hesitate to tour the profiles and look at the comments left by other students.Finding Drawing Teachers Among Art StudentsPainting lessons, sketching techniques, live models, illustration, landscape drawing… Art students are used to all sorts of visual arts classes!   They are usually well-versed in all aspects of the Fine Arts. And they often make very good drawing teachers - because they are passionate about what they do.But who are they?There are different types of art school depending on what profession you want to go into:Fine Arts schools to become an artistArchitecture schools to learn to draw buildingsGraphic arts schools to learn design and layoutUniversities to become a professor or get a degree in Art History or Museum EducationThese students learn all about three-point perspective, the different techniques (pastel, coloured pencil, pen and ink, tempera, digital painting…) and master the basics - such as sketching or still lifes - perfectly.In short: art students master both theory and practice. That's why they often give beginner drawing lessons or intermediate art classes to earn some extra money.They are often very versatil e and can even introduce you to other artistic mediums such as sculpture, modelling or collage.Since they are still studying, their own lessons are still fresh in their minds, which often makes it easier for them to pass on what they have learnt, since they still have an intimate understanding of the learning process. They might have fresh ideas about how you can perfect your drawing skills on your own.Art sutdents can give very good drawing lessons as they are very much immersed in the learning process themselves. Photo on VisualhuntThey are also very passionate and will enjoy teaching you how to draw. It’s a way of going to art school by proxy.Don’t hesitate to contact art students for a beginner drawing class or to improve your technique.The prices for their drawing lessons are often more advantageous than those of an art studio near you.Where Can You Post to Find Affordable Drawing Lessons Near You?Nowadays, it’s fairly easy to find a drawing teacher on the Internet, but y ou can also put out a classified ad if you are looking for something specific.You can advertise for an teacher either on the Internet or in shops. You simply need to set down on paper what you want to learn and what you expect in terms of artistic skills.Once you have written your ad, you just need to find the place to post it.Classified ad sitesOn the Internet, you can make use of classified ad sites such as Craigslist or Locanto. They have a “jobs” section and it only takes a few minutes to upload your ad.Social networks are also a great way to pass the message along.Twitter and Facebook might be your best allies. But putting your request in your status you can reach not only your friends, but your friends’ friends and all their contacts.Shop windows and corkboardsDon’t forget shop windows and corkboards - especially if you have an art supplies shop near you. Art students and teachers come in regularly to buy materials and will see your ad. Or put up a sign at your local a rt school or university. There is certain to be someone interested in making a few pounds by giving drawing lessons…After that, you only have to decide on a date for your first drawing class! Take basic drawing lessons with a private tutor from Superprof.

Boxing Coaches Wages

Boxing Coaches Wages How Much Do Boxing Coaches Earn? ChaptersA Boxing Coach’s WagesThe Steps to Becoming a Boxing CoachThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Boxing Coach“The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” - Muhammad AliThe world of sports often involves instructors working with aspiring athletes. In many ways, this is similar to the teacher and student dynamic of academic subjects. During their training, coaches will learn all about their discipline and the theory behind it.In boxing, it goes without saying that you need an understanding of the sport if you want to coach it. However, this line of work is often misunderstood. When people decide to coach, they often wonder how much they’ll earn.While it’s not uncommon for a champion’s coach to earn hundreds of thousands per fight, most trainers will earn enough to live off quite comfortably.  Furthermore, boxing is becoming more popular.So how much do box ing coaches, physical trainers, or sports coaches earn to teach aspiring boxers? What are their career prospects? Before you teach your first boxing class, let's have a look at your career prospects. 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 tutorsA Boxing Coach’s WagesCoaching is an increasingly popular vocation since more and more people are getting interested in boxing. It’s all about teaching aspiring boxers how to get in the ring and learning pedagogy to effectivel y train them. However, one of the best things about becoming a boxing coach is that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to deciding how you’ll work. The services you offer and the levels you teach will affect how much you earn. (Source: Peggy_Marco)While you can train in a gym or a boxing club, you can also opt to work for yourself and become an independent boxing coach. Of course, this decision will affect how much you earn and the work you have to do.In a Boxing GymWhether you’re in a private boxing club or a gym, your goal will be to help your students get better at boxing a learn about the values of boxing: discipline, competition, empathy, and sportsmanship.Generally, a boxing coach working in a boxing club or gym will be paid according to their experience and expertise. The average salary is around £20k per year but again, this can vary wildly according to many different factors.Those working in boxing clubs will generally be offering boxing classes and amateur boxing training sessions. There'll be a large focus on sparring, boxing techniques (punching, footwork, etc.), and practising with a heavy bag or a speed bag, for example.However, coaching boxing is also an incredibly rewarding profession as you get to enjoy seeing the progression made by your clients. If you want more freedom than working as a coach for a boxing club or a gym, you can always work for yourself.Private Boxing TutorialsAs a private boxing coach, you can focus on a single client if you want and transfer your knowledge and experience to them. If you work for a boxing club, you may be given different levels, groups, etc.With just a single boxer, you can adapt your pedagogy more easily, provide a better service, and turn them into a loyal customer, which results in greater earnings. In this case, you can decide upon your hourly wage according to what you’re coaching.That said, there’s competition out there and you’ll need to ensure your expertise and experience can earn you clients and money. The hourly rate for coaches online varies wildly, too, with the cheapest almost offering their services for pennies and the most exper ienced demanding a small fortune.That said, there are many different levels and budgets when it comes to boxing coaching. You need to carefully set your rates according to your own experience and expertise while also making sure you don’t undercharge or overcharge.Additionally, if you're offering private tutorials, you have more freedom in terms of what you can offer as a boxing training. You can offer self-defence classes, boxing workout classes, kids boxing classes, or even a personal trainer service that includes fitness classes or a boot camp built around how boxing can be used to get fit or get in shape.Of course, if you're not working in boxing gyms, you'll also need to either provide boxing gloves and other equipment or get your students to bring their own.  That said, if you are training a professional boxer, you may be training them in a gym but in a private capacity. In this case, they'll probably have a whole boxing team and you'll be using the facilities but the gym ma nagement won't be in charge of what you have to teach.Find out more about where boxing coaches can work.The Steps to Becoming a Boxing Coach“Boxing is serious. It's not a game. Just one punch - change life.” - Gennady GolovkinLike all sports, there are certain steps you need to take before becoming a coach. As we mentioned, coaches have several options:Private boxing clubsGymsSchoolsFreelancing If you work for yourself, you can tailor your courses to the student. (Source: StockSnap)In some cases, a coach may be expected to work alongside a team of coaches with multiple students of different levels and abilities. This means that a lot of the work will be adapting.  Boxing coaching involves a lot of different tastes. You need to put together training sessions, set goals, have an understanding of health and safety, adapt your teaching to your student, and, in the case of freelancers, manage your own business and become a sole trader.A boxing coach means that you need to be versatile and adapt to where and how you’re coaching. If you’re looking for a steady wage, you’ll probably be better off in a gym or boxing club.  However, once you’ve learnt to be versatile, you’ll start progressing as much as your clients. Keep in mind there are different types of training available for those wishing to become boxing coaches.The Advantages and Disadvantages of Becoming a Boxing C oach“In boxing, it is about the obsession of getting the most from yourself: wanting to dominate the world like a hungry young lion.” - Anthony JoshuaThere are a lot of advantages to becoming a boxing coach but there are also some significant disadvantages. The most important thing, however, is to be passionate about boxing and teaching. Being a boxing coach comes with a number of pros and cons. (Source: Mcability)Working for Someone ElseIf you decide to work in a gym, boxing club, school, etc., there will be certain rules and obligations. Your salary will be fixed (though this may increase over time) and you’ll need to follow certain rules as well as ensure that your clients and students also follow them.Furthermore, unless you change where you work, there isn’t much scope for promotion. If you’re a trainer or coach, the only real “promotion” is moving on to coaching better boxers.However, there are a number of advantages to all this:Job security.Working regularly with your students and clients and watching them develop.Feeling respected and developing leadership skills as a result.Etc.Find out more about boxing coaching courses.Working for YourselfWorking for yourself changes everything regardless of your job. As a boxing coach, passion needs to be your driving force. You need this to remain motivated, fi nd customers, and ensure that you earn a living wage.The financial insecurity is one of the biggest barriers to entry when it comes to being a freelancer. You may often worry that you don’t have enough customers.As a freelancer, you need to ensure that you’re ready for a rainy day, carry extra gloves for students, and, in general, manage everything yourself. You need to ensure that you’re a consummate professional and gaining a reputation that will help you to earn more.There are also plenty of advantages to coaching as a freelancer:Managing your own schedule.Getting to choose your clients.Setting your own hourly rates.Freedom to work another job on the side.Choosing your own business partners.Etc.Find out more about starting your career as a boxing coach. A boxing coach has to own their successes and their mistakes. (Source: dfbailey)To work out how much a boxing coach earns, you need to take a lot of things into account. With so many different factors, it can be difficult to define a single salary or average that a boxing coach earns.Don't forget that in most cases you'll be offering a bespoke service and the customer is (almost) always right. If they're not interested in becoming a professional boxer and are just there for the personal training, you probably don't need to spend hours working on their punches and can spend more time doing a high-intensity full-body workout and focusing on boxing fitness rather than technique.Private coaches that tailor their boxing workouts to their customers tend to be far more successful. If your customer wants more cardio, give them a cardio workout. If they're interested in toning certain parts of their body, tailor your classes to their fitness goals.However you choose to coach, you need to reme mber that you need to be determined, passionate, and a good teacher.Does this sound like you?Welcome to the world of professional boxing coaching!Whether you're interested in coaching Muay Thai, traditional boxing, MMA, or kickboxing classes, keep in mind that you have a lot of freedom!

How to Audition Like the Pros 5 Secrets

How to Audition Like the Pros 5 Secrets Suzy S. Whether youre auditioning for American Idol or your school orchestra, a lot of factors tie into preparing for an audition, beyond just practicing your piece were talking what you eat, what you wear, and what you think about beforehand.   Here, The Bulletproof Musician gives us 5 non-conventional things to consider when preparing for an audition: 1. Food What are you going to eat the night before? The morning of? What are you going to drink? How much? If you are a regular coffee drinker, are you going to wean yourself off weeks ahead of your audition so you don’t get caffeine withdrawal headaches? Plan all of this out and test it in advance, so that it is part of a familiar routine come audition day. Keep in mind that you may be out of town on audition day, and may not feel like dragging yourself around in a new neighborhood just to find breakfast. Be sure to practice being somewhat flexible and adaptable in your preparation. 2. Clothing Practice performing in the clothes you plan on wearing, even down to the socks and shoes you plan on wearing (this impacts pianists more than other instrumentalists, but still). Here, too, practice being somewhat flexible â€" if youre flying to an audition, you never know when the airline might misplace your luggage and lose your lucky socks. 3. Instrument Run a few mock auditions on different pianos, a sub-par set of timpani, or a string slightly out of tune. Don’t allow yourself to be thrown off, even if the instruments aren’t exactly to your liking. 4. Environment Conduct your mock auditions in less than ideal environments. Try big rooms, small rooms, cold rooms, hot rooms and rooms with acoustics of various types.   If at all possible, scope out the room you will be auditioning in the day before. Walk around in it, play a few notes if you can, and take a mental snapshot of the space so that you can mentally rehearse having a great audition in that space. 5.   Sleep Think of all the practicing you are doing, and combine this with the other daily responsibilities and demands that life and school place on you. What is the result? Physical, mental and emotional fatigue. In a study of Stanford University athletes, researchers found that increasing sleep led to greater alertness and vigor, faster reaction times, greater accuracy, speed, and explosive power.   Note that just a couple nights of good sleep won’t cut it. Since most of us are operating on what sleep researchers call a sleep debt, you’ll probably need at least several weeks of sleeping 9-10 hours a day in order to begin reaping the benefits. Keep things in mind and youll be prepared for anything that may come up during your audition.   Readers, what other tips have helped you ace your auditions? Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. You might also like How to Bounce Back from a Bad Audition 5 Insider Tips for The Voice Auditions Improving Sight Reading as a Beginner Musician Photo by eflon, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic.

What to Know About the SAT Literature Subject Test

What to Know About the SAT Literature Subject Test Studying for SAT Subject Tests can occasionally seem quite daunting. However, if youve been a diligent high school student, youve already started your test prepespecially for the SAT Subject Test in Literature. The SAT Literature Subject Test reflects what you learn in your high school English classes. Need more information? Keep reading to find out what to know about the SAT Literature Subject Test. SAT Literature Subject Test basics You will have 60 minutes to complete around 60 multiple-choice questions. American and English literature comprise 90-100% of the selections on the exam, while the remaining 0-10% includes works from other parts of the world. In terms of chronology, the following is the test breakdown: The Renaissance and 17th century make up 30% of the exam. The 18th and 19th centuries make up 30% of the test. The 20th century makes up 40% of the exam. Poetry and prose passages both comprise 40-50% of the passages found on the test, while other formats are 0-10% of the exam. [RELATED: How to Succeed on SAT Subject Tests] Tip #1: Review literary terminology before the SAT Literature Subject Test Youve probably encountered these terms every year since middle school, but its worth it to take the time to really understand each concept, and to have an example of each one. These terms can include tone, stanza, irony, image, and more. Youll be asked to recognize these in the text selections, so practice being on the lookout for them as you read. Come up with a code for yourself to quickly identify them upon looking back (perhaps a star indicates a metaphor or simile). Since this is a reading-heavy test, any time-saving technique can be useful. Tip #2: Use practice tests to prepare for the SAT Literature Subject Test SAT Literature practice tests are your new best friend. Before setting out to practice, determine what you want to focus on. Are you struggling with time? Set a goal time, and work on finishing before the end. Are you always getting stuck on theme? Focus on identifying the thematic concepts as you read to make answering the questions at the end a little bit easier. Strategic studying will help you learn more efficiently and effectively. [RELATED: Should I Take SAT Subject Tests?] Tip #3: Know what to look for in the SAT Literature Subject Test readings On the exam, you will be given six to eight sets of questions, which are each based on a different text. A hint: keep an eye out for the date given at the end of each piece. While you wont be asked about the historical background surrounding that literary text, it might help you understand the world and the time it came from. Notice what the form of the piece iswhat is its structure, genre, and organization? While youre reading, take note of word choice. Are there any words that pop out to you? Perhaps underlining them could be helpful later. Additionally, observe the meanings and connotations of words in the text. You will also want to discern what the narrative voice is. Pinpoint who is talking, and how they feel about what theyre talking about. Be as specific as you can! Lastly, pay attention to characterization. How are the characters described in the text? Keeping all of these ideas in mind while reading will make the multiple-choice questions go much faster and smoother. In the end, constantly reading is the best way to do well on this test. By engaging that muscle, you learn how to read faster and grasp the material better. Try to read a variety of textsnovels, poetry, and plays are all great ways to enrich your mind and do well on the exam. While reading, get in the mode of asking yourself questions so that youre actively engaging with the text. Do you know whos talking? What is the theme and how is the author trying to comment upon that? These questions will help you get closer to that 800 score on the SAT Literature Subject Test. 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.

Watercolour Painting Tutorials and Resources

Watercolour Painting Tutorials and Resources How to Find Resources and Tutorials to Guide Your Watercolour Painting ChaptersThe Best Books to Learn Watercolour PaintingLearn Painting from TelevisionOther Online Offerings to Learn How to PaintIt’s never easy, learning something new.If one decides to take a class to learn watercolour painting, there is the usual stress of competition â€" is everyone else better at it than I am? The usual sizing up tinged by a bit of social anxiety, the approval-seeking...And then, there’s the small matter of timing: what if you don’t have time for any classes?For these reasons and more, many people intent on personal growth, those who hold firmly to the idea that learning new skills is an art form of itself have gotten into the habit of rooting out resources â€" online, at the library and through other like-minded people.That’s probably how you ran across this article!As it turns out, Superprof has dedicated itself to your pursuit of knowledge by providing tutors and informative articles on how to do/learn/master/achieve... in this case, how to paint with wa tercolours.We now look at the best resources available to you in print and on television; in video format and online. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Best Books to Learn Watercolour Painting Don't discount books as a means of learning about watercolor paint! Image by Myriam Zilles from PixabayBooks have long been our go-to source for new knowledge.There is a good reason for that: they are a source of information that we can return to again and again. They provide us with an arc of understanding â€" from the inception of the subject in question to its current state.Sometimes books draw on the past and then progress through to the present and project the future; other times they function as an instruction manual; the perfect ‘how-to’, complete with margins for you to make notes in.Because watercolour painting relies so much on traditional techniques (as opposed to relying on digital art creation tools), it is important to master every step of the processes involved in painting with watercolours.You can learn everything about watercolour painting from books, beginning with colour theory to mixing paints in the proper ratios to attain a specific shade or tone.These are j ust a few of the best books for learning how to paint with watercolours.The Watercolour Course You’ve Always WantedWhile some might believe that oil painting and acrylic painting are the more rigorous media, mastering watercolours is actually more difficult than either of those two.That is why this talented watercolor artist/author has put this book together; it is a standout among ‘how to’ tomes because it touches equally on theory and on practice.Among other aspects of the art, you will learn to interpret lines and shapes, work from photographs or a live model, and fundamental techniques often used in watercolour painting, such as the dry brush method, the wet-on-wet method and more.Leslie Frontz has been painting for more than 40 years. In this book, she brings her considerable experience to bear on different theories and practices of painting with watercolours.It is available at your favourite bookseller or on Amazon for just over £20.Watercolor SchoolUnlike van Gogh, not everyone has a deep, instinctual feel for painting.For most of us, going from vision to conceptualising to completion is a journey fraught with equal parts of frustration and elation. In such cases, it is really helpful to have a way of balancing those two extremes.Hazel Harrison, author and painter, firmly believes in planning: from laying out the necessary paints and supplies to initial sketching, and on to finished work.What’s so great about this tome is that is consists of both theory and practice. Hazel packs the book full of exercises for you to do; they fairly demand that you learn proper watercolor techniques before you can move ahead.But don’t worry; the tone this text takes is patient and supportive. Before you know it, you too will plan your work from start to finish in such a way that executing it will happen as if by magic.This book is a bit dated but is still one of the best on the market (it is also available on Amazon for about £14).Everyday WatercolorIf you kn ow absolutely nothing about painting, even if you don’t know oil paints from acrylics â€" let alone water colors from gouache, this is the book for you.Jenna Rainey takes you by the hand in this well-assembled manual which is divided into five different segments. Each one covers a specific area of painting: lighting, forms, complex shapes such as the human figure...Towards the end, everything gets neatly connected through a series of exercises. You’ll be amazed to find yourself no longer struggling to paint credible-looking flowers; indeed, you’ll be onto landscape painting before you know it.Ms Rainey is one of the freshest voices in watercolour. Not only does she write books but she teaches painting techniques in her native California city and hosts a tutorial channel on YouTube for those who want to learn to paint.Other great books to learn watercolours from include:Modern Watercolor by Kristen van LeuvenTen Minute Watercolor by Hazel Soan (yes, the one that presents on the telly!)Watercolor 365: Daily Tips, Tricks and Techniques by Leslie RedheadWorld of Watercolor by Jean HainesThe Tao of Watercolor by Jean CarbonettiMastering Watercolors: a Practical Guide by Joe CartwrightWe would love to review them all but we still have to tell you about other resources available to aspiring painters. You should have quality watercolor paper to render the perfect landscape painting Image by Ulrike Mai from PixabayLearn Painting from TelevisionOccasionally, a local television station will host a series of shows in which an artist demonstrates how to paint; the BBC did such a show a couple of years ago.Although such a show may be on locally, none are currently available nationally but several online television channels are dedicated to helping you learn how to paint.Watercolour.tv is a prime example of this type of offering.Artist Matthew Palmer has organised his web page to make it easy for the absolute beginner at watercolor painting to find their way around: simply click on the ‘absolute beginner’ tab and enjoy the collection of videos meant especially for you.You may also choose to mark your calendar for his real-time workshops and painting demonstrations or paint along with him as he instructs on how to perfectly depict a mountain sunset or a winter landscape.Winter landsca pes can be especially tricky because of all of the white involved â€" what a great opportunity to practise using masking fluid!The best part of these on-demand video lessons is that you can pause them, rewind and rewatch as needed, something you can’t necessarily do with an ordinary broadcast from the telly.Another great channel is SAA, formerly ‘the Painting and Drawing Channel’; their video-on-demand page lists more than 500 step-by-step instructional videos by member artists.Whether you’re having trouble mixing the perfect blend of colours to achieve that burnt sienna for your autumn landscape or simply cannot get the hang of painting flowers, the artists at SAA will have you covered.Both of these television sites charge a monthly membership fee but you may check them out for 30 days at no cost.  For those serious about learning how to paint with watercolours, that would be a hard-to-beat offer!Other Online Offerings to Learn How to PaintNot surprisingly, online televisio n channels are not the only way you enter the world of watercolour painting.Besides viewing some artists’ Instagram pages and marvelling over their skills, you could listen in as watercolour painters discuss their favourite painting technique, join in discussions on select forums and boards and benefit from video tutorials.Among the wealth of such we found are:PodcastsI Like Your Work: conversations with artists, gallery owners and curatorsColin Bradley Art Cast: a father-and-son team of watercolour artists answer your questionsSketching Stuff: watercolour artist Charlie O’Shields hosts a podcast and runs a message boardThe Left-Brain Artist: if you aspire to one day make your living as an artist, this podcast is the one to listen to!You might find it odd to listen to podcasts when watercolour painting is obviously a visual art.Think about this: all of the time you spend behind the wheel of your car, longing to hold a brush, you could be getting in touch with your inner artist.Y ou can even listen to podcasts as you paint. If you have no time for classes, you can learn painting with watercolor with online resources Image by Orna Wachman from PixabayBlogsQuite a few ‘how-to’ websites and art supplies sites have blogs attached; you might know of them if you’ve done any Internet searches for speciality supplies.Other pages are by independent artists. The ones we liked the most are:The Susan Branch blog takes a fireside chat tone: recalling what drew her to expressing herself through watercolor painting and how every stroke of her paintbrush is a tribute to another famous artist.The Scratchmade Journal likes to infuse tutorials with homey anecdotes and encouragement.Doodlewash is the companion-blog to the Sketching Stuff podcast mentioned above. If you’re unsure about which art supplies you might consider or are looking for inspiration for your next work, this would be a place to look.Naturally, there are more. You only need to ask your favourite search engine for them.YouTubeAgain, we return to th e idea that painting is primarily a visual art. Now, we add the fact that humans are primarily visual learners and come to the conclusion that videos would be a great way to learn how to use watercolour paint.What a torrent of information there is for you, there!We found channels hosted by artists from Italy, Canada, Australia and Japan and the UK. A substantial number of them have millions of subscribers; others have uploaded so many videos that they’ve organised them into playlists so you can follow them in sequence.Some videos are hour-long, professionally edited tutorials and others are mere minutes, detailing a single technique: a lone artist sitting in front of their camera for your benefit.Some of the names you’ve read in this article also have YouTube Channels and, as a bonus, they feature other artists’ channels for you to peruse, in effect forming an online community of watercolor paintings and painters.So, if you have no time for classes and an overwhelming desire t o work with watercolor paints, you now have a few resources to call on.

Creative Coaching

Creative Coaching Everything You Need to Know About Creative Coaching ChaptersNot Just For Creative PeopleBasic Principles of Creative CoachingWho Could Benefit From Creative Coaching?Benefits of Creative CoachingFinding a Creative CoachCreative coaching is a coaching method that helps individuals grow into their most authentic selves.   The process is designed to bring the coach and the client together to collaborate on identifying and nurturing the clients’ greatest visions for themselves as people whether they are artists or just need a different perspective on life. To be creative is “relating to or involving the imagination.” We are all capable of using our imaginations. Every time we make a decision we imagine which choice we want. By using your imagination, you tap into the creative mind. The creative mind  is where we can make  the changes needed for a better life. Our ability to apply these creative skills, thinking and expression in all aspects of our lives provides enormous benefits and results.Creativity Coaching as a professional pra ctice aims to help clients figure out how to articulate and nurture their creative vision for themselves, recognize obstacles, establish attainable strategies for moving toward their visions and in setting up systems of shred and self-accountability to assist them in achieving their goals.  Creative coaching is all about seeing challenges and solving problems using multiple perspectives. Sometimes, we get caught up in our own thoughts and habits and don’t recognize that we have the tools to see old challenges in a new way. By approaching obstacles in this way, we can often find options and solutions we’ve used successfully in the past.A coach can help you unlock your creativity. (Source: stux)Basic Principles of Creative CoachingAt the centre of coaching is the idea that clients are given the power to help themselves. Creative coaches will not offer advice, give their opinions or pass judgement, but instead, they will equip you with the tools so you can help yourself. Instead o f instructing you, they will guide you to an answer. There are some basic principles of creative coaching that all coaches should follow:- Subjectivity: we all have different perspectives, none of which are 'right' or 'wrong', but some perspectives can be restrictive and can stop a person becoming who they want to be.- Empowerment: it is within everyone's capability to adjust their own perspective. With the tools that you learn through life coaching, anyone can learn to open their mind to achieve their goals.- Guidance: there is a difference between an instructor and a guide. An instructor shows a person exactly what to do, whereas a guide provides the tools and support a person needs to do something for themselves. A life coach is a guide, not an instructor; they will not tell you what to do.Have you ever thought: I really should update my website; I should call that contact I met last week; I should do a lot of things, but I just don’t have the energy or drive.Coaching can help you deal with these, and any other issues you might have in your career, or your life.Coaching is a means of bringing clarity to your life. It is a tool that will help you unlock your innate and natural creativity.Coaching helps you overcome the stumbling blocks that are holding you back from being the very best that you want to be.And there’s the core of creative coaching: it’s about what you want to be. Not what your agent, your boss, your partner, your friends, or even your life coach wants you to be.Coaching is not therapy. Rather, it is for people who are stable and grounded, yet feel stuck. Life coaches will encourage you to look at the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past.A creative coach can improve many areas in your life (Source: jill111)Benefits of Creative CoachingCreative coaching can help you face your day with energy and enthusiasm, brimming with ideas and positivity to face the day. It can help you tap into your creative side so you can look a t life from a different perspective and think outside the box to find solutions to your problems, whether at work or at home.When you have clarity about what is important, essential and necessary in your work, in your life, then creative changes begin to happen. The exciting thing about tapping into your natural creativity is that once you start, your creativity overflows into all aspects of your life.Even if you don’t think you’re the creative ‘type’, we all have creativity in us. Creativity flows from a clear and calm mind. There is nothing to stop you from tapping into your natural store of talent. It is only the clutter within your mind that prevents your true creativity from shining through.Even if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, it doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential for creative expression. If you’ve ever cooked a meal, chaired a meeting, played a sport or written a report, then you’ve used your innate creative talents.Creative coaching can help b ring these talents out in a client no matter your profession.If you are a writer, photographer, artist, designer, musician, filmmaker, craftsperson or anyone in the creative industries, life coaching can help you tap into new and deeper layers of creativity to help you reach levels of success you’ve only dreamed of before.If you are a salesperson supplying goods and services to the creative industries; if you run a gallery; if you work with public arts organisations; if you’re an artists’ agent; if you are part of any business that is connected to the creative industries; then life coaching can help you find creative solutions that will make your business more efficient, more effective and more profitable.Finding a Creative CoachIn the UK creative coaching is an unregulated profession. This basically means that anyone can call themselves a coach. This doesn’t mean that you won’t find a great coach, it just makes it essential you do your research.Search online directories t o find coaches that have memberships with a professional body and have the appropriate insurance cover and qualifications.Having said this, rapport is one of the most important factors in finding the right coach for you. So don’t focus solely on qualifications but instead focus on finding someone you feel comfortable with.It’s a good idea to get in touch with a coach before you book a session. This way you can get a feel of what the coach is like before you commit yourself. Don’t feel obliged to continue if you don't want to, you are choosing someone to help you reach your personal goals so make sure you find someone you’re happy with.There are many resources online where you can find the right coach for you. You can search for specialist business coaches, relationship, spirituality or even creative coaches (if you need some help finding creativity in your life!).Sites like this one are full of resources to find a coach. Simply type in your postcode or town and hit the sear ch button to find a coach near you. Here you’ll find different profiles which describe who they are and what they do.No matter where you look for a coach make sure you do your research. Check that they have references, relevant experience and be picky!Creative coaching is something we can all benefit from at some point in life. It can help all of us find different perspectives on life and is a tool that can enrich our lives and help us lead a happier one!See more about these different types of coaching:personal development coachinghealth coachingbusiness coachingspiritual life coach

Teaching a Growth Mindset Principles to Your Child

Teaching a Growth Mindset Principles to Your Child In my last post I discussed the powerful impact that having a Growth Mindset can have on motivation and academic achievement. With a Growth Mindset you believe that through effort and the use of solid strategies you can become smarter and better at just about anything you put your mind to. And in fact, theres a great deal of neuroscience research supporting the notion that we can in fact grow our brains and become smarter! Unfortunately kids with ADHD may be more likely to have a Fixed Mindset. Their struggles with motivation and academics may have lead them down the path of believing that their hard work doesnt really pay off, and there is nothing they can do to become smarter or better at the things that are challenging for them. And with this set of beliefs, mustering up the motivation to work hard at school or tackle challenging homework problems is extremely difficult. Fortunately, research has shown that mindsets can be changed and that includes your child with ADHD. Parents and teachers can foster Growth Mindsets in their children and have a big impact on their motivation and achievement. So, how do you go about encouraging a Growth Mindset? It takes two phases. First, teach your child a few core Growth Mindset principles. Then on a daily basis, emphasize Growth Mindset thoughts and actions to cement the new Growth Mindset lessons and encourage increased motivation over time. So lets start with Phase I: teaching three core Growth Mindset principles. We can grow our brains. Explain to your child that the brain is like a muscle. When we lift weights our muscles get stronger and they grow. The same thing happens when we exercise our brain. The more we challenge our brain the more it grows, and the more we grow our brain the better we become at things like math, reading, writing, and even fun things like videogames and sports. (Videogames may make the most sense to some kids: Remember when you got that new game and didnt know how to get past Level I, but then you kept playing and learning and you were able to not only get past Level I but get all the way to Level 4. And now youre still playing and learning and soon youll be at Level 5? Thats because you were exercising your brain and challenging it to grow.) There are some excellent videos online that teach kids about how they can grow their brain. For younger kids I recommend the Class Dojo Growth Mindset series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zrtHt3bBmQ and for older kids I recom mend the Khan Academy Growing your Mind video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtKJrB5rOKs. How our brains grow. In order to straighten our muscles, we challenge them through exercise. If we keep lifting the same light weight over and over again, then our muscles wont really get stronger. We need to challenge them by gradually adding heavier weights. With our brains, we exercise them by doing challenging work. By trying things that may seem hard, and by making and correcting mistakes. Mistakes can actually be good things, because when we correct our mistakes our brain gets stronger! (Lets go back to our videogame example: When you first started Level 2, you struggled to defeat the monster. He won a lot of the time. But you kept hitting the reset button and challenging yourself to find a way to get around the monster. Each time you failed to beat him, you learned a little bit more about what might work next time.) We need good tools and strategies. Your child has certainly tried to do challenging work in the past. But if your child has ADHD, theres a good chance that there have been quite a few times when he or she were not able to succeed at the level that was expected of him or her. These failures may have made your child hesitant to take on new challenges, even if he or she knows that challenging work is good for him or her. So, make sure to let your child know that in addition to challenging work, they need strategies that will help them succeed. Tell your child that you recognize that he or she may not have had the tools and strategies that he or she needed in the past. But youre going to do everything you can to help him or her learn different strategies and tools so that he or she can succeed now. And with your childs hard work, combined with new strategies and tools, the sky is the limit! (And one last time well revisit the videogame example: And then when you reached Level 4, you real ly struggled with the dragon. But it was your babysitter Mark who gave you a great idea for a strategy to try and it worked! Sometimes we need some coaching and help just to give us a little help in what direction to go in or what we might want to try. Mark didnt give you the answers, but he gave you a strategy. And having that strategy helped you beat that Level. Sometimes life is like the videogame where we just need someone to give us a new strategy or a tool to help us do our work and then we can see the way forward.) In addition to teaching your child these key Growth Mindset principles, get started on figuring out ways to help your child learn new strategies for the things that are hard for him or her. Talk to your childs teacher about subjects that are difficult. Find out which learning tools are currently working for your child and which tools are not. Kids with ADHD may need different learning strategies, so ask about alternate tools and strategies that they can try. Consider getting extra help for your child through their school or through a learning center or tutoring program (see my previous post on choosing a good tutoring center for your child). Remember that your childs hard work will only lead to improvement when he or she is putting their effort into using the tools and strategies that work for him or her. My next post, the last in this Growth Mindset series, Ill talk about Phase II -- the things you can do every day to encourage a Growth Mindset in your child. Youre well on your way to instilling a Growth Mindset, and soon youll start to think about all of the ways that your child and you can rethink challenges and have a Growth Mindset approach to life. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.