Reading English Like A Pro

Reading English Like A ProMost people who learn to read English are grateful for the aid they received when they started. Many of us are eager to go back to school and find out more about how to pick up a new language. If you feel like you are stuck in the middle of your learning process, here are some tips on how to go from being a beginner to being an advanced reader.First off, as long as you are practicing reading English by yourself, the most important thing you can do is to practice reading with a friend. Many people don't realize this, but one of the best ways to learn to read English fast is to read with someone else who can listen to your words. This allows you to not only hear what you are reading, but also to understand how others hear the same words.Another way to practice your reading speed is to study a dictionary or some other type of vocabulary book. Make sure that you are reading the material correctly by doing so. As you read, try to picture the words. If it is hard for you to figure out what a word means, try another book.Another great way to improve your reading speed in English is to sign up for reading tutors online. Reading online has been proven to improve reading speed for a majority of people. Reading one paragraph in an hour can help you become a proficient reader.When you are studying to be an English teacher, you will also want to make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to study. It may seem like a lot of time, but it can be worth it. If you have adequate time, you can make time to read multiple books, which will also help you get a better grasp of the language.If you are trying to learn how to read English as quickly as possible, then make sure that you look into digital writing software. The software is easy to use and comes with lots of practice exercises to help you improve your speed. If you are a beginner, you will be surprised at how much speed you will gain. As long as you have the software, you will find that you can read faster than you ever thought was possible.Finally, if you are a beginner who is serious about learning to read English as quickly as possible, then you need to consider paying for some type of study guide. Not only will you be able to benefit from the study materials and review materials, but you will also find that you will learn more in the process. Reading eBooks and courses is one of the best ways to accelerate your English reading speed.

Basic Shapes

Basic Shapes In geometry there are many shapes. Basic shapes are the most commonly used shapes in geometry to analyze and solve different questions. Each geometric shape has its own significant properties and set of formulas. Some of the most basic shapes in geometry are triangles, squares, rectangles, circles,etc. Different geometric shapes can have different dimensions and accordingly their areas and perimeters can be calculated. Example 1: Given is a right angle triangle with one of its angle as 30 degrees, find the third angle. Given is a right angle triangle with one of the angles as 30 Every right triangle has one of its angles as 90 Sum of all the angles for any triangle is 180 degrees. Let the unknown angle be C. So, 90 + 30 + C = 180. 120 + C =180. Subtract 120 on both sides. Hence, C = 180 - 120 = 60 degrees. Therefore the third angle in the given triangle is 60 Example 2: Find the area of the circle which has the radius, r of 10 cm. The radius of the given circle is 10 cm, i.e. r = 10 cm. The formula for Area of the circle is, A = r2 The value of the constant Pi, = 3.14 This makes the solution, Area, A = 3.14 * 10 * 10 cm2 = 314 cm2 The area of the given circle with radius 10 cm is 314 cm2 approximately. Hence, Area of the given circle, A = 314 cm2

The Advantages of Learning How to Speak German

The Advantages of Learning How to Speak German Why German Lessons or a German Language Course is a Brilliant Idea ChaptersGerman: A Language with an Exciting HistoryLearn the Most Widely Spoken Language in EuropeLearning German to Study in GermanyLearn to Speak German for a Career in GermanyMake Your Career International by Learning GermanFacts and Figures for the German LanguageGerman Culture at Your FingertipsWhy English Speakers have a Head Start when Learning GermanWhy Learning German isn’t as Difficult as You ThinkBe Inspired to Learn GermanMaybe you’ve been wondering about learning a new language for a while and are struggling to make a decision.If German is one of the languages you’re considering, there are plenty of reasons why you should learn to speak it.To learn German is to open up a world of possibilities in your career (whether in the UK or abroad), uncover the rich cultural heritage and be able to share in the many influences the German language has had in business, culture and the media. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGer man Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGerman: A Language with an Exciting HistoryThe German language as we know it today is descended from a group of distinct dialects spoken in and around Northern Europe, which have also evolved into other modern European languages such as Danish and even English, which consequently belong to a family called the Germanic languages.These ancient dialects have their own history too. For example, they have been used in the original transcriptions of ancient Buddhist texts, and were a lso brought together and standardised in the Protestant translation of the Bible, which paved the way for modern German.Another striking fact about these dialects is that the German language spoken by the Amish community in Pennsylvania comes from the Low German dialect.Learning German is not just about learning new words, but discovering the history of the language in detail and understanding how several dialects came together to produce modern German.Learn the Most Widely Spoken Language in EuropeIn France, just 15.4% of school pupils choose to learn German, often preferring to learn English or Spanish for the travel advantages.However, those learning German can also benefit from more than the language itself.Students of German can easily use and improve their language skills through enjoying the work of Goethe, as German teacher Thérèse Ouchet explains:  â€œSpanish is reputed for being easy, and German for being difficult. However, the grades of German learners are actually bet ter than those who of people who choose to learn English and a lot better than the grades of Spanish learners. The wide range of films on the Second World War obviously has an impact, even if people prefer the Iberian sunshine to the grey weather in Germany!”German is also a particularly useful language for those who want to work in international organisations, with German being the most commonly used language in the European Union.In June of 2012, the European Commission published a report on the languages most widely spoken as a mother tongue across Europe:German (16%),Italian (13%),English (13%),French (12%),Spanish (8%),Polish (8%).This may come as a surprise, but don’t forget that German is an official language in Austria, Luxembourg, Lichtenstein and Switzerland, as well as the Italian province of Bolzano.Achieving fluency in German will open up a world of opportunity when it comes to travelling and working within the EU.Learning German to Study in GermanyApart from the UK as an exception, German educational institutions aren’t too different to those found in the rest of Europe.To help with your decision on which school to choose, here are the types of educational establishments available in Germany:German public universities: For international students, these can be free and offer general and theoretical education in subjects such as business studies, medicine and engineering. Scholarships are also available for some students.Fachhochschulen: These are higher education institutions which teach students with a view that they will enter a skilled field. To be accepted in Fachhochschule, international students must pass entrance exams to ensure their level.Colleges of Arts, Film and Music: These organisations offer training for future artists of painting, fashion, music or cinematography and can give qualifications up to doctorate level.Private universities: These can be compared to the university equivalent of private schools in the UK. They offer a n extra boost when it comes to recruitment and starting a career after graduation. However, at around €20,000 per year, this doesn’t come cheap.One of the best reasons to study in Germany is the increased ability to enter into the world of work after finishing your degree.Studying in Germany demonstrates an open mind, which UK employers will admire.Do university differently and learn German at the same time ¦ source: Pixabay - StockSnapBut to have access to a truly German education, you must have first mastered the basics of the language.When the time comes to submit your application, certain universities may ask you for an official language certificate such as the DSH or TestDaf.To get an idea of their German language level, foreign students can take the online OnSet test.It is best to gain a good understanding of German before you, the learner leave to study there â€" but don’t worry, you don’t have the be fluent.It is only necessary that you have good enough listening an d comprehension skills to be able to take German lessons, and your language will improve just by living there and interacting with native speakers.Learn to Speak German for a Career in GermanyGermany is the second largest export destination of the UK.This means that business between the two countries couldn’t be much better.Another interesting point is that recruitment in the tourism industry for the German-speaking population is thriving like never before!If you speak good enough German, you’ll have no problem working in a health club or as a tour guide anywhere in the world.Germans are becoming increasingly fond of South-East Asia, so if you’re looking for adventure, take a trip to the Phi Phi Islands!But if you’re not sure about leaving Europe, take comfort in the fact that German tourists also enjoy Greece, Italy and Portugal.With their 6 weeks of holidays per year, Germans have plenty of time to travel â€" so why not be a part of this?It’s not uncommon for Brits and o ther Europeans to learn German to work in Germany.This is because it is a lot simpler to find work and better career prospects in Germany â€" especially if you already have experience of working or studying abroad.In April 2015, the  unemployment rate in Germany was just 4.7%, compared to 5.6% in the UK.But what is the reason for this difference?Germany is known for taking risks and quickly developing new sectors to their economic advantage.German bosses also use different communication methods to ours. For example, the use of new technologies plays a big role in business communication and development, therefore, becomes more efficient.In order to be able to work in Germany, it is necessary to have a knowledge of basic German at the very least.Without knowing the language, you’ll rely on speaking English which may harm your chances of social and professional integration.You can accelerate your learning of German with private German lessons wither with a one to one home tutor or an online course. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsMake Your Career International by Learning GermanFrench, German and Spanish are all languages which will make your CV attractive to potential employers.Mastery of the German language is not just an asset in the UK, but in the international market too!Contrary to what some people believe, German is a beautiful language which is used and loved all over the world as an official a nd minority language.With a second language, your career can take you anywhere ¦ source: Pixabay - MeditationsFor instance, in the USA, Germano-Americans form the largest ethnic group in the country, representing more than 17% of the population, and it is estimated that 2 million US citizens can speak fluent German.Across the globe, German is a minority language in:BrazilNamibiaTanzaniaParaguayChileVenezuelaRomaniaThe USAKnowing how to speak German is therefore incredibly useful for those who enjoy travelling, as well as those in the world of business, who can use their skills to communicate with customers on practically every continent.Language skills and becoming more and more sought after in the world of work, as mastery of more than one language demonstrates the work ethic of candidates who may need to found and maintain professional international relations.Facts and Figures for the German LanguageBecause it’s human nature to look for concrete information, here are a few fact s and figures which demonstrate the need for German speakers:German is the second most used language for scientific publicationsGermany has the third largest number of applications for scientific patents in the worldMore than 100 million people around the world speak German as their first languageGerman is the most widely spoken language in Europe, with a significant number of German-speaking populations in Austria, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein as well as Germany itselfGermany boasts the largest economy in Europe â€" so why wouldn’t you want to be a part of it?German is one of the three languages spoken in the region of Alsace (alongside French and the Alsatian dialect)10% of the world’s books are printed in GermanGerman grammar has 4 cases (also called declensions): nominative, accusative, dative and genitiveGerman Culture at Your FingertipsGermany is far more than the land of sausage and beer.As a country, Germany has an immense cultural wealth, boasting nearly 40 UNESCO worl d heritage sites such as Cologne cathedral and the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm.Its heritage extends to its literature and art. Here are a few recommendations for learners of German to enjoy:LiteratureThe complete works of Geothe: Start with Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (The Sorrows of Young Werther) for a bit of romanticism in a world of sadnessKafka’s Der Process (The Trial): a man who is accused of murder in a strange worldThomas Mann’s Der Zauberberg (The Magic Mountain): A major work of German literature and a beautiful glance into the early 20th centuryCinemaFriedrich Wilhelm Murnau’s Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht (Nosferatu the Vampyre): an adaptation of the story of DraculaDas Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others) by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck: how a spy is caught in his own trapWolfgang Becker’s Good Bye, Lenin!: how a family recreates East Germany after the Berlin wall falls whilst their mother is in a comaSoul Kitchen by Fatih Akin: to show you that Germa n comedy does exist!MusicContrary to the stereotypes about the German language (that it sounds aggressive or ugly), there is a certain musical beauty about it.Some of the most famous musical pieces are in German, including several Operas stun spectators at every performance. They include:Tristan und Isolde (Tristan and Isolde) by Richard Wagner: An adaptation of the 12th-century work based on the myth. Performances can last up to 4 hours 30 minutes.Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte  (The Magic Flute): An internationally famous operaAnd let’s not forget Beethoven’s 9 symphonies!Everyone knows the famous opening to his 5th, and you’re certain to have heard Ode to Joy, which is part of the 9th symphony.This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to German language cultural exports, so what are you waiting for? Delve deeper with your knowledge of German!Why English Speakers have a Head Start when Learning GermanAt the beginning of secondary school, pupils have the choice of learni ng a second language â€" but this often comes with dilemma: French or German?French seems to be a good option, with lots of cognates and only a hop across the channel if you want to practice.German and English have more in common than you might think ¦ source: Visualhunt - Defence ImagesBut German has something different: easy pronunciation. That is, for speakers of English as a first language.This is because English and German both belong to the family of Germanic languages, meaning they have their roots in Northern Europe. During the middle ages, these two languages would have had a similar rhythm and intonation to one another, as well as similar grammatical structures.This means that the way English and German use nouns, adjectives and pronouns would have been, and still are quite similar.Even if there are distinct differences between these languages, it’s not difficult to spot words and phrases that look alike.Bruder = brother,Mutter = mother,Machen = to make,Lerner = to lear n,Hundert = one hundred,Kann = can,Nun = now,Haus = house,Universität = university,Kamera = camera.So now you know why Germans speak such good English â€" and you can do the same with German!Not only do Germans learn English, they also borrow words!This is usually the case when naming new technologies. One such example is the word ‘computer’, which linguists decided to borrow after failing to invent a German-sounding equivalent.One the other hand, English has welcomed a few German words into its vocabulary, including ‘kindergarten’.Why Learning German isn’t as Difficult as You ThinkPeople are often reluctant to learn German for two reasons. Firstly the conjugation â€" this is all about the way verb forms change according to their relationships with the other words in a sentence.English conjugation is often regarded as simple in comparison to that of other languages, but this shouldn’t worry you.The second reason people are apprehensive about German is the grammatical ca ses â€" something which is practically absent from English.Cases show the status of a word within a sentence, and pronouns and adjectives can change depending on the case.Both conjugation and cases sound like tricky subjects, but if you spend enough time learning German, they will come naturally.German construction is quite logical, which many learners like.For example, the German word for ‘water bottle’ is Wasserflasche. Thanks to the similarities between English and German, it is not difficult to see that this word is a construction of ‘water’ and ‘bottle’.Another perhaps more obvious positive about German is that it uses the same alphabet as English, and is therefore easier to learn than Greek or Russian.This makes German pronunciation a lot easier, especially since it is a phonetic language â€" meaning that it sounds like it is written.Learn German and fall in love with its cultural heritage ¦ source: Pixabay - jh146Overall, German isn’t very difficult to learn †" the difficult part is being motivated enough to keep practising and confronting your weaknesses.Learning a new language can keep your brain young and open doors to new personal and professional opportunities as well as allowing you to explore a different culture with your own language skills.Be Inspired to Learn GermanThe Germans Love to InventFrom the Gutenberg printing press to the discovery of electromagnetic waves by Hertz, the development of chemotherapy by Ehrlich and Einstein's theory of relativity, Germans have often proved themselves to be great innovators.This trend is still continued today, with 4 of the 10 most innovative businesses and 12.7% of the world’s patent applications coming from Germany.As a nation which works for research and development, the Germans are always on the ball with new technology.Germany exports the second highest number of gadgets (behind the USA) and boasts over 600 businesses to do with biotechnology.Aside from this, Germany is also well-kn own for its prowess in the automobile industry, which is the most developed in Europe.Germans: Keen Tourists with a Lot of buying PowerWith an average of 6 weeks of holiday to take every year, the Germans have the time and the means to travel â€" and they do!In 2007, they spent a record 91 billion euros on international travel.Wherever you go, you will notice the number of German holiday makers.So be a part of their passion for travel and learn their language!Begin learning German with a private tutor:German lessons LondonGerman courses GlasgowGerman lessons LeedsLearn German online

Who Are the Most Famous British Pianists

Who Are the Most Famous British Pianists Who Are The Best British Pianists? ChaptersAlan RawsthorneBenjamin BrittenBenno MoiseiwitschCipriani PotterDonald Francis ToveyBest British Pianists: Frederic Hymen CowenGeorge PintoIrene ScharrerJohann Baptist CramerPianists from the UK: John LillJohn McCabeJohn TaylorOther British Piano VirtuososVocabulary“You write to become immortal, or because the piano happens to be open, or you’ve looked into a pair of beautiful eyes.” - Robert SchumannThe piano is one of the most popular instruments for musicians to learn and its popularity never seems to waiver.  There’s always a piano within reach. Throughout the history of music, the piano’s played a hugely important role and many pianists can serve as a fine example to the younger generations.Both international famous pianists (Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Robert Schumann, Schubert, etc.) and British pianists have played their part in creating a musical landscape full of famous pieces.Forget about famous composers like Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Franz Liszt, Beethoven, Tchai kovsky, and Prokofiev, in this article we're going to talk about some of the greatest British pianists!Keep up with your piano lessons and make it to this list one day. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAlan RawsthorneAllan Rawsthorne hailed from Lancashire and studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music. Throughout his career, he put together an impressive repertoire of music.If you want to become a great pianist, you have to first learn to play the piano. (Source: F ree-Photos)He wrote one ballet and a number of symphonies for the orchestra. Of all his works, Symphonic Studies, a concerto for orchestra, his viola sonata, and his two piano concertos are some of his most popular works.He was also responsible for the soundtracks for a large number of films during the 1940s and 1950s.Benjamin BrittenBritten attended the Royal College of Music and was heavily influenced by classical music in his early years since his mother wanted him to follow in the footsteps of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms, by adding Britten to the list. That said, Britten claimed that his creativity was stifled by constantly studying and playing their work.Throughout his illustrious career, he created many a composition including operas, church parables, ballets, orchestral pieces, concertante, and instrumental music including solo piano pieces.He also founded the Aldeburgh Festival, an arts festival devoted to classical music which takes place in June in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.Benno MoiseiwitschIf you're thinking that Benno Moiseiwitsch doesn't sound very British, you'd be right. Moiseiwitsch was born in Odessa in the Russian empire in 1890 before moving to the UK in 1908.He regularly played Romantic pieces, including works by Rachmaninoff. In fact, Rachmaninoff himself said that Moiseiwitsch was his “spiritual heir”.Moiseiwitsch was given a CBE for his contributions during the Second World War as he regularly played to the armed forces.Unlike some of the other greats you find in lists of famous pianists, you can actually listen to recordings of the virtuoso himself as a lot of his performances were recorded.Cipriani PotterCipriani Potter is one of the older pianists on our list, having been born in 1792. He was a staff member of the Royal Academy of Music in London in its early days before becoming principal for nearly 30 years!He came from a musical family and was taught by two people who were students of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (one of them being his ow n father!).  He was accepted into the Philharmonic Society as an associate member at the age of 21 (he would later become a full member).He created a number of orchestral symphonies, concertante, and many piano pieces. The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra has produced commercial recordings of a couple of his piano concerti if you'd like to listen to his creations.Donald Francis ToveyAnother British pianists worth mentioning is Sir Donald Francis Tovey. In addition to his playing, he also extensively studied music and wrote essays on music. While he didn't compose as many pieces as the other pianists and composers in our list, his contribution to the study of music more than makes up for it.That said, he still wrote a number of piano pieces, chamber music, orchestral symphonies, an opera, and choral music.Best British Pianists: Frederic Hymen CowenCowen was actually born in Kingston, Jamaica, but moved to the UK when he was four. He came from an artistic family with one sister being an a ctress and another a painter.  He published his first composition when he was just six years old and created an operetta at the age of eight.Many of the greats started tickling the ivories when they were very young. (Source: consorex)He won the Mendelssohn Scholarship in Germany, which would have paid for him to attend the Leipzig Conservatorium for three years. However, his parents sent him as an independent student in order to retain control over him. He eventually had to return following the Austro-Prussian War.He specialised in lighter orchestral pieces rather than serious pieces. LouisPiano Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlisonPiano Teacher £32/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ErenPiano Teacher 5.00 (6) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BarbaraPiano Teacher £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors TomPiano Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValtiePiano Teacher £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielPiano Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGeorge PintoWhile there are very few records of Pinto's family life, there's a lot more information available on his music. He was born in 1785 and started learning music from the age of 8. By the age of 10, he was part of London's music scene. He also performed in Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Oxford, and Paris.London is still home to a vibrant music scene. (Source: Free-Photos)While he usually played the violin rather than the piano, Pinto had stated that the piano was his favourite instrument. He was also a fan of J. S. Bach.He died at the age of 20 having fallen ill the previous year.Irene ScharrerIrene Scharrer studied at the Royal Academy of Music and, like many of the other pianists on our list, got started at a very young age. She first performed in London at the age of 16 and regularly performed until throughout her life.She woul d often play four-handed compositions with Myra Hess, another British pianist of note.  Her playing favoured grace over power and she was at her best when playing Romantic pieces.Johann Baptist CramerThough born in Mannheim, Germany, Cramer moved to London as a child and lived and worked there most of his life.He was a talented pianist and when impressed Beethoven when he visited Vienna. He was also friends with Haydn.  He was famous for his technical precision when playing the piano and wrote 200 sonatas for the instrument. He also a number of piano concertos.Pianists from the UK: John LillJohn Lill is one of the few living pianists still on our list since you usually have to have stood the test of time before you can be classed as one of the greats. However, Lill is certainly deserving of appearing in this list.He was born in 1944 and from a very young age was shown to be very talented. He attended the Royal College of Music and made his first performance at the age of 9.There are recordings of his playing available to those interested in hearing him tickle the ivories. He is particularly famous for his incredible interpretations of Beethoven's works.John McCabeJohn McCabe, who passed away in 2015, was dubbed as “a pianist of formidable gifts and wide-ranging sympathies”. He started composing at a young age and by the time he reached the age of 11, he had written thirteen sympnonies.Even though he regularly composed music, he initially became famous as a pianist who could play almost anything from Classical to contemporary music.John TaylorWhile the other pianists on the list mainly play classical music, John Taylor was a jazz pianist. In fact, he's also the only pianist on this list who's self-taught!You don't need an expensive piano to become a great pianist. (Source: Mariamichelle)He got involved in the jazz scene when he moved to London in 1964. He worked with a number of different acts and employed a style that was inspired by both jazz and classica l music.Take piano lessons online and make it to the list of the most famous pianist.Other British Piano VirtuososOf course, we can’t fit all the great British pianists into one measly article.  Here are a few more pianists that you might want to check out for their piano playing:Johnny PearsonJon LordJulius DrakeKaikhosru Shapurji SorabjiKathryn StottMichael FinnissyMichael NymanMike PinderMyra HessPaul McCartneyPaul WilliamsPercival MackeyWhether you’re looking for a classical or contemporary pianist or a composer or a jazz pianist, there are plenty of talented Britons to listen to.VocabularyThe piano has made a home for itself in the UK and, as a result, we have plenty of internationally famous pianists. Classical training has helped these pianists make a name for themselves. However, you won’t be able to join them if you don’t know what any of the words mean.In a number of our articles on music, we've included a short glossary at the end. If you want to become fluent in music, you'll have to read them all!CounterpointThis is when two distinct melodies are played over one another.RubatoThis is an Italian term which means that the piece should be played expressively and with freedom.See more famous piano players here.

Strategies for Sight Singing

Strategies for Sight Singing Suzy S. It may seem like instrumentalists have it much easier when it comes to sight reading music; by simply pressing a key or a string, the notes are immediately available to them without any additional thought, and all that’s left to them is to work out duration, dynamics, and tempo. Singers, on the other hand, dont have an instrument to rely on. Taking a song previously unknown to you and delivering a reasonably accurate performance the very first run-through isn’t a talent that everybody has.  However, there are plenty of strategies you can employ to make yourself better at sight singing. Learn Your Intervals   With the advent of smartphones and tablet devices, there are a wealth of music apps available to put a keyboard in front of you whenever you need it.    Better still, with a pair of headphones, you can study your intervals throughout the day. As you have breaks in your day, listen to intervals until they become familiar to you.  Your ear will learn what a minor third, perfect fifth, and so on sounds like, and with time youll find it easier to translate your sheet music to singing! Also, don’t forget to put the bookwork in on your printed music â€" analyze your songs, and while you’re learning what an octave sounds like, learn what it looks like as well.  The more work you put into combining the look and the sound of an interval, youll find your sight singing improving on its own. Remember to Count The best thing you can do to lay the groundwork for your sight singing is to reinforce your knowledge of music theory, and how the notes on the page turn into music.  The more you learn about keys, harmonic structure, time signatures, common Italian musical terms, and note lengths, the easier it will be to translate those.  The quicker you can work out the note lengths and intervals, the more fluent your reading will become.  Pay special attention to more complex time signatures, and don’t ignore dotted notes and any articulation markings. Think of your printed music as a map â€" make a note of any landmarks, such as changes of key or time signature â€" and treat reading your way through it as a journey.  Read through your words before you tackle the music, note where phrases are going and the shape of them, and make sure you observe any accidentals. Practice Makes Perfect Sight singing is like riding a bike â€" for a while, you may need to take extra time and work out the notes slowly. But after a while, youll find that your sight singing skills have developed to the extent that you’re only looking a bar or so ahead as you read.  Practice your new skills as often as you can.   Set a steady tempo when you’re sight singing, and stick to it â€" don’t stop to correct mistakes or to work out intervals. Being a fluent sight reader is a valuable skill for a singer. Vocalists who can sight sing well are quite rare, and are in high demand, especially for good choirs and small ensembles.  Improving your sight singing will open all kinds of new opportunities! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by donald judge

Things You Have to See in China

Things You Have to See in China China’s Unmissable Sights ChaptersWhich Cities in China Should You Visit?China’s Most Beautiful Tourist Attractions and MonumentsChina’s Most Famous Natural ParksUnusual Chinese Attractions for European Tourists“Great souls have wills, weak ones have only wishes.” - Chinese ProverbIf you want to visit China, you need to stop wishing! Unsurprisingly, China is visited mostly by Asian tourists; there were 4.7 billion tourists in 2018. That said, it doesn’t mean British tourists can’t go.  Europeans are fascinated by Chinese history and culture and more and more are going to see China.Which are the most popular things to see in China? Which monument and buildings do you have to see?In this article, we’re going to look at the cities you should visit, the most popular tourist attractions, natural parks, and unusual attractions worth visiting. NingChinese Teacher 5.00 (10) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorraineChinese Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese T eacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoyceChinese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicoleChinese Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KatyChinese Teacher £16/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YangChinese Teacher £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChengChinese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhich Cities in China Should You Visit?China is a country in eastern Asia and it’s the one with the biggest population. It covers a huge area and is home to coasts, mountains, prairies, and deserts. In fact, China has over 8,000 miles of coastline!China is home to ancient customs and modern technology. (Source: sherisetj)Before we start talking about Chinese buildings, we need to have a look at China’s most important cities and the ones you should visit. There are massive metropolises, secondary cities, and iconic towns. For example, the most popular cities for international tourists includ e:Beijing, the Chinese capital.Hong Kong, a former British colony and world financial centre.Shanghai, a cultural and tourist centre.Hangzhou, a romantic city located on the Jingâ€"Hang Grand Canal.Here are some other noteworthy places to visit in China:Xiamen, a city in the south of China with many temples.Shenzhen.Yangshuo, famous for its beautiful rice fields.Zhangjiajie, in a region of natural beauty.Suzhou, with its canals.Chengdu, a beautiful city in the centre of China with many historic remains.Guilin, home to limestone hills and colourful grottos.Lijiang (Yunnan Province) where you can see the Tiger Leaping Gorge, a great place for a trek.Whether it’s for the beaches, impressive skyscrapers, historic sites, or the cuisine, the People's Republic of China has got it!Keep in mind that China is divided into:Provinces, like Yunnan and Sichuan.Autonomous regions, such as Xinjiang.Municipalities, Beijing and Tianjin, for example.Special administrative regions, including Macao.Ch ina’s a country with plenty of beautiful cities and places. For example, the Yunnan Province is famous for its beautiful treks in the lakes, rice fields, and mountains while Lijiang is home to ruins from the Song Dynasty.The Sichuan Province, in the south of China, is famous for its breathtaking countryside by the Yangtze River, especially in the Jiuzhaigou Valley or the forest where the Leshan Giant Buddha resides.As you can see, there’s a wealth of things to do and see in China.  Now let’s see China’s most beautiful tourist attractions!Find out more about the best cities in China.China’s Most Beautiful Tourist Attractions and MonumentsInterested in travelling off the beaten path?Luckily for you, China is full of ancient treasures and modern activities. Whether you’re in the north or south of China, there’s so much discover.The Forbidden City isn't actually that forbidden. (Source: Andyw1803)TripAdvisor lists plenty of things to do in China: 300 sites and monuments, 6 5 museums, and 151 outdoor activities.Here are some of the best sites in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an:The Great Wall of China, the most visited tourist attraction in ChinaThe Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage SiteThe Forbidden CityThe National Museum of ChinaJingshan Park, a great place to relax after a day in the heat of the cityThe Bund, a pedestrian area on the banks of the Huangpu riverThe Jade Buddha TemplePeople’s SquareThe Shanghai Grand Theatre, where you can see many beautiful local showsThe Yu Garden, a great place to relax after a long dayThe Pearl Tower, a television towerLingyin Temple, a 4th-century Buddhist templeLeifeng PagodaQinghe Lane, a great place to shopDreaming of the Tiger Spring, where you can have a nice walkTianmushan Nature ReserveThe botanical gardens.In China, you can enjoy ancient customs and modern marvels next to one another.Visiting China during the Chinese New Year is something else. Most of these sites can be visited at any time of the year. Whether it’s a day trip or a week in a resort, you can also go with a travel agent.Do you prefer nature?Visit China’s parks.Find out more about planning a trip to China.China’s Most Famous Natural ParksChina is a modern country but it’s also very rural, agricultural, and home to many national parks that are worth visiting. The most impressive parks are in Zhangjiajie in the Hunan Province. It’s home to:Quartz-sandstone pillars (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)Tianmen Mountain (in the Tianmen Mountain National Park)Baofeng LakeThe Yellow Dragon CaveThere are 246 natural sites and natural parks in China including lakes, mountains, forests, and geological formations.If you want to see pandas, China is home to most of them. (Source: skeeze)China’s most famous natural parks include:Huangshan Park, in the Anhui Region, where you can see the sunset over the “Sea of Clouds”.Mount Wudang National Geopark, in Hubei, where you can find magnificent Taoist temples.Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, famous for its red cliffs.Li River National Park, in Guilin, whose river is considered to be “one of the ten wonders of the world”.Jiuzhaigou Valley, with its beautiful lakes.There’s also the nature reserves in Wolong and Bifengxia where you can see wild pandas! These black and white fur balls can be seen in their natural environment and are cared for by researchers. There are 4 natural parks where you can see them and they’re all under 100 miles from Chengdu:The Wolong National Nature Reserve is home to 30 pandas.The Dujiangyan Panda Base, home to 20 pandas.The Bifengxia Panda Base, also home to 20 pandas.The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, with 50 pandas.These are all great places for tailored trips to China!Find out more about how long you should spend in China.Unusual Chinese Attractions for European TouristsIf you’re dreaming of taking a trip to China to discover something unusual, these sites should be worth a gander.F ancy something a little different? China's got you covered. (Source: yyyoe)In the Fujian Region, visit Hakka, a town where you can find traditional roundhouses. The Hakka people, a subdivision of the Han people, still live here. These houses are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and you can even spend a night or two in them.If you love photography, you might want to go to the Zhangye Danxia mountains where you can see coloured rock formations. They’re even more impressive at sunset and during the golden hour.Do you love beautiful photos? Want to get some yourself?If you’re looking for unusual places to visit, you might like the Panjin Red Beach in the north of China. This magnificent natural marsh is home to 300 wild species.Its unique colour is due to marine algae, Suaeda, but do you know what’s even weirder?It’s red in autumn but changes to green from April to August. It’ll take your breath away.If you’re wanting to have a laugh during your trip to China, why not visit the c ountry’s weirdest hotel?The Tianzi Hotel in Yanjiao looks like three 416-metre tall Taoist characters.  It got the award of China’s ugliest hotel in 2012.With everything to see and do in China, there’s no shortage of unusual and breathtaking sights and attractions to enjoy.So are you ready to pack?If you'd like to learn some Chinese before you go to Shanghai, you could consider enlisting the help of one of the many talented tutors on Superprof! The tutors on the site offer three types of private tutorials to help you learn the lingo: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face tutorials are taught with one student and one tutor and tend to be the most costly per hour because you're paying for both bespoke lessons and a bespoke course. However, they're arguably the most cost-effective.Online tutorials are similar to the face-to-face tutorials but take place either on a call or over webcam. Of course, online tutorials can lack intimacy and while no t ideal for hands-on subjects, they're great for language lessons. Your tutor might even be from China!Finally, group tutorials are more like the classes you'll have had in school with one teacher and multiple students. While these tend to be the cheapest per student per hour since the cost of the tutor's time is shared, you'll also get far less one-on-one time with your tutor.Each different type of tutorial has its pros and cons and it's really up to you and your budget to decide how much you'll need to learn, how you want to learn, and what your budget is going to be for Chinese language lessons before you go.

Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Actions - Intermediate Level English

Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Actions - Intermediate Level English Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Actions - A Day in My Life This morning, like most mornings I woke up at around 6.30 am and got up  (rose from bed after sleeping)  quickly. Another busy day. I jumped into  (went to)  the shower and then dressed  quickly and put on  (got dressed)  my clothes. I went into the kitchen and put  together  (prepared)  a quick breakfast of porridge, toast and orange juice to kick start  (to begin)  my day.I noticed that the rubbish bin was full so I went to the garden to put out  (dispose of)  the rubbish and dropped it into  (placed it)  the correct bins as we recycle  everything. Once I had put away  (disposed of)  the rubbish I made up  (prepared)  my  plan for the rest of the day. There were many tasks to carry out  (to do). A friend had  called me yesterday and I had promised to call him back  (return his call)  and give him  some information. He was looking for some help with a project. I said I would look  into  (investigate)  it last night and call him today with my opinion. Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Actions - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do next: I spent several hours researching his problem and at last came up  with (discovered or  found)  a solution I thought would work. I sent him a text and told him I would drop in  (visit him)  on the way to the park. I usually go to the park most mornings for a quick  work out  (exercise). I also wanted to catch up  with (meet)  my friend as we had not met  face to face for a few weeks.Later I promised to call into  (go to)  the supermarket to pick up  (buy)  some food for the  next few days. I made a list of the food products that my wife wanted. She called  them out and I took down  (write on a list)  the details. I usually go to the same  supermarket every week but shop around  (visit several places before choosing)  for  the best quality meat and fish.When I returned home I switched on  (turned on)  my computer and logged on to the  internet. I had a lot of emails to go through  (to read)  and it took me several hours to  complete them. I looked through  (read)  a few reports and fl icked through  (looked  quickly at)  my presentation before my meeting scheduled for the next day.Time to relax. I usually chill out  (relaxed)  listening to some music either on my phone  or the radio. It was my turn to cook that night so I wanted to try out  (to cook)  a new  recipe I had come across  (found or discovered)  recently. It didn’t turn out  (it didn’t  taste too bad)  too bad and the family enjoyed something different. List of Phrasal Verbs for Everyday Actions to get up to rise from bed after sleepingto jump into to go toto put on to get dressedto put together to prepareto kick start to beginto put out to dispose ofto drop something into to place somethingto put away to dispose ofto make up to prepareto carry out to doto call someone back to return a telephone callto look into to investigateto come up with to discover or to findto drop in to visit someoneto work out to exerciseto catch up with to meetto call into to go toto pick up to buyto take down to write a listto shop around to visit several places before committing to buy somethingto switch on to turn onto go through to readto look through to readto flick through to look quicklyto chill out to relaxto try out to cookto come across to find or discoverto turn out to have a particular result