Tuesday, March 31, 2020

There Are Jobs in Organic Chemistry That You Can Find

There Are Jobs in Organic Chemistry That You Can FindYou may be surprised by the number of jobs in organic chemistry and why they are available. There are many different types of jobs that you can find throughout the field. They include positions such as those for professors, consultants, and research assistants.There are several jobs in organic chemistry that you can find. As a graduate student you will find that there are many jobs that are available for you. The first job you should take advantage of is the research assistant position.You can find these research assistants by using the resources that are available online. These research assistants help the scientists with their work. You can get a lot of experience doing this as it can take time to get a job as a research assistant.Many schools need research assistants. This means that you should find a few different research programs to choose from. If you have an interest in working in the lab then you can take advantage of thes e positions.There are also other jobs in organic chemistry that you can get from your school. Some of these jobs are known as Teaching Assistant positions. This means that you will have the responsibility of helping the science teachers with the activities that they want to do.There are many positions that are available and some of them include assisting the science teachers with their work and personal interests. There are many jobs in organic chemistry that you can find. There are several that you can take advantage of and then there are a few that you can get without a job offer.One of the jobs that you can get without a job offer is by taking part in a volunteering program. This is also a great way to get involved in this career. This is also one of the best ways to get exposure to organic chemistry.Jobs in organic chemistry are available for those who want to go into this career. With the right opportunities you can succeed and find a job that you can really enjoy. You should f ind a few jobs that you can take advantage of so that you can find a job that you really like.

Friday, March 20, 2020

What Does It Mean When You Read the Percent Yield Of A Chemical?

What Does It Mean When You Read the Percent Yield Of A Chemical?The percent yield of a chemical is the number of grams of that chemical produced from one gram of the element it is based on. The basis for converting a chemical into its equivalent weight can be any thing that can hold an equation with another chemical. For example, if you take a cup of soda and mix it with water, you will end up with a pound of soda with the same amount of water that you had originally.In some ways, you can use the percent yield as a simple shorthand for the mass-to-weight ratio of a chemical. All that really matters is the percentage of the chemical. If a substance is labeled a percent yield, it is an easy way to determine how much of a particular element that substance is made up of.Now, if you want to know what elements are found in a specific chemical, you have to look at the percent yield as well. If it is a pound of calcium chloride, and it is written on the label, you know the percent is 1.2. Th is can be done through the help of a mass calculator and how it can be used in the equation. You can then convert it into the equivalent weight of calcium chloride.However, if you want to know the equivalent weight of all the grams of calcium chloride, you can easily do this by using the decimal system. Calcium chloride, or CaCl2, has four atoms of each element found in the periodic table. If the number of atoms of the elements on the periodic table is higher than the number of atoms of the other elements, you can be assured that there is a lot more of the element you are looking for.If you look at the percentage yields of the elements in the periodic table, you will find that they are all listed in the natural equivalent form. Each element has a number assigned to it, and it is based on the weight of the element in the periodic table. The more commonly used formulas will list the elements in the same order as the natural equivalents are found in the periodic table.As we have seen, the percent yield of a chemical will give you the weight of a certain element, but it will not tell you what the element is. In most cases, the molecular formula of the element will tell you that information. Sometimes the molecular formula will include the symbol for the element, or the number of times that the element has been used in chemistry. It is wise to check with your chemistry professor before you read the list.Whether you are interested in the mass-to-weight ratio, or the percent yield, you should learn how to convert the two terms. Knowing this information is useful for both your education and your own professional and financial success.

Friday, March 6, 2020

4 Steps to Getting Your Chemistry Certification in Less Than Two Weeks

4 Steps to Getting Your Chemistry Certification in Less Than Two WeeksSo you have decided to take on the challenge of taking on a Chapter 7 Assessment Chemistry. Yes, I know you do not want to pay thousands of dollars to a chemical engineering degree program but I have some great news for you. You can quickly and easily gain your chemistry certification by working a few hours a week in the lab. In this article, you will discover the four steps you need to take if you are serious about getting your chemistry certification.Get yourself prepared for your chemistry exam by taking a few basic classes online or at your local community college. This is the very first step. Read the guidelines in your state and make sure that you are able to understand them and that you know the necessary textbooks. Take a few extra math and reading courses. A couple of math courses can really help.Now, how do you get your hands on some classroom time in the lab? You can start by looking at your options in t erms of specialized schools. Make sure that they are approved by the National Board for Certifying Agencies (NBCA). You will need a special type of permit or license to work in a school.Testing often includes working under the guidance of an experienced lab instructor. That means that you will need to find a certified and licensed laboratory instructor who can work with you during your preparation. It is also important to find a supervisor who is well-trained in the proper techniques of Chapter 7 assessment. You must be sure that the person working with you understands what you need to do as well as the expectations of a successful examination.The final step is to get those assignments out to the lab. Prepare yourself by reading up on any part of Chapter 7 Assessment Chemistry that you don't understand. This is a very complex subject that needs to be well-prepared.Take the test questions to the lab and don't worry about being correct. In fact, it is a good idea to actually check you r answer sheet against the class discussion, the textbook, and the lab manual. It is only after you finish answering the test questions that you should stop looking at your answer sheet. When you stop checking your answer sheet, the test writer will no longer be checking it!As soon as you take the test results, check to see whether you passed or failed. At that point, you will have a certificate showing that you have taken the exam and met the requirements. Congratulations!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Where Can I Learn to Make Patterns

Where Can I Learn to Make Patterns Find a Pattern-Making Course Near You ChaptersPattern Making Courses at Your Local UniversityLearn Pattern Making at Your Local Sewing ShopThe Best Books for Learning Pattern MakingLearn Pattern Making OnlineDon’t Forget Superprof!These days, more people than ever are turning away from shops that offer deep discounts on clothing not meant to last more than one season; perhaps we are becoming more conscious of the rampant materialism that plagues the world today, or we just want a better value for our money.Or maybe it’s beginning to dawn on us that, slowly, we’re losing our fine motor skills â€" the capacity for precise movement of our hands as we execute detailed work.Not that we’re being alarmist or anything…We live in great times! More technology than we need in such a connected world; one where all we need to do is tap out a few letters on our phones and, presto! we’re talking with someone on the other side of the world!Or in the next room, as is more often the case.Studies show that all that texting and typing is costing us our manual dexterity. Again, no sounding of alarms going on here, but we might want to do something about keeping our fingers nimble; ready for detailed work.It’s time to face facts: technology is a central part of our lives; indeed a recent report revealed that teenagers suffer from anxiety if they are deprived of their phone.So, short of fostering an entire generation of anxious, fretting young adults, we need to find other ways to engage their fingers. Maybe something artistic and exacting…Maybe learning how to make sewing patterns would fit the bill! It’s not as far off the mark as it sounds, you know.Recently, there has been a renewed interest in sewing one’s own clothes; maybe you too have been bitten by that particular bug. And what teen doesn’t have an interest in expressing him/herself through their fashion choices?In fact, maybe you’d like to take a pattern-making class alongside your teenagers, or with some friends.Whoever goes with you, y our Superprof has made ready an entire list of places and ways you can learn how to make patterns and even how to sew.Needles ready? Here we go!continuing education courses.A great reason to check your local university to learn how to make a sewing pattern is that, most often, their instructors have extensive experience both in their subject matter and in teaching it.Another point in favour of taking classes at your local uni is that they will certainly have the resources and materials available for you to get plenty of practice.Several universities around the UK offer sewing courses in making clothes patterns. Some of the courses we found actually expand beyond making a sewing pattern for clothes; they also teach how to make bag patterns, doll patterns and patterns to make purses.In short, rather than teach a single skill â€" how to make clothing patterns, they teach pattern drafting in general.University of the Arts London offers no fewer than 63 short courses related to pattern-m aking you may choose from.You may select their Patternmaking Level I or other Level I courses on their syllabus, or get more adventurous by opting for their Experimental and Explorative Approaches to Patternmaking.Naturally, if they offer Level I courses, they also offer more advanced courses… Such a shirt dress is not as easy to design as it looks! Image by Shutterbug75 from PixabayWe really found their Draping Womenswear Design course particularly intriguing.Did you know that draping is a way to make patterns? Not like a wrap dress or a wrap skirt, and not quite like a kimono â€" which does involve draping oneself in layers of silk… we mean draping muslin on a dress form to make a pattern.You can read all about it in our article on patternmaking… Now, back to the wonderful courses at UAL.They make a distinction between pattern cutting for men’s- and womenswear; they also have courses for those who wish to learn more about the latest tools of the garment industry such as digital pattern cutters and how to use the Gerber Accumark pattern cutter.UAL is not the only college in the country offering such courses. We’ve found similar offerings at Herefordshire University, Glasgow School of Art and many other art colleges around the country.What could it hurt to ask your local school if they have such courses?Learn Pattern Making at Your Local Sewing ShopIf you were looking for places to buy dress patterns or ideas for sewing projects, you might turn to your local sewing shop. Once there, would you be surprised to find that they may also offer sewing tutorials?And, if they offer you a sewing tutorial, might they also offer lessons in pattern-making?The best part about taking lessons in pattern making at your independently-owned notions store is that they will have all of the tools you need to draw and cut out patterns. Such tools include:pens and pencilsstraightedges and French curves (to draw armholes and necklines)notcherstracing wheelsawlsmeasuring tapetailors’ chalkstraight pins and black twill tapescissorsBesides all of these necessary items, they will most likely have sewing tables to work on and, surely you could find an attractive bolt of fabric somewhere in that store!Besides making a slope â€" a template for patterns, you may learn how to incorporate darts and pleats into your pattern, include a seam allowance and learn how to grade your patterns, meaning how to size them properly.It would not be fair for us to say that every sewing shop owner is willing to give lessons but then again, maybe s/he has never thought of giving lessons in pattern making.As soon as you ask, it may become their new idea… You may learn how to create a wrap dress pattern, a shirt pattern or a skirt pattern from a book Image by PourquoiPas from Pixabay Discover the pattern and sewing techniques that allow you to revitalise your clothing! Image by JamesDeMers from PixabayLearn Pattern Making OnlineIt is true: you can learn just about anything online, from a second language to patterns sewing.We’re not just talking YouTube - even though there, too, you can find sewing channels. We mean  entire online courses â€" some free and some for a fee.Among free courses are How to Copy Garments that you Love, Pattern Grading and How to Draft and Sew your own Workout Wear.With more than 35 years in the fashion industry, Suzy Furrer is a big name in sewing circles.She now hosts several online classes in patternmaking   such as making a bodice sloper, a pants sloper (‘pants’ is used in the American sense, meaning trousers, not undergarments), a skirt sloper and how to go from a sketch to a usable pattern.She also hosts classes in pattern grading and plus-size pattern fitting.Not only can you learn to sew with Suzy, you can learn everything y ou need to know about pattern-making so that you can express your individual style through the clothes you design and make for yourself.Don’t Forget Superprof!Did we save the best for last? Maybe…After you’ve read all of the books and watched all of the video tutorials, after you’ve been to the shops to buy all of the sewing supplies you need, perhaps you need a bit more hands-on guidance; maybe a sewing tutor to come to your home.Whether you’re adjusting a Simplicity pattern or designing a tunic dress on your own, it could never hurt to have an experienced set of hands and eyes help you along.Superprof has pattern-making tutors from around the world online, waiting for you to share your vision with them so that they can help you make it a reality.The best part of having such an international community of pattern makers to choose from is that you may find yourself inspired to include elements from other cultures into your designs â€" maybe make a flared skirt for your next night out?Or they could help you design costume patterns for your next fancy dress event…your Superprof is always here for you, whether you want to design comfortable loungewear or learn how to design vintage sewing patterns.Don’t stop now! Discover the steps necessary for making your own dress pattern...

The Cost of Travelling in Russia

The Cost of Travelling in Russia How Much Does it Cost to Travel Around Russia? ChaptersValue Of The RubleWays To Spend When In RussiaSpending in Russia: An OverviewRussian Accommodation, the Most Expensive Part of Your BudgetEating During Your Time in RussiaHow Much Should You Budget for Leisure Activities in Russia?A Sample Budget for Travelling Around RussiaTips On How To Reduce Expenditure Costs In Russia“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” - UnknownThe Russian Federation is far more popular with tourists than it was 20 years ago just after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, which marked the end of the USSR as a country. You can now visit pretty much all of Russia’s nature and cities. According to the Travel Tourism Report 2017, tourism in Russia added 860 billion rubles to the country’s GDP, a figure that had been growing since 2000.Tourism brings in money because tourists are spending.So have you got your money ready to spend in Russia? Have you considered how you will manage your spending? Have you already set a budget?In this article, we're going to look at budgeting for a trip to Russia, how much accommodation will cost you, the cost of food, and planning activities so that you can be prepared in advance for your expenditure.how many Rubles you get for your money right? To put it into perspective for you, XE Currency Converter indicates that, on 23rd May 2019, 1 Great British Pound (GBP) = 82.09 Russian Rubles. This means that if you take £500 of spending money with you then you will be walking around with 41,051.75 Rubles on your person! It all sounds pretty good until you come to the realisation that a hamburger at a fast food store is costing you five hundred Rubles...If you thought you were good at spending then in Russia you will feel like you are really good!Ways To Spend When In RussiaNowadays, there are so many different ways to spend when you're abroad, so tourists don't have to rely on exchanging currency and then guarding their wallets for the duration of the ir trip. If you are going away for two or more weeks, what are you supposed to do with all of your spending money? Are you expected to trust all of the hotel staff and leave notes in your room or do you take the cash out with you and risk being pick-pocketed? Of course, there is the option to use a safe at some hotels or you can now use e-money which makes everything a whole safer and much more convenient too. Let's explore the options.CashIf you take foreign currency with you, it may be straightforward but what happens at the end of the trip when you discover that you either didn't take enough cash, meaning that you have to withdraw cash or pay to spend on your credit card, or that you took too much and will probably lose out when you try to reconvert it back. Either that or you'll spend more than you really need to be by trying to get rid of all your loose change!Another thing to consider when getting currency converted is to check the best deals around as, believe it or not, you will do much better from some places than others.Credit/Debit cardIf you take your credit or debit card abroad, you can spend as much or as little as you want but watch out for foreign usage charges, withdrawal fees and, of course, cards getting blocked by your bank (even if you've informed them of your travel plans a lot of the time!).Prepaid cardA prepaid card is a somewhat new tool but it's very handy as you can load cash onto it and spend it in shops or withdraw from an ATM with no charges applicable and, what's more, they only let you spend what's on the card. This is only useful though if you have physical funds to load on in advance, rather than using credit to pay off at a later date.Spending in Russia: An OverviewPrices of general living have risen rapidly in Russia in recent years, and St. Petersburg is now on par with, if not slightly more expensive than, most major European cities when it comes to grocery shopping, eating out, nightlife, entertainment, and sightseeing.Sa ying that, the cost of entering museums and attending cultural events is generally lower than elsewhere in Europe, but some popular venues still operate a dual price system which means that foreigners pay more than a Russian citizen would. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided at certain landmarks, like the Mariinsky Theatre.With the bad, comes a few good surprises, however. Public transport in big cities like St Petersburg is on the whole quite cheap, and even taxis are quite reasonable.If you plan to drink most nights when in Russia, you'll be pleased to hear that Vodka is inexpensive when compared to other spirits and, if you smoke, then you may notice that cigarettes are more affordable than at home.In terms of travel and accommodation, so long as you plan your trip well then you get away with spending very little for the duration of your trip! See our advice and tips below on booking these all important aspects of your holiday. LavaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £25/h1st lesson fre e!Discover all our tutors LarisaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors InaRussian Teacher 4.88 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors IrynaRussian Teacher 5.00 (8) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvgeniaRussian Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnastassiaRussian Teacher 5.00 (2) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NikolaRussian Teacher 5.00 (4) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MargaritaRussian Teacher 5.00 (3) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsRussian Accommodation, the Most Expensive Part of Your BudgetWhile you can budget for your trip away quite simply, if you want to avoid any unpleasant surprises, you should budget for what we’ll call “fixed costs” before you travel to Russia. When we say “fixed costs”, we’re referring to something you’ll have to pay for regardless of what you’re doing, and accommodation is part of this. When considering your acco mmodation in Russia, you should consider:The type of accommodationThe location of the accommodationThe services providedThe comfortYouth hostels will generally be cheaper than hotels. (Source: Hans)These criteria can easily double the price of accommodation. Even if you choose between full or half board.  The question you need to ask yourself is “Am I going to Russia for a comfortable experience or am I on a strict budget?”If you’re going to Russia to relax, you might want a hotel with a spa, like the Azimut Hotel Olympic Moscow or the Hotel Kosmos, for example. Generally speaking, hotels are about half as expensive as they are in the UK and will cost even less if you’re in cities other than Moscow such as Saint Petersburg or Kazan.There are plenty of great hotels where you’ll get far more for your money than you would here in the UK.To save money, you can even look at getting an Airbnb or a dacha (a Russian country house). If you’re travelling in a group, this is a grea t way to split the cost of your accommodation. A lot of Russian flats and houses include multiple rooms so you won’t have any trouble finding something for 4, 5, or 6 people. Make sure that you check whether or not fees are included when you make your reservations.If you’re on a really strict budget, you can always check out youth hostels. With some places costing just a couple of quid for the night, you’ll be hard-pressed to find cheaper places to stay. There are 200 in Moscow and dozens in other cities around Russia.Be careful about certain hostels that are away from the centre of cities as these are sometimes unregulated illegal establishments.  You should also be wary of prices displayed in pounds as they’ll fluctuate according to the exchange rate.Eating During Your Time in RussiaYou can eat really well in Russia for very little. However, you’re going to have to step outside your comfort zone and go through restaurant menus in Russian.You can enjoy Russian cuisine on a budget. (Source: quinntheislander)Why?Well, you could always spend your time in Russia eating fast food like McDonald’s or Dunkin’ Donuts. It’d be a shame to be in a country and eat stuff that you can get anywhere in the world.It’s probably a better idea to go to proper restaurants than to eat street food. There’s no service charge like you get in Italy and you’re free to leave a tip or not, unlike in the United States where it’s pretty much obligatory.That said, there are Russian chains as well if you want to eat on a budget:Teremok, a fast food place that does traditional Russian dishes.Lepim y Varim, specialists in pelmenis.Pelmenya, another place that does pelmenis.Varenychna N °1, for reasonably-priced specialities.There are tonnes of different Russian specialities, but you should definitely try the following:Borscht, a type of soup.Beef stroganoff, a classic.Pelmini and vareniki, types of dumplings.Shashlik, a type of meat skewers.Pierogi, another type of dumpl ing.Sirniki, desserts that are somewhere between pancakes and doughnuts.Vodka.There are pelmenis for all tastes.So how much does this cost?For around £1.50 you can get a pierogi and a pelmeni and a beer for around £4. You don’t need a lot of to get food in Russia. On the other hand, you’ll end up paying up to three or four times the cost if you end up going to a chic restaurant.You’ll be looking at around £20 per person if you want to eat in a decent restaurant. Things can go up to £30 per head if you go somewhere really nice.How Much Should You Budget for Leisure Activities in Russia?There are plenty of things to do in Russia. It is the biggest country in the world, after all! There are thousands of activities in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and hundreds in Kazan according to TripAdvisor.If you want to see the ballet, you're going to have to budget for it. (Source: skeeze)Of course, not everything you can do in Russia is free. This depends on what you’ll do. There’s no l imit to what you can do in Russia. Other than your budget, that is...Think about getting tourist cards such as the Moscow Pass: This will cost you around £50 for 40 museums, 3 excursions, for 3 days.Choose 2 or 3 activities that you will definitely do like the State Hermitage Museum or the Kremlin, for example.Set a spending limit for other activities like visiting an Orthodox Russian monastery, a trip across a tundra in a 4x4, or a boat trip.If you’re travelling around Russia, you should budget for every activity you want to do. The problem is that there’s so much you can do. For example, you could go to Saint Petersburg, get on a boat to Finland, and end up spending nearly £100.You can also get a dog sledge for around £50 or a snowmobile for £60. A guided trip to the State Hermitage Museum will cost around £40 (even though it’s definitely worth it). Other than the cost of accessing the beaches at the Black Sea, walking around won’t cost you anything.If you want to do special activities in Russia, you’re going to have to get your wallet ready. Whether you’re travelling on your own or with your family, you’re also going to need to take differing tastes into account. Children mightn’t appreciate national parks, for example.Let’s not forget the souvenirs and knick-knacks you can buy in Russia. There are figurines, Russian army insignia, etc. You could easily spend between £50 and £75 per person.Find out more about the best things to see in Russia.A Sample Budget for Travelling Around RussiaWe’ve mentioned accommodation, food, and leisure, the main expenses you’ll have whenever you travel anywhere. However, there are also other expenses you need to consider:Administrative costsFeesTransport costsInsuranceTransport can cost you around £1 per trip or £20 for a travel card for a week in Moscow, for example. You might want insurance that covers repatriation in the event of death, etc. Shop around for different insurance policies.Dependi ng on how you travel will affect your budget. (Source: jackmac34)This can quickly add up to £300 to your costs in addition to accommodation, food, and leisure.  There are also certain obligatory costs:Russian visas for touristsFlights to and from RussiaAgain, this can cost around £300.When you complete your visa application, you'll need to have already booked your accommodation before contacting the Russian embassy or consulate. If you're going on a tour, such as the Trans-Siberian Railway or a cruise, you'll need confirmation from the tour operator.Generally speaking, you won’t need to go to a travel agency to get your trip to Russia organised. You can save around a quarter of the price doing it yourself.There are different visas so make sure you get the right one, especially if you plan on stopping in neighbouring countries like China, Mongolia, Ukraine, or Belarus, before your departure. Make sure you check when your passport is valid until. The same is true if you’re going to the Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia) or Baltic States (Lithuania, Estonia, Lativa) when you’re getting your visa for Russia.Tips On How To Reduce Expenditure Costs In RussiaNow that you know how much roughly everything costs when in Russia, wouldn't you now like to know how you could slash these prices even more? Below are a few tips on how to save a bit of pocket money, especially when visiting some of the larger cities.File your visa yourself The process isn't all that complicated so to save on agency fees (which can often double the price), submit your own visa application at a cost of around £120. Book your plane tickets in advance We are well aware that nobody leaves it until the last minute to book plane tickets unless they know they can get a good deal, but there are many price variations according to how far ahead you book. When travelling as far as Russia you probably won't want to leave it until a week before you are due to travel, so take our advice and book your flight s around 3 months in advance. This is close enough to give you time to plan the rest of your trip and also far away enough to get you the best possible prices on air fees. If you still want to save more, you have the option of making a flight with stops.Book your hotel through Russian websites The Russians have hotel comparison sites just like us, with one of the best being the Russian Ostrovok reservation platform which will no doubt save you more money than if you were browsing the UK version of Booking.com. Also, to save even further, you might find Airbnb properties going cheaper, especially if you are a large group of friends or a big family travelling together.Use the metro wherever possible The metro is the cheapest way to get around the city (except by foot, of course) and they have a great system whereby you buy a voucher with 20 trips loaded on it (which you can share with your friends). Taxis aren't too expensive as we've discovered but if you use them regularly for short trips then you will rack up money.Buy a tourist card to cut down the costs of visiting tourist attractions As we've mentioned, some sites charge tourists way above the price that is asked of local citizens, so to avoid paying loads visiting some of the most popular attractions then why not buy a tourist card (in Moscow this is called the Moscow Citypass and in St Petersburg it is the Petersburg Card, for example) which could, but may not always, make your day trips a little cheaper. If you are a student with a valid student card, you may find that this gets you a few reductions too.Purchase a Russian SIM card If you intend to travel around Russia for a while, then your best bet to keep call costs down is to buy a Russian pay as you go SIM card. There is also a prepaid SIM available which, for £5, gives you a certain number of free minutes and Internet usage for a fraction of what you would pay if using your English phone.So have you got your budget ready for Russia?Whether you're visiting the Golden Ring, Siberia, Yekaterinburg, Vladivostok, St Petersburg, Irkutsk, or Moscow, the world's largest country has no shortage of things to do and see!

Flamenco Guitar

Flamenco Guitar All About the Flamenco Guitar ChaptersThis Guitar’s HistoryDifferent Types of Flamenco GuitarsTechnical Aspects of the Flamenco GuitarHow to Play Flamenco GuitarFlamenco Guitarists of RenownLearn to Play the Flamenco GuitarIf you have ever been a spectator to a flamenco dance â€" fiery and snappy, with precise movements neatly hemming in the passion it evokes, you might have thought that the guitar is merely a backdrop to the swirling skirts, clacking castanets and floating fans.The Spanish art form known as Flamenco is composed of three parts: guitarra, canta i baile or guitar, song and dance. It is the traditional expression of longing and love; a physical expression of romantic desire.Curiously enough, in the early days of this art form, it consisted only of dancing and toque de palmas â€" hand-clapping. The guitar was a later addition; today, all flamencos are danced to the sound of a guitar (and other instruments).How did this instrument’s crisp, clean sound come to accompany the sharp pivots and finger- snapping that mark a true flamenco dance? How did it become an audio representation of sensuality and ardour?Your Superprof delves into the history of ancient southern Spanish tribes to answer those questions and others.There was substantial persecution of the latter three peoples which led to a fusion of laments that mark flamenco cantos still today. Flamenco dancers dramatic moves are done in counterpoint to a nylon string guitar Image by Ben Kerckx from PixabayAt this time, the guitar had still not made its appearance on the flamenco scene; the dances were sometimes accompanied by traditional Andalusian instruments such as the violin and the tambourine.It wasn’t until the late 19th century that flamenco â€" and its guitar went mainstream.Seville saw the opening of its first ‘singing cafe’ or cafe cantante that featured a pair of singers, a troupe of dancers and a couple of guitarists.Adding guitar music to the mix was a novel concept that went over… not so well. The cafes were not well-frequented at the outset and the guitarists were really only bit players but it was the guitar’s role that changed these cafes’ fortunes.Because much of flamenco’s guitar music was improvised, those guitar players had to not only keep up with the singers but intuit their phrasing to anticipate when the next flurry of notes would be most effective.Good guitarists were much in demand and, soon, the guitar became an active part of the show. In fact, guitarists proved their virtuosity through rapid-fire riffing and even playing with their guitar held above their head.The undisputed first name in flamenco guitar is Ramon Montoya, uncle of famed Spanish guitarist Carlos Montoya. Ramon started out as a cafe guitarist and is today considered to be the founder of the modern-style flamenco guitar solo.Thanks to him, the guitar became the third pillar of the art known as flamenco.Different Types of Flamenco GuitarsTypical flamenco guitarists were not wealthy; their financial condition dictated that they buy the cheapest instruments, generally made of cypress and, in comparison with the standard classical guitar, poorly made and with a minimum of materials.The absence of quality materials came to distinguish the flamenco guitar; until its surge in popularity, a luthier would make no distinction between the smaller, flimsi er instruments and their sturdier counterparts.Also discover the delicious history behind today’s rock guitars… PeterGuitar Teacher £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EdgarGuitar Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PaulGuitar Teacher 5.00 (12) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToddGuitar Teacher 4.75 (4) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SamueleGuitar Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtGuitar Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RyanGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsTechnical Aspects of the Flamenco GuitarA flamenco guitar is typically smaller and lighter than its classical counterpart. It calls for nylon strings rather than steel, which helps deliver the clean, crisp sound of flamenco with less sustain than the classical instrument.You are more likely to find tuning pegs on a flamenco guitar rather than geared tuning found on other types of guitar. These pegs closely resemble a lute or violin’s tuning pegs.Let’s take a closer look at particulars of the flamenco guitar: what it’s made of and how it’s made, how to tune it and how to get the most out of playing it. Contrary to the classic acoustic guitar, flamenco guitars are smaller in shape Image by Pexels from PixabayConstructionTraditionally, the flamenco guitar was made entirely of cypress which made it a lighter instrument with a punchier sound. Today, the guitar’s body may be made of sycamore, rosewood or cypress for the backs and sides, and spruce for the top.The tops of these guitars are much thinner than classical guitar tops and there are fewer internal braces â€" two more reasons for its brighter sound.Because flamenco music demands rapid action, the strings are usually closer to the frets and the fingerboard itself tends to be a bit narrower than on other guitars.A critical distinction between a flamenco guitar and its classical cousin is the golpeador or tap-plate.A flamenco guitarist will often tap the face of his guitar with his fingernails while playing; these percussive beats are integral to flamenco technique. However, repeated forceful tapping could soon ruin the top of th e guitar; that is why this plate is essential.How to Tune a Flamenco GuitarAs you would tune any other guitar, you must have something to tune your flamenco guitar to. As for chords, your tuning should revolve around Major D.Start by strumming your sixth string; it should be one step below the conventional-sounding E. if you’re using a piano to tune your guitar, the D you want is five steps below middle C.The fifth string should remain the same: the A directly below middle C. Your fourth string should also remain as the D, one step above middle C.Now, things get tricky: your third string will drop to F# from G â€" three whole steps above middle C on the piano.Your second string should be pitched to B (a major seventh above the piano’s middle C) and the highest string will be tuned to E â€" one octave and one major above your piano’s middle C.Naturally, you will check your tuning and made adjustments as necessary; other than that, you are ready to play flamenco guitar!How to Pl ay Flamenco GuitarFlamenco guitar calls for the strings to be plied in the space between the soundhole and the bridge rather than directly over the soundhole, as so many other styles of guitar are played.The skilled flamenco guitarist will incorporate both tonal and modal harmonies in his playing, the net result being clean, crisp sound.Besides plucking the strings â€" tirando, players often ‘walk’ their fingers, meaning they use their index and middle fingers to rapidly play alternate notes. This technique is called picado.A third distinctive technique of flamenco guitar playing is called rasgueado. It is an exaggerated strum with the wrist flicking outward on the downstroke, presumably to reflect the dancers’ dramatic moves.And, of course, no guitarist could call himself a flamenco guitarist if s/he didn’t incorporate the golpe, the finger tapping on the face of the guitar.Besides these basics of flamenco guitar playing, there aretoque airoso: lively, rhythmic style of pla ying; yields a brilliant soundtoque gitano: deep and expressive, includes many countertempostoque pastueño: slow, peacefultoque virtuoso: demonstrating an exceptional techniqueas opposed to toque corto, meaning ‘basic technique’toque sobrio: pure playing, no showing offYou’ll note the use of the word ‘toque’ earlier in this article meant clapping of hands; in general terms it translates to ‘touch’, meaning that each of these techniques shows a different touch.Join the discussion: how does the jazz guitar differ from the Flamenco guitar? Paco de Lucia is a master guitar player who specialises in flamenco guitar Source: Wikipedia Credit: Cornel PutanFlamenco Guitarists of RenownNow that you know a bit about flamenco guitar, you will surely want to look to the masters to see how playing is done.To that end, we recommend Paco de Lucia. He is often credited with bringing improvisation to an already improvised style of playing. If you can, try to catch him playing Entre dos Aguas; you will clearly see him playing between the soundhole and the bridge of his guitar.Tomatito, son of legendary guitarist Niño Miguel has many flamenco feats under his belt; he also plays in jazz combos and can rip off a mean tango.Manolo Sanlúcar started playing flamenco guitar as a child and has made his mark on the genre; his Tauromagia is emblematic of old-style flamenco canto.Vincente Amigo, a student of Sanlúcar is equally prolific in his playing; he represents a younger generation of flamenco guitarists who maintain that their art is me ant for the wider public.If you only listen to one guitarist on this list, it should be Pepe Habichuela.Growing up in Granada, he would often repair to the caves of Sacromonte with this guitar, refining his sound until it was unique in the flamenco world. Today, he is known as a flamenco master; one of Spain’s finest guitarists.Do you have a favourite flamenco guitarist? Won’t you let us know in the comments section below? While you’re at it, please give us your vote for your fav metal guitar players...Learn to Play the Flamenco GuitarIf you are reading this article, you must have some interest in playing flamenco guitar. Are you already a guitarist or are you contemplating taking up this most sensuous of instruments?If so, you will surely want to take guitar lessons, maybe at your nearby music school.If you have no guitar master near you, perhaps you might consider online guitar lessons; you might even find an app to teach you how to play and guide you into tuning your guitar .Don’t forget your Superprof!Superprof has hundreds of guitar tutors scattered all over the UK; surely there is one near you?The advantage to learning how to play the guitar with a Superprof tutor, besides the low price and the first lessons at no cost (usually), is the fact that you can specify that you want to learn how to play flamenco guitar.You won’t have boring and repetitive lessons that emphasise basic chord structures and you’ll likely be spared Stairway to Heaven and House of the Rising Sun â€" two standards that many guitar teachers like to impart.Your turn to chime in: of all the types of guitar, which is your favourite? Why?

What is it Like to Attend Binghamton University

What is it Like to Attend Binghamton University Allison earned her bachelors degree in Spanish from Binghamton University. She specializes in writing tutoring, reading tutoring, and a number of other subjects. Below, she shares her experience at Binghamton University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Allison: Binghamton University has a sprawling campus with a 200-acre nature preserve on it. University transportation offers buses to students living throughout the city and community, so its fairly easy to get around. How available are the professors, academic advisors, and teaching assistants? Allison:If you make an effort to connect and reach out, professors and academic advisors are available. They have weekly office hours, are available by email, and are open to scheduling additional meetings with students. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students, etc.? Allison:When I was there, the school was constructing brand new dorms every year. Personally, I didnt enjoy the campus food options. There are a lot of opportunities to meet other students on campus. I joined the ultimate frisbee team, which became my main social group. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Allison:They had a robust nursing program, business department, and liberal arts degrees. I studied Spanish literature and gender studies. I chose to do this in order to study abroad and graduate on time. Overall, I was very impressed with the classes available to me within my major and minor. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Allison:I met people by playing intramural sports and during orientation week. About 20-to-30 percent of students were a part of Greek life. I didnt participate in Greek life, but I never felt excluded because of it. The campus offered a lot of opportunities to be involved. How helpful are the Career Center and other student support services? Allison:I found the Career Center to be very helpful. They made an effort to connect students with alumni in various careers and prepare them for the professional world. How are the various study areas, such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Allison:There were multiple libraries with lots of different spaces to study. Depending on the time of year, it could be difficult to find a spot to study. Describe the surrounding town. Allison:During my time at Binghamton University, there was a great divide between the students and the local community. However, there were increasing efforts to bridge this gap. The city has an art walk every month, multiple galleries, and restaurants for students to enjoy. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Allison:Some of the general education classes have a few hundred students in them. However, the majority of my classes were between 15 and 30 students. I enjoyed the class sizes for the most part, especially the more specialized and intimate classes. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Allison:I took a class called Introduction to East Asian Philosophy, and my professor was a brilliant man who also taught metaphysics. I thoroughly enjoyed the philosophical challenges, thinking, and writing required by the course. I went to the professor's office hours and he made himself available for deep discussions about the material, which enhanced my interest in the subject. Check out Allisons tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Ask a Private School Admissions Expert Liz Perelstein

Ask a Private School Admissions Expert Liz Perelstein Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Liz Perelstein is the Chair and Founder of School Choice International, a leading school placement consulting organization. Prior to starting School Choice International, Liz worked in all levels of education as a teacher, educational administrator, and more. She holds two Masters degrees from The University of Chicago, one in Educational Administration and one in Public Policy, and is a well-known entrepreneur who frequently speaks on topics related to several areas of education. Along with her team of experts at School Choice International, Liz advises families on the selection of schools for their children all over the world as well as how to successfully take on the respective admissions processes. VT: What is the typical timeline for private school admissions? For example, outline a sample timetable of applications, interviews, decisions, etc. Liz: The School Choice Group has consultants all over the country and world with knowledge of their regions private school admissions timeline since the timeline for tours, testing, interviews, and applications differs by region, but each individual schools may vary. For instance, while once the member schools of the Independent Schools Admissions Association of Greater NY (ISAAGNY) conducted their admissions according to a fairly uniform timeline, there is now increasing variability according to school and to grade level. There also are a growing number of private schools that are not members of ISAAGNY, and these schools have even greater flexibility when it comes to the admissions timetable. School Tours: Typically, school tours start as early as the spring before the September in which applications are due. Tours take place throughout the fall semester. Application Deadlines: At present, most admissions applications are due during the fall semester one year before a child will actually enroll. Some schools distribute unlimited applications while others will accept only a certain number. Schools may have a strict due date in November or December, or may stop accepting applications when they have received a sufficient number. So, applying early is a good strategy. Testing: ERB or ISEE testing is generally completed during the fall. However, many students are tested during the previous spring semester. Parent and Child Interviews: Student and parent interviews take place during the autumn one year in advance of admission. Supplemental Materials: Recommendations and prior school grades must be received while the rest of the childs information is being assembled, generally during the fall semester. Decisions: Admissions decisions are announced as early as December for legacy admissions, and in February for non-legacy candidates. Family notification: For legacies, families must notify schools of their intent by mid-January. For non-legacy students, depending on grade level, families should notify the schools by February or March. But, above all, it is important to check each schools own website to make sure you adhere to their specific timetable. VT: What is the typical process admissions officers go through to evaluate applications? Liz: If you ask any admissions officer, they will say that they admit a whole child and family rather than a set of numbers. Although most say that they dont have specific testing cut-offs, it would be unusual for schools to accept a student whose results fall far outside the range of most of their population. That said, since ERB* tutoring, as well as tutoring for other standardized tests, has become commonplace, many schools are discounting or even eliminating testing as a criterion. Schools want to get to know a child before deciding to accept him or her. This profile is gleaned from a combination of student and family interviews, the application, and teacher recommendations. They seek families who will make a positive contribution to the school and children who have the personalities and interests as well as academic criteria that show they have something to offer. It is important that all sources of information are consistent that schools echo what parents say. Admissions officers are extremely good at identifying red flags. In addition to wanting to understand the whole child and family, schools are looking for a good fit. They want parents who share the schools values and who are choosing the school because they genuinely feel it is a good match. Finally, schools inevitably must build groups of students. They need followers as well as leaders, students who are strong in math and those who are strong in reading, those whose interests lie in athletics and those who favor the Arts. In order to be able to offer a marketplace of programs, they need students to participate in each of them. *Its important to know that ERB is not the name of the test itself. It is the name of the testing company, Educational Records Bureau, that gives admission and achievement assessments for independent and public schools. Many parents refer to the Early Childhood Admissions Assessment (ECAA) as the ERB; the ECAA is a test that most private schools use as an evaluation tool and vital part of their admissions process. VT: What are the most important things children need to have represented on their applications? Liz: Age appropriate understanding of who they are, as well as genuine appreciation for the school and why that particular school is a good fit for the child. Each school has a unique personality such as a set of values and attributes that families should take the time to understand, especially as it relates to their own child. Our consumer division, School Search Solutions, is developing a unique school matching tool that we call LEAP (Learning, Ethos, Achievement and Principles) that is designed to elicit the subjective elements of a school culture as opposed to objective facts like the location, size, and acceptances at ongoing schools or universities. VT: What are common mistakes parents and/or their children make when applying to these programs? Liz: Parents, in particular, often go into an interview trying to impress a school or identify the right answer to questions. There really only are tworightanswers based on two important concepts: Families should look for a school where their child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally, leading to a love of learning. Families should disclose any issues or concerns that the school will have to address in partnership in order to ensure that the childs experience is successful. With these two principles in mind, everything else should flow easily. Parents should also use the interview as an opportunity to learn more about the school than what is on display on their walls and website. Thoughtful questions help parents determine whether or not a school is a good fit for their child, will give them important information, and will be appreciated by the admissions staff. VT: How should parents go about determining the culture of a private school, and whether it would be a good fit for their children? Liz: Talking with other parents or former parents is useful, but always should be taken with a grain of salt. School is a very personal experience and what works for one child may not work for another. The best way to get to know a school is to spend time there. Go at drop-off time and observe. Youll want to see whether the other parents share your values. Notice how children get to school and who they come with, as well as who greets them and how adults interact with them. Is the head of school out on the steps in the morning or is it an aide? Do children run to or away from him/her? Going to a play, concert, school fair, or sporting event speaks volumes. You can see how happy children are and what the school values. If you want your child to attend a school with a good sports program, be sure to attend a sports event. Do you want a school where every child plays and the coachs goal is to teach sportsmanship? Or do you want your child to be on a team that wins, even if a kid is carried off in an ambulance at every game? Being there helps clarify what you are looking for and whether or not your familys values and your childs learning style fits with the schools practices. VT: How important are standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Liz: This varies according to school. As tutoring has become more ubiquitous among families who can afford it, test scores have become less important in the admissions process, with many schools talking about abandoning the ERB standardized testing altogether. While it used to be one of a number of indicators of whether or not a child would be successful in a school, schools now realizethat testing may have limited value. VT: What tips do you have in regards to ISEE prep, SSAT prep, and preparation for other standardized assessments that private schools might require? Liz: Increasingly, students are being tutored by professional organizations. When choosing a test prep company, recommendations of friends and colleagues may not be best for your child. Just like when looking for a school, a successful test prep experience is a matter of fit. Students will work harder for tutors they respect and with whom they have rapport. Interview the tutor, with your child, to ensure that they are compatible. Some children will do their homework and others won't. It is useful to work with a tutor who can address your child's study style. VT: What are the most important things parents need to have well represented about themselves when meeting with admissions officers? Liz: The following three mindsets That they are eager to partner with the school for the benefit of their child and all children, whether this means being a class mother, accompanying the class on trips, or financial support (if that is feasible for the family). That they are objective about their child and will be open to feedback, both positive and negative, as well as able to collaborate with teachers to provide their child any help and/or resources that will be beneficial. That they will respect teachers and administrators as professionals and will not try to overturn policies and practices for the benefit of their child. VT: How does networking and having in-school connections affect one's chances of admission? Liz: We work with thousands of students each year and are certain that connections of this nature are not necessary to gain admission. On the other hand, there are students whose families do utilize board or high-level connections with successful admissions outcomes. Unfortunately, these students do not get the benefit of having experienced admissions officers who understand which children will thrive in a particular school as part of the decision process. As a result, many of these children are unsuccessful once they enroll in school; some may be asked to leave a school if they cannot perform. A letter from a parent of an enrolled student who knows the family well can be advantageous in letting the school know that this is a family who will be an asset to the school. Letters from people, no matter how eminent, who are not well acquainted with a child, are of no value. VT: How can a student best prepare for admissions interviews? Liz: Before the interview, a parent should explain to his or her child that this is an opportunity for the school to get to know them and for them to get to know the school to be sure that it is a good, mutual match. Explain that there are no right or wrong answers. Parents may coach a child to look an adult in the eye, shake hands, and talk in an audible voice, which will serve them well for the interview and for years to come. It is useful for a parent to role-play some simple questions with a child to make him or her more comfortable when s/he arrives at the admissions office. Asking questions about what s/he likes and doesnt like, strengths and weaknesses, and helping the child frame weaknesses as strengths in ways that arent contrived, can be useful. Making sure kids are familiar with the books theyve read, the music they listen to, the movies theyve seen and their reasons for each can give the admissions officers an entre to a conversation. Finally, ask your child what he or she wants to know about the school and encourage him/her to ask this/these questions in the admissions interview. Visit School Choice International for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

What Are the Best Songs to Sing to Show Off Your Vocal Range

What Are the Best Songs to Sing to Show Off Your Vocal Range Sign up successful Good exercises to extend your vocal range include humming gently through a fifth, then extending the scale up to the sixth before descending. Also practice this on open vowel sounds. Make sure you dont stop the air as you sing, or strain for high notes if you feel any tension or discomfort, stop! For more on determining your range, check out the video below. Finding the Best Songs to Sing Women Why limit your vocal development to singing in English? If you know other languages, you might want to explore song repertoire in French, German, or even Czech or Russian.  Composers to look out for are Schubert, Wolf, and Schumann for German songs (or lieder); Fauré, Hahn, and Chausson for French songs (or chanson); and Rachmaninoff  and Tchaikovsky  for Russian songs. A fairly simple choice in the French repertoire is Le Secret by Gabriel Fauré. Although not exclusively the preserve of female singers, it suits a high-lying voice with bright colors beautifully. Robert Schumanns Du Ring an meinem Finger, from his song cycle Frauenliebe und -Leben, is another song suited to a medium-high female voice, as heard in this performance by the great English contralto Kathleen Ferrier. Finding the Best Songs to Sing Men Although the great German song cycles may seem daunting, its worth it for aspiring male singers to choose the musically less complex numbers, as they encourage your safe vocal development without you feeling like youre in singing kindergarten. Some of the best songs to sing for a young male singer, however, are back in the English repertoire.  Ralph Vaughan-Williams glorious Silent Noon will test your skills at changing keys, and hearing what may seem to you to be strange harmonies at first.  This wonderful 1976 recording by British baritone John Shirley-Quirk with Martin Isepp at the piano may tempt you into the right kind of pushing your abilities. An often-unexplored area of vocal repertoire for men is Neapolitan song.  Leoncavallos wonderful Mattinata should be in the repertoire of every keen tenor. The Best Songs to Sing A Checklist for Beginners Choosing the best songs to sing can be something of a minefield, and when youre starting to move into more demanding repertoire, the guidance of a good teacher and regular voice lessons is essential.  However, singing through lots of repertoire is the most fun you can ever have with your voice, so when armed with books full of beautiful songs, bear these tips in mind when youre putting together a recital program, or even just some fun pieces to sing: Is it available in the right key for me? You will notice if you listen to other recordings of some of the YouTube links above that they may be in different keys; if a song feels too high, or too low, check to see whether its available in a key thats more comfortable for you to sing in. Is it comfortable? Even if youve found the right key, you still may find the song stretches you uncomfortably, and in a way that even with practice, you arent going to be able to overcome.  Put it aside for a few months, then come back to it. It can be very tempting to sing pieces that dont quite fit your voice, so keep all the above advice in mind.  Exploring the wealth of vocal repertoire out there can be a lifelong quest.  Good teaching, steady development, and the right repertoire are the essentials for any singer to make the most of their vocal abilities! Want more ideas for songs to help you with your technique? Check out our list of 400+ songs to sing for every occasion! 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 David Martyn Hunt