How to Identify Voice Types Subtypes

How to Identify Voice Types Subtypes Suzy S. Are you a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass? Learn how to determine your voice type in this guest post by Ann Arbor, MI voice teacher  Elaina R So, you want to figure out your own voice type. You probably just want to know whether you are a soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. Unfortunately, things are a little more complicated than that. The good news? It doesn’t matter as much as you think. Before you rush to the keyboard to try to figure out your voice type, keep two things in mind. First of all, how old are you? If you are under 20 (or under 22 or so if you are male), your current range is still in progress. It will likely continue to change as you get older, so you can’t figure out your voice type for a few more years. Second of all, have you had any vocal training? If not, your vocal range can change drastically as you learn how to use your voice. I can’t tell you how many times women have come into my studio insisting that they are altos, only to unlock entire octaves of range they didn’t know they had! That being said, here we go! Voice Types and Subtypes There are five broad categories of voice types: two for women and three for men. I’m using operatic voice types here, because they are the most specific than other classifications, but Ive given pop examples of each voice type as well. Soprano Soprano is the highest voice type. Even the lowest types of sopranos can sing C6 (6th C on the keyboard, counting from the bottom,) or “high C.” The highest sopranos can sing well above that. Pop music sopranos include Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Ellie Goulding. These voices have a lighter tambour and easy access to high notes. These are the operatic soprano subsections, in order of highest to lowest. If you listen, you’ll see just how much variety there is under the one title of soprano â€" and the other voice types as well. • Coloratura soprano (example: Lucia Popp. And me.) • Soubrette • Lyric soprano (example: Renée Fleming) • Dramatic soprano (example: Christine Goerke) Mezzo-Soprano Mezzo-sopranos are women with lower voices. They are referred to as altos in the choir world. Some women with extra-low voices are referred to as contraltos. Some mezzo sopranos can sing C6 (and rarely even higher), but most of them top out before C6. In popular music, singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Adele are mezzo-sopranos. The mezzo-soprano subsections, in order of highest to lowest, are: • Coloratura mezzo-soprano (example: Isabel Leonard) • Lyric mezzo-soprano • Dramatic mezzo-soprano • Contralto (this is actually a separate category, but I’ve combined it here because of its rarity. Example: Larissa Diadkova) Tenor Tenors are high-voiced men. They can typically sing up to a B4 in full voice; some of them can sing higher. Examples of tenors in popular music include Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, and Adam Levine â€" look for easy high notes and some falsetto. There are more subsections for male voices than female voices, so here are some of them (highest to lowest): • Countertenor (this is also technically a separate category for men who sing predominantly in head voice, but it is rare. Hear it here.) • Leggero tenor (example: Luciano Pavarotti) • Lyric tenor • Spinto tenor • Dramatic tenor (example: Giuseppe Giacomini) Baritone Baritones are halfway between tenors and basses. Even the highest baritones typically can’t hit a C4, or ‘high C,” but they can sing down to a G2 or lower. Examples of baritones in popular music include Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Here are some of the more common baritone types (highest to lowest): • Lyric baritone (example: Mariusz Kwiecien) • Verdi baritone • Dramatic baritone (example: Juan Pons) Bass Basses are the lowest male voice type. To be honest, I can’t think of a single one in popular music (maybe Louis Armstrong). Looks like it’s high time we had one! Basses can sing down to E2 or lower, and their highest notes are around E4 in chest voice. In the operatic world, here are some of the subsections: • Bass-baritone (example: Luca Pisaroni) • Basso buffo • Lyric basso profundo • Dramatic basso profundo (example: Matti Salminen) Still confused about voice types? Check out the video below for some helpful pointers about how to find yours! Combination Voice Types You can’t pigeonhole voices very easily, since they tend to be versatile and many of the above voice types overlap in range. In the end, it’s more a matter of the tambour of the voice, what the voice sounds best singing, and what repertoire the vocalist prefers. For example, I call myself a light lyric coloratura â€" I can sing very high, but I also sing plenty of lower repertoire. Some people just call themselves zwichen fach, which means they fluctuate between voice types. If you listen to some of the examples above and explore your range using a keyboard and good vocal technique, you may be able to figure out your voice type. Knowing your broad voice type can help you choose music that feels â€" and sounds â€" good in your voice. Curious about more specifics? Talk to a voice teacher! Elaina R. teaches opera voice and  singing in Ann Arbor, MI, as well as through online lessons. She is currently  working on a Master of Music at the University of Michigan, and she has a B.M. from the University of Southern California.  Learn more about Elaina here! 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  Vittorios

Computer Safety to Protect your Data Online

Computer Safety to Protect your Data Online Antivirus Software To Protect Your Personal Information Online? ChaptersUnderstanding How Computers Become InfectedWhy Companies Should Lose No Time in Buying Antivirus SoftwareWhy You Should Have A Virus Protection Programme as a Private UserSome Anti-Malware Programmes and Other Free Security SoftwareWhether you use your computer, whether occasionally or regularly, to surf the Internet or to work offline, you need to install and keep your antivirus up-to-date.Computers can become infected even if they are connected only to an internal network; public, government, even military networks can all become infected.An anti-virus programme is indispensable, your best bet to avoid changing your electronics every week.If you surf a lot on the Internet, you will soon realize the benefits of maximum protection: with a better understanding of the stakes of mobile security, you will see why you need to protect your computers. Finally, this article will compare different antivirus programmes to help you in your choice.Employees of those companies with insuff icient web security had a surprise holiday - or forced unemployment, depending on your point of view - but a repeat of this sort of digital piracy could destroy a company, bringing it to its knees and causing mass bankruptcies and lay-offs.Why You Should Have A Virus Protection Programme as a Private UserPrivate uses will also need optimum protection, not only for their computers, but for their smartphones and tablets as well.It’s never fun to realise that your high-end Android tablet has crashed, to lose all the pictures you have taken or find out that your bank account has unusual drafts on it that you certainly never authorised - just because you never bothered to get adequate Internet protection.In fact, for a Windows PC, even a mediocre free software is better than nothing at all.If we seem to be emphasizing Windows, it’s because it is by far the most common operating system in both time and space, and one of the first to have attracted the attention of cybercriminals who t ake advantage of the freedom (which soon became “faults”) of your PC operating system.The PC/Mac feud (or Mac/PC, depending on which side you are on) is fought not only in the purely commercial arena of which one has cornered which market, but also on which one is best in preventing and detecting viruses.It is a common misconception that an Apple computer cannot be infected: OS X is no longer safe from Trojans, and it is just as important to install an antivirus to protect yourself on a Mac.Even Apple Macs can get viruses - so don't forget to keep your security updated! Photo credit: bob august on Visualhunt.comCurrently, Linux (GNU) is probably the operating system of choice if you want to be safe: in fact, many a cyberpirate probably works with its user interface…But you should probably be careful with Bliss, File, VIT, and SIILOV as well. And it’s only the beginning - soon, anti-spyware programmes will be indispensable for every operating system, as Android users have sad ly realised.Some Anti-Malware Programmes and Other Free Security SoftwareFree viruses are a given and one we would rather do without. On the other side of the coin, good-quality antivirus programmes can be pretty expensive.And yet, among the best antivirus software available for your Windows operating system, more than one is free (entirely or in part).The best free antivirus programmes are called (depending on your needs and preferences):Avira, an antivirus programme for WindowsAVG, with a free version (the best if you are still running Vista; and it also has features for optimizing your PC)Avast (not the Pro version)Microsoft Security EssentialsWindows Defender (particularly for Windows 10)Panda Free AntivirusIf you feel you can’t trust a free antivirus programme, most paying versions offer a free trial period so you can see if your apps run smoothly with it before getting out your credit card. Most trial periods run about a month before you are asked to pay.Be careful of fake a ntivirus software that can be spyware in disguise. And note as well that Avast Free’s very proactive programming makes it difficult to run secondary antimalware programmes in parallel.Internet security is so complex that you should really look into additional security apps such as:Spybot Search Destroy (PC antivirus and anti-malware in one)Malwarebytes (has a free version for MacOS)CCleanerGhostery, an ad blocker and anti-spyware programme.Remember to scan your system regularly (don’t wait until it slows down!) to get rid of infections that might have slipped in unnoticed.IT courses can help you choose the right programmes to make your computer secure.The Best Payed Antivirus ProgrammesYou will need a halfway decent RAM to run a virus cleaner on your smartphone!If a free virus programme might be enough for private users, any corporate structure, from tiny startup to large multinational, should invest in a wider set of security tools to prevent crashes in mini-networks, servers or internal company networks. This is where the paying anti-virus solution comes in.Kapertsky is one of several good paying antivirus programmes. Photo credit: david.orban on VisualHuntBut what are the best antivirus software?All comparative studies on the best security software generally turn up the same few names:Bitdefender Antivirus Plus (with more features than Bitdefender free, obviously)Kaspersky AntivirusNorton Security+G Data AntivirusESET NOD32F-Secure SAFEMcAfee Antivirus Plus (there is also a free edition available for a limited time)Human Error?Generally, the principal at fault in Windows 8 or webbrowser glitches is the human user.Protecting yourself from spyware is a good thing - however, a lot of Internet fraud still uses traditional methods that have nothing to do with Web 2.0, such as identity theft and taking advantage of human generosity…There are a number of good reflexes you should adopt parallel to downloading a good antivirus for Mac or a good Windows antivi rus.First of all, make sure your firewall is activated. You should also update Windows regularly: most patches aim to help protect the hard drive - which is why XP and Vista are now particularly at risk, since technical support for these Windows versions has been discontinued.Be wary of freeware with data files ending in “.exe” (especially if you got it from a P2P network : the best behaviour is prudence. If you notice your computer slowing down after installing freeware, immediately put it into quarantine or de-install it. An anti-spam filter would be useful, even if you are using GNU/Linux. Don’t forget to format your USB sticks and use backup software (or backup your files manually at regular intervals).You can lock your session with passwords to protect your most precious data.When you have a family, parental control helps keep your child away from shady, virus-infected websites. Additionally, your browser, no matter how sophisticated, should be regularly updated.

Watercolour Painting for Beginners

Watercolour Painting for Beginners How to Get Started with Watercolour Painting? ChaptersBuying Supplies for Watercolour PaintingPrepare Your SpaceTwo Indispensable CompanionsMixing PaintsThe Last, Most Important IngredientA distant memory: my mother and her paint-by-numbers kits. She had two of them; one for landscape painting and one for harlequins â€" don’t ask me how she settled on those two subjects.The experiment was short-lived. For about two weeks, she was full of fervour and the smell of mineral spirits filled the house, and then it was on to other things.Most likely those kits came with preselected tubes of gouache (a sort of enhanced watercolour), meant specifically for that work. The relevance of those kits to our topic today is that they make painting easy... unlike working with the more unpredictable watercolours that are pure pigment, without the benefit of a gum arabic binder.Shortly after Mum’s time of painting ended, our school art class started us on watercolours.I had hoped my artwork would end up looking as precise as hers did but we were n’t painting by numbers. Ours was more of a free-for-all assault on the blank white space that was our ‘canvas’; colours running into one another, saturated paper wrinkling and, in one corner, a gouge made by the brush’s ferrule.My early forays into art convinced me that van Gogh had nothing to worry about. Oh, if only I had had a few pointers!That is your Superprof’s intent: to help you discover the pleasure of creating art on paper without chucking it all in the bin after the umpteenth time your cadmium yellow runs into your ultramarine blue.Let’s get started, shall we? FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPai nting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsBuying Supplies for Watercolour Painting At first, you may be staggered by the variety of supplies for watercolor art Image by MustangJoe from PixabayWatercolour paint sets for the (semi-) serious artist are vastly different from the sets meant for schoolchildren that you might find at PoundWorld or on Amazon. Let us discourage you from making your first forays into the world of watercolour painting with one of those sets.Walking into any art supply store, you may become overwhelmed by the dazzling array of choices and products available for art creation.Unless you’ve done a hefty bit of research on your own or you have a painting instructor giving you recommendations, you may wonder what selections would best suit your needs.Consider these points...Choosing Watercolor PaperObviously, not all paper is the same, especially when it comes to artistic endeavours.Washi paper for origami is decidedly different from onionskin paper used to make kites and gliders. Copy paper is different than Inkjet paper and notebook paper is no t even in the same ballpark as sketch paper.So, while your favourite art supply store (or Amazon) may have lots of paper for sale, it would be best to bypass the many varieties of craft paper and steer toward actual watercolour paper.It may cost a bit more but your results will make the extra expense worth it.The Right Paintbrush for Watercolor PaintingYou don’t necessarily have to go top-of-the-line â€" that set of Kolinsky sable brushes can wait till you get a bit more proficient. Or, at least until you are sure you want to make watercolour painting a part of your life.With that being said, you shouldn’t scrape the bottom of the quality barrel for your brushes just because you’re a beginner. In fact, a poor-quality brush can skew your results and even turn you off of painting altogether!Some artists recommend that, before going all out on supplies, spend a little bit of time with artificial-fibre brushes to see if painting truly is for you and to get the feel of working with paint. Once you’ve determined that you do indeed want to paint, that will be the time to invest in some really good, natural-fibre brushes.The difference in feel and performance will so amaze you, you’ll never use an artificial brush again!With that out of the way, which brushes should you buy?Perhaps the best value for your money would be a set that includes small, medium and large round brushes as well as a mop brush and a flat brush. That should do, for starters.You should, however, avoid craft brushes; the bristles tend to be too rough for delicate watercolors. Water colours allow for a wide range of expression while using few resources Image by Stux  from PixabaySelecting Watercolor PaintsHere, finally, you get to skimp â€" but only a little. You don’t need every colour of the rainbow to get started painting with watercolours; just a few of the basic ones. Ideally, you would start out with the primary colours: red, yellow and blue, and add some black. That is enough to get you going.You have the option of buying watercolours in cakes or tubes; perhaps you could select cakes of primary colours and a tube of black or vice versa, just so you can try out which would work best for you.Of course, you always have the option of picking up a kit. Such packs contain anywhere from 12 to 24 colours but the downside is that you won’t be able to mix them up â€" you will have all tubes or all cakes.Other supplies you might pick up while at the art store:A palette: a flat or shallow surface to mix paints on/inDrafting tape: while you could use any typ e of tape to keep your paper on the draft board, most will tear watercolour paper. Drafting tape will not.Tote boards are, essentially, giant-sized clipboards; they come in various sizesPencils and rubbers for making outlines and fixing mistakes, respectively.All other tools of the trade, such as masking fluid and tools for texturing can be purchased later, once you’ve decided that watercolour painting is definitely for you.Also, learn how to create texture in your paintings without relying on paper texture.Prepare Your SpaceYou may have seen, in countless films, how an artist’s studio tends toward the messy. While that is acceptable if you work with oil paints, the very nature of watercolours demands a bit of tidiness.Because watercolours are so fluid and fast, it will occasionally be necessary for you to have ready access to sponges, paper towels and clean water; working in a cluttered environment simply won’t do!First, give yourself enough space to work comfortably, making sure you have plenty of elbow room.Next, place all of your tools, colours and water pots within easy reach of your dominant hand â€" but not too close, you don’t want to risk knocking over that jar of water!You may also consider hanging a small towel from your waistband or another convenient place so that you can dry your brushes as needed. One watercolour artist I know likes to keep a wadded paper towel in her sleeve for ultra-quick access without having to reach for one.Did you know that there are vast resources available to help you master watercolour painting? As you learn to paint with watercolours, trying out colour mixes is vital Image by Stux  from PixabayWhat might you need spare paper for?Unless you have an uncanny ability to gauge a colour’s depth while mixing it, you will need to know that you’ve attained the right shade. The way to do that is by making a few sample brush strokes on paper that is similar in texture to the one you’re painting on.You may consider taking one or two sheets of watercolour paper and cutting them into smaller squares, that way you can use both front and back to test your paint mixing skills.Mixing PaintsThe frugal artist might believe s/he is saving supplies by mixing only a little paint at a time but experience says that there is nothing more frustrating than being fully into one’s work, bold brush strokes and all, only to realise that you’ve run out of paint.Especially if you’re just starting out using watercolour as your medium, it is difficult to gauge how much paint you’ll need to compl ete that portion of your painting, to say nothing of how difficult (read: impossible) it is to match a tone exactly.The moral of that story: err on the generous side when mixing paints.The Last, Most Important IngredientWe don’t presume to know the reasons why you decided to take up watercolour painting but we are glad that you’re going at it with gusto.Besides a lot of technical advice and letting you know that Superprof art tutors are standing by to help you master this medium, there’s really not much more we can do for you other than to clue you into the crucial ingredient to make any venture a success: have fun.We urge you to not see colour bleeds as a failure but an opportunity to experiment. Rather than paint splotches being a source of frustration, let them be a source of inspiration â€" what could you make of them?Forget colouring between the lines â€" or, for that matter, painting by numbers!Have fun with your new learning adventure and see where it takes you; that mi ght be more rewarding than being able to paint a landscape or harlequin... and you’ll probably feel a greater sense of accomplishment, at that!Now discover more about painting with watercolours...

A Day in the Life at Purdue University

A Day in the Life at Purdue University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Matthew earned bachelors degrees in both Spanish and physics from Purdue University. He is currently a Chicago tutor specializing in algebra tutoring, physics tutoring, and Spanish tutoring, among other subjects. Take a look below at his review of Purdue University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Matthew: With a population of roughly 40,000 undergraduates, Purdue University is by no means a small school. While not quite as spread out as a commuter college, or as condensed as a small private college, the university maintains a good size while still managing to be walkable. The city bus network connects students to all areas of campus, as well as to the neighboring city of Lafayette and the surrounding residential areas. So, whether you live one minute or 15 minutes away from campus, transportation to and from is always available. If speed is your priority, however, a car/bike is recommended. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Matthew: Professors are always available and are happy to meet with you, as well as the TAs. Depending on the department, however, the academic advisers can be difficult to deal with or even to see. If you ever need help, there are usually help rooms. Sometimes there are also supplemental instruction (SI) sessions, in which a TA teaches a lesson to supplement what was learned in class. As you get farther along in your major, however, its usually the case that you just have office hours if you need help. At that level, the teachers are always interested in teaching students more about whatever the subject may be. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Matthew: Dining is fantastic at Purdue University. In fact, the food is nationally ranked. With five dining courts, two late night grilles, cafes, and coffee shops located around campus as well as facilities at the student union all of which to choose from, there is no reason one should go hungry at Purdue. With two years of experience living in the dorms, I can say that its definitely something everyone should experience when they first come to college. Youre right on campus, situated along the bus routes, and are surrounded by students like you. Its great for keeping you focused, as well as for making new connections. The dorms usually have weekend activities and trips if you cant find something to do that weekend. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported at Purdue University? Matthew: Engineering, Agriculture, Pharmacy, and Nursing are all well represented and well supported at Purdue University. It is well known for its engineering program, however, the school was founded as a land grant institution meaning that it had to offer programs that supported disciplines like agriculture. Also, being that it is located in Indiana, there are plenty of nearby locations as well as outside interests that donate money to the school to fund research in this area. 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? Matthew: I have always said that there has never been an easier time to make friends at college than during the first few weeks of freshman year. Each year preceding the fall semester is a week-long orientation called Boiler Gold Rush (BGR) in which incoming freshmen get the chance to become acquainted with the campus. Its a fantastic event and many students who meet during that event remain friends up to and through graduation. In addition, Greek life is very important at Purdue. Roughly 40% of the campus is involved in some sort of Greek organization. However, not being involved doesnt necessarily mean that youll be missing out. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services at Purdue University? Matthew: The Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) at Purdue is amazing. They offer a wide range of services ranging from resume critiquing, to mock interviews, to the organizing of career fairs for each of the individual colleges. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Matthew: The availability of on-campus study spots, during the day, is incredible. Ive been at the university for four years and Im still finding a new one each week. There is also a large number of computer stations spaced evenly around campus. Usually, each academic building has its own library and set of computers that are accessible to students and which stay open late. A 24-hour undergraduate library is open at the heart of campus and is frequently used, but never crowded (with the exception of finals week). Describe the surrounding town at Purdue University. Matthew: The campus is situated in West Lafayette and borders the Wabash River, and across from it sits the town of Lafayette. Other than hiking trails, there isnt much in the way of natural attractions, and as such, many students take trips to Chicago (two hours away) on the weekends. Sadly, Chauncey Hill is the most exciting part of campus. Its home to mostly fast food restaurants, a couple of coffee shops, and a few bars. Lafayette, while also not very exciting, has more variety in the way of restaurants and stores. However, if you plan to go to the mall or grocery shopping, youll probably be making a trip into Lafayette. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Matthew: The undergraduate student body at Purdue University is around 40,000 people, yet there are plenty of times at which it can seem like a lot less. Depending on your major, your class size can vary. For example, if you choose a major in the Liberal Arts college, most of your classes will be small with anywhere from 10-30 people. However, if you choose to major in a scientific field, then your classes can start out with anywhere from 200-300 students. But by the time you reach your junior and senior years, they often shrink to around 30-50. Check out Matthews tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Planning a Trip to Mount Fuji

Planning a Trip to Mount Fuji How Can You Plan a Trip to Mount Fuji? ChaptersHow Long Should You Spend at Mount Fuji?Climbing Mount Fuji at NightThe Fuji Five Lakes RegionWhen Is Mount Fuji Open?When Is the Best Time to Visit Mount Fuji?Getting to Mount Fuji from TokyoShould You Visit Mount Fuji Alone or in a Group?“He who climbs Mt. Fuji is a wise man; he who climbs twice is a fool.”In the Land of the Rising Sun, the volcano by the towns of Hakone and Kawaguchiko is one of the unmissable sights.  It’s the most visited mountain in the world with 3 million visitors and 300,000 climbers every year.  It last erupted in 1707 and women were banned until 1872.So for your trip to Japan, have you planned a trip to the highest mountain in the country or even a climb to the top?You should plan! NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st l esson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Long Should You Spend at Mount Fuji?You’re not obliged to climb to the top of Japan’s highest mountain. After all, at 3,776.24 metres above sea level, it's quite a climb and altitude sickness is a real possibility.There are plenty of things you can do around Mount Fuji. For one, there are plenty of lakes. This isn’t called the Fuji Five Lakes region for nothing!You can also walk around Mount Fuji all year round.Climbing Mount Fuji at NightChoose when the weather’s at its best. If there are clouds, you won’t be able to enjoy the views of the sunset. When it’s raining or cloudy, you’ll never get to enjoy most of the mountain. Climbing Mount Fuji through the night is very popular as you get to enjoy the sunrise once you reach the summit. (Source: mohamed_hassan)There are two options available to you if this is the case.The first option is to start your climb at the end of the day before the sunset. You can enjoy the sunset where you are or continue the climb and stop in one of the huts on the way up for the night.  The huts only have a few futons on them so don’t expect any privacy for the night.  You can pay for the night or just a few hours. After all, you’re going to have to get up early if you want to see the sunrise over Mount Fuji.Your second option is to start the climb at 21:00 or 22:00 and climb through the night to enjoy the sunrise in the morning.  There’s a ceremony in the morning, making the experience even more special. You’ll hear the Japanese anthem and be able to see the flag flown over the peak. However, you won’t be alone on these paths. You can find a torii at the summit.Durin g the day, the climb isn’t as interesting but there are fewer climbers and it’s warmer. You can enjoy some of the viewpoints on your way up if the weather permits.The Fuji Five Lakes RegionJapan is home to many marvels including the Fuji Five Lakes. You can easily spend 5 days there. Enough time to visit each lake, go on hikes, camp, fish, or go for a bike ride.Here are the 5 lakes to visit around Mount Fuji:Lake Kawaguchi. Don’t hesitate to take the cable car up to Mount Tenjo.Lake Sai is the smallest of the lakes.Lake Shoji is a great place to spend a night in one of the many hotels on its banks.Lake Motosu appears on the 1,000 yen note.Lake Yamanaka, the largest of the five lakes in the region.Make the most of the onsen, visit the temples in the region, and enjoy some sushi away from the bigger Japanese cities. If you’re there during the cherry blossom bloom, you can enjoy some incredible views of Mount Fuji in the background. NanaJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st less on free!Discover all our tutors YukoJapanese Teacher 5.00 (3) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EllyJapanese Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MomokoJapanese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MelanieJapanese Teacher £14/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesJapanese Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PippaJapanese Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarikoJapanese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen Is Mount Fuji Open?Mount Fuji doesn’t have specific opening hours. It’s a volcano which is open, though a donation of 1,000 yen is welcome but not obligatory.You can spend all day there even though it’s recommended that you get there for sunrise or sunset.The climb to Mount Fuji is open from 1st July to 10th September. Outside of these dates, it’s not forbidden but it’s not recommended. Temperatures swing between -18 °C and 8 °C and the av erage temperature is -6.5 °C. The rest of the year, you can still visit the areas around Mount Fuji without having to do the climb.Since 2013, Mount Fuji has been a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climb, while difficult, can be done by all ages as long as you’re in good physical condition.When Is the Best Time to Visit Mount Fuji?To avoid the crowds, avoid weekends in summer. Go during the week and make sure you avoid school holidays. If you want to climb Mount Fuji, the best time to visit is when it's open for climbing! (Source: sayama)The best time to go is still in July and August. In June and September, temperatures can drop quite drastically. After all, June is the rainy season and September is typhoon season.It’s even better for enjoying the views when the weather is good. You might be disappointed if you get there and can’t see anything.You didn’t climb all that way for fog, did you?It wouldn’t be a great end to the day.Getting to Mount Fuji from TokyoThere are two main ways to get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo. While there are trains you can get to Mount Fuji, you can also get the bus, which costs less. (Source: gabyobs)You can go by train with the Japan Rail Pass. You can take the JR Tokaido line to Kozu and change onto the JR Gotemba to Gotemba. You can then get the bus to the foot of the climb.You can also get the JR Limited Express Azusa or Kaiji from Shinjuku to Otsuki. You then just have to take a train from Fujikyuko to Kawaguchiko. This will take you around 2 hours and 20 minutes.You can also get the bus from Tokyo Shinjuku station in around 2 and a half hours to Kawaguchiko. This is the simplest way as you won’t need to change, unlike the train. It’ll cost you between 2,000 and 2,500 yen. Try to book your tickets ahead of time.Once at the Kawaguchiko station, you can take the bus to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji.Learn more about the history of Mount Fuji.Should You Visit Mount Fuji Alone or in a Group?You don’t need to visit Mount Fuji as part of a group. However, the climb i s difficult and you’ll need to plan and be in good physical condition.Plan the climb before you start it. If you have problems with your knees, the climb could be difficult. After all, there is a lot of loose volcanic rock. If you're a novice climber, it's probably a better idea to visit Mount Fuji in a group. (Source: dylanagonzales2011)It’s a long hike which can take between 4 and 8 hours depending on your physical fitness. The summit is 3,700m up so make sure you take it easy so you don’t get altitude sickness. It’s better to take your time and get to top rather than take unnecessary risks.The Yoshida route is the easiest. This is also the busiest one. You can also take the Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya routes (check the opening dates).Avoid mid-September and instead opt for July or August if you can. There are huts on the way up to the summit where you can stay if the weather changes.Make sure you have the right gear: warm clothes, waterproofs, hiking boots, and walking poles will all be greatly appreciated on the way up and down. Don’t forget about the descent, which is hard work on your thighs and knees. You should bring 2 to 3 litres of water or energy drink. There are places to pick stuff up but they’re quite expensive.Don’t forget a head torch and bring money to use the toilets.So are you ready to head up Mount Fuji?Learn more about budgeting for Mount Fuji.If you're interested in learning Japanese, there are plenty of great resources online to help you. Similarly, you can also get help with your Japanese from one of the many talented tutors on Superprof.There are three main types of tutorial available for Japanese: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each has its pros and cons and you'll have to choose the type that's right for you and your budget.Generally, it's a good idea to start a new hobby with group tutorials as they're less of an investment. Once you get serious about it, you can always start working with a face-to-face or online tutor and learning exactly what you want to learn.Before you make your decision, remember that many of the tutors on Superprof will offer free tuition for the first hour. This means you can try a few tutors, see if you like their teaching style, and see if you get along with them. After all, it's useless paying for a tutor that you don't enjoy spending time with!

Scholarship Preparation Adams A to Z

Scholarship Preparation Adam's A to Z Knowing where to start with scholarship preparation can be tricky for entrance to independent schools such as Eton and Westminster.  We spoke to one of our experienced tutors,  Adam M, who shared his A-Z of what it takes to be successful when preparing for these testing series of exams.   A is for ambition and attitude. You must be ready, willing and able to face the challenge of studying for a scholarship.   B is for brainstorming. There is a lot of essay writing to do in the exams, so get into the habit of mind-mapping, structuring your ideas.   C is for character. In a competitive atmosphere for a place at a school, prepare as if you want to win a race, to be first, to be the champion!   D is for diligence, discipline and determination. E is for enthusiasm, engagement, encouragement and example. Try to enjoy the preparation process, savour the moments you are studying, try to stay upbeat through the whole process. It won't always be easy, so having a positive and exemplary attitude to study will do you credit. F is for fulfilling your potential. Going for the scholarship is your opportunity to shine and perhaps you will surprise yourself as to just how much you can achieve! G is for grit - passion and perseverance towards long term goals. Now is the time to show it. H is for Hard work. You can't avoid it. I is for Investment. You will look back on the experience of studying and discover all the things you have learnt well worth the time invested. J is for Journey. The preparation for scholarship exams is a journey. There will be highs and lows, peaks and troughs. It's all character-building stuff. K is for knocks. I have seen the scholarship journeys of many children preparing for these exams and how you respond to knocks of confidence along the way will determine your success. L is for learning. There will be lots of it! M is for motivation. Keep it up, and make sure there are people around you motivating you to keep focused and spur you on. N is for notes. Take lots of them. Memo cards, spider diagrams, bullet points - they all help you learn. O is for organisation. You will be at an age where you should be taking some sense of responsibility for own actions. You should know where your files, papers and pens are kept, not your parents or guardians to know for you. P is for positivity, productivity, practice and preparation. Q is for questions. Ask lots of open questions - Who, What, Where, Why, When, How - to develop your critical thinking ability. R is for reading. Keep it up, it will fuel your writing. Pick some books to read from suggested reading lists and read what you both enjoy but is also challenging your reading level. Read newspapers and magazines, listen and watch the news. Stay informed. S is for support. Whether from parents, teachers, tutors, nannies, wider family, they will all be behind you, rooting for you and your success. T is for time management. You will learn more about allocating and prioritising time to work and play and ultimately in the exams themselves.   U is for unlocking your potential. You will learn more about yourself and become more aware of the world around you. V is for vocabulary. You will want this to be as strong and varied as possible to use naturally when writing in an exam or in interview. W is for writing. Whether it be discursive, persuasive, creative or other forms, you will learn to appreciate the forms of each and be able to write in those different styles, as necessary. X is for extra. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little word 'extra'. Y is for YOU. How much do you want to get the scholarship, to do your best? That's entirely up to you. Not your teachers or parents or anyone else. Z is for Zzzzz.... Make sure you get a good amount of sleep.... and after all that hard work studying, you’re going to need a well-deserved rest! Adam M  is a  highly experienced tutor offering common entrance and scholarship   tuition. He has also written articles for tuition blogs on Classics, History, Maths and the nature of tuition  and has been interviewed by the BBC, for podcasts, for articles in The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, among others.  Interested in booking a lesson with Adam?  Click here to visit his Tutorfair profile  and find out more!

Other Words for LIKE in English ?? - Learn English with Harry

Other Words for LIKE in English ?? - Learn English with Harry why do you need to use some other words for LIKE?  The word LIKE is a very popular word in the English language and is used as an adjective, a  verb and even a noun. The only bad thing about the verb LIKE is that we use it way too often. Some students may wonder whether we have any other words for LIKE in English? In fact, there are many, many ways to say LIKE.  So here are some English words and  phrases that you can use as alternatives to I LIKE.We use I LIKE to express our feeling about somebody or something. For example:I like ice cream. I like  Mathew.Of course, we could add various English adverbs to give more meaning to it. For example:I really like ice cream. I  really like Mathew.I genuinely like Mathew. I totally like her.But it can be a little boring to always use the same words or expressions  so here are some suitable alternative words you can use instead of  LIKE. Other Ways to Say I LIKE in English Other Words to Say LIKE in English I LOVELove indicates something a bit stronger than like.ex. Would you like a cup  of tea? I would love a cup of tea.I AM FOND OFFond of indicates a strong liking for someone or something but not as strong  as love.ex. Kathy is very fond of her Aunt Jane she always looks forward to her visits.I ADORELike love adore always gives a deeper meaning than like.ex. James adores his  new job. He has always wanted to work in the city and this gives him the chance to do that.I AM PARTIAL TOA very British English expression. To be partial to something means you  prefer it over some other choice. Daniel was always partial to homemade cakes. He enjoyed  the cakes in the local bakery but a home made cake was his favourite every time.So here are the words we can use instead of LIKE   LOVE, I AM FOND OF, ADORE or BE PARTIAL to anything or anyone.Some more informal ways of saying LIKE include the following:TO DIG SOMETHINGThis is a very 1960’s or 1970’s expression. People used to dig the  new m usic by The Beatles. So   this is really something related to the hippy years.I AM INTOVery informal and almost slang expression. This is used frequently to tell some  one what you like.ex. The teacher asked Kevin what music he liked. I am really into U2 the get  it right every time.I CANNOT GET ENOUGHAgain more informal meaning you just want more of what you like.ex. Do you like that new brand of coffee? Oh yes certainly we just cannot get enough of it!Or as Depeche Mode sing  I just cant get enough

Tutoring and Homeschooling Is Booming in the UAE

Tutoring and Homeschooling Is Booming in the UAE On June 22nd I blogged on why Georgias Black Families Replace Schools With Tutors. The short answer to this question was: While most states prohibit homeschooling parents from tutoring anybody except their own children, Georgia has no such restriction. Remember? Today, I am continuing this topic I was surprised and happy to learn that the booming of homeschooling is not only a phenomenon observed at home in the US but also a worldwide trend. For example, in 2014 the United Arabic Emirates (UAE) reported 4,000 students were officially home-schooled a number that is likely much higher, for it only includes students who are above age 15. 4 Reasons For The Tutoring and Homeschooling Boom In The UAE The number one reason of the rise of tutoring is simply the fact that there exist little legislative restrictions on homeschooling. Parents in the UAE are free to tutor their children. Interestingly, this micro trend in freedom of education reflects the larger trend in increased personal and economic freedom available to citizens of the UAE. The libertarian Canadian think thank Fraser Institute anally publishes a ranking of counties. In 2014, the UAE ranked 5th of the countries in the world in terms of economic freedom; a ranking higher than most Western countries (The US ranks 16, the UK 11th, Germany 29th). The second reason for the tutoring boom is the rising costs of schooling in the UAE. Traditionally, women stay at home for child-rearing and house-holding. Now that household technology has eased these tasks women do find the time to home-school their own kids and often that of their neighbors as well. The teaching of unfamiliar subjects is typically left to tutors. Reason #3: Governmental schools focus on scholastic subjects. Not so in Homeschooling. It enables parents to teach practical subjects such as cooking, household responsibilities, buying groceries and organizing parties. Reason #4. Some parents decided to pull their children out of the public schools because they are killing the childrens interesting in learning. In the UAE kids often complain that hey just sit around and learn nothing new or interesting. More details can be obtained from the UAE magazine The National who published an the article Why are more parents in the UAE are homeschooling their children. Too bad that TutorZ.com does not yet offer tutoring in the UAE. But we are eager to expand our service to the UAE, a rich country with the right attitude towards tutoring!