The Ivy League Tutoring Program Offers Immersion in the College Environment

The Ivy League Tutoring Program Offers Immersion in the College EnvironmentThe Azores is a small archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 690 miles from the Brazilian coast. The islands are made up of many tiny volcanic outcrops that run parallel to each other. The island nation has a well-developed eco-system that attracts a wide range of visitors, including many who are here for Ivy League tutoring.The Azores is a perfect location for Ivy League tutoring as its mountainous topography makes for great hiking. The region has plenty of challenging trekking to offer the experienced trekker. The college students could also benefit from walking tours of the flora and fauna on the islands, especially during their second year in college.There are many opportunities for all levels of Ivy League students on the islands. You may be one of the many students who are looking for a type of island environment that is more advanced or eco-tourism. Whatever your needs, there are many resources to hel p you find the resources you need to get where you want to go.The Azores is a very popular destination for international students. The people of the region have been drawn to the pristine beaches and the mountains that surround them for years. The appeal of the island has made it a popular spot for graduate students to spend their summers.The Ivy League Tutoring Program is based in Santa Cruz, a coastal city that borders the Azores. This city has a large amount of traditional academic activity. The college students can spend their summer learning about art, philosophy, science, history, engineering, and more while getting a taste of local culture. The Ivy League program also offers a unique service that is open to all students: the private art studio for students.As part of their academic immersion, the students are able to select their own tutors to help them learn and grow. Students work closely with the live-in and live-out mentors for a period of two weeks. Students enjoy the pr ofessional experience of working in a studio atmosphere as they learn at the same time as their tutors. The school is aware of the unique nature of the program and provides unique tutoring to ensure that students get exactly what they need.During their time on the Azores, students get to experience some of the elements that make their college experience so special. The climate is pleasant, the food is plentiful, and the environment is warm and friendly. This relaxed environment helps to make the situation even more appealing to students.Many of the students returning to college from the Ivy League program will tell you that the Azores is one of the most important experiences of their lives. It is one of the best choices that a student can make when considering their options for studying abroad. The many activities available and the high quality of the infrastructure to provide a student with an unforgettable experience.

Tips for Salary Negotiation

Tips for Salary Negotiation Image via Pixabay In the upcoming months, thousands of young twenty-somethings will walk across a college stage to receive a piece of paper that represents a college degree one has worked anywhere from three to five years for. The end goal is to enter the work world and begin working at a really great job, making a really great salary, and paying off those hefty student loans. By working so hard to earn your degree, you are well ahead of those who opted not to go to college and certainly ahead of those who barely made it out of high school and are still working their part-time high school job at your age. However, there is a good chance that most grads will be so happy to even land a great job that they will fail to do one thing: Ask for the money they really want. You may think, “This is my first job, I don’t want to make a bad impression so I will keep my mouth shut and do what they tell me.” Or, “I am so excited to have this offer compared to friend 1 who received a lesser offer and friend 2 who didn’t receive an offer at all.” Or, still, “The company knows what it’s doing; I’m just a new grad with a lot to learn.” (Sure, the company knows what it’s doing and it’s largely looking out for its own best interests). But has any of this ever crossed your mind? A 2015 survey by NerdWallet and Looksharp found that out of almost 8,000 new graduates who entered the working world in a three-year period (2012 and 2015) and 700 employers, only 38 percent of those who responded negotiated with their employers upon receiving a job offer. And nearly 75 percent of employers said they had space to increase their first salary job offers by 5 percent to 10 percent. On top of that, 84 percent of employers said one would not be putting their job at risk if they asked for a negotiation, including entry-level candidates. So, what does this mean for you? Well, it means two things. First, you don’t have to give in to fear of losing a job or job offer. PayScale revealed in its Salary Negotiation Guide that 28 percent of survey respondents felt uncomfortable negotiating their salary, 19 percent didn’t want to be perceived as pushy, and 8 percent feared losing their job. When it comes to dealing with money, things can get awkward and even make you feel anxious at the negotiating table. But, come on, it’s your life. What do you have to lose? According to David Fletcher, career advisor at American University, “Employers work very hard to identify a strong candidate the last thing they are going to do is toss out a top candidate because someone wanted a few thousand dollars more.” Second, companies always have room to pay more. However, they will pay as low a salary as they can for the greatest amount of productivity possible. The company may not willingly offer a pay raise and thus you’ll probably never get one if you don’t ask. The biblical admonition, “ask and ye shall receive” still rings true. If you don’t ask, you won’t get. So, if you’re a recent grad, here are some tips to follow to negotiate your salaries: DO YOUR RESEARCH Throughout the interview process, show that you can do the job, prepare for the role, and act as if the job is already yours. Find out what is expected in the job position, and then train yourself to take on the role. Be knowledgeable and show you are capable. When it comes to negotiation time, the hiring manager will offer the lowest end of the salary stick. You can present an outline of what you will do or have done in the job position and work your way up to the salary you desire. USE YOUR BRAIN You must have a rationale for the pay raise. This can be based on previous experience whether paid or unpaid. It can be based on a  general salary range for the position. It can be based on unique skills you bring to the company. Saying you want a pay raise just because isn’t going to cut it. Don’t come across as demanding or entitled. If they say no the first time, don’t give up. Bring it up again in three months, six months. In between that time, prove yourself. ASK FOR ALTERNATIVE PERKS An increased salary may not always be feasible or possible at the time of your request. Consider asking for additional vacation time, one day a week to work remotely, work schedule flexibility, stock options, a better retirement package, increased health benefits, and so forth. You want to be both respectful and reasonable. An all or nothing approach will hurt you far more in the long run than getting what you want or at least what can be beneficial to you all along the way. KNOW YOUR WORTH This should probably be number one. But enter the process with reasonable expectations and information to support what you’re saying. If you increased sales at Company One by 50 percent in six months, then it is likely you can do it for Company Two. Know what you’re capable of and be humbly firm and confident about it. Don’t go by what your friends say they did to get the job or what they earn or that you have $XX expenses to cover. The goal is to share your skills, experience, ability, education, and how you can make a difference in the overall goal of the company. If you know who you are, know how good you are, and know what you can offer and politely and reasonably express your request for a salary increase, any employer would be willing to work with you and in the end, you may end up getting far more than you asked for.

Budgeting while teaching in the UAE

Budgeting while teaching in the UAE It’s no secret that teaching abroad in the Middle East offers very lucrative contracts for teachers. The contract benefits and salaries many Middle Eastern teaching positions often pale in comparison to other teaching abroad opportunities. Programs like these are a great way for certified teachers to expand their professional profile, travel the world and save some money all at the same time. I taught in Abu Dhabi from January 2010 to December 2015. Part of the reason I stayed so long was because of the amazing financial benefits. I was able to live a life of luxury while still saving over $1,000 USD per month. I was able to travel, participate in many social activities, pay off all my debt and save! Below is a summary of my personal spending habits while teaching in the UAE, living in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. Hopefully this will help you get a better idea of the average cost of living for a couple in the UAE. The budget below will vary based on your individual spending habits and number of family members in your household. Your savings will vary depending on your personal financial goals. It’s really important to balance your spending and saving in order to make the most of your international teaching experience. Income My average monthly salary as a teacher in the UAE was about $3,600 per month. The salary is tax free in the UAE. I was a new teacher, so at the lower end of the pay scale, however, the amount was more than enough to live comfortably and save extra money. Accommodation Many teaching contracts in the UAE provide housing or housing allowances. I lived in a large 2-bedroom apartment, as a single teacher. The rent was covered as part of the benefits of the contract. I had to cover the cost of my utilities, which included water and electricity (around $160 per month), and internet/cable (roughly $95 per month). I was also provided with a furniture allowance when I arrived. I was able to get some great lightly-used furniture for half the price and saved some of this money. Pro tip: check out the local swap and shop groups to get in on those deals! Transportation The most common and convenient way to travel in the UAE is by car. It is very important to rent,lease or buy a new or used car when living in the UAE. Some of the larger cities do have public transit however, these can be expensive and unreliable. I chose to rent a car(a Toyota Yaris) for $435 per month. Check out dubizzle.com for more option on renting, leasing or buying a car. Remember, with driving comes gas expenses as well. Gas is relatively cheap in the UAE, costing only $13 to fill up a tank. I didn'thave to pay any maintenance fees for the vehicle because I rented, but if you decide to lease or buy a car, you should set aside some extra money each month for miscellaneous vehicle expenses (such as tune-ups or oil changes). Phone I had my smartphone unlocked when I arrived to the UAE. I was able to purchase a monthly data and calling plan which included 1 GB of data and unlimited text and local talk for approximately $28 per month. Groceries I spent on average about $300 on groceries for myself and my husband. This included shopping at the more exclusive and expensive foreign grocery stores â€" sometimes you just need a little taste of home! Eating Out We ate out a lot, as there are a variety of local and foreign foods available in the UAE. If you are looking to save some money but still want to eat out, I’d suggest trying the local restaurants. You can get a shawarma for $1. Overall my husband and I spent about $300 per month eating out. Shopping My shopping obsession was fully satisfied by the large shopping malls in the UAE. There is no tax in the UAE, so you pay the sticker price. I spent about $300 per month. A great way to bargain shop in the UAE is visiting the local souks or Karama,a major shopping marketin Dubai. Entertainment My entertainment costs (not including eating out or shopping) came to about $200 per month. Most of my entertainment costs came from visiting friends in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and participating in group activities such as Friday brunch and yachting (yes, you can afford to do that in the UAE!) Travel I was lucky enough to be able to travel to a variety of different countries at a relatively low cost by buying packages on various deal sites online. For example, I went to Kenyaall-inclusivefor four days for $800 with a Groupon. I was also able to take a weekend trip to Sri Lanka for about $500. I’d take about 2 trips per year. I was also provided a round-trip airfare as part of my contract, so I was able to return home to Canada once a year as well. Miscellaneous I would add an additional $200 per month for miscellaneous costs. Things like gym memberships, taxis, gifts, haircuts/beauty would all be included in this category. Total savings/month teaching in the UAE Accommodation $255 Transportation $500 Phone $28 Groceries/eating out $600 Clothes shopping $300 Entertainment $200 Travel $150 Misc. $200 Total expenses $2,230 Total savings/month $1,370 I would highly recommend the UAE to anyone looking to teach abroad. Teaching abroad in the UAE was a rewarding experience both personally and professionally, and the salary allowed me to save more than I could ever have dreamed of in my home country. So check out our job board and start applying today!

Algebra One Part Two Help

Algebra One Part Two HelpAlgebra one part two help helps children have a greater sense of competence, patience and the capacity to plan ahead. This helps them to deal with the increasing complexity of algebra as they progress through their studies.What helps with the math works in algebra elementary school as well as in the senior high schools is the ability to handle multiplication problems. Both of these need to be tested in order to make sure that they are mastered. The students who excel in this area will not only have a better chance at making it through their high school years, but also have an easier time later on in their college days.It is important for students to know that they are not the only ones who can qualify for the SAT or ACT canidates. They can also apply to the state's community colleges for their math courses. Many of these community colleges offer algebra for free or very low cost. Once they have been accepted, they are then allowed to take the algebra course w hich they may not be able to afford if they were to enroll in a private or on campus college.Algebra one part two help helps students with their attention spans and their ability to think in their head. Their study habits and studying habits are also more important now than ever before. They must learn to study smart as well as hard.The students who excel in this algebra one part will also have a wider range of career opportunities. They can choose to major in Business Management or even in Law. Most importantly, they will have a better understanding of the functions of concepts like continuity, linear relationship, change of variables, growth and decay of a function and exponential function.These concepts are more than just good for helping the students prepare for tests and other forms of memorization. They will have a better understanding of algebra, which will help them see things differently, which means that their decisions will be more correct.A child who understands this con cept in one part may be able to understand it in another part. One can expect that these concepts would be useful to a student's ability to analyze concepts, be more interested in financial investment and more likely to take business courses and to take advantage of internships. This would help these students with their higher level college admissions scores.

The Organic Chemistry Tutor Systems of Equations

The Organic Chemistry Tutor Systems of EquationsThe organic chemistry tutor systems of equations has many advantages over the other such electronic equipments available. This is a system wherein the students are not required to get enrolled in a regular chemistry course in order to get the required subjects and the instructions at their disposal. Here, they can take the guidance of the tutor to a whole new level.There are various advantages that are present in these devices. One of the most popular among them is the ability to study the subject in an online environment. The students are no longer confined to the classroom atmosphere, but they can study on their own time, place and through any internet enabled device.These systems offer the student a vast range of different electronic pieces of equipment that would help them to study at their own pace. In this way, the student can develop a strong understanding of the subject at their own convenience and at a faster rate. They can als o choose the guide and system that best suits their needs and preferences.These unique features make it easy for the students to study. They can study from the comfort of their home at any point of time, either sitting in front of their computer or in their offices.The organic chemistry tutor systems of equations that have been developed by the professors of the universities have helped the students to take courses at the desired level. Apart from this, they offer the student to have a much better grasp of the subject in the required manner. The students are taught the principles behind the creation of all the atoms, chemicals and all the chemical elements.These systems may be costly but the benefits they offer are definitely worth the expenditure. You can take the guidance of the tutor to a whole new level by offering your full attention to the subject.These sophisticated systems allow the students to learn about some of the chemical reactions that are occurring even before the exp eriment begins. Hence, they can learn about the process of making a substance and are able to see what the product would be if used in the manufacture of a chemical product. The students can come across some real world examples to help them understand the chemical properties of the substances that they are trying to make.

Be Remembered for the Right Reasons - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Be Remembered for the Right Reasons - Introvert Whisperer Be Remembered for the Right Reasons Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

An Introduction to Acrylic Painting

An Introduction to Acrylic Painting An Introduction to Acrylic painting ChaptersWhat is Acrylic Paint?Types of Acrylic PaintAcrylic vs Oil PaintingBeginner Acrylic Painting SuppliesBest Acrylic Painting CoursesIt’s always great to have a creative outlet, a way to express your personality through different mediums. Acrylic painting is a perfect way to express yourself visually, and a great hobby to keep you entertained when you need a break from the constant stimulation of technology. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePaintin g Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is Acrylic Paint? Acrylic paint has some unique properties which add to its appearance on the canvas.Before we dive into the pros and cons, the techniques and tools, and everything else you need to know about acrylic painting, let’s take a moment to see how the painting medium first came about.Acrylic paint was essentially first conceived sometime during the early part of the 20th century by German chemist and entrepreneur Otto Röhm, when he first stumbled across acrylic resin. It wasn’t until the 1950s that it first became available to the general public though.This resin has a wide variety of properties, such as fantastic water resistance, and it is incredible durability when solid, which makes it the perfect ingredient for paint.Acrylic paint first came to artists’ attention due to its great versatility when compared with oil or watercolour paints, and as such it went on to become a staple of many a painter’s repertoire.With acrylic paint one can achieve a variety of effects simply by addi ng water, or mixing up the mediums used with the paint. This made the process of painting and mixing up styles much more accessible and easier than was the case before the invention of acrylic paint, when painters had to go through the hassle of mixing their own paints.For this reason and others, acrylic paint is often the preferred option for model enthusiasts. So if you’re looking to get into the world of model painting, you’ll probably need to become familiar with acrylic paint.Types of Acrylic PaintAcrylic paint can be purchased in two grades, professional and student. The professional grade paint, as the name suggests, is designed to be used by artists well-versed in the medium, and those who desire the most potential for creativity in terms of how they can manipulate the paint.While the student grade acrylic paint is meant for anyone new to the paint, or those working on a budget since its more affordable than its professional counterpart.Grade aside, there are also a wide variety of acrylic paints which can all achieve different styles and end products.  Craft acrylics - The preferred paint for model painting. This is because craft acrylic paint is versatile and can be used on a variety of surfaces such as wood and ceramics.  Interactive acrylics - Best for artists seeking to modify their work as they go along. Interactive acrylic paint grants the artist more scope to alter their painting by delaying the drying process when necessary.  Open acrylics â€" Designed to extend the time it takes acrylic paint to dry, open acrylics are for those projects which require longer drying time, giving it a characteristic of oil painting.  Iridescent acrylics - An extravagant option to give art an extra splash of colour, iridescent acrylics will create a glowing effect to really catch the eye.Exterior acrylics â€" The last noteworthy type of acrylic paint that may interest you, is exterior acrylics. Much like craft acrylics, these paints will serve you well on a v ariety of surfaces, plus they are highly water resistant making them ideal for outdoor use. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAcrylic vs Oil PaintingAcrylic painting, for those that don’t know, is the main alternative to oil painting. Acrylic paint tends to come in tubes, similar to oil paint, but unlike oil paint, it dries very quickly. As a result, it is a great paint to start out with, as y ou won’t need to wait a long time for it to dry.Another reason why you might consider painting with acrylic over oil paints is how easy it can be cleaned up after use. The last thing you want as a beginner painter is to have to spend half the afternoon cleaning up after yourself, and literally waiting for paint to dry.Painting with acrylics is also much more appealing in the sense that you can clean up after yourself using plain old tap water, rather than having to rely on foul-smelling chemicals to wipe off your brush as you would with oil paints.Not to discredit oil painting too much, but acrylic painting can also be made to look like oil painting, or even watercolour, with a bit of practice. Since you can dilute it with water, you are able to achieve a variety of techniques and visuals, which make it highly versatile.Of course, there are some drawbacks too, but these shouldn’t dissuade you from starting out with acrylic paint. The main downside is that there are fewer colours to choose from compared to oil paints, and the quick drying time might affect how you paint.Beginner Acrylic Painting Supplies Your work space doesn’t have to look like this. Keep it simple.Now that you have a better idea of the nature of acrylic paint, and the characteristics to bear in mind when starting out with it, let’s take a look at the essential beginner supplies which will get you started on the right foot.While you may already know some of the basics required to kickstart a new painting hobby, like a brush or canvas to paint on, there are some other supplies you may be less familiar with. Painting for beginners requires some of the more obvious painting supplies, but also some less well-known ones.BrushFirst things first, a brush should be your number one priority if you’re looking to get into acrylic painting. With a whole host of options available, it can be pretty intimidating to attempt to make the right choice first time.However, with just a couple of brushes on hand, you can express your creative side in many ways. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want a hog hair brush with stiff br istles for heavier painting, and a lighter brush like a small round one to add finer details or effects like watercolour.One thing to keep in mind when using acrylic paints is to maintain your brushes well, that is to say, wash them thoroughly after each use as this type of paint can be tough on bristles.CanvasOf course, once you have your paint and brushes, you’re going to want a medium to paint onto. A canvas is a great place to start, and the best option for a beginner starting out is a pre-prepared canvas, which’ll be ready to use from the start.Cotton duck is one of the best materials for a canvas, due to its affordability and availability. While you could opt for the higher quality of linen, you’ll probably want to start out with something a little more reasonably priced, especially if you’re just trying the hobby out.PaletteThe last obvious item on your acrylic painting shopping list should be a good palette. You’ve seen those photos of famous painters with a brush in one hand and a palette in the other, so its obviously worth the investment.However, before you run out and buy the first one you find, it’s worth bearing in mind the quick-dry nature of acrylic paint. This characteristic means that both plastic and wooden palettes won’t serve you as well as stay-wet palettes which have been developed specifically for working with acrylic paint.You could even get your hands on a few disposable palettes, which are the best option for dabbling with acrylic painting.Jar of WaterSomething you may or may not have considered when taking up acrylic painting, is the need for a jar or cup of water at your work station at all times. This is necessary because you’ll need to keep the brush and paint wet, due to the quick-dry nature of acrylic paint.Cleaning SoapAnother supply that’s easy to overlook is soap to clean your brushes. Special soaps are available for use specifically with paintbrushes. These will keep the bristles at their best and help to maintain the brushes no matter how often you use them.Best Acrylic Painting Courses Get comfortable and study from home.Finally, to give you some direction with your first foray into the world of acrylic painting, we’re going to recommend some great tutorials, courses, and classes out there. You can learn to paint while also specifically developing your skills in the medium of acrylic painting. Learning to paint doesn’t have to be a chore either, check out these engaging painting courses and feed your artistic flair.Video TutorialsThe Arttutor YouTube channel is a fantastic resource for beginner video tutorials on acrylic painting. Their acrylic painting playlist contains a variety of video classes which will help you up your game from the get-go.Katie Jobling also has some great tutorials and video lessons on the popular video streaming platform which should help get you off to a strong start in acrylic painting.Great Online CoursesIn terms of painting lessons you can follow along with online, there are several solid options to choose from as a beginner.Your be st bet is likely to search Udemy’s great number of courses led by experts. Many acrylic painting courses can be found through the website, with some focussing on the basics, and others focussing on more complex elements of acrylic painting.Online TuitionLast, but certainly not least, is the option of seeking online tuition to help brush up on all the basics.Depending on where you are in the UK, chances are you’ll be able to find a acrylic painting tutor near you by using the art lessons near me search function on the SuperProf website.Even if there isn’t a tutor near you, or you prefer online tuition, we have you covered on that end too. Our qualified tutors offer art lessons for adults and children alike, and will be more than happy to help you start out in the field of acrylic painting, and get you up to speed with everything from supplies to techniques.

Encouragement for Those Learning to Improvise Part II

Encouragement for Those Learning to Improvise Part II Suzy S. Did you enjoy Charles M.s article a few weeks ago about learning to improvise? If you missed it, be sure to check it out if youre feeling a bit discouraged.   Learning to improvise can be tricky, and it doesnt come naturally to everyone not even the guitar masters of today. Continue reading to learn more Last time, I discussed how many famous guitarists carefully compose a great deal of their solos, or at least have many melodic ideas in mind before they begin recording solos. I cited Randy Rhoads as an example, but there are many other people that work out their solos Brian May of Queen, and Paul Allender of Cradle of Filth are a couple more examples. This should be encouraging to those beginning to improvise since it proves that even the finest players often need time to find something that sounds good. However, we all must start somewhere and this week I would like to give some advice on how to begin improvising. As I previously stated, I would learn at least ten solos by other artists before starting to improvise, since this is a fun way to build technique and learn how to pace yourself when soloing. After you learn some solos, take a step back and examine the individual phrases themselves. Consider why each of the phrases works where they are in the solo, i.e. why does the first phrase sound like a beginning lick? Why do the phrases in the middle sound like they go there? Is it the character of the melodies? The energy level? Once you begin to ask these questions you can begin to put what you have noticed into practice. Just as people who are nervous often ramble on and on because they don’t know what to do with themselves, beginner improvisers will often just play a torrent of notes, creating the musical equivalent of run-on sentences. In order to control this I ask students to play only one or two well-placed notes per bar. I ask them to try various tones until they find something that piques the ear. You should always be conscious of how the harmonic progression creates a sense of tension and release, and the notes that are selected should mirror the level of tension at that particular time and space. Another great technique is to sing while you are improvising. Your playing will automatically become more lyrical and the lines will “breathe” like a vocalist. While youre at it, try to incorporate snippets of the song’s vocal melody into the solo. The song’s melody is a logical starting point since your solo is supposed to enhance the song, and the listener will already be familiar with the vocal line. As a final suggestion, I would say just play. If you come up with some licks that are particularly inspired, keep them and use them the next time you improvise. Use them as soulful landmarks while you continue down the road of spontaneous expression. As always, keep in mind that Rome was not built in a day. Improvising is a skill that will never stop developing. Want even more expert advice from our teachers?    Sign up for email updates here! Charles M. teaches guitar, music performan ce and music theory lessons to students of all ages in Salem, OR. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music, a Masters degree in Music Education, as well as a Ph.D in Musicology.  Sign up for lessons with Charles, or visit  TakeLessons to search for teachers near you! Photo by StephenGilmer.

How to Choose Your Capstone Project

How to Choose Your Capstone Project After several years of hard work, it is finally time to choose a topic of special interest that will represent all that you have learned, as well as how you have grown academically, during your undergraduate career. The academic area that you will be working in your major is a given, but the specific topic that you will explore in your capstone course may not be. How do you choose the subject on which you will focus for a semester (or longer)? What type of topic is best? Here are six tips on how to choose your capstone project: 1. Brainstorm By the time youre ready to begin thinking about your capstone project (not to be confused with the AP Capstone Program), you have likely fulfilled most of your degree requirements. Before you begin researching your project, take the time to reflect. What topics or classes were of particular interest to you? Are there any topics that you would like to learn more about? Make a list of all the ideas that you would consider working on and writing about, and note any preliminary questions that may inform the direction of your project. Try these tips to keep your notes organized. 2. Read Now that you have a broad list of potential topics, its time to start reading. Preview the latest research and other texts about these topics. Does any research look particularly promising? Can you see yourself contributing to the discussion surrounding any of these topics? Eliminate topics that seem limited, or that are academically beyond what your coursework and major have prepared you for. 3. Narrow your focus At this stage, try to identify one topic that you would like to further explore, and identify several questions that you would like to further research and possibly expand upon. Write down everything that you already know about these topics, and hypothesize about where an experiment or a paper might be able to address aspects of the topic that have yet to be tested or addressed. Remember to narrow your focus here. Dont decide that you want to simply write about the American Revolution, for example. Instead, explore specific aspects of the American Revolution. Choose one question that is most interesting to you for your next step. 4. Consult with your project adviser Before you begin delving into your chosen topic, consult with your adviser. He or she will be able to redirect your focus if necessary, as well as recommend resources that can further your understanding of the topic. Also, getting approval from your adviser will ensure that you have chosen an appropriate and interesting topic. 5. Read more By now, you should have a specific topic and question that you will explore in your capstone project, and it is finally time to dig into the research surrounding this topic. Learn about the history of your topic by surveying both old and new research regarding it. Refresh your understanding of any background knowledge that will be necessary to conduct your research or begin writing your paper. Take notes about your research for easy reference later. 6. Begin working Congratulations! Its time to begin conducting your experiment or writing your paper. If you are concerned about the quality of your writing consider contacting a writing tutor. Stay on schedule, stay connected with your project adviser, and work hard to finish this important piece of your education! By taking these simple steps in preparation for your capstone project, you can ensure you choose an interesting and challenging topic to explore as a summation of your college education.