Historys Most Important Sculpture Artists.

History’s Most Important Sculpture Artists. The Sculptors from History You Really Ought to Know ChaptersAnonymous. The Forgotten Figures in the Ancient Art WorldPhidias (c. 480-430BC). The Maker of the Masterpieces of Greek SculptureDonato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (1386-1466), or Donatello. The Founder of the Italian Renaissance in SculptureMichelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564). The Height of the High RenaissanceGian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680). A Baroque Sculptural Legend.Antonio Canova (1757-1822). Hero of Neo-Classical Sculpture.Auguste Rodin (1840-1917). The Birth of Modernist Sculpture.Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957). A Major Influence on Modern Sculpture.Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). The Famous Painter and Sculptor.Robert Smithson (1938-1973). Making Sculpture from the Land.Sculpture is one of the visual arts that has been with us since the earliest days of our being human. Long before the first art museum or curator, long before the first school of art, way before even artworks were thought of as art â€" made by artists, by individual painters, by a sculptor â€" sculpture w as with us.So, we are talking about a long time before the Greek and Roman ages, long before Hellenistic antiquity, Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, back to the most ancient civilizations of which we know.  The history of sculpture is coterminous with the history of humanity.And sculpture as an art form has come a long way since then - creating lots of different sculptural styles. From religious sculpture and primitive figurines, from prehistoric reliefs and figurative carvings, our sculptural history has blossomed.Western art and sculpture now include everything from kinetic sculpture to landscape gardens, paper sculpture and glass sculpture to architectural sculpture, snow sculpture and outdoor sculpture to public art, abstract sculpture, and all varieties of cross-disciplinary work.But who were the big names that made this transition possible? Who were the most important sculptures to take us from the monumental figures of Ancient Greece to the abstract sculptures of today? And how did they do what they did?It’s time to find out! 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The Forgotten Figures in the Ancient Art WorldThe trouble with focusing on sculptors in the history of sculpture is that the notion of the individual artist is a concern of the modern and contemporary world. Back in the Paleolithic and Upper Paleolithic, in the ancient civilizations, and even as late as Roman art and beyond, people didn’t necessarily sign their name on the work.Consequently, unlike the contemporary artists that need recognition in the modern art economy, some of the most iconic statues of the ancient world were made by people we have no idea about.Take the Great Sphinx of Giza, a hugely famous statue, or the figurative sculpture of the Löwenmensch or the Venus figurines made of mammoth ivory or ceramics. We could go on: the medieval cathedrals and the stone sculpture tradition of the Scots and Scandinavians, the Greek and Roman statues that remain unattributed, the public art projects that, throughout history have been constructed collaboratively.Although you won’t find them in any museum of art, all of these forgotten figures deserve a mention.Phidias (c. 480-430BC). The Maker of the Masterpieces of Greek SculptureOne of the earliest named figures in the history of sculpture is Phidias, an Ancient Greek, from Athens, who designed and constructed some of the most important works in the classical period.He is known for having created the statue of Zeus at Olympia â€" one of the wonders of the ancient world â€" as well as a number of colossal statues of Athena, at the Acropolis, at the Parthenon, and the Propylaea.All of these, unfortunately, are now lost. But this doesn’t detract from his importance. Throughout the ancient world, Phidias’s name was known, and he is known for guiding the direction of future Greek sculptural design.Conveniently, in the fifties, we found the workshop of Phidias â€" and from this could confirm that all of these masterpieces of sculpture did indeed exist.Learn more about the world's most famous sculptures here! Phidias contributed to the work of some of most marvelous works of ancient GreeceDonato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (1386-1466), or Donatello. The Founder of the Italian Renaissance in SculptureWe’re going to call him Donatello. One of the greatest â€" and most influential â€" sculptors in history, he turned the attention of Italian sculptors at the time back to the classicist principles of ancient Greece and Rome. With that, he kickstarted the renaissance in sculpture that was to change the course of the history of art.His most famous work is probably the Bronze David â€" one of the early Renaissance statues in the round â€" which depicts a boyish biblical David with a sword. Otherwise, the bronze statue of Gattamelata in Padova is considered one of his masterpieces.Whilst his works themselves are not exceptionally famous for those outsides of the art world, his work was hugely, indisputably, influential.Learn everything about sculpture!Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564). The Heig ht of the High RenaissanceWe usually associate the Italian Renaissance with Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Donatello. The fourth name in this last â€" and the last of the Ninja Turtles â€" is Michelangelo, whose own sculpture of David is perhaps the most famous sculpture ever.It’s incredible really that someone can be just so damn talented, but Michelangelo excelled at pretty much everything he laid his hand to. Alongside sculpture, there’s the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel â€" which probably goes down as the most breath-taking work of painting ever produced.Anyway, he was also hugely influential on the cultural landscape around him and following him. His Statue of Victory was massively influential on the Mannerist style that followed, whilst the marble sculpture of Moses and others at the tomb of Julius II still have an influence over contemporary sculpture today. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5 .00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st le sson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680). A Baroque Sculptural Legend.For the arts, between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, the home was Italy, where artists were developing the naturalistic, representational, and expressive potential of different materials.Gian Lorenzo Bernini, following in the footsteps of the great sculptors of the Renaissance would only develop further their achievements, moving the history of art into the Baroque. Indeed, it is thought that he wanted to prove himself, in the art of sculpture, a worthy successor to Michelangelo.His most famous works include the Ecstasy of Santa Teresa, The Rape of Proserpina, and Apollo and Daphne. Yet, he didn’t stop with mere sculpture.Bernini was also an architect and town planner, and it is impossible to go to Rome and miss the massive influence that he had on the city.Find some good art classes here. Bernini continued the spirit of the Italian RenaissanceAntonio Canova (1757-1822). Hero of Neo-Classical Sculpture.After Bernini’s Baroque â€" and subsequently the rococo style that took the dynamism and decoration of this style to a greater extreme â€" sculptors calmed down a little. They returned to the classical values of Greek and Roman sculpture.This meant simplicity, nobility, and naturalism â€" and Antonio Canova was probably the most successful in capturing these values.His most famous works are Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, Perseus Triumphant, and The Three Graces. And, yes, he was Italian too â€" and lived in Venice his whole life. Canova is known for his neoclassical styleAuguste Rodin (1840-1917). The Birth of Modernist Sculpture.Rodin was one of those artists who was the continuous recipient of criticism throughout his life. Rejected by academic art school, and generally not accepted by his peers, his work was generally seen as quite unconventional.However, this struggle is one of the great testaments to his originality. These days, he is considered to be the father of modernism â€" the general description of the concerns of art at the beginning of the twentieth century.Rather than focusing on classical mythology, allegory, or religious themes and narratives, Rodin’s work was more impressionistic, more focused on the individual subject, and less polished in its finish. He took the statue’s pose off its pedestal and opened the door to the more subversive and innovative works that would follow.See his work in one of the best sculpture collections in the world.Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957). A Major Influe nce on Modern Sculpture.Incidentally, the Romanian Constantin Brancusi was one of Rodin’s students. However, like Samuel Beckett with James Joyce, he found the instruction by such a genius quite stifling.Brancusi left Rodin’s studio and made a career of his own in sculpture, developing an immediately recognisable style. Generally considered abstract in his work, Brancusi sculptural style moves away from the figurative sculpture that preceded him. Instead, he focused on simplicity of shape and form.The Kiss, or the Sleeping Muse, are probably his two most famous works, whilst the Endless Column is perhaps the most famous of twentieth-century outdoor sculpture.Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). The Famous Painter and Sculptor.Picasso is one of the most famous names in the history of art â€" and most people would be able to recognise one of his works. He has an incredibly distinct style, which came to be known as Cubism.Whilst known primarily for his painting, Picasso was almost as prolifi c in sculpture â€" and maintained this style across the different media.He is also known for pioneering the art form known as the assemblage â€" something like a three-dimensional collage usually made up of found objects.Robert Smithson (1938-1973). Making Sculpture from the Land.In the twentieth century, the limits of what artists could do â€" and what they could define as sculpture â€" burst open. It was a century of committed artistic innovation which brought with it a proliferation of styles, media, and themes.One of the most radical innovators in twentieth-century sculpture was Robert Smithson. His work focused on making art out of the land, manipulating land to make it artful.His most famous work is probably the Spiral Jetty, constructed in the Great Salt Lake in Utah, US.

How to Record Music on Your PC

How to Record Music on Your PC The Guide to Programmes for Recording Your Own Guitar Music ChaptersWhat Do You Need to Record Guitar on Your PC?The Three Ways to Record Your GuitarAudacity PC Recording SoftwareRecording Guitar with Reaper for PCRecording Your Guitar with Nero Wave EditorThe Traverso DAW Sequencer for Recording GuitarFL Studio 11 for Recording Guitar on Your PCComposing Music on Your Computer with SonarPresonus Studio One for Recording Guitar onto PC“The world's most famous and popular language is music.” - PsySubscription-based streaming accounted for 83% of stream revenue in 2017. More and more people are happy to pay for access to music via their computer or smartphone. This is great news for both amateur and professional musicians.If you want to create the next big hit, you’re going to have to get to work and start recording your own music on your computer and share it online.In this article, we’re going to have a look at what you need to start recording on your PC, different ways to record music, and the best programmes for recording guitar and other musical instruments.easy to learn French songs?Audacity PC Recording SoftwareAudacity is a powerful audio editor with an intuitive interface.  The programme is free because it’s open-source.Electric guitars are usually connected to an amp when recording. (Source: Pexels)With multi-track recording, it can manage multiple instruments at once. Audacity offers direct recording functionality, importing audio tracks, overdubbing, and cutting and copying tracks to your heart’s content.  Audacity also includes a number of effects, too.Learning how to use all of this programme’s functionality will take time, but it'll be worth it once you see just exactly what this software can do.Recording Guitar with Reaper for PCReaper is a free programme for composing and editing musical compositions. It allows you to arrange samples, apply effects, and even add virtual instruments.  The latest version can also use MIDI files, which are commonly used in Computer Music.You’ll find a simple and complete interface showing you the audio tracks at the top of the screen and a mixing deck at the bottom. You can hide the letter if you need to see more of the tracks.  There’s no limit to the number of tracks but this will depend on your sound card. You can save your projects as .wav files.There’s a premium version but the free version is great for getting started and seeing whether or not you like it. 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 tutorsRecording Your Guitar with Nero Wave EditorThis recording programme is free and it’s recommended for beginners who’re finding Audacity too complicated.There are plenty of great programmes available on the market. (Source: TheAngryTeddy)In fact, Nero Wave Editor allows you to edit files easily and quickly.  You can add effects such as doppler, reverb, and distortion.  Other features include noise reduction and an equaliser. The programme is compatible with VST and DirectX plugins to give you even more options.It’s compatible with .wav, .ogg, .mp3, .mp4, and .aiff, .aac, and .flac file formats.The Traverso DAW Sequencer for Recording GuitarThis recording programme is available for free.  Complete with multi-track recording, mixing deck, and effects. Traverso DAW allows for real-time audio editing. The recordings are quality.  Furthermore, the user interface is clean and intuitive.This programme is more compact than most other audio programmes and doesn’t take too much sp ace on your computer. It supports the .flac, .ogg, .mp3, and .wav file formats.FL Studio 11 for Recording Guitar on Your PCLet’s have a look at some of the programmes you can pay for with FL Studio 11, formerly known as FruityLoops. The most basic version starts at around £80.  It’s a programme that’s popular with both amateurs and professionals.The programme has a plethora of different tools for editing patterns, multi-track sequencing, and recording samples.  It’s compatible with guitars, pianos, and drums, too. You can put together patterns and create your own songs by recording your entire band.You can manage 99 different tracks at the same time, which might be difficult for beginners.  There’s a trial version available to see if you like it.Composing Music on Your Computer with SonarStarting at £40, you can enjoy Sonar’s versatile audio sequence.You don't need an entire recording studio to record your own music. (Source: 453169)There are three main versions (Artis t, Professional, Platinum) for different needs.  Just like Cubase and Ardour, Sonar is developed by Cakewalk and allows you to create, record, and share music.There are plenty of virtual instruments available to help you create more diverse music. You can apply effects to your recordings like reverb, flanger, and delay.Once you’ve finished, you can share your creations directly to YouTube, SoundCloud, burn them to a CD, or export them as .wav, .flac, and .aif files.  There are trial versions available, too. Check them out and see whether Sonar is right for you.Also discover these great online tools for tuning your guitar...Presonus Studio One for Recording Guitar onto PCPresonus Studio One is one of the best programmes for Computer Music.You can use this programme to record, mix, and edit your music and there’s also a trial version available to check out. The user interface is simple and effective and is great for both amateurs and professional musicians.The keyboard shortcuts a re exactly the same as other programmes like Cubase, Pro Tools, and Logic, which can make things much easier if you’re familiar with them.To get a better idea, we recommend that you try out these programmes and see which works for you.So which are you going to start recording your music on?If you want to get better at playing the guitar before you start recording yourself,  you should check out some of the tutors on Superprof. You can search for what you want to learn and by where you live.  Most tutors offer free tutoring for the first hour, so try a few out and see who you like!If, for some reason, you can't find any suitable guitar tutors in your local area, don't forget that you can always opt for online private tutorials via webcam using a programme like Skype. This is a useful solution for those who live remotely or have awkward schedules as you just need to have a computer with a decent webcam, microphone, and a good internet connection. Additionally, they tend to be cheape r than other private tutorials as your tutor doesn't need to factor travel costs into their rates!Now discover all the best tools for taking your guitar playing to the next level!

Got a Poor Performance Review Heres to Improve - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Got a Poor Performance Review Here’s to Improve - Introvert Whisperer Got a Poor Performance Review? Here’s to Improve Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

How to Learn Some Different Kinds of String Instrument.

How to Learn Some Different Kinds of String Instrument. Look Beyond the Guitar: Learn Some Other String Instruments. ChaptersStudy How to Play the Lute.Get Started with the Mandolin.Try Playing the Cittern.Learn to Play the Banjo.Practice Playing the Ukulele.The guitar remains one of the most popular musical instruments in the world â€" and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change any time soon.However, in a world in which the guitar â€" electric guitars as much as the classical guitar â€" is only one of hundreds of different types of string instrument, it’s quite fun that this one is so much more popular than all the rest.Sure, we have mass production to blame, most probably. Because before Fender and Yamaha got their hands on these things, stringed instruments came in all shapes, sizes, string numbers, sounds, and styles. From the bouzouki to the zither, from the cavaquinho to the vihuela, there have been just an enormous number of different instruments to choose from.Of course, though, you’d probably have had to make them yourself â€" but at least the variety would be something to beh old.Regardless, we’re going to look here at some different types of stringed instruments. Now, we’re not looking at the bowed string instruments â€" such as the violin family â€" nor at the hammered variety like the harpsichord, but exclusively at those that are referred to by the technical term, ‘plucked string instruments’.These, as you can image, are those like guitars, lutes, harps, and zithers. The five alternatives to the guitar we’ll look at are the banjo, lute, mandolin, cittern, and ukulele.So, let’s get cracking. Because, yes, admittedly, whilst the guitar is awesome, there’s no harm in exploring what else is out there. Let’s take a look. Why not learn a new instrument?These days, the lute is generally considered to be a bit of an historical instrument. However, over the last century, it has come back into the interest of classical musicians and folk music enthusiasts.And so it should â€" because it has a wonderful sound that everyone should hear.A Brief History of the Lute.We said that the lute doesn’t really refer to any one musical instrument in particular. It is rather more a family of stringed instruments whose history stretches back potentially six thousand years.Originating probably in ancient Mesopotamia, the relatives of the lute have been found in China and India as well as in ancient Europe â€" whilst pretty much everything that we know as a plucked string instrument is its distant cousin.Its golden age was during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when composers like John Dowland were writing. After the eighteenth century, however, they were generally replaced by keyboards.You can find out more abo ut the lute in our article on Learning to Play the Lute.Some Lutenists You Need to Know.So, which lutenists do you need to know? Here are two.Julian Bream â€" The UK’s most beloved guitarist was also a dab hand at the lute. It is to him that we owe its recent surge in popularity.Joachim Held â€" A music professor by day and a virtuosic lutenist the rest of the time, Held has won awards that the instrument had never previously seen. The banjo is a popular string instrument.Get Started with the Mandolin.So, now we know the lute. The mandolin, actually, is a distant relative of the lute itself â€" and we can compare it to the lute to understand a bit more about its particular characteristics.The mandolin, firstly, is smaller than the lute â€" and whilst the lute can either be fretted or not, the mandolin needs its frets to really be a mandolin. Indeed, the mandolin’s steel strings â€" as opposed to the lute’s gut strings â€" are quite difficult to sound without a fret.Whilst the lute is the family, the mandolin is a specific figure in that family. And whilst it was born in the eighteenth century, it is still rocking it among folk musicians, classical musicians, and traditional Italian players.A Brief History of the Mandolin.You remember that the lute needs a rounded back? Well, the mandolin comes in three forms, depending on where that particular model originated (with mandolins, you have Milanese, Cremonese, Brescian, and Neapolitan violins â€" just to name a few): these can be carved-top, round-back, or flat-back.However, they are thought to have originated in Naples, before they became incredibly popular at the turn of the twentieth century.Find out more about the history of the mandolin in our article on Learning to Play the Mandolin.Incredible Mandolinists that You Can’t Miss.If you are looking to hear what a mandolin can do, check out these amazing mandolinists!Chris Thile â€" Thile is a genre-defying multi-Grammy award-winning mandolinist, with recordings in classical, pop, and jazz. His playing is a wonder to behold.Bill Monroe â€" With the Blue Grass Boys, Bill Monroe was the first to show the modern world the full range of what the mandolin could do. 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 DanielGuita r 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 tutorsTry Playing the Cittern.If the mandolin is a specifically Italian invention, the cittern’s origins are generally a little clouded. Yet, the fact that the cittern is quite similar to the mandolin in other respects is fairly well-agreed.Whilst the mandolin has a strict four courses, the cittern can range between four and six. Meanwhile both have a permanent resonator, metal strings and a hollow body.One of the primary differences is that the cittern often has re-entrant tuning â€" meaning that the string that is highest physically on the instrument is often tuned highest.A Brief History of the Cittern.The cittern is primarily a Ren aissance instrument â€" and is not as common nowadays as the mandolin.However, during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the cittern was hugely popular â€" with people from all different classes playing the instrument. It was available to the lower classes, by the way, because, flat-backed, it was much easier and cheaper to construct than the lute.If you want to hear more about the history of the cittern, head to our article on Learning to Play the Cittern.Famous Cittern Players? Not Quite â€" But They’re Worth Hearing.Let’s take a look at some of the most talented players of this stringed instrument, the cittern. Famous may well be the wrong word…Ale Carr â€" The Swedish cittern player in the band Dreamers’ Circus. He’s incredible.Gregory Doc Rossi â€" An expert on the history of the cittern, Rossi too is an awesome performer. Learn all about the mandolin!Learn to Play the Banjo.The banjo, you will know, is a different instrument altogether. A round body and a long neck, banjos come from a different tradition than the other instruments here.And the sound is completely different too: more percussive, more punchy, the banjo’s pizzicato sound is the defining tone of bluegrass, country, and much of contemporary folk-pop too.A Different Trajectory: The History of the Banjo.Rather than having its development in Europe, the banjo actually has its roots in the Caribbean, among African slave populations.They would produce music with a rudimentary structure of an animal membrane spread over a circular wooden frame â€" something that would act as a resonator for the strings on top.Yet, the instrument spread across rural America and become one of the most important instruments in American old time music.If you want to know more about the history of the banjo, check out our article on Learning to Play the Banjo!The B ig Names of Banjo.For those who don’t know, there is a huge community of banjo players around the world. Here are some of their heroes:Earl Scruggs â€" If there is one person to have changed the way that the banjo is played, it was Scruggs, who played with the Blue Grass Boys mentioned above.Bela Fleck â€" With his band, the Flecktones, Bela Fleck has pushed the boundaries of what the banjo can achieve.Practice Playing the Ukulele.These days the ukulele has the unfortunate reputation of being an easy, small guitar. This is not really fair at all.Rather, the ukulele â€" this diminutive instrument with four strings â€" has a rich tradition of hugely talented musicians.The Ukulele’s History.Although certainly to be affixed to the image of Hawaii for all eternity, the ukulele â€" meaning ‘jumping flea’ in the local language â€" was the development of very similar instruments brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants in the late nineteenth century.These instruments â€" the cavaquinho, for example â€" were descendants of the earlier lute, but they were all very wee.Hawaii’s king at the time loved these instruments â€" and they became hugely popular both around the archipelago and in the US.Find out more about the history of the ukulele in our article on Learning the Ukulele!You’re Not a Real Ukulele Player if You Don’t Know these Legends.The world is full of ukulele players. Perhaps, however, there are two that stand out.Israel Kamakawiwo?ole â€" A ukulele player, singer, and activist, Israel, or IZ, brought the instrument back into popularity in the nineties after decades of obscurity.Jake Shimabukuro â€" A viral YouTube sensation, Jake is a ukulele virtuoso â€" and proves the distances ukulele playing can go.

Is the GED Test Hard What You Need to Know - Private Tutoring

Is the GED Test Hard What You Need to Know BobbiM Jan 3, 2015 Image courtesy of Flickr.com Is the GED test hard?   The General Educational Development test is an opportunity for those who were not able to go or to complete high-school to get a certificate considered as the equivalent of a high school diploma. Since 1972 when it was put to law,   it has been a tremendous blessing and of benefit for thousands of people all over the US.   It offers everyone who passes a chance for them to find a better-paid job, opportunities for further education and several other benefits. What is the GED test and What are the Sections of the GED Test? The GED consists of five sections: Social Studies Reading Writing Science Mathematics Social studies section consists of 50 questions. You have 70 minutes for this section. There are various types of questions: drag-and-drop, hot spots, fill in the blank space questions, multiple choice questions, etc. This test is checking: your general knowledge the ability to understand the given information the ability to process the given information The questions are from the following areas: Economics (20%) Geography (15%) Civics and government (25%) History (US or Canada 25%, world 15%) Science section contains 50 multiple choice question to finish in 80 minutes; The test is checking: Your general knowledge and vocabulary understanding some of the concepts and principles usually studied in high school the ability to understand, interpret and use the data from charts and tables The questions are from the following areas: Life science (45%) Physical science (physics and chemistry, 35%) Earth and space science (20%) The reading section requires excellent comprehension; You have 65 minutes to answer 40 multiple choice questions. It is about understanding written passages and their interpretation. 75% of the questions come from fictional literature while others are from nonfiction passages (workplace/business related documents). Fictional literature consists of: poetry drama prose fiction before 1920 prose fiction between 1920-1960 prose fiction after 1960. The test is checking: Comprehension Application Analysis Synthesis Writing section consists of two parts and the final score is a combination of the test one and test two scores. The first part requires you to read the passages and answer 50 multiple choice questions. The first test is checking four components of writing: Sentence structure Mechanics Organization Usage For the second part, you are given 45 minutes. The second part writing the essay and expressing your personal viewpoint on given topic you should be familiar with. The essay will be scored depending on the: Focused main points Clear organization Specific development of ideas Sentence structure control, grammar, spelling, word choice and punctuation Mathematics section has 50 questions and five different areas that questions cover. Mathematics section is divided in two tests and each is 45 minutes. During the first test you are allowed to use calculator while during the other test it is forbidden. You will be provided with   math formulas to use during the test. Type of questions: Multiple choice (80%) Drag-and-drop Quantitative problem solving questions Algebraic problem solving Filling in a blank space Interpretation of information given in Graphs/problems with charts/diagrams/tables… The areas for the first test are: Theory Geometry algebra The areas for the second test are: Data analysis Statistics More than 17 million have passed the GED exam and earned their certificate since 1972, the year the program was established and the research results say the passing percentage is getting lower and lower every year. What has changed? The new GED exam (started 2014) is much harder and it is more confusing to people than the previous one. What is the Difference Between the Old GED Exam and the New (2014) GED Exam? The Old GED Exam: Consisted of five different sections that you didn’t have to pass all at once The score could be combined from multiple attempts It was very long On paper The answers should be simply marked Took weeks to be graded Cost: $80 The New GED Exam: Computerized Requires computer literacy and speed typing of 25 words per minute Explanation of the answer needed Students find out score immediately Some questions might appear confusing and are not clear If a student fails one section, he needs to retake the whole test Cost: $120 According to these differences, it is easy to see that older citizens who are not computer literate have faced difficulties passing the new GED exam. As the statistics show, there are less people taking the test because of the high price of the exam. Compared to the old version where they could combine their scores and test their knowledge only of the sections they have failed in prior times, this new version not only is pricier but is also too demanding for many. It is a high risk and low chance they will pass the GED exam on the first attempt without some assistance or additional studying. People are disappointed and devastated by the changes and have complained that this test is supposed to help them get out and find a chance for a better-paid job, but instead, it is just a money-eating process with no end. While some test takes are trying to improve their education level, others are looking and hoping for a better paying job by having their degree in hand. Image courtesy of Pixabay.com What Can You Do to Prepare Yourself Better for the New GED Exam? Don’t expect it to be easy; it’s the equivalent of getting a high-school diploma, and there are a lot of things you go through in high school and are required to learn.   Its the same expectations here as well! Don’t be discouraged by others or by what you read online. If you want to pass it, you will prepare yourself and study well. Know it’s a risk worth trying â€" it’s not wasting your money if you are well prepared and ready. It is an investment in your future and your personal development. Ask for help â€" find all the help and support you can; contact private tutors, GED tutors and people who have passed the exam already; they will give you tips and advice. Be calm â€" being stressed and anxious before the test affects negatively and may cause your failure due to lack of concentration and because of your fear; just like this pre-test anxiety, there is anxiety while preparing for the test. Be secure in yourself and focus on what you are learning. Visit the GED website â€" get to know the test before seeing it; find out what they want and how they grade the tests. Get familiar with the types of the questions; this way you won’t be shocked when you see something you didn’t expect to see. Find resources â€" ask on the website, order books online or ask a private tutor for prepping and assistance for this test. It will help you if you have someone who has the knowledge and knows how to transfer the knowledge to you. Find the study material you need and get to know the topics and details well; try to understand things rather than to learn them by heart. Learning by heart means you won’t be able to answer any further questions about the answer you gave , and you will likely have some questions that you cant answer.   You need to understand the topics, not just memorize. Have faith in yourself â€" believe you can do this, because you can. It takes a lot of patience and time, but you are improving yourself and investing both time and money in becoming a better person with more knowledge. Don’t miss the chance and opportunity that this presents! Find the Best Private Tutors At Reasonable Rates - Get Real Results Fast! Choose Your Subject - Add Your Zip Code - Find Top Rated Tutors Today InPerson or Online Online InPerson

How to Study for the GRE on Your Own 7 Best Success Tips Plus Guide

How to Study for the GRE on Your Own 7 Best Success Tips Plus Guide Anna L Jan 16, 2019 Find a Top Rated GRE Tutor Near You! It's Simple and Secure - Get Real Results Fast. Find Expert Private Tutors at Reasonable Rates Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson If you’re trying to figure out how to study for the GRE on your own, you probably have some questions!   What’s the best GRE study guide and way to prep? The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, offers a gateway to graduate and business schools.  While those entering medical school or law school take other tests, those interested in most liberal arts fields, education, and some business program will be looking to take the GRE.   And like all the standardized tests, the better your scores, the more options you have available for schools as well as financial aid. GRE Study Plan But students also lead busy lives and ensuring you have time to focus on the GRE may not always seem possible. So just how long does it take to study for the GRE? The short answer is, however long you have! You can have a GRE study plan 3 months long and some are longer and some are less. Naturally, the longer you have the more likely you are to achieve a higher score, but there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of success without the luxury of time. This is your guide on how to study for the GRE and how to create an effective GRE study plan. What is Involved in the GRE General Test? There are three sections in the test; analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning The test can be taken as many times as you like, but considering there is a cost with each attempt it is best to adequately prepare so you can achieve your desired result the first time around. Your confidence level may also take a hit with each unsuccessful attempt, so do it once and do it right! Let’s look at the test sections in further detail. Analytical Writing â€" this section requires focused responses that articulate complex ideas that are supported with relevant reasons and examples. You must examine claims and evidence, and maintain a concentrated discussion with a high level control of standard written English. Quantitative Reasoning â€" this section examines your ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information. You will use mathematical models to solve problems and your basic skills of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis will be tested. You are allowed to use a calculator when completing this section. Verbal Reasoning â€" here you will analyze and draw conclusions, identify the author’s assumptions and/or perspectives, and understand the author’s intent in a literal and figurative manner. You will be tested on your ability to summarize text, selecting the key points from the text as well as understanding the structure of the text. Your understanding of the meanings of words and sentences will be tested, as will your ability to recognize relationships between words and concepts. One really important point to remember about this test!   Questions on the test can be skipped and you can return to them later.   Plus, you also have the opportunity to change any answers before submitting your test. Now let’s move on… How to Prepare and Study for the GRE The skills required to succeed in the test are developed over a period of time and not related to any particular field of study. For this reason, preparation is crucial to success. Unlike many other examinations, where content can be revised and learned, the GRE measures your ability to respond to the information given. The good news here is that you will already have acquired many of the skills required, you just have to put them into practice. By gaining an understanding of the types of questions asked in the test, you will be able to confidently answer the questions accurately. Here are some ways to prepare and study for the GRE that guarantee success. Spend the Time You Need Like many other examinations, last minute studying is not useful. The more time you spend preparing for the GRE, the better your results will be. It is recommended that you spend 4-12 weeks developing your skills for the test. This is quite a broad timeframe, the lower end of the scale should be achievable by just about any student that focuses on their preparations. Naturally, spending more time will result in the best outcome possible. Create a Study Plan or Schedule Base your GRE study plan on how much time you have. A longer timeframe may mean that you can spend less hours each week, allowing for many of your job and social commitments to continue. While the GRE should be one of your top priorities, it can be easy to procrastinate if you prepare too far in advance. Breaking your study time into manageable chunks will help eliminate the possibility of procrastination. Regardless of how much time you have to prepare, make sure you allocate sufficient time to study. Write down when you will be studying, and what you will study â€" use a schedule, pen and paper, calendar, or even input it into your phone and set reminders if you have to! This way nothing gets missed and you will still have time to enjoy a positive social/study balance. Study Sample Questions One of the very best ways to study for the GRE on your own is to complete as many practice tests and questions as you possibly can. As already stated, the GRE doesn’t really require you to learn a large amount of new content, but instead it tests your ability to respond to certain types of questioning. The most effective way to learn how to respond to GRE questions is to do them! Even if you only have a limited amount of preparation time, completing sample questions is an incredibly useful way to spend your time. Make sure you complete the questions within a time-restricted period to simulate actual test conditions. This will also help you develop coping strategies to deal with the pressure involved on test day. Make Each Day Count The best GRE study plan is one that includes study time practically every day. This way you will be able to build upon your skills and knowledge. Studying for a large amount of time one day a week is far less effective. To start with, your learning capacity diminishes with each hour of studying (just like your muscles become fatigued the longer you exercise). Secondly, if you have a long period between each study session you are likely to forget what you have previously learned which means more time spent relearning what you already learned.   Does that seem smart? You Might Also Be Interested in: 25 Study Tips You Need Now Studying almost every day (it’s important to have a break too, remember) allows you to sufficiently build upon your knowledge and the repetition means it is more likely to be committed to your memory. Personalize Your Program By understanding your own strengths and weaknesses you will be able to cater to your specific needs. One of the easiest ways to do this is to sit with a practice exam, under timed conditions, right at the beginning of your preparation period. This will highlight the areas you need to spend the most time on and allow you to allocate your study time accordingly. Spend more time on the areas you find difficult, or on the subject areas that are most relevant to your educational goals. Your program will also need to be reflective of how much time you have to prepare. If you are really short on time, you may need to choose only a few areas to focus on as you probably won’t have enough time to successfully improve all of your weak areas. Use Online Tools In the modern day of the internet, just about everything is at your fingertips. Preparing for the GRE online is a simple way to ensure you are studying practically and effectively. Many first class, online prep courses come at a cost, but if you can afford it they can be worthwhile. These courses do require some kind of intrinsic motivation in order to develop successful results. If you are more of a people person, try investing in a personal tutor. Use a Tutor You may be keen to figure out how to study for the GRE on your own, but using a tutor can significantly improve your results. Meeting regularly with a professional tutor will help you remained motivated and focused. They can offer valuable tips and advice on how to best work on your own during your other study sessions, whilst keeping you on track with some valuable one-on-one time. Finding a good tutor can be difficult. They need to not only have the knowledge and skills to teach you, but also understand your goals. A personality match is also crucial â€" feeling comfortable around your tutor will ensure you ask plenty of questions and are honest about your understanding of key concepts. Check out the following link to find a highly qualified GRE tutor in your area! Overall, sitting and taking the GRE does not need to become a stressful event. Understanding how the test works, the types of questions asked, and implementing some valuable study tips will ensure you achieve the results you need to take your education to the next level. Good luck with your GRE study plan and let us know what you did and how to study for the GRE on your own?We can help you find the best private tutor near you! It’s simple and secure â€" Get real results fast. Your first hour with any tutor is protected by our Good Fit Guarantee: You don't pay for tutoring unless you find a good fit. Choose Your Subject â€" Add Your Zip Code â€" Find Top Rated Tutors Starting Today! InPerson or Online Online InPerson

Its Almost Here... The FluentU iPhone App is Launching on May 28!

Its Almost Here... The FluentU iPhone App is Launching on May 28! Its officialAfter 19 months of development, our iPhone app is finally launching on May 28.Now you can learn a language with real-world videos no matter where you are.We know youll love it.But dont take our word for it.Heres what some of our beta testers had to say:Great app. To my knowledge the best on the market. You created something unique and new!It is more helpful than any other tool Ive used. I had been using podcasts before and trying to make flashcards, and that worked pretty well. But, it ended up that I was spending more time making the flashcards than studying. FluentU really solves this.FluentU has quickly become one of my favorite language-learning tools. Great job on an aesthetically pleasing app and an incredibly functional one.This app is so fun and useful the best Chinese language learning app Ive ever used.This mobile app is seriously impressive. I was happy enough with your website, but the app takes it to another level. Awesome job, you guys.[gravityform id=2 nam e=Sign up to be notified!](And if you’re an Android user, we haven’t forgotten about you â€" sign up here.)

How To Be More Body Positive in 2018

How To Be More Body Positive in 2018 Image via. https://pixabay.com/en/belly-body-calories-diet-exercise-2354/ Instagram Don’t get me wrong, I love Instagram. However, studies have shown the Instagram leads to decreased mental well-being either based on the pictures that we post or the people that we follow. Following women like Kendall Jenner or the Hadid sisters is fun because they post exciting stuff, but seeing their photos on a daily basis can unconsciously affect how you feel about yourself. You can definitely still follow these women, but also follow fitness models, Ashley Graham, Chrissy Teigen, and others who don’t necessarily value “skinniness,” but rather, they value healthiness. I am in no way saying that Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters don’t value being healthy, I’m just saying that their body types are ones that can make other people feel bad about themselves because they are somewhat unattainable. Some people have even deleted Instagram for a period of time and have said that it has helped their mental health tremendously, which is something to think about. Journaling I never used to journal, even though I love to write. However, I’m enrolled in a class this semester where our weekly assignment is to journal about a given topic that revolves around mental health. I’m not saying that you have to journal, but I am suggesting that you take a few minutes every day to write down something amazing about yourself and your body. These notes are private, so you can say whatever you want. By doing this, you are reminding yourself how beautiful you are and how your body is perfect and that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, genders, skin colors, sexual orientations, and more. Collect all of these little notes and put them in a special place and, on days where you are feeling down about yourself, go through these notes so that you are reminded about how beautiful you are. Each and every woman is beautiful in her own unique way and this is something that should be declared and celebrated. Image via. https://www.pexels.com/photo/attractive-beautiful-beauty-body-320005/ Dress Up When I am feeling down about my body, I like to cover up in baggy clothing and don’t put much effort into my appearance. If there is a particular day where you are feeling extra down about the way you look, use it as an opportunity to dress up a bit! Instead of wearing leggings or sweatpants, put on jeans. Instead of wearing an oversized sweater and shirt, put on a more fitted long or short sleeved top. You should never feel like you have to hide your body and by going outside of your comfort zone on days where you are feeling especially vulnerable, you will become more body confident because you will realize how amazing you are and how amazing you look. Wearing jeans instead of sweatpants may sound silly, but just changing up your daily appearance will do wonders for how you see yourself and when you look in the mirror. Judging/Comparing If we want to promote body positivity, it is imperative that we stop (1) comparing ourselves to other people and (2) judging other people by the way that they look. Everyone is unique and everyone looks different and rather than putting down these differences, we should embrace our differences and realize that beauty isn’t something that is clean-cut. It is also important not to compare yourself to another person on the street. If you are walking to class and feel envious about the way another girl looks, you should remind yourself that yes, she may be beautiful, but you’re beautiful too because of x, y, and z. Women need to empower one another and not break each other down because of jealousy or unnecessary feelings of superiority. Let’s build each other up, not put each other down. Let’s make 2018 the year of body positivity. I want all of my readers to know that you are beautiful, inside and out, and that your body is perfect just the way it is. Don’t be clouded by the media and other people’s judgments… push back on this negativity and remind yourself of your beauty.