English Tutors in San Diego California - Improve Your English Skills and Speak Better

English Tutors in San Diego California - Improve Your English Skills and Speak BetterOnline English Tutors is becoming increasingly popular today because of the many benefits that they provide. To help make your day as comfortable as possible, you will find that an English tutor will help you in many ways, including helping you build your communication skills and boost your vocabulary. Most importantly, an English tutor will help you write well and learn from your mistakes.The benefits of using an English tutor are many and they range from getting help with your studies to assisting you to communicate better with those around you. Having a tutor does not mean that you have to spend money on a private tutor who will help you solve all your problems. Many companies that offer tutoring also offer audio-video and live chat services for those who wish to engage in group discussions. An English tutor can help you in all areas of your life.Using an English teacher is beneficial because they understand the needs of the student and the level of their English ability. If you are looking for a class for your children, you can find English teachers through some tutoring companies. If you are looking for someone to improve your conversational abilities, you will find that online tutors have a wide range of courses and packages to meet your needs. Using a tutor will ensure that you are able to speak better English and develop your skills.When choosing a tutor it is important to consider several factors such as location, language proficiency, teaching style and level of service offered. One important thing to consider is the type of English tutor that you will need to meet your needs. You will find that many companies offer different types of services and students should research these characteristics in order to find the best match for their particular situation.When choosing an English tutor, you need to make sure that you are dealing with someone who is experienced. Experi ence is something that you can't fake and so is a good way to find the right person for your needs. With many online companies you can find a tutor at any time of the day or night. However, this flexibility will often come at a cost.Before selecting a company make sure that you are going to be providing certain things for your tutoring experience. You may want to find a company that specializes in language improvement and language classes as well as those who offer both ESL and spoken English. If you plan on being in and out of your home, you will find that an online company will be much more helpful.English tutors in San Diego California offer professional services at affordable prices. Choosing the right company will help you get the benefit of better communication and less stress. When it comes to improving your English skills, you don't want to pay a lot of money but you do want someone who will give you the same experience that you would get in person.

AMADEUS International School Vienna

AMADEUS International School Vienna AMADEUS International School Vienna Located in the heart of Europe, AMADEUS International School Viennaoffers a unique blend of academic excellence, music and the arts education, and optional boarding in superior facilities. Our dynamic and growing day and boarding school provides an innovative learning environment for all grades based on the worldwide recognized International Baccalaureate curriculum. At AMADEUS Viennawe value the educational benefits of using music and the arts as a resource for learning. We offer a culturally diverse experience enhanced by a strong sense of community, comfort and security for our students, as well as an atmosphere that fosters lifelong friendships. A Boarding section hosts students from around the world and the school community currently contains 47 nationalities. We employ diverse educators who are passionate about teaching, strong practitioners, student-centered and innovative. We empower our staff with high standards of quality to make their mark. Our motto, where academic excellence meets passion, is true for students and staff.

How to Eat Healthy Without Leaving Your Dorm

How to Eat Healthy Without Leaving Your Dorm Image via http://pixabay.com Healthy sandwiches An easy way to get a wholesome meal when you’re at school is to order a simple sandwich from a local café or restaurant. Choosing whole grain over white bread and choosing a sandwich full of vegetables will fill you up without making you feel greasy or sluggish in other words, it will make a great study food. When you order online, you can typically customize your sandwiches exactly how you want them. Stick to lean meats and avoid overdoing it with cheese or mayo, and ask for extra lettuce or other veggies for a healthier option. If you’re given the choice for a side, go for a salad instead of French Fries or chips. Image via http://pixabay.com Sushi Sushi is a great option when you’re ordering in and want something healthy and light. In addition to being flavorful, it offers a multitude of health benefits: nori, the outer layer of sushi, provides you with Vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals, while the seafood is typically high in protein, omega-3s, and vitamin D. Though you wouldn’t necessarily want to eat it too often the mercury in some types of fish can have negative health consequences if you consume too much of it it’s perfect for a light snack or a full meal. Given its popularity, you can probably find a sushi restaurant wherever you are that delivers to your campus at an affordable price. Some will even deliver late into the night, so instead of reaching for the junk food, you can indulge yourself in a more nutritious midnight snack. Image via http://pixabay.com Chinese If you have a craving for Chinese, skip the Panda Express and look for more authentic Chinese food with lots of veggies. Sautéed broccoli, Bok choy, and snow peas, for instance, are great sources of antioxidants. Given they’re typically prepared with garlic or spices, you’ll be getting the health benefits without missing out on any flavor. Another way to make your order healthier is to opt for brown rice over white rice; because you produce brown rice by removing only the hull of the rice kernel, it retains more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Miso soup is another nice, light option that offers a range of health benefits, due to its main ingredient of miso paste. It relieves fatigue, decreases cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and lowers the risk of diseases such as cancer. Image via http://pixabay.com Mexican Like Chinese, Mexican food is easy to have delivered straight to your dorm when you don’t have time to go out. For healthier options, tend toward dishes stocked with veggies and protein; a veggie taco with a side of beans, for example, is a great option for a filling and well-balanced meal. Fajitas are also a good choice, as you can fill them with lean meat and vegetables. If you’re in the mood for something small, a serving of rice and beans is simple but nutritious the beans give you protein and the rice gives you carbohydrates, so you won’t be left feeling unsatisfied. Image via http://pixabay.com Salads When you’re presented with a myriad of options for what to eat, salad may seem like a boring alternative. However, there are many restaurants that offer unique salads that won’t leave you feeling hungry or ripped off. If you like kale, a kale salad is a great option; it is both a “superfood” and fairly filling. By mixing it up with your toppings and dressings, you can always have a new type of salad delivered straight to you without it feeling as dull as the Caesar salad from your dining hall. You can also toss in grains such as quinoa for extra texture. Image via http://pixabay.com Smoothies and juices If you have a nearby café that delivers, try ordering a smoothie or juice the next time you’re hungry but aren’t in the mood for a full meal. Especially when made with fresh ingredients, these drinks are an easy way to get the health benefits out of fruits and vegetables. While you might need to watch out for the sugar used in some smoothie recipes, overall they are a great alternative to snacking on chips or going out for ice cream. What will you choose? Check out Uloops food delivery service to order now!

Top 3 Ways to Stay Organized

Top 3 Ways to Stay Organized It's the first exam day of your fall school course and you are panicking--where did your review sheet go? Wasn't it just in your backpack last night? You pull out a stack of papers and a folder that's ripped at the seam from your bag, stuck to it is an old piece of gum, when was the last time you even looked at this stuff? Your panic increases as you realize there are only minutes before the review is due and it is nowhere to be found, panicking even more as your stress level jumps through the roof. You stare at the Everest-sized pile of papers and folder that looks like it's been to a war zone and realize--it may be time for you to get organized, once and for all. How do you approach what seems to be such a colossal task? In this post I will provide you with my top 3 ways to stay organized and stress-free this semester, it's easier than you think: #1: Create a Routine: The hardest part of organization is keeping up with a daily routine. Start by reminding yourself to do simple tasks such as recycling old assignments from the week, keeping your pens and pencils in the same pocket of your backpack or making sure current assignments are going into the notebook or folder you have labeled for them. This will allow you to train yourself to begin doing these things automatically, or without thinking about them, and will greatly reduce the massive amount of time that would be spent on one giant clean every few months. #2: Use an Online Planner or Calendar Let's face it; it is difficult in this day and age to keep up with using a paper planner or calendar when our lives are centered around technology. Using an online planner or calendar allows you to stay on top of upcoming assignments, projects and exams while also utilizing the technology you are already familiar with. It can be as simple as using the calendar feature on your mobile phone, using Google Calendar, downloading an app onto your tablet, or even finding a blank calendar template online to fill in as you go. This can be incorporated into your daily routine so you can be ready when your teacher mentions an assignment, and input it as soon as possible into whichever planning tool you decide to use. This will ensure you never miss a deadline again! (Note: If pen and paper is more your style, make sure to get a planner that is large enough to fit all subjects and assignments, as it is easy to run out of space). #3: Clean as you Go Nothing is more daunting than staring at a mountain-sized mound of papers that need to be sorted through. As we all know, some assignments are meant to be kept while others can be recycled after they have been used--this adds up quickly, often times too quickly, and can lead to a stressful situation for you when it comes time to clean. This last tip is simple: just clean as you go! Have assignments that are no longer needed? Recycle them. Noticing that your folders/binders are starting to gain some weight in your bag? Sift through them and discard the ones that aren't necessary to keep. This will allow you to completely rid yourself of the stress that accompanies sorting through assignment after assignment after months of them piling up. Add this to your daily routine, simply because it is much easier to take a minute to glance at a folder rather than take an hour to clean that one folder out. So, you now possess the simple skills for staying organized on a daily basis, it is up to you to use them! Have a fantastic summer and keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts!

How to Look Up a Chemistry Empirical Formula

How to Look Up a Chemistry Empirical FormulaLearning how to look up a chemistry empirical formula can be a good idea if you find yourself not quite sure what the term means. It will be very helpful in studying the chemistry of things that we often encounter in our everyday life, and it will also be an important tool for those who are going to perform scientific research, as it helps them to find their sources of any scientific information they may need. Even though we are going to be able to know what a certain thing is by simply reading its name, some basic knowledge of the fundamental principles of science is always useful. For this reason, learning how to look up a chemistry empirical formula is a good idea.The notion of learning how to look up a chemistry empirical formula may seem quite familiar to you. As we all know, a number is either a single digit or two digits. However, there is more to it than this, and there are actually lots of formulas in which this concept is expresse d. This makes it more difficult to know what to look for, but there are ways to make it easier. The following are some tips on what to look for.Order - This is particularly important in the scientific sense of the word. If you read the formula as a whole, then you have to know that the whole formula includes the quantity in parentheses after the formula. In other words, this can be read as follows: 'the weight in kilograms given in parentheses is equal to the mass in pounds.'Numerical Values - In other words, if you find that a formula starts with the numerical value of one, then you will know that this is a specific formula, which specifies something specific, for example a weight, a temperature, a quantity, etc. On the other hand, if you find that it starts with a numerical value of zero, then you can probably use it for other types of data, such as population, volume, etc. This can be useful because it can serve as a basis for comparing several data sets. General Connotation - Th ere is another thing that makes things easier. If you want to learn how to look up a chemistry empirical formula, you should know that the answer comes from a very general way of expressing the principle, so if you have an intuitive idea of what the formula means, then you have a pretty good chance of finding out.As you can see, there are many factors to take into account when looking up a formula and since the relation between numbers and chemical properties is complex, it will take a lot of study to find the answer that you need. However, learning how to look up a chemistry empirical formula will also give you a better understanding of the nature of science and help you learn about chemical properties of various materials.Of course, if you have no idea what a formula is, then you may need to consult someone who does, but this is usually not necessary because you can look up a formula just by reading its name. You can get a better idea of how to look up a chemistry empirical formul a by reading the formulas or textbooks that they reference. With the right information, you can now easily learn how to look up a chemistry empirical formula, and be able to apply it in your everyday life.

Organic Chemistry Tutor

Organic Chemistry TutorSo Dipole transformers provide students with a wide range of learning opportunities. Students can learn by consulting this class at any time or at any location. Anyone in the family can take advantage of this class.The term 'so2 dipole' is the term used to describe a 3-wire circuit. In the circuit, two terminals are directly connected to each other and each terminal is given an input. When a current flows through the two terminals, a resistance component is added. So, the output of the circuit is the combination of both resistance and current. This allows students to understand the basic elements and how they interact.In the class, students will be able to study the most common compounds and understand the behavior of the elements involved. This class helps students learn how to predict and calculate the behavior of the elements in a certain material.Students will also learn how to calculate various elements and to predict the behavior of these elements when a chemical reaction is being conducted. For this purpose, there are calculations that can be done in a very short period of time. Students will be able to use their calculator to perform the calculations. This class is designed to help students to learn how to compute the equations associated with conductivity, capacitance, conductivity, density, electrical resistance, and chemical bonding.Students will also learn about the weak and strong electronic charge that is present in different materials. The strength of an element is determined by its electron density. In most cases, scientists do not know what the strength of the electronic charge is, hence they cannot predict the behavior of the element in a material. In some cases, it may be difficult to predict what element will show up as a different material when it comes into contact with another element. The class is designed to explain how to use classical chemical equations with the help of recent physics in order to predict the beh avior of a material. Students will be provided with hands-on experience using numerous electronic devices and machines. This class will make them aware of the fact that when they are using electronic devices, they should not forget to use their common sense while doing so.The organic chemistry tutor is a student who has a background in chemistry. The teacher provides guidance and information to students about how to solve complex problems using the latest developments in chemistry.

Places to Visit in Porto

Places to Visit in Porto The Different Neighbourhoods of Porto ChaptersPorto’s Historic CentreRibeira, Porto’s Old TownVila Nova de GaiaSão NicolauBoavista“Wet or fine, the air of Portugal has a natural happiness in it, and the people of the country should be as happy and prosperous as any people in the world.” - H G WellsThe Iberian Peninsula is home to both Spain and Portugal and although Portugal is smaller than its larger neighbour, the country is home to plenty of wonderful things to visit. While a lot of people go to the Algarve or Lisbon when they travel to Portugal, the largest city in the north of Portugal is a fantastic destination for travellers!With Azulejo, traditional Portuguese streets, wine cellars, etc., Porto is one of Portugal’s unmissable cities. It’s the country’s second city and is located in the north of the country at the mouth of the River Douro.According to Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal, the north of Portugal is attracting more and more tourists, adding up to 6.6 million nights stayed. Additionally , the city of Porto has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996!So how can you get the most out of your time in the city? Which are the different areas of Porto?In this article, we're going to be looking at Porto's historic centre, Ribeira (the old town), Vila Nova de Gaia, São Nicolau, and Boa Vista, which are some of the most important areas in the city. IrineuPortuguese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GabrielaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouisePortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £27/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RodrigoPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BlancaPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarolinaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (6) £11/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPorto’s His toric CentreOf course, when you visit Porto (or any other city), you’ll probably visit the city centre. In Porto, the city centre is also the historic centre where you can find many points of interest, places to go, and things to see. Porto is home to many interesting historic sites. (Source: SofiLayla)Firstly, when you visit Porto, you need to see the Bolhão Market (Mercado de Bolhão). Here you’ll find an authentic atmosphere and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of local produce. With medieval streets, Portuguese businesses, and small restaurants, this area has everything you’d expect to see on a postcard on sale in Porto.You could also head to the Rua do Almada (near Rua de Santa Catarina), for some of the best parts of the city.Of course, we couldn’t mention the historic centre without mentioning the Lello Bookstore. You’ll find this place in every guidebook and for good reason! This is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world thanks to its Gothic Revival style.  It was built in 1906, is the symbol of the area, and even inspired J.K. Rowling’s descriptions of architecture in the Harry Potter series. You have to see it!Finally, the Clérigos Tower is an architectural symbol of the city of Porto. This 18th-century Italian Baroque style building is an unmissable sight in the historic quarter.The historic centre of Porto is a great base for visiting the city and enjoying the city’s vibe. The next neighbourhood is the Old Town, just next door.Discover the accommodation in Porto.Ribeira, Porto’s Old TownPorto’s old town is in the geographical centre of the city and allows quick access to the River Douro that runs through the city. This neighbourhood is the heart and soul of the city and where you can find most of the monuments. It’s worth a visit! It's lovely down by the river in Porto. (Source: nuno_lopes)Firstly, the São Bento Railway Station is a great place to enjoy the Azulejo on the walls. There are images of everyday life and Portuguese transport throughout the ages.Interesting, isn’t it?The Stock Exchange Building (Palácio da Bolsa) is also in the heart of the old town. This Neoclassical building from the 19th century is representative of Portugal through painting, architecture, and furniture. It’s an unmissable monument and quite romantic!Talking of romanticism, the Church of Saint Francis (Igreja de São Francisco) is a Gothic building in the old town. This architectural gem, which was built in 1425, is decorated in a Baroque style. It’s in the heart of Ribeira and the tram runs right by it.Given that the neighbourhood is so central, you can simply take the Line 1 tram to Passeio Alegre to see the Douro river or jump in the Atlantic.Speaking of the Douro, you should know that the old town runs along the river , which is crossed by 6 bridges in total.  The Ribeira quayside (Cais da Ribeira) is a wonderful place to walk and you can’t go to Porto without visiting it. You can also enjoy the typical houses with their coloured walls by the Douro River.The old town is where most walks around the city will lead you.Discover the best time to visit Porto. IrineuPortuguese Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GabrielaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouisePortuguese Teacher 5.00 (2) £27/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RodrigoPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors BlancaPortuguese Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CarolinaPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamPortuguese Teacher 5.00 (6) £11/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsVila Nova de GaiaOn the other sid e of the River Douro, you can find Porto’s wine-tasting neighbourhood. After all, Port wine is from Porto so it's no surprise that you can attend plenty of wine tastings and see all the winemakers in the city. Vila Nova de Gaia is a great place to try port! (Source: PublicDomainImages)If you cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, you’ll end up in Vila Nova de Gaia. This area of Porto is famous for its Port and a lot of tourists go just to taste it.It’s home to paved streets, staircases, and, most importantly, Port. There are around fifty wine cellars in this neighbourhood, whereas some are more famous than others. Among the most famous, there are:CalemSandemanTaylor’sCockburn’s Port LodgeFinally, with Vila Nova de Gaia being very close to the banks of the Douro, why not visit the river by boat?This is a great way to see the different neighbourhoods of the city!Check out our Portuguese tutorials.São NicolauThe São Nicolau neighbourhood provides a nice contrast to Porto’s old town and the River Douro and still has plenty of great monuments. With so much to see and do, Porto is a great city to visit on your own, with friends, or with your family. (Source: bernswaelz)The Soares dos Reis National Museum, which is Portugal’s oldest museum, is home to some fantastic permanent collections and Portuguese sculptures and paintings and only costs €3 to visit! It’s a good way to learn about Portuguese culture.The Palácio de Cristal is home to great gardens and breathes life into the area. This is a great place to relax and it’s a stone’s throw from the old town.  You can also visit the Quinta da Macieirinha romantic museum in the heart of a park for just €1.Finally, São Nicolau is also famous for its wine museum, which is free to visit. From its history to its manufacturing, this is a great way to find out about an important part of Portugal.Find out about the cost of visiting Porto.BoavistaDid you think that Porto was just an old city with plenty of traditions?It’s not! You can find the Boavista area in the northw est of the city. It’s a modern neighbourhood but it’s also very Portuguese.Boavista, even though its home to fewer monuments and points of interest than other areas, is a city within a city and is a way for tourists to head off the beaten path.It’s home to plenty of bars and restaurants as well as modern businesses and shops. In short, Boavista is where you should go if you want to meet locals.You can find the Casa da Música, a concert hall, in this area of Porto. You can also head to Foz do Douro, a residential neighbourhood by the sea and home to a modern art museum.Even though there are shopping centres, Porto is a great city where each area has its own identity. You can find examples of the city’s history everywhere!Getting lost in Porto is one of the most enjoyable things to do. The areas in Porto are great for relaxing and walking about. Whether you’re visiting for a couple of days or a week, you’ll have a great time in Porto!If you need some help learning the lan guage before you go, consider getting a Portuguese tutor on Superprof! There are three types of tutorial available, each with its advantages and disadvantages.Group tutorials are great for those on a budget as you can share the cost of the tutor's time with the other students in attendance. However, you will get less one-on-one time with your tutor and receive more generalised tuition.Similarly, online tutorials are good for those on a budget as the tutor doesn't have to travel and can, therefore, charge less per hour. If you both have a webcam and a decent internet connection, you can get Portuguese tutorials from anywhere in the world!Finally, face-to-face tutorials are between you and the tutor. This is the most costly type of tutorial but it's also the most cost-effective. With these tutorials, you can get bespoke Portuguese lessons and learn exactly what you need to know.

How to Deal with Presentation Anxiety - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Deal with Presentation Anxiety - Introvert Whisperer How to Deal with Presentation Anxiety Whatever your occupation, chances are you will be asked to make a presentation at some point, or you may wish to do so to inform or persuade listeners about an important topic. However, fear of public speaking is high on the list of peoples insecurities. Some rank it as their number one fear, and others in the top three or four. Anxiety associated with giving a speech, presentation, or demonstration can be managed by following tips like the following. Know Your Topic One of the best ways for learning how to overcome fear of speaking in meetings is to know your topic inside out. If it is your topic and you have worked extensively with it or presented it previously to individuals or small groups, you probably already have plenty of information, and you are ready to answer questions that may be asked. But if you were assigned a new topic, do some research and learn all you can to become the expert for your upcoming presentation. Research for a Recent Study on Your Topic This is somewhat related to the above tip. Do your research if there are any recent studies on your topic. Your newfound knowledge will give you the confidence to speak up and share what you know with the listeners. The more you know, the greater respect your audience will have for your talk. They will be more likely to listen to what you say than care about your mannerisms. However, if you tend to mumble or stutter a bit, practice beforehand on adjusting these issues. Prepare in Advance Many speakers rehearse their presentation before actually giving it. This can be done several days before or a couple of hours ahead of time. Practicing your speech is one of the most effective ways of how to deal with presentation anxiety. Below are also some of the tips for your preparation: Be sure you are pronouncing names or related jargon correctly, and double-check your facts for accuracy. Organize your talk so that it flows smoothly from one point to the next. Create a well-researched slides with a great layout that will aid your talk. Have your notes prepared in a readable format, and time yourself to ensure your presentation remains within the allotted timeframe. Ask a colleague or mentor to listen to your practice run, and then offer feedback for improvement. Get Familiar with the Setup If possible, check out the venue or room where you will be giving the upcoming presentation. Inquire about logistics, such as seating and acoustics, including whether you will be able to wear a lapel mic or an earpiece microphone if needed, as well as lighting. A podium may be helpful for notes if needed. You will also want to check on the available technology if you plan to present a slideshow or an interactive online activity with the audience. You will feel more comfortable and in control when you take time before the presentation to learn about the seminar room and its setup style as well as anyone who may be on hand to provide technical assistance if needed. Learn about Audience Expectations If you are giving a talk to your workplace colleagues in a conference room at your jobsite, you probably already have a good idea of what they expect and how to prepare. But if the audience will include people from other companies, the industry, or the public, you may need to tailor your presentation to meet their needs as well. This is an important aspect of becoming aware of how to not be nervous for a presentation. Know what your intended audience needs to hear, and prepare to deliver your message clearly. Look Your Best Since you will be the center of attention along with your topic, your audience expects you to be a professional source of information. Dress in keeping with the venue or event. For example, a lunchtime presentation for a local business or civic group may require a business casual look. Dress more professionally for conferences. These are a few popular and proven ways of how to not get nervous during a presentation. Advance preparation helps you to feel confident and less anxious. About the Author The article was written by Gigi Wara. Gigi is a freelance writer and traveller, currently based in Thailand. Topic of interest includes anything related to self-improvement and career development. Go to top Let me emphasize that Self-Promotion doesn’t have to be obnoxious to be effective.  But, if you don’t Self-Promote you, who will? If you ever want to get ahead, you have to learn how to Self-Promote. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that shows you simple, yet effective ways to Self-Promote. Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Musicians, Is Your Home Practice Space Holding You Back

Musicians, Is Your Home Practice Space Holding You Back Suzy S. Youve got your instrument,  your  sheet music, and your books. Youve found a great music teacher to guide you. But lets take a look at your home practice space. Could it be holding you back? Learn how to improve it with these tips from piano teacher Eric B A few years ago I had a student who was struggling to improve. She was practicing more than I asked, but every week brought in mediocre versions of the songs I assigned. We tried different techniques for months with no success. A few months passed and we did an online lesson when I was on tour. I was shocked to see where she was practicing: the piano was in a hallway, and her siblings were running back and forth by her while she tried to play. Because the space was too tight, she was squashed against the keys. The only light came from a bare bulb in the hallway, and there was a massive pile of toys on the piano. This poor girl had one thing standing between her talent and becoming a great musician: a terrible practice space. Having an amazing practice room that keeps you focused is essential to consistent improvement. Here are seven  ways you can spice up your music practice space: 1. Get great lighting. Make sure that the room you practice in is well-lit. I love practicing in naturally lit rooms, with a simple piano stand light  on the piano so I can see my sheet music. If it’s too dark in the room you may fight fatigue sooner than if your room is brightly illuminated. 2. Have a cell phone shelf outside your practice room. Get a cheap wall-mounted car key holder  and place your phone on it each time you go into your practice room. This will keep you from getting distracted during practice sessions. If you place a charger by the wall holder, you’ll have the added reward of a fully charged phone when you leave. 3. Declutter. The fewer items in the room, the less likely you’ll be to get distracted. Move all items that don’t relate to music to other rooms, and your mind will relax and focus on the task at hand. 4. Get a kitchen timer. Now that you’ve decluttered your room, you’ll need to keep track of your practice time. Use a cheap kitchen timer to help you stay focused while you’re practicing. Take a look at bunch of great options here. See also: Infographic: How to Practice Piano for Your Best Results 50 Little Things You Can Do to Get More From Your Guitar Practice Time How the Best Singers Structure Their Singing Practice Our 8 Best Tips for Effective Drum Practice 25+ Violin Practice Tips to Help You Improve Fast! 5. Get a metronome. Metronomes are the least expensive way to improve your rhythm, and having one by your piano or keyboard will encourage you to use it daily. Here  are  a few inexpensive but quality metronomes to consider. 6. Bring a water bottle and a high-protein snack. Most instrumentalists will burn calories while playing, so make sure you keep your energy levels high. I love snacking on nuts or a protein bar while I play, and a big 32 oz. bottle of water by the piano (cap on to prevent spills) helps me stay hydrated. 7. Put a practice calendar on your wall. I recommend keeping track of your music practice on a calendar. This will give you a visual reminder of how consistent you’ve been with your practicing. Then, set rewards for yourself after a certain number  of consecutive practices. I love getting coffee, so I go out and get  my favorite cappuccino after 10 days of practice. Get creative! Fortunately, there’s a happy ending to my piano student struggling to learn in a hallway. After talking with my student’s parents, they made some big changes. They converted part of the dining room in their house into a practice space, adding a special bookshelf and colorful music-themed decorations. She switched from struggling to excelling in a matter of weeks. If you’re investing time and money into music lessons, give yourself the best shot at succeeding in the practice room. If you make the  effort, it might just pay off in a lifetime love of playing music. Editors Note: We also like these 12 tips from Piano Power, with additional ways to make your music practice space productive like eliminating audio distractions, considering personality differences, and keeping acoustics in mind. Photo by  Joe Buckingham Post Author: Eric B. Eric Barfield is a full-time keyboardist, producer, and piano teacher based in Nashville, TN. His career has included working with Dove-award winners Meredith Andrews (Vertical Church Band), and American Idol finalist Joe Banua.  Learn more about Eric 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