Entries by Rachel Hodis

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The Benefits of Outdoor Learning in Homeschooling

One of the greatest freedoms when homeschooling is learning outside the confines of a traditional classroom setting. Any environment can be a classroom, and one of the most enriching classrooms available is the great outdoors. From local parks and backyards to hiking trails and botanical gardens, nature provides endless opportunities for learning, creativity, and adventure. […]

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Musical Milestones: Celebrating Progress

Learning music is a journey filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. Oftentimes, aspiring musicians focus on perfection: hitting every note just right or mastering a piece flawlessly. But the true heart of a musical journey isn’t perfection, but progress. At Hodis Learning & Music, we believe in celebrating the milestones, both big and […]

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Language Learning Tips

Learning a new language opens doors to new cultures, relationships, and opportunities. Whatever your reason for learning a new language, we’ve compiled our top strategies for mastering a new language, common pitfalls to avoid, and the best tools and resources to support your journey. 1. Set Clear and Achievable Goals Before diving into vocabulary lists […]

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Art Portfolio Development Tips

Creating an art portfolio can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of an artist’s journey! Whether you’re applying to art schools, interviewing for creative jobs, or submitting work to galleries, your portfolio showcases not just your technical skills but your unique artistic voice. Here are some essential tips to help you […]

Why Writing is an Essential Skill

When students think of writing, it’s often in the context of academic work, like essays, reports, and research papers. However, even in this digital age, the ability to write well is a valuable skill. It’s a powerful form of personal expression and can impact professional success. Below, we’ve outlined some key reasons why writing is […]

Artistic Anatomy: Mastering the Human Figure in Drawing

Drawing the human figure is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor for artists of all levels. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of mastering the human figure in drawing. The Importance of Studying Human Anatomy The human body is complex and intricate, making it a fascinating subject for artists. By studying human anatomy, artists […]

Cultivating an Artistic Eye

Great artists see the world differently. They notice the interaction between light and shadow, the subtleties of color, and the shapes hidden in everyday objects. Developing this “artistic eye” is not just about creating better art, it’s about appreciating the beauty in the world around you. Looking to sharpen your artistic perception and gain an […]

The Evolution of Music Education: Online Lessons vs. In-Person

As technology continues to reshape education, music lessons have evolved into two primary formats: online and in-person. While both approaches offer valuable learning experiences, the right choice often depends on the student’s needs, learning style, and goals. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each format and explore which might be best for different […]

Exploring Art History Through Lessons

Art history is a fascinating subject that tells the story of human creativity across cultures and centuries. By incorporating art history into art lessons, students not only learn the techniques and skills needed to create their own masterpieces but also gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, and the state of art today. […]

The Journey to Becoming a Musician

What does it take to become a musician? Is it raw talent, endless practice, or a little bit of luck? For many, the path isn’t always straightforward. In fact, it’s often filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of inspiration. In this blog post, we sit down with some of our talented music educators to delve […]

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Exploring Textures in Art

Texture plays a vital role in art, bringing life and dimension to an otherwise flat surface. Artists can create textures that are rough, smooth, soft, or even illusionary, adding richness and complexity to their work. In this post, we’ll explore how artists can incorporate and replicate textures in their art using techniques that apply to […]

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Mastering Landscape Painting

Landscape painting invites artists to explore the beauty of the natural world, capturing its colors, shapes, and emotions on canvas. Whether you’re painting a tranquil forest, a dramatic mountain range, or a bustling urban park, understanding the foundational techniques of landscape painting is essential to capturing each scene’s unique character. In this guide, we’ll explore […]

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Collaborative Art Projects

In the art world, collaboration is more than just working together—it’s a transformative process that can elevate creative ideas to new heights. We’re reviewing the benefits of collaboration in art, highlighting successful examples, and sharing advice on how artists can find and work effectively with collaborators. The Value of Collaboration in Art Artistic collaboration brings […]

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Funding & Grants for Artists

Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, photographer, or multidisciplinary artist, securing funding and opportunities for artistic growth can be critical to advancing your career. Grants, residencies, and fellowships offer financial support, creative time, and valuable networking opportunities. But how do you find the right ones, and how can you stand out in a sea of applicants? […]

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Technology in Modern Music Education

In today’s world, technology is reshaping almost every aspect of our lives, and music education is no exception. From learning instruments online to using software that can fine-tune compositions, technology has expanded the possibilities for students and teachers alike. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced musician, embracing these innovations can enhance your learning experience […]

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Overcoming Procrastination

We’ve all been there—staring at an assignment, knowing it’s due soon, but still finding a million other things to do. Procrastination affects students of all ages, from middle school to college. While it may seem harmless at first, it can lead to stress and lower performance if left unchecked. The good news? Procrastination can be […]

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How to Critique Art Constructively

Art is deeply personal; often times the work we create is a reflection of who we are and what we’ve experienced. Because of how personal art is, receiving criticism can be an emotional experience. However, constructive critique can be an invaluable tool for growth. Whether you’re critiquing someone else’s work or receiving feedback on your […]

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Music as a Career: Paths and Possibilities

Choosing music as a career is often driven by passion and creativity, but the journey offers more than just a dream. With various paths available, aspiring musicians can explore diverse opportunities in performance, education, composition, production, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to take center stage, work behind the scenes, or inspire others through teaching, a […]

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The Benefits of One-on-One Tutoring

In today’s standard classroom environment, many students might struggle to keep up and stay on track. Large class sizes and standardized teaching methods make it challenging for children to receive the individual attention they need to actually learn. This is where the benefits of one-on-one tutoring become apparent. Personalized tutoring not only helps students catch […]

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Parent’s Guide to Supporting Young Musicians

Parents, your support is essential for young musicians embarking on their musical journey. Whether they’re just starting with their first instrument or they have been playing for a few years, your support can make a difference. 1. Create a Supportive Home Environment for Young Musicians Creating an environment that encourages musical exploration is essential. Here […]

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Music & Wellness: How Music Impacts Mental Health

Introduction Did you know that in 2013, researchers found that people who listened to upbeat music for just 12 minutes experienced an improvement in their mood and happiness? Music can have a profound impact on our mental health. Perhaps you’ve experienced that yourself when you listen to your favorite artist. Read along as we explore how […]

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Famous Musicians and Composers: Their Lives and Works

Explore the lives and masterpieces of some famous musicians and composers. From Johann Sebastian Bach’s intricate Baroque compositions to Ludwig van Beethoven’s revolutionary symphonies, discover how these musical geniuses have shaped classical music. Read on and celebrate the enduring legacy of these iconic figures in the world of music. 1. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Bach […]

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Women in STEM

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the remarkable women who are making strides in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). We sat down with some of our own talented tutors who are actively engaged in these fields to hear their perspectives, challenges, and triumphs. About Some of […]

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The Benefits of Homeschooling

Your child’s education is incredibly important. When it comes to considering all their options, you might start considering homeschooling. There are many benefits of homeschooling your child. We’ll explore some of the most common benefits so you can assess if homeschooling might be a good fit for your child. Tailored Learning Experience Homeschooling allows for […]

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Educator Spotlight: Abby S.

What subjects do you teach? Academics: Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc, Calculus AB & BC, AP Statistics. Middle School Math, Elementary School Math What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator? The most rewarding part is when a student has a “light bulb moment”! Students will work so hard on a concept that […]

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Educator Spotlight: Vaso K.

What subjects do you teach? Music: Accordion, Piano, Trumpet, Composition, and Music Theory. What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator? I think it’s seeing the progress that my students can make, going from not having any skills to being quite good. And the confidence I see them gain is really rewarding. What are […]

Art Lessons

Private art lessons are tailored for individuals of all ages and skill levels who are passionate about exploring their creativity and improving their artistic abilities. At Hodis Learning & Music, we believe that art lessons are valuable for various reasons and can benefit a wide range of individuals. We’ve listed out the main benefits of […]

From Inspiration to Creation: Nurturing Your Artistic Process

Artistic creation is a personal process that involves more than just skill and technique; it requires a delicate balance of inspiration, creativity, and dedication. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, graphic designer, or any other type of artist, nurturing your artistic process is key to unlocking your full creative potential. Let’s explore some essential steps to […]

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Educator Spotlight: Flora V.

What subjects do you teach? Art: Painting, Drawing, Illustration, Sculpture, Photography, Videography, Video Editing, Graphic Design, Portfolio Planning & Development Academics: Art History, Creative Writing, Screenwriting Music: Ukulele, Guitar What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator? The most rewarding part of being an educator is when my students express a desire to learn […]

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Homeschool Services by Hodis Learning & Music

Hodis Learning & Music is excited to now offer homeschool services to students K-12. Learn more about what is included with homeschooling and discover if it might be the right choice for you and your student. An Overview Homeschooling can be conducted in one-on-one or small group settings. Students will receive instruction from expert educators […]

Taking Care of Yourself Over Winter Break

As the winter break approaches, students are presented with a golden opportunity to hit the pause button, recharge, and focus on their well-being. Beyond the hustle and bustle of academic commitments, this break offers a chance to indulge in self-care, relaxation, and personal growth. We’ll explore essential ways for students to make the most of […]

Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for students to ensure overall well-being and academic success. Use our guide below to help you balance school and life. Manage Your Time Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes study time, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Use tools like planners or digital apps to organize tasks […]

Give the Gift of Music Lessons This Holiday Season

Share the joy of learning this season with the gift of music lessons! Why Music Lessons? Music lessons provide a unique and lasting gift. We all give and receive plenty of things, so why not give an experience and opportunity that will help the musician in your life grow and learn? Perfect for Every Music […]

Unconventional Art: Beyond the Canvas

Art doesn’t need to be confined to traditional mediums like canvas and oil paint. Creative artists continually explore new horizons and unconventional art forms. From coffee grounds to plastic bags, these mediums are inspiring and innovative. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of alternative, unconventional art! Trash Art This form of art involves using discarded […]

Tips to Enhance Your Writing Skills

Writing is essential for academic success. Strong writing will also help you as you apply to high school, college, and beyond. Additionally, most jobs require applicants to submit a well-written cover letter and resume, so your ability to write well will have implications beyond your academic career. Below are some helpful tips to enhance your […]

Art Lessons for All Ages

Whether you’re an adult looking for a new hobby, a parent seeking to engage your child in something they love, or a high schooler hoping to go to art school, art lessons can be valuable for students of all ages. Art for Children Children can benefit greatly from art lessons. Art can help foster their […]

Music Lessons

At Hodis Learning & Music, we provide private music lessons to individuals of all ages and skill levels. We believe that everyone can benefit from music lessons, and here’s why: 1. Personalized Learning Experience Private music lessons provide a personalized and tailored learning experience. Our expert educators work one-on-one with each student, understanding their unique […]

Nutrition and Brain Health

Smart study habits aren’t the only way to ensure you do well in school. Proper nutrition can have a positive impact on student performance, particularly when it comes to improving your learning, memory, and cognitive function. Conversely, poor nutrition can negatively impact everything from your ability to focus to your quality of sleep. Read on […]

Science Tutoring

From the unique terminology to the challenging ideas and equations, there are plenty of reasons why you might consider science tutoring. Learn more about how science tutoring can help you master any scientific subject. Why You Might Need Science Tutoring You Need Help Understanding Complex Concepts: The scientific disciplines are filled with complex concepts that […]

When to Hire a Tutor

Many people think the only time to hire a tutor is before finals or when you’re doing poorly in a class. However, we’ve put together a list of other times it would be helpful to work with a tutor. Learn more about when to hire a tutor below. At the Beginning of a New Semester […]

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Preparing for the SAT & ACT

The SAT and ACT are two standardized tests used for college admissions in the United States. Both tests assess students’ academic readiness for college, but they have some key differences. Read on to learn more about preparing for the SAT and ACT exams. Key Differences Between the SAT and ACT Sections: The SAT has three […]

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Preparing for the ISEE and SSAT Exams

The ISEE and SSAT are two of the most popular standardized tests used for admission to independent (private) schools in the United States. Both exams assess math, verbal, and reading skills, but there are some key differences between the two. If you plan to apply to an independent school, learn about preparing for the ISEE […]