Entries by Rachel Hodis

Oil Painting Demystified: Getting Started with Oils

In this blog, we’re demystifying oil painting for beginners! If you’ve ever seen the textures and vibrant colors in an oil painting, and wondered how to create your own masterpiece, you’re in the right place. Oil painting is a timeless art form. Today, we’ll unravel the mysteries of oil painting and provide you with essential […]

Drawing Tips for Beginners

This blog post filled with drawing tips for beginners will help you learn the basics and improve your skills. Jumpstart your artistic journey today! Practice Simple Shapes Simple shapes like circles, squares, ovals, and triangles are the basis for all drawings. It’s important to practice these foundational skills so you can eventually draw more complex […]

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Educator Spotlight: Muan M.

What subjects do you teach? Academic Tutoring: AP Physics (Mechanics and Electromagnetism+Waves), Lower and Upper Division Physics (Solid State Mechanics, Thermodynamics, etc), Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator? For me, by far the most rewarding aspect of being an educator is the relationship that […]

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The Impact of Exercise on Academic Performance

Today, we’re discussing the incredible impact of exercise on academic performance. When children and adolescents stay active, they experience higher levels of fitness, lower body fat, and stronger muscles and bones compared to those who are more sedentary. Additionally, physical activity enhances cognitive abilities, which means improved academic performance, sharper memory, and better overall thinking […]

The Impact of Sleep on Academic Performance

Sleep is an important part of academic performance and student well-being. Read on to discover how sleep impacts your academics and find tips for how to improve your sleep. How Much Sleep Should You Get? Children and teens who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, along […]

The Importance of Encouraging Young Artists

For young artists, creating is a chance to express creativity and try new things. In this digital age, art can also be a welcome break from screens. If your child loves art, it’s important to encourage them and help them grow as artists. Why You Should Encourage Young Artists It Helps Them Develop Confidence: As […]

Common Elementary School Struggles & How To Help

There are many reasons why a student in elementary school might be struggling in the classroom. Discover some common reasons why and how to help students. Common Ways Students Struggle in Elementary School 1. Paying Attention If a student struggles with paying attention in class, they might be missing out on valuable information. This might […]

The Benefits of Art Education for Children

Art education can play a vital role in a child’s development, offering a multitude of benefits that can help them grow into well-rounded individuals. From promoting creativity and to building fine motor skills, art education provides a well-rounded approach to learning that can help children excel academically and personally. In this blog, we’ll explore the […]

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Art Portfolio Workshop

Sign Up Early And Save! Sign up by March 14 to save $20 on your workshop. Art Portfolio Workshop Overview Attention all artists! Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Whether you’re an amateur, aspiring art student, or professional, a curated art portfolio is essential to your success. It’s the key […]

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Foreign Language Workshop

Workshop Overview Learning a foreign language can be challenging, but also incredibly beneficial and rewarding, not to mention it’s probably an academic requirement for school. Whether you’re a complete beginner or you have some conversational skills, our Foreign Language Workshop can help! In the Hodis Learning & Music Foreign Language Workshop, you’ll build your vocabulary, […]

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Personal Statement Workshop

Personal Statement Workshop Overview Whether you’re applying to high school, college, or a graduate program, having a strong personal statement is key to standing out to any admissions committee. In the Hodis Learning & Music Personal Statement Workshop, you’ll learn everything you need to know about crafting the perfect personal statement. What To Expect Once […]

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Standardized Test Prep Workshop

Standardized Test Prep Workshop Overview If you plan to take the GRE, SAT, ACT, ISEE, or SSAT for college or high school admissions, you’ll benefit from this educational and helpful summer workshop! With our standardized test prep tutoring, you will receive tailored instruction to boost your scores.   Set Yourself Apart From Other Applicants While standardized […]

Things To Do Before You Set Resolutions

The start of a new year always brings about talk of resolutions. The promise of a fresh, new year can make you feel like you could do or be anything! But before you jump into the year ahead, there are a couple of things you should do. Celebrate Your Accomplishments Take some time to think […]

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Tips for Managing Finals Stress

It’s almost the end of the semester, but before that much-needed break, many students first have to complete final exams. It’s a stressful and challenging time. If you need study tips, check out the Building Strong Study Skills series on our resource blog. In addition to studying, you also have to take care of yourself physically and mentally […]

Why HLM Art Instruction Might Be Right for You

You don’t want to invest a lot of money in lessons yet Perhaps you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics, but you don’t want to spend a ton of money or get locked into a semester-long class. Our art instruction is offered at some of the lowest market rates, but that doesn’t mean you’re […]

Get Your Child Excited About Music

Allow them to choose their instrument It’s important for children to develop their own interests and discover their likes and dislikes. Also, your student might be more resistant to the idea of learning an instrument if they feel they are forced to play something that they don’t get a say in. We have expert music […]

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Navigating Group Projects: Part 2

Last week we shared our first four tips for navigating group projects. Today, we have four more final tips and tricks to help you succeed! Tip 4: Determine What Group Meetings Will Be Used For Is that the time when members can work on their assigned portion of the project? Or should members have their assignments completed […]

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Navigating Group Projects: Part 1

Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no doubt about it: group projects are incredibly practical and helpful in preparing students for future academic success and for real life beyond the classroom. You will definitely have group projects throughout high school and college, and you will most likely be working with a team at […]

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Educator Spotlight: Staci W.

What subjects do you teach? Academic Tutoring: English up to college level, ESL, History, AP History, Korean, Math and Science up to Middle School level What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator? I love helping students gain confidence in subjects they used to struggle with. It’s very rewarding when a student starts understanding a […]

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Tips for Staying Focused During Class

We get it, staying focused during an hour-long class period can be challenging. It always has been, and the constant interruptions from technology certainly don’t help. Here are some tips for staying focused during class time. Take Notes Note-taking forces you to engage in class. Gathering information, summarizing it, and writing it down all help […]

How to Prepare for Public Speaking

Many people experience fear and anxiety when they are faced with public speaking. Whether you have a class presentation or you are preparing a speech for student body elections, the tips below will help you prepare for public speaking in any scenario. Get Familiar With Your Material The first thing to do when you are […]

Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options

Low grades can be disheartening when students and parents get their hands on a progress report. But it isn’t the end of the world; in fact, there are many options available to parents and students to improve poor grades. However, parents must be mindful that interventions need to be implemented immediately, which requires prompt assessment […]

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Why Multitasking is Ineffective

Multitasking may seem like the ultimate super power, but in reality it slows you down, makes you less productive, and negatively impacts your ability to focus. You’re Actually Not Multitasking When you’re switching back and forth between reading articles, watching videos while working, or texting while talking to someone, you’re not actually multitasking. According to […]

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Strategies for Tackling Homework

Strategies for Tackling Homework Ah, homework. An inevitable, but often unenjoyable, part of school. While many students dread homework, it is an important part of your education. What’s the Point of Homework, Anyways? Homework should, ideally, reinforce concepts that you learn in class. In some cases, homework might prepare you for upcoming exams or test […]

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Educator Spotlight: Jacky H.

What subjects do you teach? Academic Tutoring: AP Physics 1, 2, and C (Mechanics + Electricity & Magnetism), Lower Division Physics, Multivariable Calculus, AP Calculus BC, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, AP Chinese Language, and Mandarin Art Lessons: Painting- acrylics, oil, and watercolor What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator? The most rewarding part about […]

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Educator Spotlight: Wu L.

What’s the most rewarding part of being an educator? Having immediate positive feedback is one of the most exciting things about being a math tutor. Witnessing the impact I have on a student’s success makes me incredibly happy and satisfied. When students begin to understand concepts in our sessions, they will often excitedly ask me […]

Musician Series: Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1901. He grew up in poverty and when he was 12 years old, he was sent to a home for juvenile delinquents. It was there he learned how to play the cornet, an instrument similar to a trumpet. He was a naturally skilled musician and soon […]

Artist Series: Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia O’Keeffe was born on November 15, 1887. She grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and was one of seven children. After graduating high school in 1905, she studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League of New York. During that time she learned traditional painting techniques. Four years later […]

Musician Series: Ludwig van Beethoven

In addition to our summer artist series, we are also starting a musician series where we’ll explore some of the most influential musicians of all time. This week, we’re sharing about Ludwig van Beethoven! ———— Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer born in December 1770. He is known as one of the greatest composers […]

Artist Series: Vincent van Gogh

This summer we’re starting an artist series where we’ll highlight a famous artist in a blog post! We’ll share facts and some of their most famous works in each post. This week we’re starting with Vincent van Gogh! ———— Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch painter born in 1853. While he is now highly-regarded as […]

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Summer Activities Around LA

Summer Break Is Here! We hope everyone made it through their final exams and are now enjoying their summer break! While summer is certainly a time for relaxing and recharging, you can also find fun activities to keep you entertained, active, and even learning during your months off from school! 1. Visit Local Museums Museums […]

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Educator Spotlight: Alex P.

What subject areas do you teach? Music Lessons: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Voice Academic Tutoring: Music Theory What’s the most rewarding part of being a music teacher? The most rewarding part of being an educator for me is watching a student make progress and seeing how it excites them to learn new things. What are […]

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Educator Spotlight: Bruno B.

What subject areas do you teach? Music Lessons: guitar, voice, piano, songwriting, and music production. Academic Tutoring: music theory What’s the most rewarding part of being a music/guitar teacher? Teaching is learning twice. I get to make a living out of studying and exploring music along with my students. I love seeing their fresh perspective as they […]

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Educator Spotlight: Tim F.

What subject areas do you teach? Music Lessons: upright/electric bass, guitar, piano, and ukulele Academic Tutoring: music theory Career Preparation: music school audition and application preparation Where did you receive your education? Oberlin Conservatory of Music, B.M. in Jazz Bass Studies USC Thornton School of Music, M.M. in Jazz Bass Studies What’s the most rewarding part of being […]

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End of Term Checklist for Students

Congratulations, students! You’ve almost made it through another school year, and a year that hopefully felt more exciting, comfortable, and, well, normal than the previous two school years. With the end of term approaching, so too are final exams and projects. Here’s a quick checklist for you to follow before you end the year. 1. […]

Building Your Art Portfolio for Art School Applications

If you’re a prospective art school applicant, you might already know about or even have your own art portfolio. After all, your portfolio is 90% of your application to schools, according to HLM educator and professional artist Gwen Hollingsworth. Gwen graduated from the UCLA School of Arts and Architecture in 2020 and now works professionally […]

How Parents Can Help Ensure Successful Sessions

While not all our students are K-12, a lot are, which means parents are involved in their student’s education. We understand that you are making an investment when you book a tutor with Hodis Learning & Music, which is why we want to offer some tips for how you can help us have productive tutoring […]

Educator Spotlight: Gwen H.

What Subject Areas Do You Teach? Art Lessons: Painting, Illustration, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, and TV & Film Editing Academic Tutoring: SAT Prep, English, Social Studies Where did you receive your education? University of California, Los Angeles, B.A. in Art and Art History Educated in fine arts: drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, sculpture What’s the most rewarding part of […]