What is it Like to Attend the State University of New York at Geneseo

What is it Like to Attend the State University of New York at Geneseo Chase is a current senior at the State University of New York at Geneseo. He is majoring in Spanish and international relations. He specializes in various levels of Spanish tutoring. Below, he shares his experience at SUNY Geneseo: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Chase: The SUNY Geneseo campus is the perfect size, neither too big nor too small. The freshman side of campus, sometimes referred to as the south side, is somewhat separated from the rest of the campus. However, its still less than a 10-minute walk to the academic buildings. The campus itself is located next to Main Street, which has restaurants and coffee shops. There is also a campus bus system that takes you around to different locations on campus, as well as to the local grocery store. A car is not necessary unless you live off campus as an upperclassman, although most off-campus living options are within walking distance of campus. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Chase: The professors and TAs are available as much as you need them. As with any other college or university, they will not seek you out. Rather, if you need extra help or have any questions, they are a simple email away. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Chase: The dorm life situation is what you would find at any SUNY school and provides many opportunities for socialization. They recently added a new dorm, which is very modern and nice. They also recently renovated the on-campus dining hall, which has gotten much better since my freshman year. They offer gluten-free and other options for those with dietary limitations. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Chase: From my experience, Geneseo is best known for its science department, specifically physics, as well as their school of education. That is not to say that all other majors are obsolete, just that those are what the school is best known for. I, for example, double major in Spanish and international relations; I have received an excellent education for both of these concentrations. The history and political science professors were all very knowledgeable, engaging, and have superb credentials. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Chase: It was not difficult to meet people as a freshman. Geneseo has a thriving Greek life community, which I would recommend if you enjoy meeting new people. At Geneseo, its really important to get involved in an organization, whether that is a fraternity, sorority, sports team, or club. Since the school itself is rather small, its important to be in something, which in turn facilitates the process of meeting friends. How helpful are the Career Centerand other student support services? Chase: Geneseo has a really strong alumni base that helps current students get jobs or internships post-graduation. I have had friends who have gained employment because of a Geneseo connection. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Chase: There are an abundance of places to study on campus. Most academic buildings are open until 2 AM, so there is always a quiet place to study. Describe the surrounding town. Chase: Geneseo is basically in the middle of nowhere in upstate New York, which can be a bit of a culture shock for students coming from the downstate area. The closest big city is Rochester, which is about a half hour away. So, I would say there is not much to do outside the immediate vicinity of campus. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing, because it means that everyone will always be on or around campus, which leads to a more close-knit community. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Chase: I believe there are currently about 5,000 undergrad students. The class sizes were one of the main reasons I chose to attend Geneseo. Obviously, introductory lecture classes and some science classes will have over 100 students per class. Aside from those classes, though, my average class size was about 20-25 students. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Chase: My most memorable experience with a professor was in my Latin American history class my junior year. The class was the most engaging and interesting class I have ever taken in my life. I am currently doing a directed study with that same professor. Check out Chases tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Songwriting 101 Using the Long-Line Concept

Songwriting 101 Using the Long-Line Concept Megan L. One of the most wonderful and rewarding things about the art of songwriting is that there are many different ways to approach making your own music. Arlington,TX music teacher Ric F. previously shared with us his tips on using rhythm as a guide to writing. Today, Ric would like to add another aspect to your understanding of writing songs, something he calls the long-line concept. Unlike visual art where you can see it all at once, music takes “time” to reveal itself. Today I would like to talk about the “long-line” concept. Long-line does not mean the music has to be “long” or a “line” (melody). Any of the elements of music may be used as your primary element. In songwriting it is usually the melody. The result that you want is to be able to get from here (beginning) to there (end) giving your listener a sense of completeness and natural progression. Many elements go into accomplishing this, but your ability to write horizontally will greatly help you. As a songwriter and teacher, I preach this because I have noticed that many students are no longer taught this concept due to a number of reasons. One is… Technology I use lots of technology and love it! But I learned my craft before the technology we currently use developed so I am a bit old school in my work. Technology allows us to bring up a digital score or get our hands on sounds by way of multiple keyboards and find ourselves in this position… Many students come to me with a digital score (i.e. orchestral) with two or so measures full of notes from the top stave down to the bottom and say something like this: “I love these two measures but I don’t know where to go from here â€" I’m stuck!”  I also have students come with a recording of two or so measures of a song, completely produced and say the same. Answer? They did not conceive the song as best they could from beginning to end. They did not determine an element that could help them get the long-line, thinking “horizontally”. They thought “vertically” and that’s why they’re stuck! Before going further, let me say that what I am talking about is not a rule. How you write your music is totally up to you, and all composer-songwriters have different processes. If you can play your melody with no accompaniment and it holds your listeners interest from beginning to end, you have something! As a teacher I use melody because it is something that anyone can create. You do not have to be an instrumental virtuoso to write a melody. Let’s proceed… As an example, below is the structure of an instrumental song of mine that was recently recorded and released. It has these sections: Intro (A) section: Presentation of the melody in basic “verse” form (B) section: 8 measures. Melody range higher. The 5th measure is the “hook” (higher the melody has been building toward this moment) Vamp Note: The Intro has no melody. The (A) section has melody in a lower range. The (B) section has melody higher in its range leading up to the “hook” where the melody is at its highest point.   The “Vamp” has its melodic element in the accompaniment. It is a motif based on the melody and not essential as a melodic element. If you play the melodies of these sections in succession they will stand up on their own â€" as a song. The “melody” is my long-line. It is what drives the song from beginning to end. Assignment Use this simple song form (simple does NOT equate bad!) to write your own composition. (A) = 8 measures / (A) again, maybe some small changes / (B) something different, yet related / (A) again, perhaps exactly as the first (A) section or slightly different. Write a song with melody as your long-line. Ric F.  teaches songwriting, music recording, and music theory in Arlington, TX. Ric specializes in music composition and can teach anything from arranging and orchestration to film scoring. Learn  more about Ric  or  search for a teacher  near you! 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 Photo by Alexcoitus