Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Find a Chemistry Tutor in Cupertino - Find a Great Tutor For Your Ph.D. Study

Find a Chemistry Tutor in Cupertino - Find a Great Tutor For Your Ph.D. StudyFind a chemistry tutor in Cupertino California is easy enough with the abundance of all types of chemistry tutors available. You can find a particular tutor and find the type of teacher you need at a price that will be affordable for you. You may be considering one of the many tuition fees that are out there but would like to get some outside help and advice.Your personal tutor is very important to your success and your learning. A good teacher will not only help you learn the subject but will also help you grow and discover more about yourself. We all know that one person who has an edge over the rest because they are good at their job.It is not hard to find someone who can give you help in class or tutor you during your studies at different colleges. When you look for a tutor in Cupertino, you need to know where to go and what to expect. It can be difficult to figure out the best way to get help when it co mes to this difficult subject. With the internet, you are in charge of how much help you want.There are a lot of students in the world who need help with their subjects. The reason for this is because their teachers are not providing them with the help they need. They usually get in trouble for being academically challenged. If you are looking for a tutor in Cupertino, you will need to be able to explain your needs and requirements to them.Education is very important. Teachers will not make up any tests that you may need to take to become good at the subject. Education is very important in the workplace and in other types of classes. You will find many tutors on the internet, but it is best to find one that is certified by a university.Tutsors in Cupertino will help you become better at the subject. Some will be better than others, so it is up to you to choose which ones you will work with. This is probably the most important thing that you should look for. If you find someone who h as great knowledge and skills, then you can be assured that you will get a good tutor in Cupertino.No matter what school you attend, it is always important to choose a tutor that you are comfortable with. You will want to ask your instructor how he or she chooses tutors. Usually the instructors will tell you that you can talk to a tutor before you decide on one. Some schools have websites set up for students who want to find a tutor in Cupertino.Find a tutor in Cupertino in high school and college. The schools offer tutors for students. The next step is finding a tutor in Cupertino who is qualified. Ask your local school if they have anyone qualified and happy to assist you in your studies.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Definitions For The Chemistry Of Reagents

Definitions For The Chemistry Of ReagentsAll these are best exemplified by the term Reagent, which is the term used to refer to any chemical substance that reacts with another chemical substance to produce a chemical substance. When applied as a chemical reaction, this reagent can be composed of two separate substances, and the chemicals have to be of different types. This generally means that they react differently and become different chemical substances in comparison to each other.The same chemistry can be applied when an element such as H-atomic weight of nitrogen is combined with C-atomic weight of carbon. These two compounds will both react with each other and thus be result in compounds that are of a different chemical class.A reagent is a chemical substance that reacts with another chemical substance. When used in chemical reactions, these substances produce a certain reaction. This kind of reaction can be referred to as a reaction in which chemical substances are combined in order to produce some other chemical substance, also known as compound.There are three kinds of chemical substances that are used in chemical reactions. The first chemical substance that is used in chemical reactions is the basic chemical substance. The first chemical substance that is used in a chemical reaction is known as the base chemical substance. Base chemicals are the basic substances that must be used in the reactions in order to make the compound, which is another chemical substance.Other chemical substances are alkali-base chemicals, inorganic chemicals, metallic salts, organic chemicals, and particulate. The chemical reactions that are described by these terms are very important, and form the basis of most chemical processes that are used in the manufacture of chemical substances. Chemical reactions can be used in various situations such as the polymerization of different types of molecules, oxidation, addition, and reduction.The first step in the definition of a chemic al substance is the formation of new chemical substance. From this point, the chemistry that is used in the formulation of new chemical substances depends on the type of chemical substances that are used. Chemical reactions can be either irreversible or reversible. The reactions that are reversible are usually necessary for the formation of a new chemical substance, while the reactions that are irreversible are more commonly used to solve certain chemical problems, and solve other chemical problems.The classification of a chemical substance is given in this classification. These categories are also known as chemical classes and includes the following groups: solid, liquid, gaseous, and gas. The last group includes organic compounds, metallic and alloys, silicates, and thermoset salts.

Friday, March 6, 2020

What is it Like to Attend Pratt Institute

What is it Like to Attend Pratt Institute The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Steven received his bachelors degree in Communications Design from Pratt Institute and his masters degree in Management from New York University. He is currently a tutor in New York City specializing in AP Studio Art, English, and math, among other subjects. See what he had to say about his experience at Pratt Institute: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Steven: I had the luxury of attending undergrad in Brooklyn at Pratt Institute and my post-grad in Manhattan at New York University both very different experiences. All of my responses focus on Pratt Institute, but Ill refer to NYU for the sake of comparison. As far as college campuses go in NYC, Pratt Institutes historic Brooklyn campus is second only to Columbias. Its one of the main reasons I decided to attend Pratt Institute. I had visited other colleges around the country including RISD, ASU, NAU, Caltech, Parsons, and SVA and none of their campuses compared to Pratts beautiful, tree-lined campus. Pratt Institute is safe, vibrant, and nestled in the very fun and energetic neighborhood of Clinton Hill. Its also very conveniently located within a short walking distance to the subway system that will take you to Manhattan in 10 minutes. Pratt Institute also offers safe student parking. And the new Citi Bicycle sharing program just opened a few hubs nearby so you can hop on a bike and explore the neighborhood. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Steven:Most of the professors are working professionals that teach on the side. This is so important for communications degree students because it means that the professors are constantly tuned in to emerging trends and that they are highly connected to industry leaders and companies that you may want to apply to once you graduate. How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Steven:I lived in the dorm during my freshman year. It was everything I had hoped it would be. I still keep in touch with my suitemates. Pratt Institutes caf is sort of the central hub of the campus. Its where everyone congregates. Its where I made plans for the weekend, did my homework, and made friends. The food was inexpensive and convenient. The caf, and student housing, is all on-campus so theres literally no commute time. Its very convenient. Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Steven:When I was attending, the Communications department was growing and receiving an influx of investment for new computers, labs, and studio space. By the time I graduated, it was a world-class department with everything a graphic designer, illustrator, or art director could ask for. However, communications students were always a little jealous of the architecture students. Their department had just opened a newly designed building that had new 3D printers, laser engravers, and just all-around beautifully-designed studios. 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? Steven:I wasnt very outgoing in college, but it was very easy for me to make friends. Most Pratt Institute students like most artists are inherently introverted. But when you put a bunch of them in one spot, with an open campus design and all the tools they need to explore their artistic fantasies, they tend feel right at home. Pratt Institute does a great job of creating a sense of creative safety. The first thing youll learn at Pratt is that its okay to make mistakes every freshman professor will remind you of this. And I quickly realized this also applies to making friends. Its okay to be yourself. You have the ability really get to know yourself to take time to figure out who you really are. Theres no pressure at Pratt Institute to conform to some perceived, idealistic standard. But this also means you might change. And I hope you do. Its a good thing. If you graduate from Pratt Institute as the same person that you arrived as, then youve failed. You attend Pratt Institute to become the person you were meant to be. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Steven:Pratt Institute has a great team of academic advisors at their Center for Career and Professional Development. They organize internship fairs, guide students and alumni on career decisions, and help promote their portfolios through the online portfolio database. The level of support Pratt Institute provides is invaluable to students entering the job market. When I was about to graduate, I stopped by at least once a week to work on my resume and to work on my interview skills. I also landed my first internship through the internship fair that they host. Pratt Institute graduates are highly desirable, so all of the major companies compete for the students. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Steven:Pratt Institutes library is my favorite building on the campus. The Stacks, as theyre referred to, are comprised of several levels of glass floors. Sometimes I would go in there just to sit and relax. The Student Union is very active; they always have events and social gatherings planned for students throughout the year. Describe the surrounding town. Steven:When I tired of the caf food, I would walk one block to DeKalb Ave or Myrtle Ave for pretty much anything I had a craving for. Ive been back to campus several times since Ive graduated and the restaurant options have exploded. The current students are very lucky. A few blocks away in Fort Greene is Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), which is a long-standing cultural institution known for its live performances and their annual Next Wave Festival. BAM also hosts movie premiers where Ive had the chance of meeting Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Rachel Weisz. In the warmer months, the famous Brooklyn Flea Market brings together vendors from all over NYC to one central location just blocks from Pratt Institute. Everything is offered: from handmade furniture and jewelry to lobster rolls. If you decide to live off-campus, be aware that the demand for apartments is so high in the surrounding neighborhoods of Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, and Bed-Stuy that you can now expect to pay more than $2,000 for a 300-square-foot studio apartment. I lived in Fort Greene for 10 years and I considered myself lucky to be renting a $1,600 studio. Brooklyn has become so desirable that rent is now approaching Manhattan prices. For many people, student housing will be the only option. Whatever the consequences may be, Brooklyns popularity is one of the great benefits of attending Pratt Institute. The three surrounding neighborhoods are arguably the most exciting places to be in NYC right now. In my opinion, Brooklyns ascension as a cultural trendsetter is a direct result of the artists that graduated from Pratt Institute that decided to stay in the neighborhoods. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Steven:The class sizes are really dependent on the subject. Lecture classes such as Art History are typically very large, but thats expected. My core classes, such as Graphic Design or Sculpture, were small with an average 10:1 ratio. Most of the subjects taught in the core classes are inherently subjective so its important to have that level of personal attention by the teachers. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Steven:The most memorable and valuable lesson I learned occurred on my first day at Pratt Institute in Light, Color Design (LCD) class. Its a lesson that proved to be relevant even to this day at my current job at JPMorgan Chase. Along with the other students, I spent hours playing with Color-Aid trying to compose a design to meet the assignments requirements: depict the view from my vantage point out the classroom window a pretty typical first-day assignment. When I and the other classmates finished, we pinned our 6 by 6 designs up on the wall for the other students to critique. We were all nervous, not only because it was our first time being critiqued in college, but also because it was our first time doing the actual critiquing. Most of us had no experience doing that. The teacher explained the method of critiquing that Pratt Institute uses is called constructive criticism. The goal is not only to discuss the negative aspects of each classmates design, but to also describe the positive aspects and then to take it a step further by offering ideas on how to improve their design and explain why we thought it worked or didnt work. This is a great life skill. And its something that came up again while I was s tudying Management for my Masters degree at NYU. In management, the most effective method is to guide or coach people. This means pointing out exactly what theyre doing right and what theyre doing wrong which is exactly what I had already learned at Pratt Institute. Check out Stevens tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

5 Outstanding Podcasts To Help You Learn Spanish Faster

5 Outstanding Podcasts To Help You Learn Spanish Faster Suzy S. For many students who are studying a foreign language like Spanish, listening comprehension is one of the most difficult parts of the process. For that reason, listening to Spanish language podcasts can be very helpful in learning how to speak and understand Spanish. So, what are the best Spanish podcasts for learning? Here are 5 of our favorites to check out: 1) Coffee Break Spanish What better way to learn Spanish than with a latte and a podcast? Coffee Break Spanish is a podcast for beginners. The lessons are broken down into seasons, allowing Spanish students to work through each lesson in sequential order. Each episode is roughly 15 to 20 minutes and features a specific theme or concept. This free podcast is available on iTunes and consists of 176 episodes. 2) Intermediate Spanish with Spanish Obsessed This Spanish language podcast is focused around conversational Spanish. The two co-hosts speak slowly and cover a wide range of topics. Unlike other Spanish podcasts, Intermediate Spanish with Spanish Obsessed also reviews grammar and culture in addition to conversational vocabulary. This podcast is free, available on iTunes, and consists of 21 episodes. 3) Notes in Spanish Intermediate This podcast consists of a husband-and-wife team discussing real world news stories in Spanish. The vocabulary is not for beginners, but Notes in Spanish Intermediate provides realistic examples of the language and how it is used in a day-to-day context. This free podcast is available on iTunes and consists of 46 episodes. 4) Learn Spanish with Comentarios This short, limited Spanish podcast series focuses mainly on the grammar aspect of Spanish. Learn Spanish with Comentarios is aimed at beginner and intermediate students and covers topics such as the gender of nouns, verbs, definite and indefinite articles, and adjectives. This free podcast is available on iTunes and consists of 12 episodes. 5) SpanishPod101 This is an ongoing podcast that releases short, 2- to 5-minute episodes every few days. The podcast episodes cover a variety of topics, including culture, vocabulary, and pronunciation. SpanishPod101 includes lessons for both beginner and intermediate students and is a unique podcast because it also includes the occasional video episode for students to watch. This podcast is perfect for visual learners, and its free, available on iTunes, and consists of 55 episodes. Listening to Spanish podcasts like the five listed above can help you practice and learn Spanish, but they dont replace working with someone in real time. Remember, one-on-one practice with a qualified Spanish tutor is the best way to learn the language! Other Spanish Learning Podcasts to Check Out Since first publishing this article, weve found a few other Spanish podcasts we love! We recommend: Games for Languages Spanish Podcasts Podcast From Spain Learn Argentinian Spanish Podcasts geared toward advanced students and featuring Argentinian Spanish specifically Bonus:   Learn about the budget-friendly options for learning Spanish! 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 Erik

3 GMAT Strategies You Learned While in College

3 GMAT Strategies You Learned While in College For many prospective business school students, the GMAT is a fearsome enemy. If you lie awake in bed worrying about how you will prepare for this exam, fret no further. Instead, look to your college days the strategies you relied on to succeed in your college courses can now help you do your best on the GMAT. These are a few daily activities that can omprove your GMAT skills. Here are three examples: Strategy #1: Review your schedule and develop a plan Just as you reviewed each class syllabus at the beginning of the semester, determine what you must accomplish before your GMAT test date. How long do you have to study? A week? A month? Consider taking a diagnostic test to better gauge how far you are from your goal score. If your results are not as strong as you expected them to be, you may want to increase your allotted prep time. You should also be specific about when you plan to study, as sometime during the week is unlikely to lead to success. Block off a recurring time in your calendar to ensure your prep is consistent. (One- or two-hour sessions work especially well for retention.) When you reach the end of your block, stop. Let the material sink in so that you can build on it the next day. Like that French class you enrolled in during your sophomore year, you cannot review dozens of terms in one evening and expect to be fluent the following morning. Similarly, each GMAT study session should build on the previous one. Pace yourself. Take notes. Build on your knowledge over an adequate period of time. These tips can also help you reach your target GMAT score! Last, where will you prep for the GMAT? When you were living in the dorm, your room might have been satisfactory when it was quiet, but a more likely study option was the library. If you can, find a public or university library near you, and check out a study room if one is available. Strategy #2: Study truly Whether you would like to strengthen your grammar skills for the Sentence Correction section or practice basic arithmetic for Problem Solving, you are now ready to begin your prep. Aim to use your time wisely. Just like in college, there will be distractions that encourage your mind to wander, including friends, family, athletic events, etc. Do not allow these obstacles to hamper your progress. You can also draw on the methods you learned in your foundational courses. For example, if you need to hone your proficiency in the Quantitative portion of the GMAT, apply the skills that you sharpened in your algebra or statistics classes. Work through practice questions and check your answers, even if your responses were correct. Determine which approaches work best for you within the context of the GMAT. For example, if you are having trouble with Reading Comprehension questions, you might choose to utilize some of the techniques that saw you through your literature course. These are great free GMAT resourcesyou can use to help you study. Try to remember that just as your sociology midterm was only one part of college, the GMAT is only one step on your road to an MBA. You will not have to prep for it forever. Make it a short-term priority now so that you can achieve your long-term goals later. Strategy #3: Ask for help when you need it The GMAT is a difficult exam. If you are struggling with its content or your timing, do not be discouraged. When your classes were difficult in college, you may have spoken with your chemistry professor or formed a study group for your anthropology class. These same strategies for example, working with GMAT tutors are still effective now. A mentor or a tutor can help you develop your personal strengths and address your particular weaknesses, and they can often speak to the MBA experience as a whole. By applying these three college strategies, you can simplify your GMAT prep. These techniques will not only benefit you on the GMAT, they will also serve you well during the application process and throughout business school. You ultimately persevered with your undergraduate years. Let this one exam show you how preparation, persistence, and commitment can lead you to your future success.

How to Play the Banjo.

How to Play the Banjo. Here’s Literally Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Playing the Banjo. ChaptersWhat is the Banjo?Famous Banjo Performances.How to Play the Banjo: Some Different Banjo Techniques.Where to Get Banjo Lessons.The banjo, with its unmistakeable percussive twang, is a beautiful and distinctive string instrument. Across the musical worlds of folk, blues, bluegrass, and traditional music, its presence is widely felt â€" and never to be missed.However, unlike its more famous six-string sibling, the guitar, it is not so easy to find resources and guidance on how to learn to play the banjo. In fact, most music stores in the UK â€" apart from the most specialist ones â€" hardly even stock them. And then there is the challenge of finding yourself a banjo lesson after that.Yet, it is not impossible. So, if your dream is to become a virtuosic banjoist, don’t give up just yet. This musical instrument deserves to have so many more players than it does â€" and, here, we’re going to show you how you can join the ranks of the banjo players yourself.We’re going to run through some of the key aspects of the banjo that you need to know â€" from its history to its physiognomy to its most famous and respected players and performances. And then we’ll show you how you can actually expect to find a banjo teacher where you are.As we said, it is far from impossible. With some basic knowledge and heap of commitment, you’ll be a proper banjo player in no time. So, let’s take a look.And, by the way, you can learn about playing the lute! 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 Ry anGuitar Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is the Banjo?Even if you’re a total beginner, you’ve certainly heard a banjo â€" and probably seen one too. It’s perhaps one of the most characteristic instruments of American traditional music â€" developed by the African-American slave community before being appropriated by the white population â€" and, these days, it characterises the world of folk music.It’s easily recognised: four, five, or six strings that are stretched over the instrument’s ‘head’, a circular frame over which a plastic â€" or, more traditionally, animal skin â€" membrane is stretched. The result is a string instrument that produces a percussive, plucked sound, often with an underlying drone. Learn the banjo - like this bloke!How Many Strings Does a Banjo Have?As we said, the banjo’s number of strings can vary â€" and they are usually found with four, five, or six different strings.Despite these variations, the ‘normal’ or standard banjo has five strings. Usually, on the five-string banjo, whilst the rest of the strings stretch from the tuning nuts at the top to the bridge at the bottom, the fifth string starts from the fifth fret. This means that you have a string ready there to play whichever higher notes you might want to play.The four-string banjo might immediately be seen as something played like a bass guitar, but it is actually much more like a ukulele. You will play it like a uke â€" but, predictably enough, it will sound like a banjo.Something similar applies to the six-string banjo. However, it plays less like a uke and more like a normal six-string guitar. It retains its banjo sound, of course.Ever thought about learning the ukulele?Are there Different Ty pes of Banjo?The main distinction to be found in banjos is that in the number of strings. However, there are a number of niche instruments that suit particular styles of playing, which we will outline below.Something perhaps more important that you should be aware of first, though, is the resonator. On the head of a banjo â€" the instrument’s round body â€" is the plastic membrane through which the sound is produced.However, picture the other side of that body. Sometimes, this is left open. If so, this is called, quite predictably, an ‘open-backed’ banjo.The alternative is that the back is covered with a plate, which is called a resonator. These produce a much louder sound and the tone is heavier and punchier. If you are playing bluegrass â€" one of the most famous genres for the banjo â€" you’ll be wanting a resonator banjo.Meanwhile, here are some of the other major types of banjo:Plectrum banjo. We know that the five-string banjo usually has one string shorter. Take this away and you have what is called a plectrum banjo â€" which is usually played with a plectrum.Tenor banjo. Popularised by the banjoist from the Dubliners, the tenor banjo is an Irish development. A shorter neck and a particular tuning, the Irish tenor banjo is usually used as a rhythm instrument.Bass and cello banjo. These are much lower in pitch and were developed for banjo orchestras, believe it or not.Check out the mandolin and the cittern whilst you are here! Why not take up the banjo?Famous Banjo Performances.The history of the banjo is long. However, given its popular roots, the early practitioners of the instrument are not well known. In fact, it is in the twentieth century that the banjo became the famous â€" although alternative â€" instrument it is now.Here are two of the most famous banjoists of the twentieth century â€" as well as another band that purists won’t like…Earl Scruggs.Referred to as the father of bluegrass and one of the most important banjo players ever to have graced the planet, Earl Scruggs changed the way that people played the banjo.With his famous ‘Scruggs style’ â€" a three-fingered style which came to define bluegrass music â€" he influenced generations of banjo players after him.Béla Fleck.Of all contemporary banjo players, the Grammy award-winning Béla Fleck has done most to take the instrument out of its particular niche and apply it to all manner of musical styles.With his virtuosic style, his pen chant for jazz licks, and his absurdly talented band, the Flecktones, Fleck has given new life to the instrument.Mumford Sons.We did tell you that the purists wouldn’t like this. Whilst Mumford Sons aren’t exactly the most inventive of musicians, they have done music a great favour by popularising the banjo sound â€" at least in the UK.These days, you can’t be a folk band without a banjo â€" and that’s thanks to this country-inspired pop band.Find out about different types of string instruments!How to Play the Banjo: Some Different Banjo Techniques.Many guitarists often assume, because they can play a plucked string instrument, that they can play all of them. This isn’t exactly true â€" as the banjo has a number of specific techniques that are really quite different from standard guitar playing.Clawhammer.One of the most distinctive of banjo techniques is the clawhammer technique. This is notable for the fact that, when playing, you don’t pick upwards with your fingers â€" but rather downwards. Obviously, you won’t recognise this from the guitar.Get your hand into a claw-like shape and move it from the wrist (you don’t want to flick your fingers independently).This technique produces one of the most characteristic sounds the banjo produces.Scruggs Style.The typical bluegrass sound, Scruggs style is played with fingerpicks on the thumb and the first two fingers. You’ll want to alternate each in a ‘rolling’ pattern of arpeggios.With the Scruggs style, a melody is interwoven in the arpeggios played, with the result being a fast, often swung or syncopated rhythm.Irish Folk.One of the easier techniques for a beginner to learn is the Irish style of banjo playing.This is done usually with a pick â€" like a guitarist’s â€" and is usually played on a four-string tenor banjo. The banjoist Earl Scruggs (image from NPR)Where to Get Banjo Lessons.Now, the most important part of your musical learning journey, let’s find you a banjo teacher.An instrument teacher is without doubt the most important person in your musical education â€" apart from you of course â€" so make sure you choose them wisely.Your banjo player should be able to show the basic techniques, musical theory, and songs, for sure. But they should also inspire you to take an interest in everything about the instrument â€" and get you discovering your own favourite elements.Find a Banjo Tutor on Superprof.One of the best places to find a banjo tutor is through Superprof, our platform that connects students with tutors from across the world.We have twelve tutors available for online lessons, who will sit with you and show you everything you need to know about excelling in the instrument.Head to Your Local Music Store.If you in a town with a music store, one of the best places to find instrument l essons is right there. Just pop your head in and ask.Be aware, however, that the banjo is not like the guitar. Not every man and his dog can play and teach the banjo.Check Out Banjo Resources Online.The internet is a great place to learn new skills â€" and that includes learning the banjo too.You’ll find tablature, video tutorials, and all manner of other things online. So, if you have a banjo ready to be played â€" go and get started.

Guitar for Beginners 5 New Years Resolutions for Learning Guitar

Guitar for Beginners 5 New Years Resolutions for Learning Guitar Megan L. Make this year your most musical year yet with these excellent new years resolutions for learning guitar for beginners  by guitar teacher  Kirk R. Pick Up Your Guitar Everyday To some this may seem daunting, and to others it might sound obvious. Regardless of which side of that you’re on, getting your hands on your guitar often is an important step in learning, especially when you’re just starting out. This is true in most other areas of study as well, but if you’re learning to walk or learning a language, you have to tools to practice it with you at all times. As a side note here, you can also make lots of progress doing what I call mental practice. The idea is just that you use your analytical and visualization skills to solve problems with your playing without ever picking up your instrument. There are many ways to go about that, but I’ll leave that for a future post! Picking up your guitar often allows your body and mind to create a sense of normalcy while youre playing. When you want to walk somewhere, you probably don’t think about which joints of your legs need to bend and at exactly what time, you just begin walking. Guitar can be much the same! You don’t have to plan long practice sessions everyday. Usually just picking it up and playing through something that you’re working on is enough. If it’s a busy day, it might be only a few minutes, and that’s ok. If you have more time, but not all at once, try a few minutes before school or work and then again between dinner and bed. Figure out what works in your schedule and make it a part of your day! Check out: 50 Little Things You Can Do To Get More From Your Guitar Practice Time Practice With a Metronome Aside from an instrument, the metronome is the most helpful item that a musician can have. If you don’t have one already, they can be found very cheaply. Though I have a few, I most commonly use a metronome app that I downloaded for free. Metronomes can be frustrating little devices, but they will make you a better player. It’s important to remember that they often work like a mirror. If you’re noticing mistakes when you play with a metronome that you didn’t notice before, chances are, you were already making it (or a similar mistake). When you see more mistakes than before, it may seem like you are suddenly less skilled than you thought yourself before, but remember, when you notice mistakes you’re making, you can immediately start working to correct them! Start slowly (slower than you think you need to) and work up to your desired speed a notch or two at a time. This might seem tedious, but it’s a great way to work up to fast speeds in no time. Rhythm is one of the most important aspects of your playing (even more than hitting the right notes!) so if you want to build your skills, a device that helps to keep your rhythm accurate is indispensable. Check out: 13 Guitar Apps We Cant Live Without Learn a Song in a New Style or Genre I’m not suggesting here that you become a jack of all trades sort of musician. I’ve seen many of them over the years, and it seems like very few of them have mastered all, or any, of the styles that they’re playing. What I am saying is learn something in a different style so that you can look at the music that you really want to play with a new and wider perspective. I once spent some time studying with a guy who was experienced in Brazilian choro guitar. He looked at the music that I was already playing at the time very differently than I did. His whole approach was totally different and it forced me to take note of things in the music that I had never payed any attention to before. It’s that sort of experience that will make you a better musician in the long run. If you play mostly rock now, try something classical; learning jazz? Try playing metal. Maybe something less contrasting. If you play folk from tab, try playing folk from sheet music. If you’re used to reading sheet music, try playing from a lead sheet/chord chart. Forcing yourself out of your comfort zone will not only make you a more versatile player, but it will help you improve the way that you play your usual music. Check out: The Big List of Easy Guitar Songs Set Goals Set one goal that seems impossible now and one that you know you can accomplish No matter what kind of successful person you talk to, they will all agree that setting goals is helpful. This is a simple suggestion, but it can take a variety of forms. The important part of this suggestion is to have something that you can keep you eye on for a long time; something that keeps driving you forward, as well as something that is totally achievable and reminds you that you’re making progress. The “reach goal” could be something like a difficult song that you want to learn, or to memorize a certain number of songs. For the easier goal, maybe it’s making a change between two specific chords, playing in front of someone once a month, or to get a song that you’re already learning up to a certain tempo. Whatever you choose for your goals, make sure that they are measureable. If you want to get a song up to a certain tempo, make sure that the tempo is specific: 136 bpm instead of ‘fast’. Check out: How to Learn Guitar: Setting Goals, Staying Motivated, and More! Add Guitar  Exercises to Your Practice Routine This may not seem as exciting as your usual guitar practice, but I would argue that given the right mindset and exercise, it can be as interesting and engaging as practicing music. It might come as a surprise to some (though perhaps I’m wrong) that I’m making a distinction between music and exercises. It’s important to play inherently non-musical exercises, though there is value in exercise-like pieces of music as well. The reason for this is that the goal of an exercise is one of physical movement on the instrument. In order to carefully work on this aspect of playing, we have to take the emotion and desire to make our playing sound a certain way out of the equation. Have you ever noticed that when you start to learn a song that you have often listened to, you usually start playing faster than your hands can really keep up? It’s because you’re used to hearing it a certain way, and your brain is telling your hands to play the way it thinks the song should sound. When you’re using a non-musical exercise to develop skills in your fingers, you don’t have the same sort of drive as learning a song, even one you haven’t heard before. There are probably millions of exercises that you can choose from, but don’t be overwhelmed. Find one that addresses an aspect of your playing that you want to improve. Treat this exercise like weight lifting. First, make sure it’s of reasonable difficulty. You don’t walk into a gym the first day and start lifting the heaviest weights available. Second, when you are comfortable playing through the exercise while focusing on the technical aspects and they all come out as you want them to, don’t abandon the exercise! It’s not meant to be a badge that you earn and display. It’s a regular tool that you use to keep your chops in shape. Once a weight lifter lifts the heaviest weight available, they don’t stop lifting it, but they keep coming back to it, perhaps adding more reps, or just using it to maintain their current abilities. Check out: 3 Simple Guitar Exercises Youll Never Outgrow Did you make any musical resolutions this year? Share them with us in the comments below! Post Author:  Kirk R. Kirk is a classical, bass, and acoustic guitar instructor in Denver, CO. He earned a  bachelors of music in Guitar performance at The College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati and he is currently pursuing a masters degree in performance.   Learn more about Kirk  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