The Dos And Donts Of Buying The Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar

The Dos And Donts Of Buying The Best Beginner Acoustic Guitar Suzy S. Looking for the best beginner acoustic guitar to purchase? Read on for some helpful advice from  Perth Amboy, NJ guitar teacher Jeff S... Selecting the right guitar teacher for you or your children is certainly a crucial decision and the choice you make can often dictate how well the lessons will go. Yet an often overlooked (and quite frankly, often-botched) step that needs to be carefully addressed before lessons begin is selecting the right size and type of beginner acoustic guitar  for your childs age, body and hand size, and musical inclinations. See Also: 9 Best Acoustic Guitars for Kids I would estimate that 60% of my students (or their parents) buy the wrong size or type guitar. And this invariably puts me in the awkward and unenviable position of eventually being the bearer of bad news. And while I never push my students or their parents toward purchasing another guitar, Im often asked for my input on this subject. So in an effort to be helpful and to point them in the right directions, I have compiled a list of some guitar makes and models that are size-friendly, are reasonably easy to play, and are cost-efficient for most budgets. I have recommendations for acoustic guitars under $500.00 as well as acoustic guitars between $500.00 and $1,000.00, which I will share with you in part two of this article, but first let me offer details on what I consider the wrong guitar. When I speak to a new students parent and they tell me they bought a guitar package deal at a warehouse or club wholesale store, I have to hold back a wince.  Not necessarily because of a lack of quality of merchandise sold there, but because typically theres a very large-sized guitar featured in these bundles or packages (which can include a small amp, tuner, cable, picks, etc.). But the sad reality is that most children and even some teens and adults will be challenged to comfortably wrap their arms around them and be able to reach the sound hole of the instrument (where they need to place their right hand to strum the strings). The name of this type of guitar is dreadnaught (and in my mind, the prefix dread is quite apropos). And dreadnaughts, along with jumbo-sized guitars, are the largest, widest-bodied acoustic guitars on the market. When a child attempts to hold them (especially a small child), it feels and looks about as natural as if they were holding a St. Bernard dog on their lap. So I would generally steer you away from dreadnaughts and jumbo-sized guitars, no matter how sweet a deal you find at the club and warehouse stores, In fact, even if Uncle Jimmy offers to loan or give one to you for your kid, Id say thanks, but no. The only possible exceptions to my admonitions against larger-bodied guitars would be for taller or larger teens and adults. Then the dreadnaughts and jumbos are worth looking into for their big sounds and great values. I would also steer clear of nylon string (aka classical) guitars unless your child or you are interested in learning classical guitar music, flamenco, or the like. The reason I say this is because the necks on classicals are significantly wider than steel string acoustics, and theyre almost always highly lacquered (making them prone to stickiness and therefore quite difficult to maneuver on). The nylon strings can also be more difficult to grip than steel strings for many students. So what size and type of guitars would I recommend? How do you find the best beginner acoustic guitar? My suggestions would be: folk size, 3/4 size, orchestra size, mini-jumbo size, and travel size. See Also: Best Acoustic Guitar Reviews All of these body shapes and sizes are nowhere near as wide as dreadnaughts and jumbos, so students (of just about every size) feel much more comfortable holding them. The trick is finding them, because strangely enough these ginormous-sized dreadnaughts tend to be the most common in music stores and are often less expensive than their smaller-bodied counterparts. Strange, huh? Want more specific recommendations? Heres my list of the best acoustic guitars under $500 check out the list, play the instruments in the store and compare them carefully, consult a knowledgeable salesperson if you can find one at the store, and buy cautiously (and hopefully at a store or online seller with a lenient return policy). But my closing mantra would be: Less is more. Happy selecting and strumming! Jeff S. teaches guitar, ukulele, speaking voice, songwriting and more in Perth Amboy, NJ, as well as online.  Jeff has created and taught songwriting and music business classes at colleges, universities, and music schools throughout the country for many years. Learn more  about Jeff 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 Photo  by murray

Online Tutoring - How to Keep Kids Busy During Summer Vacation

Online Tutoring - How to Keep Kids Busy During Summer Vacation 0SHARESShare It is very difficult question about how to keep kids engaged and busy during summer vacation. Vacation is leisure time but what if your child spend holidays in doing some good activities or learning that grow them towards betterment. Some children prefer to join a summer camp in local nearby areas while some try out art, craft, painting or dancing. However, since last couple of years students started trying out the online summer tutoring program. Online summer tutoring program offer convenience to students taking tutoring right at home. The online tutoring summer program not only helps reviewing schoolwork of the past year but also prepare for following academic year. Children weak in a particular subject can get extra tutoring and practice. Summer vacation is a great time for kids to catch up their academic work. Tutoring program is specially designed to learn with fun in leisure. Online websites offer interesting learning activities that comprise of reading, writing, activities, games, worksheets, etc. There are various programs that target different age groups. Math camp includes Math fun, extra tutoring in Algebra, developing Math problem strategy. English camp includes reading fun and developing strategic and creative writing. Some of the leading online tutoring program offer skill development programs like soft skill development, social skill development, becoming organized and time management, etc. Online tutors conducting skill development programs are trained and experienced one. There are so many variations in summer programs where the primary aim is to keep your kids’ mind and bodies active with high summer enjoyment. Parents who are looking for additional resources to keep their children engage during summer vacations should definitely try online tutoring summer vacation program. [starbox id=admin]

How Parents Can Help with Middle School Homework Challenges

How Parents Can Help with Middle School Homework Challenges At some point, all middle school parents experience the Sunday night homework announcement: suddenly, your student has a shoebox diorama due in third period history class tomorrowand he or she hasnt started it yet. With the move to middle school comes major change: shifting to bell schedules, an intense focus on social dynamics, and an increase in responsibilitiesincluding homework responsibilities. Even though the start of the middle school year brings more homework and higher expectations for time management, that first bell doesnt automatically imbue your middle schooler with all the skills to handle the change. For parents, its important to strike a balance between giving middle school students the autonomy they crave and the support they need when it comes to homework and time management. Ways you can help your middle school student with homework challenges include developing a homework tracking system, practicing task assessment, and encouraging the implementation of study breaks. Read on to learn how parents can help with middle school homework challenges: [RELATED: 4 Ways Parents Can Help Middle School Students Succeed] Middle school homework solution #1: Develop a tracking system Speak with your student about how homework changes in middle school, such as more frequent long-term projects and a heavier homework load overall. Together, brainstorm ways to keep track of homework assignments. Keep in mind that the school may have its own system, such as an online calendar or a mandatory student planner. If not, some ideas might include: Writing homework out on a calendar, in a planner, or on an app Reviewing new assignments as the first homework task each day Creating a checklist or chart for the kitchen (or another common area). Then, give your student regular reminders to stick to the plan youve created togetherthat way, he or she stays accountable. Middle school homework solution #2: Let your student struggle occasionally If the dreaded Sunday night homework crisis does occur, and your student has a book report due tomorrow for a book he or she hasnt read, consider simply letting your student endure the consequences of procrastination. Ask your student what his or her plan is to handle the short timeline. If he or she needs to go to the store for supplies, make yourself available to drive there, but dont do the project for your student. Having to turn in a late or sub-par assignment will help your student learn to avoid the same situation in the futureand you can help drive the lesson home by talking with him or her about a plan for approaching the work differently next time. [RELATED: Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences: What to Ask] Middle school homework solution #3: Practice task assessment Another skill you can help your student develop is to help him or her look at assignments ahead of time and analyze how much work they will take. If your student is sticking to a tracking system, you can help read over the assignment or look through the problems before they are due and estimate how much time, materials, reading, or other preparation will be required. Add those things to the planner or calendar as needed, and work with your child to spread out any heavy workloads in a realistic way. Middle school homework solution #4: Implement breaks and other study skills Middle school is going to require longer homework sessions and different types of studying. Help your student create good study habits by encouraging him or her to take regular, short breaks and to study using different methods like flashcards, rewriting notes, analyzing math problems that were missed, participating in group study sessions, and other techniques beyond simply reviewing notes. As your child gets into the pre-teen and teen years, your role as a parent will need to shift from helping directly with homework assignments to helping your student manage time and tasks effectively. Taking an active role in teaching him or her organization, time management, analysis, and planning skills while allowing more control over the details will build lifelong capability and confidence. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Effectively Communicate With Your Childs Teacher] Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

4 Myths About AP Prep

4 Myths About AP Prep For many high school students, the end of winter break signals the beginning of Advanced Placement (AP) prep. Crunch time for AP tests can certainly be stressful. When it comes to studying for your exams, it is important to spend your study time wisely in order to be well prepared by May. This includes avoiding AP prep myths, which can be harmful to your success. Believing these misconceptions can lead to poor study habits or to dissatisfaction with your progress, thus making it more difficult to succeed on your AP tests. Below are the four most common AP prep myths: 1. I will be fine studying for my AP exams on my own With potential college credit on the line, most students feel tremendous pressure to perform well on AP exams. Despite this, many students even those who are struggling in AP classes tend to believe that they can adequately prepare for their year-end tests without any outside help. But the truth is that, in many cases, outside assistance can be a great support for individual prep. These are three common mistakes to avoid on AP exams. If you need extra help, your high school AP teachers are the first people you should approach. Advanced Placement instructors can address many of your exam questions, as they are specifically certified to teach AP courses. You can also form study groups with your peers. Through discussion and collaborative learning, you and your classmates can help each other better understand the material that you will encounter on your APs. If, after spending time studying with your teachers and classmates, you are still struggling to comprehend class content, tutoring can be an excellent option. Besides helping you master AP content, seeking an AP tutor can help you develop a smart study plan, teach you test-taking strategies, and keep you organized, thus setting you up for success on current and future AP exams. 2. Everything I need to know will be covered in class Another misconception is that your teachers will cover all AP exam material in class. However, Advanced Placement exams are extremely comprehensive in nature, which makes it challenging for even the most efficient high school teachers to fit all the exam material into their schedules for the semester or year. Consequently, you will need to devote time to studying AP content on your own, in addition to attending classes and reviewing your notes. If you are unsure about what has been omitted from your AP class curriculum, ask your teacher for a list of topics that you should focus on in your own time. 3. I do not need to take any practice tests Though reading your textbook is a key part of AP prep, this does not mean that you should solely read the text. In fact, taking AP practice testscan be an extremely effectiveway to review. At the back of your exam prep book, you will likely find several practice tests. Time yourself as you work through each exam, silencing any distractions and adhering to test conditions. Taking practice exams can be excellent practice for acclimating yourself to AP test questions, which is especially useful if you have never taken an Advanced Placement exam before. Practice tests can also help you determine what AP content is most difficult for you, signaling which areas you need to devote extra attention to while you prep. 4. There is no need to review my class notes Of all the AP prep myths, this one is particularly dangerous. The notes you take in your AP classes are full of rich details and outside information that you may not find in an AP prep book. And on AP essays and free-response items, it is important to incorporate outside ideas and to connect details to overarching concepts. Your class notes can help you make these crucial connections.

Learning Chemistry in Glasgow

Learning Chemistry in Glasgow Chemistry Courses in Glasgow at University and at Home ChaptersLearning Chemistry at the University of GlasgowStudy Chemistry-Related Subjects at Glasgow Caledonian UniversityLearning Chemistry with a Private TutorLearning about chemistry is fascinating: seeing how substances interact at a molecular level, finding ways of applying fundamental questions to biomedical problems, making a theoretical interaction into an innovation in pharmaceuticals or industrial materials.   There are many places to study Chemistry in the UK.If you live in or near Glasgow and you are searching for ways to learn chemistry, here are a few tips.Forensic Investigation and help solve crime (and find out where all the CSI and CIS series got it wrong). The excellent laboratory facilities at GCU include a DNA analyser, mass spectrometer and all the microscopes you will ever need for analytical chemistry. This programme includes the possibility of doing a year abroad in other universities.You can also study Forensic Chemistry in London!A BSc (Hons) is also available in Pharmacology. Similar in some aspects to the Medicinal Chemistry path at the University of Glasgow or Pharmaceutical Chemistry at other universities, pPharmacology focuses on drug development. You will spend the first two years  studying Applied Biological Sciences - including biochemistry - at Glasgow Kelvin College, then move on to GCU for Honours (years 3 and 4).Or study food chemistry and microbiology as part of your MSc Food Bioscience. You will cover all aspects of food analysis and engineering, giving you a good grounding for the market in food manufacturing and processing.Learning Chemistry with a Private TutorWhether you are studying Sciences for your GCSEs or struggling with an A-level in Chemistry, need some extra time spent with a teacher other than your mentor or tutor at the university level or are simply interested in learning more about chemistry, getting a private tutor is probably your best choice.Private tutors can help chemistry enthusiasts of all ages. Photo credit: Pioneer Library System on VisualHuntA private tutor means that you are not shackled to a single time and place for your lessons - perfect if you only occasionally need help for specific questions or lead a complex and hectic life. It also means that you can work on those points you are most unsure of. A classical chemistry course will follow a set curriculum, but with a private tutor you can iron out your problems understanding catalysis, computational chemistry, organometallic compounds, nanomaterials or any other specific aspect of chemistry.Nor will you be lost among a sea of students; instead, you can take one-to-one courses where your chemistry education will focus on you, not what your teachers think you should know. You can have things explained in a more visual fashion or focus more on the mathematical aspects to learn the mechanics of chemistry.The one disadvantage of learning chemistry with a private tutor is that it is likely neither your tutor nor you own a lab. If you need tutoring in practical chemistry, you will need to find a lab you can rent for your experiments.Why not try learning Chemistry in Birmingham?Where can I find chemistry tutors in Glasgow?One option for finding someone to tutor you in GCSE or A-level chemistry is to go to the university and see if graduate students are willing to help you.Another is to search for a “chemistry tutor near me” here on Superprof. Over 70 tutors are available to help with anything from forensic chemistry to chemical engineering to chemical biology. The prices average about £17 per hour, with many in the 25-30 £ range, which is perfectly reasonable.If you are a chemistry student in Leeds you can also get a private tutor.Many also offer a free first lesson so you can see if you synch well with your new teacher. It’s important that your tutor be able to adapt their teaching style to your learning style - so don’t hesitate to use your free first lesson to try out different tutors to see w hich one is best for you! You can also look up testimonials from other students to see what their experience with that particular tutor has been.

Are You An Introvert Heres How to Stand Out at Work - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Are You An Introvert Here’s How to Stand Out at Work - Introvert Whisperer Are You An Introvert? Here’s How to Stand Out at Work Introverts may initially be seen as shy individuals who are intimidated by those around them, but this is far from the truth. These individuals typically have amazing strengths that can help them become invaluable members of any work team. For example, they are usually independent, detail-oriented workers who are amazing listeners. They are also hard and trustworthy employees. However, to shine at work, you must take wise steps that play to your strengths. Use Downtime to Your Advantage Introverts tend to thrive in quieter situations rather than in fast-paced or noisy environments. While you cannot always control your work environment, you can find smart ways to take advantage of quieter times at your office to improve your focus throughout the day. Consider coming in early to start before your coworkers arrive or staying late occasionally. You could also take your lunch break at a different time from your coworkers. Even when your environment is hectic, you can turn down the volume with noise-canceling headphones or decrease interruptions by turning off notifications on your computer or smartphone. Set Up One-on-One Meetings It may be difficult for you to stand out in a crowd or get your voice heard in a group meeting. Those with more extroverted natures tend to rule group settings because they are unafraid to interrupt. However, you will shine in one-on-one meetings that give you a better chance to project your thoughts to a manager or supervisor. Your manager may be unaware of just what you can offer your team. By meeting on your own with him, you can show him that you also have great ideas and that you can add great value to the team. Other benefits of one-on-one meetings for introverts include improved relationships with management and improved productivity thanks to personalized feedback on fresh ideas and daily work. Go for Individual Projects Along with individualized meetings, you can also thrive at work by focusing on individual projects whenever possible. Working in a group can be difficult if you struggle to make your ideas known. Ask your manager for projects that require only one worker. Not only will you be able to focus more on the details of the task at hand and improve your confidence at work, but also you will be able to impress your manager and make a name for yourself without any discomfort. Leverage Your Strengths As mentioned above, introverts may not have bubbly personalities, but they have an incredible list of strengths that can help them survive and thrive on the job. They can be highly successful and productive under pressure. When allowed to work on their own, they find it easy to concentrate on the task at hand and are always focused on deadlines and details. Although they may not be highly verbal, they have great listening skills. This helps them be perceived as empathetic people who are in touch with their feelings. By focusing on these and other positive characteristics you have, such as thoughtfulness, contentment, and self-sufficiency, you can stand out to your boss by leading those around you with your actions rather than with your words. Whenever possible, you can also use team building activities to develop respect and trust among people with different personality traits. Whenever your office participates in team-building and bonding activities, participate to the best of your ability. It’s a good chance to get to know people outside the pressures of work. Be a Good Listener There is a time and a place for talking around the water-cooler or spitballing new ideas with coworkers. But, there is a greater need for good listeners in the workplace who allow individuals to be heard without having to talk over anyone. This is where introverts shine. To become an even better listener, always maintain good eye contact, focus on the conversation rather than on other tasks, clarify what the individual is saying, and ask thoughtful questions when appropriate. Speak Up About Your Passion You should not feel pressured to speak up in every circumstance. However, you should leverage your opportunities carefully, speaking up when there is something you are particularly passionate about. When you are excited about a topic, you will be able to speak about it confidently even in a group setting. Not only can you impact your coworkers, but also you can impress your supervisor or manager and build a reputation as being a knowledgeable and valuable employee who uses his words wisely. Choose the Right Role You know yourself better than anyone else ever could, and you know which types of environments you thrive in versus those that fill you with trepidation. Choose a job that fits your personality. If you are not sure what that could be, take an aptitude test or a personality test that will make career suggestions based on the findings. In addition, consider how your job will change over the years. You may even want to consider your hobbies to determine potential careers. No matter what job you land in, the importance of employee appreciation for all roles cannot be stressed enough because all employees provide incredible value for any company. Find a job where your efforts will be appreciated, despite your quieter and more reserved nature. Embrace Your Strengths as an Introvert No matter what job you are currently at, always remember that you are a valuable resource and that any company should be proud to have you as a part of their team. While you may not be as outgoing as your extroverted coworkers are, you have strength, resilience, and focus that will help you shine in any career. Author bio: Josh is the co-founder and CEO of  Squibler.  Hes written five books and thousands of blog posts. Forbes noted him as one of 12 Innovative Founders To Watch And Learn From. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!   Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

Three Simple Ways Deliberate Practice Will Improve Your GMAT Score

Three Simple Ways Deliberate Practice Will Improve Your GMAT Score GMAT MBA Admissions Blog There’s a common myth about standardized tests, that they’re supposed to gauge how smart you are. Why else would MBA programs require all students take a GMAT? Don’t they need some easy way to figure out who’s smartest without reading through all of those pesky applications? Indeed, the GMAT does act as a kind of signifier of what type of student you’ll be, and yes it helps admissions offices separate the wheat from the chafe. But this test doesn’t show how smart you are, rather how good you are at taking this test. A high score on the GMAT is often reflective of someone who adapted to the demands of the test and worked furiously to improve at it. If anything, the GMAT communicates to a school just how hard you’re willing to work at a long, boring test with obscure data sufficiency questions and a series of terrible sentence correction options. But hard work doesn’t just mean taking every practice test available and hoping for the best. Instead, apply some principles of deliberate practice to your test prep regimen and you’ll guarantee that the work you’re putting into this exam is meaningful. 1. Focus Intensely on What You’re Missing Your absolute first step of your GMAT prep journey should be taking a practice test and reviewing everything you got wrong. Lots of people simply take the practice test, look over the correct answer choices for whatever they missed, and then take another practice test. One of the central tenets of deliberate practice is focus, and a great way to practice some focus here is to review every single question you missed thoroughly. Did you miss a lot of critical reasoning questions? Review not just how the correct answer is correct, but why the wrong answers don’t work. With the Quantitative section, keep a running list of every single math concept that appeared in questions that you got wrong. You’ll not just want to review all of those concepts, but return to this test after that review to see how that content was applied. Moving forward, you’ll want to put the same focus into homework. If you’re working out of a test prep book, spend at least as much time reading over and picking apart the provided answer explanations as you did actually working on the question that you’re reviewing. 2. Get Feedback Practicing often, you might find yourself hitting a wall. Sure, you’re getting more geometry-based problem solving questions now that you’ve revealed all of the rules, but your accuracy on the data sufficiency questions just won’t budge. Lots of obstacles you’ll encounter not just while prepping for the GMAT but also while in grad school boil down to an issue of perspective. When you can’t conceive of another way to solve a problem, you’re doomed to keep trying the inadequate method you have been using so far. This is where feedback can really help. Solicit advice from a friend or colleague who you know has done well on this test before. Google for posts on various forumsand even Reddit. You might also want to consider working with a tutor. If you have specific problems that you’re trying to solve, tutoring will likely be more beneficial than taking a class. GMAT classes tend to be tailored to people who are starting from scratch. Once you’ve gotten some feedback, practice with intense focus trying to apply it. While completing practice sets of practice tests, attempt completing those problems while applying the advice you’ve been given. 3. Understand The really tricky part about the GMAT is that no matter how much you memorize strategy or math concepts, you still have to deal with a series of questions getting progressively more difficult as the clock ticks away. What that means is that you’ll want a series of excellent instincts come test day. Those instincts are best developed by putting a lot of work into understanding the test better. There are a few different types of understanding that can help you with this test. You can understand how much text you typically need to reread to confidently answer a reading comprehension question. You can understand your exponent rules so well that you end up filtering out all of the extraneous information when trying to solve a complex algebra problem. You can develop an understanding of when a condition is or is not sufficient for a data sufficiency question. The best work you can do to prepare for this test will help you build understanding. The focus, the feedback, and the practice are all steps towards accomplishing that one, big goal of achieving your target test score on the GMAT. For more information on deliberate practice, view this YouTube video created by MyGuru's founder, Mark Skoskiewicz. Also, if you're interested in attending one of MyGuru's free GMAT skills webinars, click here for more information on what will be covered during the 30 minute session and how to sign up. About the Author Mike S. is one of our most experienced test prep tutors. For more information on our GMAT prep packages, click here.

English Listening Resource Whats happening to the US economy

English Listening Resource Whats happening to the US economy Lately, almost all of my English students have been asking me what is happening with the U.S. economy. Why is the stock market going crazy? What is a debt ceiling? How bad is the U.S. economy? Whos fault is it?National Public Radio (NPR) is the United States equivalent, more or less, to the BBC. It has many great free podcasts you can download, with transcripts, including Planet Money. Planet Money is a specific podcast that focuses on economic issues.These issues can often be boring, especially if theyre not being discussed in your native language, but here is Planet Moneys mission:We have two rules for ourselves: 1. Everything has to be interesting (and, preferably, fun or funny or poignant or somehow grabby). 2. Everything should be economically smart, but not economically dull.Basically, they try to make economic news interesting to the average person, even people who dont speak English as their first language. The show started a few years ago when NPR reporter Adam Davidson and This American Life producer Alex Blumberg teamed up to create a This American Life report called The Giant Pool of Money in 2008. This report became very popular, and won important awards for clearly explaining the economic crises faced by the U.S. at that time.After The Giant Pool of Money NPR decided to keep Davidson and Blumberg together, and formed Planet Money, which continues to explain the U.S. economy in funny and interesting ways. If you want a clear, understandable explanation of whats happening with economic issues in the U.S., this is a good place to start. Click here to visit their home page.If you would like to take an English class based on an episode of Planet Money, contact us.