Where To Sleep In Italy

Where To Sleep In Italy The Best Way To Enjoy Italy ChaptersWhy Are You Be Visting Itlay?Small Budget Accommodations In ItalyMid-range Accommodations In ItalyBig Budget Accommodations In ItalyWhen people talk to us about dolomites, the Amalfi coast, the beautiful Sicilian beaches, Italian gastronomy, or even Saint Mark's Square, we all picture romantic and charming images drawn from films and literature.Italy is often a destination of choice for British tourists, not only because of its proximity but also and because of its gentle lifestyle. The dolce vita, as Italians like to call it!For the past 90 years, Italy has seen the number of tourists visiting constantly increasing, in 1932, there were two million foreign visitors to Italy. By 1950, this number had risen to five million, to eighteen million in the 1970s, and to forty-six million in 2011.This leaping growth is a perfect example of what Lake Maggiore, Puglia, the Sistine Chapel and Italian culture represent. But to discover the Italian nation, it is important to know how to do it with style and within your budget.Let's check out the best accommodation to enjoy your travels in Italy.How long will you be spending in your hotel?How much do you want to mingle with the locals?As one of the biggest expense of any trip, accommodation is not to be overlooked. You should research the places you want to visit, the must-see sites in Italy, but you should pay just as much attention to your accommodation.When planning a trip to Italy, there are different types of accommodation, from the simplest, most basic, to the most expensive.From Campania to Lake Garda, via the Bay of Naples and the Italian Riviera, Italy is a real tourist destination! While a budget often determines the comfort and choice of your accommodation, here are a few small elements will make your trip to Italy all the easier.Explore Italy through its delicious regional wines (Source: NDTV food)Small Budget Accommodations In ItalyWhatever your budget, it is possible to visit Italy.   Between Vesuvius, t he Trevi fountain, or the Venetian ambience, even small budgets will be able to enjoy a great holiday in Italy. Accommodation in Italy is just like the country: rich, varied, and you will surely find a hotel that meets your financial expectations.If you are planning a weekend hike in Puglia you will surely not book the same accommodation as you would for two romantic days in the Italian capital, dedicated to love and relaxation.Thus, the first possible accommodation solution in Italy, when one's budget is tight, would be camping. Of course, this type of accommodation is more suited to the Italian countryside. Sardinia, with some of the most beautiful beaches on the Sicilian coast, has the convenience of being inexpensive and providing warm weather.It goes without saying that, whatever your preferred method of accommodation, the earlier you book, the more advantageous the rates will be. Campsites are no exceptions!With a tourist peak in July and August, your options will be limited i f you do not book well in advance. Some tour agents will offer all-inclusive packages, others will charge a price per head, usually between £10 and £20 per day during the high season, and between £5 and £25 for a pitch.Of course, most campsites are equipped for vehicles, since they are often located in the countryside or on the outskirts of large cities. In the petrol stations and bookshops, you will be able to directories and listing of all the campsites in the country, from the most expensive to the cheapest, published by the Touring Club Italiano. The tourist offices will also be able to give you good advice, as well as the reference site Camping.it!Take some Italian courses before your trip.If you are hiking around the Italian mountains, cottages opened to hikers will be a great solution for those on a tight budget. For a few euros, you will be able to enjoy basic comfort, for a one night stay. After long hours of walking in the mountains, you will be delighted to find a sma ll refuge, most of which is managed by the Alpino Italiano Club!If you are looking to save even more money, Couchsurfing is one of such solutions where you will often be offered a free bed at local's house. Get to know Italy from the inside, while keeping your money in your pocket!The same applies to the exchange of apartments, which will require mutual trust. Indeed, the idea was then to lend UK bases apartment to Italians in exchange for theirs in Italy.Finally, small budgets will also benefit from Italian youth hostels. They often offer quality services and acceptable comfort at prices that defy all those of hotel chains. A great alternative for those who wish, for example, to discover the Vatican, the Tower of Pisa, or the Duomo of Milan in the best possible way.These youth hostels, known as the Ostelli per la Gioventù, are run by the Associazone Italiana Alberghi per la Gioventù, which is affiliated with Hostelling International. To benefit from the services of one of their h ostels, you will need to be a member and download an HI card before departure, or upon arrival at one of the hostels.Available in the UK from the FUAJ, you can even download your membership online on their official website. Once this step is over, you can book your room or bed without any problem, for £15 to £30 depending on the hostels, the city, or the season!See where you can learn Italian online here.Find out about all the delicacies of Italy. (Source: pixabary.com)Mid-range Accommodations In ItalyFortunately, some of us are lucky enough to have saved money, or simply to have a more comfortable budget for accommodations. For these people, we can recommend small hotels or Airbnb. Relatively inexpensive solutions that guarantee a great experience, wherever you are in Italy.Let us also think of pensions, which are more widespread in Italy than in the UK, and which have proved to be a simple and effective solution for an average budget. Indeed, whether you are with friends or fami ly, it is possible to enjoy this type of accommodation, which will often be much cheaper than a hotel and will guarantee comfort and perfect freedom to stroll through the narrow streets of Bologna.However, these same Bed and Breakfasts can sometimes be of irregular quality. Indeed, they can sometimes be confused with a hotel, and the real criteria for differentiation are often rather vague between the two. To put it simply, the pension would be the accommodation of one to three stars, while the albergo (hotel) would go up to five stars.Please note that pensions do not generally have a private bathroom, for a rate of less than £30 for a single room, and less than £50 for a double room.Get some Italian lessons London.All this obviously varies according to the regions of Italy! Sites like Alberghi in Italia or Hotels web.it are ideal tools to get the best information according to your route!The same applies to guest rooms (affittacamere, rented directly from the inhabitant), which ar e generally simple and, on a somewhat similar principle, guarantee a good time in Verona, Olbia or Pisa, in a welcoming accommodation with an incomparable local character. To enjoy farm tourism in southern Italy with its picturesque setting, there is the ideal solution!A whole other side of Italian hospitality opens up to you if you're happy and willing to spend some more money.Study Italian in the heart of Italy ¦ source: Pixabay - carlo75Big Budget Accommodations In ItalyIf you are lucky enough to enjoy an unlimited budget, or simply a very comfortable one, Italy will definitely be able to offer some fantastic luxurious options. Going to Italy without worrying about accommodation expenses, what could be more enjoyable? Between the Italian lakes, chianti bottles, the fever of the Venice Carnival, nothing is impossible to you.The first and most expensive solution is to stay in beautiful hotels. All Italian cities offer them, with prices varying a lot, and they offer absolute comfor t but also spa and hammam after the long hours spent discovering Italian History and culture.Between £250 and £500, whatever the city in which you are, you will be able to enjoy five-star amenities, services and setting. These fancy hotels are often set in century-old building and designed with all the luxury of palaces.Airbnb is also a great choice. You could choose to stay in a five-bedroom villa with swimming pool, spa and a view on the Italian Adriatic.Italy is an ideal destination to spend time with family, friends or lovers. Its landscapes, from mountains to white sand beaches, are an invitation to stay and have a good time. Sicily, Sardinia, Rome, Milan, Venice, the places to visit are many, and the accommodation solutions just as varied.Everyone will find something to suit their desires, their purse, or the atmosphere they want to enjoy during their stay. So, ready to discover Italy? It is just waiting for you!

How to Play Hard Rock and Metal Drums

How to Play Hard Rock and Metal Drums The Guide to Metal Drumming ChaptersWhat’s the Difference Between Hard Rock and Metal?Master Rock Beats before Mastering Metal BeatsUsing a Double Bass Pedal in Metal MusicVocabulary“I told people I was a drummer before I even had a set, I was a mental drummer.” - Keith MoonMetal is listened to more on Spotify than pop, folk, country, rock, hip-hop, and reggae. Metal is a style of rock that usually requires at least a guitarist, bassist, and drummer.  The drums are often played with a double pedal in this kind of music.So how can you play hard rock or heavy metal on the drums? SerbanDrum Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyDrum Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RussellDrum Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StephenDrum Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeteDrum Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover al l our tutors OllieDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat’s the Difference Between Hard Rock and Metal?We should start by saying that hard rock and metal are two different styles of music.Hard rock and metal are related-but-different musical genres. (Source: PascalBeckmann)Firstly, hard rock (or heavy rock) is often defined as existing in the period between 1968 and 1976, whereas heavy metal, which eventually gave rise to metal, tends to be defined in terms of looks and themes related to horror and often Satanism.Hard rock uses distorted guitar and bass as well as synthesisers.  It can also refer to an umbrella term which includes styles of rock like grunge, punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative.  This is why it can be tricky to define.Hard rock evolved from rock ‘n’ roll and the blues, but it was much more aggressive than these styles. In hard rock, the drums don’t te nd to have as many flourishes. There tends to be a simple and effective beat which helps accentuate the guitar riffs and the raspy singing.Metal evolved from hard rock. It first appeared towards the end of the 1970s and early 1980s. The lyrics were darker and the aggression from hard rock was still there.There were drum breaks and fills, too. The drums are struck forcefully whereas the hi-hat is used lightly. In fact, the sound of the bass drum and the snare are very aggressive.To better understand, here are a few examples of each style.Hard rock tends to include bands such as:AC/DCAerosmithGuns N’ RosesLed ZeppelinKissWhereas metal tends to include bands like:Black SabbathIron MaidenJudas PriestMetallicaMotörheadMetal continued to evolve over the year and create different and more violent genres (black metal, death metal, thrash metal, etc.) as well lighter versions (latin metal, funk metal, neoclassical metal).In this article, we’ll be mainly looking at metal drum beats becau se hard rock beats are often very similar to rock beats.Check our guide to writing drum music.Master Rock Beats before Mastering Metal BeatsMetal has its roots in rock music.The pedals play an important role in both hard rock and metal music. (Source: terimakasih0)If you love metal and want to play the drums along to your favourite songs, you should consider learning a basic binary rhythm.  Ternary rhythms are more commonly used in jazz music so you won’t really need them.Learn about other drum techniques.Working on a Binary RhythmThe typical “dum-tsh” is the kind of rhythm we’re thinking of here.In both rock and metal, measures have four beats. As it’s a binary rhythm, you’ll count “1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and...”When you first learn to play the drums, you’ll learn about these three parts of your kit:The hi-hatThe snareThe bass drumRegularly hit the hi-hat on both the beats (the numbers) and the offbeats (the “ands”).Your typical dum-tsh beat looks like this.1: Hi -hat and bass drum“And”: Hi-hat2: Hi-hat and bass drum“And”: Hi-hat3: Hi-hat and bass drum“And”: Hi-hat4: Hi-hat and bass drum“And”: Hi-hat.Start by just practising with your right hand on the hi-hat.  For rock beats, you’ll want your hi-hat to be closed. You can do this by pressing your left foot down on the pedal. This will give you a dry and clean sound.For metal beats, you can slightly open the hi-hat by lifting your foot. This will give you a more energetic and metal sound from the cymbals.You can add the bass drum to beats 1 and 3 by pressing the bass drum pedal down with your right foot.  Finally, you can add the snare on beats 2 and 4 by hitting it with your right hand.  Your arms should be crossed with your right arm over your left.Powerful HitsWhen playing drums along to metal music, you have to hit the drums hard.  You need to be able to feel the aggression when you hit the snare and the bass drum, even in a simple rock beat.  Don’t hold back!Your righ t foot needs to be precise. It’s better to use the ball of your foot to strike the bass pedal. You can hit it more quickly and strongly.  However, make sure not to lift your foot entirely from the pedal as you’ll waste precious time.Your left hand will be used to hit the snare cleanly and precisely. You need to make sure that you let the drumstick rebound off the skin of the snare drum rather than holding your drumstick rigidly as the latter will give you blisters!Using a Double Bass Pedal in Metal MusicMetalheads will probably be very familiar with the sound of a double pedal on a bass drum. This type of pedal arose to get the sound of a double bass drum without needing two kick drums. Of course, you can still get a drum kit with two bass drums if you want.The pedals play an important role in both hard rock and metal music. (Source: terimakasih0)Don’t forget you can also learn to compose your own music for the drums!Metal Beats without a Double PedalIf you attend a drum schoo l, your teacher mightn’t have a double pedal. That said, you can still learn metal beats without one.Firstly, rest your left foot lightly on the hi-hat pedal so that it’s slightly open. You’ll hit it on both the beats and offbeats.  The snare is still played on the 2nd and 4th beats. This is exactly the same as rock’s typical “dum-tsh” beat.  Things get trickier once we introduce the bass drum.In metal, you’re going to strike the bass drum on each 16th note. It’s going to be pretty quick. It’s advised that you practise at a lower tempo first.  I recommend starting really slowly with each beat before bringing it all together to play the whole measure.Start with just the first beat, then the second. Put the first two beats together, then do the same with the third. Try adding the third beat to the measure. Finally, do the same with the fourth beat. Bit by bit, you’ll get the hang of it.1:1: Hi-hat and bass drum2: Bass drum3: Hi-hat and bass drum4: Rest2:2: Hi-hat a nd snare drum2: Bass drum3: Hi-hat and bass drum4: Bass drum Bass drum3:3: Hi-hat2: Bass drum3: Hi-hat and bass drum4: Rest4:4: Hi-hat, bass drum, and snare drum2: Bass drum“And”: Hi-hat4: RestComplicated, isn’t it?To make the rests easier to deal with, you can always just hit the air.Work on this rhythm with your metronome set to 50bpm before upping it to 75bpm and then 100bpm, etc.  Before you increase the speed:Make sure that you always hit the bass drum with the same force.Make sure that the gaps between beats and offbeats are consistent.Make sure that your bass drum and snare are coordinated.Playing with the Double PedalWhen using a double pedal, you play the bass drum with both feet. This allows you to strike the bass drum more quickly.  A lot of metal drummers have one of these.This could be you! (Source: Pexels)There’s a pedal next to the beater, just like a normal bass drum pedal. However, the second pedal, which doesn’t have a beater next to it, is positioned nex t to the hi-hat pedal.You need to pay particular attention to how you position the two pedals.  Your thighs need to be parallel to the ground. If you’re not sure, you should ask a professional drummer or your tutor during your drumming lessons.Who said metal music was easy?You’re not finished yet! You then need to decide which bass drum technique works for you. Again, this is something you should cover in your drum lessons near me:Heel downHeel up, which is commonly used in rock musicHeel-toeSwivel: when you pivot your footFlatfoot: which uses your hip musclesEtc.Double pedals require a completely new technique for drummers and require them to further improve their coordination.Black is the new black! (Source: benmclendon)Why not improve your coordination with a bit of jazz drumming?VocabularyBeaterA beater is the part of the bass drum pedal designed for striking the drum skin.MetronomeA metronome is a device used to help musicians keep time.

How to Choose your IT and Computing Teacher

How to Choose your IT and Computing Teacher How to Select an ICT or Computer Tutor ChaptersHow to Find an IT Tutor? Identify Your Aims!Choose a Form of Learning with Computer Science TutorsDetermine a Budget for Your Sessions with a Computer TutorFinding Computer Tutors for Private LessonsFinding an ICT Tutor with a Suitable ProfileQuestions to Ask Before You Begin Lessons with Computer Scientist TutorsPeople usually compare the computer to the head of the human being. I would say that hardware is the bone of the head, the skull. The semiconductor is the brain within the head. The software is the wisdom. And data is the knowledge. -  Masayoshi SonIn today's world, computer literacy is a fundamental part of finding a job and even surviving in modern society!This is not just a personal view but that of the British government too. The British Deputy High Commissioner Kolkata at the inauguration of an e-learning centre recently declared that 'computer literacy is as essential as literacy itself'. Yet there are still many people in the UK who have never surfed on the ne t or very rarely use a computer.In order to improve your IT skills, why not attend an IT course or find a private computer tutor.Here is everything you need to know about finding an IT tutor!a tutor close by otherwise going to your tutorial sessions becomes quite a chore very quickly!Another advantage is that you can benefit from using all the materials and resources that your tutor has to offer. This is usually quite a lot if they are an expert in their field!In terms of budget, you might also be able to allocate more money to classes themselves rather than your teacher's travel expenses as you could always cycle to your classes to avoid wasting extra cash.Intensive InternshipSome teachers also propose and encourage their students to take up an intensive internship placement with them so they can find out more about a career in the IT industry.Doing so is quite a good idea as it will allow you to grasp key concepts relating to information communications technology in a more practic al and effective way as you will have the time to go over things in more detail.However, an internship is not really recommended if you are only just starting out as you risk trying to cram in too much learning in too short a space of time. Be careful not to overload your brain with too much information.  Fortnightly ClassesThe best solution - both for student and teacher - is to adhere to a fairly strict and regular weekly or fortnightly schedule when it comes to taking your IT courses.This will give you the time to master new skills that you have acquired from one week to another and to practice exercises given to you by your instructor.Just like piano lessons, outside of IT lessons learners are required to practice, practice, practice!Computer science tutors are very often a font of knowledge! (Source: JISC)abandoning very quickly. This is true of any subject matter(math - algebra/calculus/trigonometry,etc., humanities, economics, psychology, history, language, biology, physics, chemistry, etc.) and is not limited to only private tutoring!Take a look at our  guide to learning computer science  and check the best schools to study computer science.Do You Have Enough Time?Taking up private tutorial sessions will require you to regularly allocate a certain amount of time for your studies in and outside class hours.  Choose a time in the week where you are free from any particular responsibilities and can completely dedicate yourself to your studies. You don't want to be rushing off for horse riding sessions 5 minutes after class!Why Choose a Private ICT Tutor?Choosing private tutorial sessions over group lessons is a way to  personalise  your program of study and to find tutor profiles who are offering a range of courses (IT training, beginner's IT, using IT tools, computer programming languages, cybersecurity, IT resources, etc).Before shelling out for lessons, remember to also make sure that the subject matter you would like to study (using the internet, comp uter information systems, email, information communication technologies, learning to touch-type, shortcuts, website creation, IT architecture, Powerpoint, Word, OpenOffice, Indesign, Adobe Illustrator, etc.) cannot be found just as easily in an online tutorial, a an easy to understand book or even be self taught.Most Superprof tutors that conduct programming courses offer their first hour of lessons for free: that gives you a chance to talk about your goals before paying anything!

8 Study Tips You Never Thought of (That Actually Work!)

8 Study Tips You Never Thought of (That Actually Work!) Megan L. Put away the double espresso and throw out those energy drinks! With these eight easy study tips from San Diego, CA tutor Natalie S., you no longer have to jump through hoops to stay awake and cram for your exams. Check out the tips below, and start your journey towards better study habits now: Learn your personal study process. Are you most productive in your room, at the library, outside, or in a coffee shop? Do you like to listen to music, or does it have to be totally quiet? Do you need an occasional cup of coffee to get you started? Are there certain healthy foods that you like to eat while studying? Do you need to write down your notes in order to comprehend the information, or is it better to read them aloud? In other words, are you primarily an auditory or a visual learner? Figure out your study process, and it will be much easier for you to focus and get a lot of work done. Eliminate distractions! Don’t waste time texting and stalking people on Facebook. Those activities are a time suck, and they get in the way of developing good study habits. Put your phone on silent, and close the Facebook tab on your computer. Find your favorite study music. If you like to work in a coffee shop or a bookstore, but need to avoid some of the public distractions, make a playlist of your favorite study music and listen to it on your earphones. Instrumental music is often the best since it doesn’t have any lyrics that will distract you and tempt you into singing along. Classical music is also said to stimulate the brain, so it’s good to listen to this type of music first as it may boost your brainpower! Take stretch or exercise breaks. Hours of sitting and studying exacerbate mental fatigue. Instead, spend five minutes stretching, doing sit-ups, or jogging in place to get the blood flowing and give your brain a break. Drink water! Studies show that staying hydrated with water helps the mind stay sharp and focused more than any other liquid. Skip the sugary sodas or the caffeine-filled energy drinks in favor of pure water. If you simply must have some sort of flavor in your drink, try making a natural, herbal tea. Write down your notes. Rewrite your notes, and then rewrite them again. Students often write too much information when they first hear a new concept. They record everything the teacher has said and they crowd their brains with too many details. Take your first set of notes, and read them over. Rewrite them a second time in a more concise fashion, paraphrasing only the most important details. Finally, rewrite them one more time in bullet points. Rewriting your notes and cutting them down each time forces you to learn and remember the material, so it’s more manageable. Use alarms. If you have trouble buckling down and studying for long periods of time, try setting a timer to go off every 30 minutes. Then step away your computer, put your phone on airplane mode, and study until the alarm goes off. Take a short break; check your texts if you have to, and then do it again. Working toward an immediate deadline makes you focus more because you’re working toward something concrete. Use a reward system. Whether it’s lots of small snacks throughout your study session or one big prize at the very end, give yourself a treat for hitting certain study milestones. Maybe you could reward yourself for reading up to a certain chapter, or perhaps you get a reward for every hour you study. Whatever you choose, if you stick to this system, you’ll have more motivation to study harder! Use these study tips to figure out your personal study process, and you’ll be on your way to successful, productive study experiences that will increase your GPA and reduce your stress. Natalie S. tutors in English, ESL, History, Phonics, Reading, and Test Prep in San Diego, as well as through online lessons. She received her BA in English Education at the University of Delaware, and her MA in English Literature at San Diego State University. Learn more about Natalie 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  MC Quinn

Learning by Doing Ways to Study as a Kinesthetic Learner

Learning by Doing Ways to Study as a Kinesthetic Learner Suzy S. Do you learn best with a hands-on approach? Learn about the most effective kinesthetic learning strategies in this guest post by New Milford, NJ teacher  Matthew H... In a previous post on study skills for high school students, I discussed some of the different learning styles that work best for different people. Sometimes, a student can even be a mixture of two or more types of learner. As a result, the way you approach studying should reflect the way that your body and mind process information best.  Before you can start studying, find out what type of learner you are. Determining That You Are a Kinesthetic Learner You most likely are a kinesthetic learner if you have ever said that you learn best by doing something yourself. Occasionally called tactile learners, kinesthetic learning strategies need to incorporate a “hands-on” approach to whatever subject you are studying. What separates each learning style from the other is when and how that “a-ha” moment happens. For kinesthetic learners, the light bulb often goes off in the middle of using their body in motion to subsequently understand a new concept. Ways to Incorporate Kinesthetic Learning into Your Studying Intense Approach When studying, anyone with kinesthetic tendencies should use his or her body and movement to the fullest potential. This doesn’t have to be super intense, but incorporating diverse muscle groups is useful because then the whole body is working together in helping your mind discover a new way of thinking. For example, if you have a history test and need to remember different country names, get up and envision the floor as an enlarged flattened globe. Walk to where each location would roughly correspond with each other. In doing so, you are allowing yourself to learn the information based on a spatial relationship with your body in motion. Using a transparency to project a map on the ground might be useful if you have the resources available. Moderate Approach But a kinesthetic learner doesnt have to go to such extreme measures to incorporate more of this style into his or her study habits. Even smaller movements, like synchronizing hand gestures to trigonometry formulas can be useful. In this case, a closed fist could represent sin, open palm cos and an extended index finger tan. Use these different hand signals in conjunction with reviewing the formulas while preparing for an exam. These types of gestures will help a kinesthetic learner retain information because the body will be reinforcing the mathematical concepts based on the relationship of the subtle to exaggerated movements with the mind’s thought process. As always, everybody is different and every body is different. You have to figure out what works best for your own body based on your unique experiences. The best kinesthetic learning strategies are those that keep you active. Staying still will not get you anywhere. If you recognize that you are not only a kinesthetic learner, but also do well aurally, incorporate playing music or dancing into your study sessions. Maybe you’re a mix of kinesthetic and visual, in that case, draw or paint or shape clay to help you learn the material. In any case, by incorporating more movement into your preparation, the learning process will become more fun, and you will have much more productive study sessions. Bonus: Take our learning styles quiz here! Matthew H. teaches a variety of subjects both online and in New Milford, NJ. He recently received his MA from NYU with a background in Sociolinguistics and related research. Learn more about Matthew 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  NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

5 Steps To Embracing Your Passion For Playing Guitar

5 Steps To Embracing Your Passion For Playing Guitar Suzy S. The best guitar players are passionate about their craft, spending hours studying the instrument, memorizing the chords, and learning new techniques. Even when youre feeling frustrated, maintaining that passion is essential! Read on as Upper Marlboro guitar teacher Bako A. shares his 5 steps to success Think of something that you enjoy doing. Maybe it’s shopping, or maybe it’s going to the movies. Whatever it may be it does not matter. So you have that in your head of what you like to do. Alright, put that aside in your brain for a second, and think about the guitar. Im about to pump you up. First of all: Playing guitar is all about expressing emotion and focusing on your initial flame of inspiration. Your life can change when you embrace your passions. Passion is one of the key elements that drives people to do things. Just like your passion that you may have with (from before) shopping, or going to the movies, guitar can be one of those things too. The great thing about guitar though is that you are able to express yourself creatively. Here are the 5 steps to embracing your passion for playing guitar: STEP 1: Spend time looking for an amazing guitar tone that truly inspires you! A great guitar tone is one of the secrets to playing the guitar passionately, and having a tone that inspires you will make you want to play with passion. STEP 2: Practice expressing different emotions with the same phrase! Do you spend time practicing your emotions on the guitar? Basically you take a musical idea such as a bend or a vibrato and express various emotions on the same note. You can express love, anger, satisfaction, frustration, success, or joy on the guitar by practicing doing a vibrato on the same note. The only difference is the way you play the note. By learning how to express your emotions on the guitar you will definitely become more experienced at the art of passionate guitar playing. When you learn to play guitar you can play songs that other people have written and play them your own style. Slow it down or speed it up. It’s all up to you, the player. When you are learning, make it your #1 objective to express emotions while you play. Keep this in mind every time you pick up the guitar. Also, stop seeing the fretboard as a series of notes, fret numbers, and scale patterns. Start seeing emotions that you can express on guitar. By rethinking your current guitar player mindset to work with that of a “highly expressive guitar player,” you can become a music expression virtuoso! As you practice your musical expression more, you will see huge results in all areas of your guitar playing. STEP 3: Become a master at understanding the degrees of scales and their sound! If you want to make more money, lose weight, or buy a new item of clothing â€" you’re doing it because of what you think it will give you, which is a certain emotion. For example, you believe that by losing weight you will feel more confident. Or by attracting this type of person into your life, you will feel loved. Or by making a million dollars, you will feel happy. Even if you do not understand the theory behind the music, knowing the emotion and the feeling that a particular degree produces is the most important thing. STEP 4: Use your body and facial expression to confirm your sound! By expressing your sound through your guitar, with the help of body movement and facial expressions, you are often able to produce a stronger, more convincing tone. However, don’t overdo your facial expressions, otherwise you might end up looking silly â€" do it where it make sense! The truth is, if you involve your entire body in your guitar playing, your sound and tonal expression will most certainly be more convincing and effective. STEP 5: Become a master artist by mixing all the right elements into your guitar playing! You must mix all the right elements to create great, PASSIONATE guitar playing! If you diligently practice your passionate side of playing the guitar, you will eventually become a master artist mixing the right elements to create an absolutely gorgeous tone. You also need great knowledge, technique, and experience to produce great guitar improvisation. If you add emotion, colors, and passion to your playing you will be able to touch the very fiber of the human heart and win over more fans listening to your guitar playing. At the end of the day, touching emotion is what it’s all about. Make sure that each and every week you schedule some guitar expression and emotion practicing time. I wish you the greatest of success with your guitar development! 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 You might also like How to Set the Right Goals for Learning Guitar 5 Reasons to Fit Jam Sessions Into Your Guitar Lessons 10 Easy Guitar Songs for Beginners Bako A. teaches bass guitar, dance, and guitar lessons in Upper Marlboro, MD. He joined the TakeLessons team in May 2013. Learn more about Bako, or search for a teacher near you!

5 Tips For An Exciting Back To School

5 Tips For An Exciting Back To School The first day of back to school is great and fascinating. It should not be just a slip into routine, but unique and thrilling. How can you make the first day of back to school a splendid one? Here are a few tips. Start a first day of back to school tradition As in private and public schools, you make your first day a fantastic day with new events and fun. Or else, children lose the charm of something new and they slip into the routine in the most normal way. You can make this day, your special day with the following fun activities: Celebrate the day with special breakfast: Goodies your kids like the most at home or in their favorite restaurant. Chocolates, pancakes, ice creams. The day gets a good start and kids never forget their favorite breakfast. Have family photos of the day: Like any other family occasion, first day of homeschooling is unique and needs special attention. You can have small props like chalkboard with the date, child’s age and grade written on it. It serves as a keepsake for you and family. Take your kids out for a field trip: A good start for the new grade and it strikes the right note as well. Make shirts that commemorate the event: May be a particular color or design that sparks the importance of the day. Back To School Jubilance With Smart Prep | PRUnderground http://t.co/E8l2hATavy #homeschool #backtoschool â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) August 1, 2015 Ease into the new school year Jumping into the new school year with mounting enthusiasm is adding too much load to the young minds. They are after all back to school after summer enjoyment and may want to hang out a little more. Their friends too are in the same swing and expect them to get settled. To start with, introduce lighter subjects first and add one or two new subjects every week. Let them get into the track gradually, without exhaustion. Plan outside activities It is gorgeous weather now and right time for outdoor activities. Don’t waste this precious offer of nature. Go for a walk with your kids and start your education in the lap of nature. Have a picnic outside, it can be even your garden or backyard and start your reading lessons there. Your Science lab fits in outside for those fun activities and experiments. You can even plan local play days with other homeschooling kids and arrange for the extracurricular activities of your kids. Good reasons to #homeschool teens for high school http://t.co/vJEITKeQTJ via @examinercom #homeschooling â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) August 3, 2015 Involve your kids in the planning Get your kids on your planning. Know their ideas about the curriculum chosen, places they wish to visit on field trips. Some may want to work through worksheets and some may want hands-on experience in their learning modes. Involving kids in planning are good. It gives room for knowing kids’ views on their learning and their personal interests. 100 #LessonPlans And Ideas For Teaching #Math http://t.co/gWy2T5eKsT â€" Tutor Pace (@TutorPace) August 3, 2015 Don’t forget the traditional back to school fun Shopping sprees, filling up baskets with new school supplies, surprises for brightening the school table are all part of the thing and your kids are ready for it. Get ahead with the tradition: get your kids a new outfit, fabulous lunch box or a cool backpack. Let their first day be all fine with new things and awesome school material. Above mentioned tips are for making the first day of back to school lovable and unforgettable. Make the day special with your care for small things that add color to the occasion and cheer up your kids with the feel of something new about the day. Have a great day, enjoy tons and get back to us with your experiences.

Whats Behind the Rise in ADHD Diagnoses

What’s Behind the Rise in ADHD Diagnoses As an ADHD specialist, Im often asked why so many more kids seem to have ADHD today compared to previous decades. Is it because kids are spending too much time in front of screens? Or that theyre eating too much processed food? Or is modern parenting to blame? Answering this question is complicated, because changes in rates of ADHD diagnosis arent accounted for by any single factor. However, it is unlikely that screens, parenting, or diet are the cause. First lets start with the numbers. The increase in ADHD diagnoses is a real phenomenon. The most recent data published by the CDC shows that during 2013-2015 the percentage of kids (ages 4-17) who had ever received a diagnosis of ADHD in their lifetime was 10.4%. Compare this to just 10 years prior (2003) when only 7.9% had received a diagnosis. Such a substantial change over such a short period of time often points to big picture factors that have an impact on a national level. Factors like increased public awareness, changes in public education, and the availability of long-acting stimulant medications to treat ADHD. Increased Awareness Public awareness about ADHD has increased dramatically over the past 30 years, and particularly in the past 15 years with the proliferation of online medical and mental health information. Pharmaceutical companies, advocacy groups, and the media have all taken an interest in sharing stories and information about ADHD symptoms and treatments. Often this information is provided in bite-sized snippets that only briefly describe a handful of ADHD symptoms. And, since so many children have at least a few of these symptoms, like difficulty focusing or sitting still for long periods of time, its understandable why many parents and teachers may start to wonder if their struggling child or student has ADHD. Before long, the number of children referred to medical doctors and psychologists goes up, as do the rates of children receiving actual ADHD diagnoses. In many cases, an ADHD diagnosis may be very appropriate, and the increased awareness led to a real benefit for that child. In some cases however, the childs difficulties are due to other challenges, like anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep problems, slightly delayed social or academic skills, or even simply being a few months younger than most of the children in his or her classroom. If a thorough diagnostic assessment isnt completed, then an ADHD diagnosis may be assigned incorrectly. Changes in Public Education With the introduction of legislation like No Child Left Behind in 2001, which tied school funding to student test scores, there was a dramatic shift in US public education. Teachers and schools suddenly became much more focused on ensuring that their students performed well on national exams. Underperforming students were being identified more often, and solutions for poor test performance were sought out quickly. Referrals for ADHD evaluations increased, as did rates of diagnosis. A series of studies (published in The ADHD Explosion by Drs. Hinshaw and Scheffler) shows a strong correlation between states with the highest rates of ADHD diagnoses and state laws that penalize schools for poor student performance. Availability of Long-Acting Stimulant Medication Stimulant medication remains one of the most common treatments for ADHD, and for many children it is very effective. Early formulations of stimulant medication, like Ritalin, required multiple doses to be taken throughout the day. Kids had to visit their school nurse at lunchtime to take their medication, which led to very real concerns about stigma and skipped doses. In addition, the side effects from these first-generation medications were problematic for many kids. Throughout the 2000s, multiple improved versions of stimulant medications became available. These medications last for 8 hours or longer, have fewer side effects, and some are even available in a skin patch for kids who are not able or willing to swallow pills. With more tolerable, effective treatments available, and increased awareness of these medication options, parents and teachers became increasingly receptive to the idea of an ADHD diagnosis. While rates of ADHD continue to rise, and our understanding of ADHD continues to grow, so does the controversy surrounding the validity of the diagnosis itself and the use of medication as a first line treatment. Decades of research have shown that ADHD is a very real disorder, and studies suggest that the percentage of elementary school-age kids (in the US and worldwide) who truly have ADHD is around 5-7%. The goal of treatment providers, educators, and parents, should be to limit rates of ADHD misdiagnosis, by insisting on thorough evaluations that consider a range of factors (including, but not limited to, ADHD) that may be contributing to a childs difficulties. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.