Music Transcription How to Transcribe Your Favorite Song

Music Transcription How to Transcribe Your Favorite Song Suzy S. One of the best parts about learning music is figuring out how to recreate and play your favorite songs. Its amazing what you can accomplish after learning a few of the basics! And when it comes to music transcription, its not as difficult as it may seem. Here, Brooklyn guitar teacher Mike B. shares his process So, you just heard a new song you love on the radio. And you’ve just started learning guitar (piano, violin, whatever). You want to figure out how to play that song on your own â€" no teachers, no sheet music, no tabs, just the recording. First, get the song ready for playback. Pick up the CD at Best Buy, or load up the music on YouTube, GrooveShark or whatever your preferred site is. You will probably need to listen to little parts over and over again to get it right. Next, prime your ears to listen for the bass. This is the lowest note in the song, usually played by the â€" you guessed it â€" bass. Almost always, the notes played by the bass hold the secret to figuring out a song. If there’s no bass (just a piano, for example), then the bass part is the lowest note of the chord. So when you play a G major chord, the lowest note is ‘G’ and that’s the bass part. See if you can hear patterns; this is called the bass line. Most songs have sequences of 2, 3 or 4 chords that repeat over and over again. This is the chord progression. Once you’ve got your bass line, you know the root of the chords, but you still need some more information. Eventually, with practice, your ear will learn to recognize patterns automatically. Youll figure out that the same chord progressions happen all the time in music. But at first, slow down the bass part, and try playing chords over top of it, until you get it right. 99% of the time, the chord will be ether a major chord or a minor chord. So say your bass line goes G â€" C â€" A   D. Try playing each chord as either a major or minor chord, and see which ones fit with the song. Play the pattern with the correct chords. Try to play the chords in a rhythm that sounds good and sounds like the song â€" don’t be afraid to experiment until you’ve got something that works! Now, move through the song and keep listening to the bass. Maybe there’s a little something unique in the beginning (an intro) followed by the main pattern (a verse or chorus). Often, different sections of a song will have slightly different chord progressions. You need to listen to the bass and fill in the correct chords for each section. Write down how many times the patterns repeat before they change to help you remember what to play. A typical song might go: Intro â€" Chorus â€" Verse â€" Chorus â€" Verse Bridge â€" Chorus â€" Outro What’s left? Well, the melody and the lyrics! It’s good to figure out how to play the melody on your instrument, but playing the melody along with the chords can be tricky. For now, let’s just sing. That’s it for now! Of course, there are all types of songs out there, and there are exceptions to all the things I’ve just said. But this technique should help you figure out most songs that cross your path.  The best part is that it works for several genres pop music, rock, jazz standards, Mozart sonatas, you name it! Happy listening! Mike B.  teaches guitar, music performance, music recording, music theory and songwriting lessons to students of all ages in Brooklyn, NY. After studying music at Oberlin College and Wesleyan University, Mike continued on to New York in 2005, where he has been playing in various groups and working on engineering and composing for film. Learn more about Mike, or visit TakeLessons to find a teacher near you! Photo by Natalie Chiu.

Private Tuition Frequently Asked Questions for Students

Private Tuition Frequently Asked Questions for Students Everything You Need To Know To Find a Home tutor! ChaptersHow and Where can I take Private Tuition outside of school? Can Private Tutoring Guarantee Long-term Success?  Is Tutoring Worth the Money?Why is Tutoring so expensive?Keeping your Child safe during Home TuitionPrivate tutoring in the UK is on the rise, becoming more and more popular with students and parents, and a more inviting career prospect too.But is home tuition the right choice for you? Does it put too much pressure on your child alongside their school life? Is it worth the money?When thinking about hiring a tutor for yourself or your child, there are all sorts of questions to ask and rumours to dispel.Asking the right questions will get you on the right track. Source: VisualhuntIt’s not always easy knowing where to find a decent tutor. There are so many factors to consider, from finding something that works for you, to finding prices that you can get on board with.This guide will address all of the main queries that students and parents generally have when embarkin g upon private tutoring, including:How and where can I take private lessons outside of school?Are private tutorials a long-term solution?Does private tutoring guarantee long-term success?Is tutoring worth the money?Why is tutoring so expensive?All of these questions are asked frequently, and asking them will help you make the right decisions when it comes to starting the search for a personal tutor and how to go about hiring one and organising your tuition schedule.It is becoming more and more common for parents to hire private tutors for their children â€" sometimes for multiple subjects too. So we can see that people are willing to put the money in and invest in their child’s education, now more than ever before.This says quite a lot about the national education system in the UK. The demand for tutors is at an all-time high, and students are becoming more aware that they have potential that is not always being fulfilled in the classroom.It is only natural, then, that parents and students are seeking home tuition in order to fill in the gaps that national education doesn’t seem to be tending to. It could be as simple as a child falling behind in maths and struggling to catch up again, or just a general lack of support in a tricky subject.With classrooms becoming more heavily populated, and teachers having more to manage in their job roles, it's nearly impossible for each child to receive the individual care and attention they need in order to get the best grades possible.This is exactly why school children, particularly of secondary school age, are struggling to keep up if they fall behind, and feel they need extra help outside of school with GCSE or  A level tutors in order to thrive, and sometimes just to tread water.For some people, tutoring is a short-term solution to simply pass an exam or complete a piece of coursework. But for many, it is about cultivating skills and building up knowledge that will have long-term, positive effects.Students ideally need a long-term solution to their academic struggles, and with subjects they find particularly challenging. For many pupils of younger ages, these are subjects that they have to continue with for a few more years, so the goal of private tutoring is usually not just a short-term fix, but an investment in a student's future.have proof of background checks  as a self-employed tutor.Most parents will want a tutor who already has some experience of working with young and vulnerable people, and the ability to prove this too.  You could ask the tutor for the contact details of a current or former parent or student if you would like to find out more about their teaching or to answer any specific questions you might have about the tutor.Remember that there is a solution to your academic queries, and finding a great tutor isn't impossible if you feel as though it's something you need but can't really afford.From considering where to take tutoring classes and the health and safety risks invol ved, to outlining goals and prices, you need to create a clear image in your head of what you want in a professional tutoring relationship, and what you want to achieve.Find tutors on Superprof from Edinburgh to  Bristol tutors.

A Guide to Marathons Around the World

A Guide to Marathons Around the World Making a Holiday of Your Marathon: All You Need to Know about Where to Go! ChaptersBerlin Marathon, GermanyMidnight Sun Marathon, NorwayHonolulu Marathon, USAParis Marathon, FranceTokyo Marathon, JapanLondon Marathon, UKRome Marathon, ItalyPrague Marathon, Czech RepublicNew York City Marathon, USAPatagonian International Marathon, ChileGreat Wall Marathon, ChinaIt takes a lot of courage and determination to even register to run 26.2 miles, let alone actually cross the finish line!Signing up to run a marathon isn’t just about paying an entry fee and receiving a bib for race day, it’s the first step on a long journey towards the finish line. During your marathon training journey, you will come to learn a lot about your physical and emotional self, as well as becoming physically and mentally more resilient as you learn to cope with longer distances.For many, training for and completing a marathon marks a period of change in lifestyle and even mindset. It’s a major event in many people’s lives that can be remembered with a sense of pride and achievement .So, once you’ve decided to embark on this journey of a lifetime, the next question is ‘where?’.You might be comfortable running your race on home turf, where your family and friends can come to cheer you across the finish line, but why not make a holiday of it?Lots of regular marathoners incorporate their passion for distance running into their travels and sign up to marathons across the globe so that they can take in the sights and experience the culture of the land in which they will be running in the days before the race.If you’re a culture vulture seeking inspiration for your next marathon, or you’re curious to know about what each event has to offer, read on to learn more about marathons around the world!Get to know the quirks of this fascinating city ¦ source: Pixabay - 1552036From the start line, the marathon course takes runners through Prague’s most historic squares, and runners can enjoy plenty of fantastic views along the way. However, like Rome, the streets of Prague have been built with cobbles â€" so be careful if you want to avoid injuries!One great selling point of this race is the elevation: the course is almost completely flat, making it perfect for any first-time marathoner, beginners, and other runners going for a personal best.Start training and find the best personal trainer near you.New York City Marathon, USAAt almost 50 years old, the New York City marathon is one of the oldest marathon events today. As the site which has been much sporting history being made, running the NYC marathon gives athletes the opportunity to be a part of one of the most well-known running events in the world.The NYC Marathon finish line sees over 50,000 runners cross it every year, making this running event the largest marathon in the world.The course for this race passes through every major area of the city, including Brooklyn and Manhattan. As it is centred around the river, the course takes participants on a scenic tour of what New York City has to offer.Patagonian International Marathon, ChileTaking place in Chilean Patagonia, the Patagonian International Marathon is for anyone who wants to run the marathon of a lifetime. As a participant, this truly unique course will show you just what it’s like to fall in love with your surroundings as you run through the tranquil hills.But be warned â€" this race isn’t appropriate for first-time runners nor the faint-hearted. It should come as no surprise that the elevation profile for this course shows an undulating course which takes participants part-way up mountains for their race.You could also find an online personal trainer.Great Wall Marathon, ChinaFamously one of the world’s most difficult marathon courses, if not the most difficult, the Great Wall Marathon course is 26.2 miles of 20,000 stone steps of varying heights, uneven surfaces and even rubble. The course’s elevation gin is 200m, however, the constant up and down of the steps means that runners must be aware of the terrain underfoot and incorporate plenty of steps into their marathon training plan in order to prepare their bodies for the challenge.Get help from a personal trainer to get you ready for a marathon.

Get Creative Get Inspired Fingerstyle Guitar Video

Get Creative Get Inspired Fingerstyle Guitar Video Suzy S. In the age of YouTube, its so easy to find impressive and inspiring videos by artists and musicians. Some artists include visual effects or trick camera work. Others, like fingerstyle guitar player Andy McKee, simply sit in a room and show off pure, raw talent. The video was originally posted back in 2006 an oldie but a goodie and is the perfect example of how sometimes, bending the rules of guitar playing is a great idea. And with that kind of talent, you can make an impression even without other instruments backing you up. McKee has continued on to release six studio albums, create tablature books, and work with artists like Josh Groban and Lee Ritenour. 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 Videos We Love: Man With No Hands Plays Guitar Watch Now: How to Tune a Guitar Guitar Exercises: Building Finger Strength

Customizing the Tutoring Experience An Example Approach

Customizing the Tutoring Experience An Example Approach Improving Academic Performance Guiding students to a deeper mastery of mathematics, science, or language arts skills is a daunting challenge, since no two students are completely alike and instruction must, therefore, be individualized. However, “the wheel need not be entirely reinvented” for each student: after a diagnostic assessment has been administered, it is possible to view the individual student as aligning with one or another of several basic groups (or demonstrating a need for targeted instruction in multiple areas at once) I work primarily with language arts students, so this article is geared towards that subject. But a similar approach can likely be applied to most other subjects. Different tutors may think of these groups in different terms, depending on the weight they assign to such factors as standardized test scores, grade point averages, the perceived difficulty levels of the schools attended, and so forth. Since I tend to work with high-capacity students accustomed to challenging courses in excellent schools â€" supported by parents for whom college expectations are a driving factor â€" I tend to focus on these clusters: Students whose reading comprehension is impaired. Vocabulary is a root cause, as with a student immersed in a different “first language” before English or someone who has difficulty hearing the “tone” of a reading passage. I have encountered the former most often with teens who, although brought to the U.S. very young or even born here, were basically raised by extended family members (until Kindergarten) as their white-collar parents established professional careers. Such a student may have received limited exposure before age five to English words, especially to the proliferation of prefixes, suffixes, and roots with which we construct words in English. Those whose use of grammar is inconsistent. Since English is a very inconsistent language, this is understandable though regrettable. One has only to look at “families of verbs” to see the problem: irregular verbs (ranging from is and are to catch and caught), for example, or the dizzying variety of phrasal verbs which each demand a specific preposition and no other (you can gaze at something but you cannot gaze to it). Again, the second language learner may well be especially encumbered, but plenty of “cradle English speakers” have similar difficulties. Those who cannot write well. This is an “equal opportunity” deficit which cuts across all strata of students, since it becomes an exercise in logic (thesis, proofs, conclusion), the ability to sequence sentences into paragraphs, and a knack for turning paragraphs into a coherent document (all while keeping the reader engaged). For such students, the college admissions process can be a nightmare: the schools to which bright students want to go demand proof of refined writing abilities via the essay-writing sections of the SAT and ACT (whether technically “optional” or not) and admissions application essays (whether mandated on the Common App or a school’s proprietary application). For better or worse, standardized testing shapes our collective view of Language Arts proficiency. For example, public speaking â€" since not tested on such exams â€" is not something in which I am asked to tutor students except at the graduate school level. Generally speaking, the three “deficit area groups” defined above create a hierarchy: trouble with vocabulary is a bedrock problem, while grammar issues range from the fundamental to the exotic (“Can you end a sentence with a preposition?”) and writing problems anchor the high end of the cognitive scale. Tutoring can make a huge difference, no matter with what group (or with which groups simultaneously) the student can be associated. For example, it is possible to zero in on the exactly vocabulary into which the individual needs to immersed: you can tell a lot by his/her relative performance when presented with passages ranging from fiction (full of nuances and inferences) to physical science (more heavily loaded with “high concept” words and cause-and-effect relationships). Likewise, it is possible to zero in on the level of grammar which needs urgent attention, whether it is using commas or using semicolons, becoming well-grounded in verb tenses or introducing dependent clauses, or getting the knack of using pronouns or parallel sentence structure correctly. Solid vocabulary and grammar skills converge in good writing, where sentence variety, smooth transitions, interesting contrasts and comparisons, and “building a case” for a particular point of view all meld. Here, too, a baseline assessment allows us to tap accumulated wisdom about “where to begin” â€" usually with the need for the writer to make his/her thesis completely clear before layering on facts, figures, and quotes. The job of the Language Arts tutor, then, is to have enough accumulated experience to see students in the broad context of written communications â€" without losing sight of them as individuals. Every student is “going somewhere,” and our job is to help them get there with as much confidence as they can muster. For the individual student, that means knowing the right word, knowing the correct grammar, and being able to write without dreading it. All of these are achievable with practice and patience. Paul Foxworth, Blogger at EducationalOutcomes.com

Establishing a Good After-School Routine

Establishing a Good After-School Routine When it comes to homework and studying, having a plan helps students maximize their time and get more done. After a long day at school, many children want nothing more than to come home and toss the backpack aside, but Ray Huntington of the Huntington Learning Center says that parents should encourage children to embrace a routine to minimize stress. Having a set schedule after school sounds rigid, but really, it prevents students from unknowingly wasting their time, Huntington says. With a reliable routine, students are more productive overall and they also learn to take ownership of their schedules. Huntington offers these suggestions for parents who want to help their child establish a successful after-school routine: Have your child take the lead. One of the biggest benefits of creating a routine is that it empowers children to take responsibility for their daily to-dos. Sit down together to develop an after-school schedule that your child finds workable and in tune to his or her preferences (of when to study and when to enjoy downtime, for example). Design with your child in mind. A routine will be more effective if it is created with your childs input. Think about things like when your child is the most focused and what type of environment works best for your child to study (with siblings or alone? In his or her room or in the kitchen?). Pay attention to what works and stick to it. Put the routine on display. Like the teacher does in the classroom, set expectations at home each day. Hang the after-school routine in a visible locationconsider buying a white board for the kitchen or somewhere similarand have your child look at it before leaving for school and as soon as he or she gets home. It should be detailed enough to keep your child on task, but flexible to incorporate free time. For example, a student in elementary school could follow a routine such as: Empty backpack, prep for homework 3:30-3:45 Wash hands, snack 3:45-4:00 Homework 4:00-4:30 Practice piano 4:30-4:45 Basketball practice 5:00-6:00 Dinner, cleanup 6:00-7:00 Reading, any other studying 7:00-7:30 Bedtime prep 7:30-8:00 Free time 8:00-8:30 Lights out 8:30 Incorporate organization. At the end of each homework session, your child should take a few minutes to neaten his or her workspace, put away all supplies, check off any completed to-dos and mentally prepare for the next school day. Organization will help your child pick up where he or she left off at the next study session, minimizing ramp-up time and maximizing actual work time. As a parent, your job is to help your child acquire the study skills and independence to be an effective learner. Routines at home teach children to be self-starters, take responsibility for what they have to accomplish and rely on themselves, not others, to make those things happen, says Huntington. By encouraging and upholding a routine and system of organization at home, youre ingraining those essentials into your child, which will benefit him or her over the long term. About Huntington Huntington 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 succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. 2016 Huntington Mark, LLC. Huntington Learning Center, the three-leaf logo, and 1 800 CAN LEARN are registered trademarks of Huntington Mark, LLC. Each franchised Huntington Learning Center is operated under a franchise agreement with Huntington Learning Centers, Inc.

TutorZ WyzAnt Software Update

TutorZ WyzAnt Software Update We would like to give an update from on our partnership with WyzAnt Inc the largest tutoring marketplace in the world. TutorZ LLC and WyzAnt Inc have been partnering since 2007 to better serve students and tutors in America. We announced this even in a TutorZ WyzAnt partnership press release. Today, TutorZ LLC rolled out a new software which syncs and updates the WyzAnt tutors in the TutorZ search an a daily basis. This synchronization and update ensures that students searching for tutors will see up-to-date tutor profiles. Previously, these tutor profiles became out-of-date when WyzAnt tutors changed their profiles in their WyzAnt accounts. This caused obviously problems for students and tutors alike. We worked hard to implement the new sync and update protocol and are happy to see it working in production, says Dirk Wagner founder of TutorZ LLC. He goes on by saying This software update also solidifies the partnership between the two tutoring market places WyzAnt Inc and TutorZ LLC. Our goal is to ever better serve the growing tutoring needs of our American students.

March Learning Womens History Month

March Learning Womens History Month Womens History Month March is National Womens History Month. Students who want to stay relevant in the field of womens history should think about adding a few feminine voices to their studies this month. March can be an inspiration to both female teachers and students alike. Learning about womens history cannot only broaden a student’s view on women’s contributions but integrate historical feminine figures into their other studies, thus improving their education in general. 1. Test prep SAT students are consistently struggling with historical examples for their SAT essay our private Orange County SAT tutors are here to help. Many students come up with highly famous historical figures such as George Washington or Gandhi. Although both very relevant people, SAT graders do not enjoy reading about the same half dozen figures over and over again. Students should increase their historical awareness and be prepared to write about lesser-known, although equally relevant, female figures in history. Students who are about to take the SAT should learn about the biography and contributions of figures such as Jane Addams, Susan B Anthony, Catherine the Great, Amelia Earhart, Maria Montessori and so on. Writing about historical figures that are less common can help a SAT student demonstrate their knowledge of a diverse and in-depth history and potentially raise their essay grade (READ: Last Minute SAT Study Guide). 2. Understanding history in general Students of history (which is every high school student), will notice that they are often tested on pivotal people and events. Student should always remember to learn about famous women in history so that they can become better history students in general. For example, future scientists should know about the achievements of Sally Ride (the first American woman in space and also the youngest American astronaut to go to space) and Rosa Parks (one of our greatest civil rights figures in America). 3. Science and technology With STEM programs on the rise, its important for young female students to know about their famous female scientific predecessors. With more and more STEM jobs available, its essential that young students everywhere be aware of how this innovative and lucrative field started. One of our most famous female scientists in history was Marie Curie (the first woman to win a Nobel Prize), but there are many more scientific ladies to learn about. For example students should learn more about: Caroline Herschel, an astronomer, Mary Anning, a paleontologist and scientific illustrator, and Maria Mitchell, a science and math teacher as well as an astronomer (READ: March Lesson Plans and Supplemental Education Activities). 4. Women’s Suffrage Students can also learn about fabulous historical figures such as Alice Paul and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who, among many others, led the womens suffrage movement in the United States. Every American student should have a grasp of not only the historical figures in the womens suffrage movement but also the causes of it and the struggles that these now famous ladies faced throughout recent American history. This is important not only for general knowledge but for AP US history students. Knowledge of the womens civil rights movement is essential to have a well balanced view of American history in general. In Short Although the study of our great ladies of history is a fine academic pursuit in and of itself, students are advised that any study of history and our prominent feminine figures can help them better understand a diverse range of subjects ranging from test prep to current scientific theory to sociology and psychology. Students should take a couple of hours this March to learn about some of our greatest historical female figures to improve their knowledge of all subjects. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us post about.