Find The Best Computer Engineer Tutor

Find The Best Computer Engineer TutorIn the market for a computer engineer tutor? Then you must be aware of the need to make sure that you have the right instructor for your class. So if you are looking for the right teacher, then here are some things that you need to know.You need to ensure that the instructor is good and has a good reputation in the industry. However, you also need to do some research in order to find out what is the reputation of the instructor and the company that they are affiliated with. You will also want to find out if they are affiliated with any industry groups such as CIPA or other such associations. There are many organizations that help to help people get an education.It is also important to note that you need to ensure that the school is accredited by the association. This is because it will help to make sure that the instructor is who they say they are. The instructors may be accredited but they may not be certified. Therefore, you need to ensure that you take this into consideration.The next thing that you need to do when you are looking for a computer engineer tutor is to determine the cost. You do not want to go with a school that has a low price tag, but you also do not want to pay high prices for a student. You want to make sure that you are paying a price that is reasonable.Once you find a good teacher for your computer engineer tutor, you can evaluate the different programs that they offer for your course. These programs are referred to as eBooks and there are many different programs that are offered.As you evaluate the program, you need to make sure that the teacher is knowledgeable about the topic. This is because you want to make sure that you are getting the best teacher possible for your program.Make sure that you compare the teacher's teaching style with the lesson plans. There are some teachers that use very graphic and sometimes even illiterate language. However, if you decide to work with this teacher, you need to make sure that you are making the most of the technology.With all these things, you can now work on finding the best computer engineer tutor for your course. Do your homework first and do not forget to take your time when you are working with any trainer. Remember, this is your career and you want to make sure that you are providing the best service possible for your students.

How the italki Language Challenge prepared me for the Olympics

How the italki Language Challenge prepared me for the Olympics Patineuse (left) at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics acting as a volunteer translator. I completed the 2014 italki New Year’s Language Challenge. The challenge was to take 20 lessons in 6 weeks.  I actually finished the Challenge in a record 10 days!  The Challenge was great for me because I was going to the  2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and it was the perfect opportunity to improve my Japanese, French and English.  I wanted to improve these languages to at a level where I could help out as a volunteer translator. I want to thank my favorite teachers JapaneseTutor, Jéròme, Altini and Lloyd. It was not only my Challenge, but also theirs as well ?? At the Sochi Winter Olympics, I was preparing to volunteer as a translator at Iceberg Palace where I would be translating for figure skating and short-track speed skating contestants.  Im a native Russian speaker and am fluent in English, Japanese and French.  However, I wasnt at the level where I could translate specific figure skating and speed skating vocabulary.  I needed to really improve my translation abilities in these languages very quickly.  Even though my teachers were all native speakers in their respective languages, they had to put in extra time to learn the specific vocabulary around these sports.  I really appreciated all the extra preparation that my teachers put in to learn about figure skating and short-track speed skating.  You can say that they are now experts in these areas.  They really showed their professionalism and sincere wish to help me during the Challenge. What I got out of the Challenge was even more confidence and a greater understanding of these languages. One my personal highlights of the Games was that I helped translate for Olympic Champions Yuzuru Hanyu  (in the picture above with me!), Yulia Lipnitskaya and Adelina Sotnikova. I also acted as one of the translators for Canadian short-tracker Charles Hamelin. There were many athletes that did not need any translating help, but as I was always nearby I was able to listen in on their interviews (of course I completely understood what they were saying). It was amazing that I had the opportunity to take part in such a historic event!   I could not have been there without improving my language abilities on italki.  The italki Language Challenge kept me motivated in my language learning and I didnt have to spend a lot of money! So again, I finished the Challenge. But Im not stopping there.  I am sticking with my long term goals to continue improving my foreign languages skills.  After the challenge, Ive actually set a new goal I want to participate in the Olympic Games in Korea and Japan not only as a volunteer, but as a paid translator! So, I will continue learning foreign languages and I am looking forward to the next Language Challenge. For everyone at italki, I wish all your dreams will come true! Patineuse joined italki in 2011 as a student.  In Feb 2013 she became one of our Community Tutors where she helps others learn Russian.  If youre interested in learning Russian from a Olympic-level Polyglot, please contact her! How the italki Language Challenge prepared me for the Olympics Patineuse (left) at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics acting as a volunteer translator. I completed the 2014 italki New Year’s Language Challenge. The challenge was to take 20 lessons in 6 weeks.  I actually finished the Challenge in a record 10 days!  The Challenge was great for me because I was going to the  2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and it was the perfect opportunity to improve my Japanese, French and English.  I wanted to improve these languages to at a level where I could help out as a volunteer translator. I want to thank my favorite teachers JapaneseTutor, Jéròme, Altini and Lloyd. It was not only my Challenge, but also theirs as well ?? At the Sochi Winter Olympics, I was preparing to volunteer as a translator at Iceberg Palace where I would be translating for figure skating and short-track speed skating contestants.  Im a native Russian speaker and am fluent in English, Japanese and French.  However, I wasnt at the level where I could translate specific figure skating and speed skating vocabulary.  I needed to really improve my translation abilities in these languages very quickly.  Even though my teachers were all native speakers in their respective languages, they had to put in extra time to learn the specific vocabulary around these sports.  I really appreciated all the extra preparation that my teachers put in to learn about figure skating and short-track speed skating.  You can say that they are now experts in these areas.  They really showed their professionalism and sincere wish to help me during the Challenge. What I got out of the Challenge was even more confidence and a greater understanding of these languages. One my personal highlights of the Games was that I helped translate for Olympic Champions Yuzuru Hanyu  (in the picture above with me!), Yulia Lipnitskaya and Adelina Sotnikova. I also acted as one of the translators for Canadian short-tracker Charles Hamelin. There were many athletes that did not need any translating help, but as I was always nearby I was able to listen in on their interviews (of course I completely understood what they were saying). It was amazing that I had the opportunity to take part in such a historic event!   I could not have been there without improving my language abilities on italki.  The italki Language Challenge kept me motivated in my language learning and I didnt have to spend a lot of money! So again, I finished the Challenge. But Im not stopping there.  I am sticking with my long term goals to continue improving my foreign languages skills.  After the challenge, Ive actually set a new goal I want to participate in the Olympic Games in Korea and Japan not only as a volunteer, but as a paid translator! So, I will continue learning foreign languages and I am looking forward to the next Language Challenge. For everyone at italki, I wish all your dreams will come true! Patineuse joined italki in 2011 as a student.  In Feb 2013 she became one of our Community Tutors where she helps others learn Russian.  If youre interested in learning Russian from a Olympic-level Polyglot, please contact her!

8 tips for home-schooling

8 tips for home-schooling Home-schooling your child has become an ever-increasing trend, with more and more parents opting for the less traditional way of educating their child. Some parents find that their child thrives in a home-school environment where following the national curriculum is not compulsory. Parents do not need to be teachers or necessarily have teaching experience and there are plenty of private tutors out there that can help stimulate the subjects your child is really interested in. Home-schooling your child can be very rewarding but can also be a difficult and daunting task; following a few simple tips can make the process a far smoother one. 1. Read Read; in all senses of the word. Read to your child, have your child read to you, read aloud together. We all know that reading plays a great factor in your child's development and the more they read the more they will both enjoy it and learn from it. Take the time to explore different books at your local library and make sure you are members there so that you can borrow books and return them on a regular basis. Incorporated into your schedule this will become an important part of your routine. It is also vital that you, as the parent, reads about home-schooling and different teaching methods. The more informed you are the more your child will benefit. 2. Decide on the best approach The great thing with home-schooling is that there are no real rules to follow and you have the freedom to decide what your child will learn and how you will go about teaching it to them. Learning life-skills is often more important to parents home-schooling their children than teaching them a foreign language or chemistry. Knowing how to use a washing machine, change a car tyre or ride a bike are important skills that children will take with them into adulthood. Take the time to discuss with your child things they would like to learn about then decide the best way to approach these lessons. There are plenty of free resources that can give you advice on the different approaches people use when home-schooling their child. Take the time to try different methods and go with those that best fit your child. 3. Have patience Patience is something that goes hand-in-hand with home-schooling. Like anything new, home-schooling your child successfully will take time for both you and your child. It is perfectly natural to try methods that do not necessarily work for you both; having the patience to persevere is the key to success here. Your child will of course grasp some things more naturally than others and this will also require a good amount of patience on your part. Always praise your child's efforts and if something is difficult for them find a different method of explaining it to the until they feel comfortable enough to move on. A private tutor is the perfect solution for some of the problems parents face with home-schooling. If your child has difficulty with certain subjects, needs some extra help or simply needs more stimulation then a private tutor is your answer. 4. Get in touch with other home-schoolers Home-schooling always seems to bring the feeling of unsociability and loneliness but it doesn't need to be this way at all. There are home-schooling communities all over the UK where parents get together with their children and plan different days out or joint lessons. Being social is an important part of growing up and children will always need other children their ages to interact with and talk to. Join different groups and meet people that are also home-schooling their child. Aside from meeting new people you will have the chance to exchange ideas and plan visits together. 5. Learn about different home-schooling styles Finding the best method to home-school your child can often be challenging and it is important to find the one that best suits both you and your child. The more options you have available to you in regards to different methods and styles the more prepared you will be to make decisions. There are many great books out there that are available for parents to read and better understand different home-schooling styles. These 3 books are great reads for home-schooling parents: No Sweat Home Schooling: The Low Stress Way To Teach Your Kids by Kelly Wallace The Everything Homeschooling Handbook: All you need to create the best curriculum and learning environment for your child by Sherri Linsenbach Children's Book of Experiments: 30 Incredible Experiments for Young Scientists by Jaroslaw Wasilewski 6. Know your child's learning style Learning styles play a major part in how your home-schooling journey will go and knowing our child's learning style will almost certainly ensure a happier learning environment. Whether you child learns best through auditory, visual or kinaesthetic methods, knowing how they learn best will be a great way to figure out the best teaching methods. To find out more about learning styles read our blog on 'Understanding Learning Styles - is your learning style compatible with online education?'. 7. Keep a home-schooling plan A great way to get into a good home-schooling routine is to have a plan. Home-schooling is all about flexibility but having a good plan of subjects and topics you want to cover and educational visits and outings will keep you ahead. A great book for home-schooling parents is 'Simple Homeschool planner'' by Schoolhouse Heaven. A simple way of keeping a schedule and organising your days. 8. Be creative One of the best things about home-schooling is that you can be as creative as you like without having to follow rules. Have a budget that will allow you to do different activities with your child and plan them together. With home-schooling the world is your oyster so use imagination as freely as possible. Visit fire-stations, forests and beaches, join support groups and take long trips to places your child has never seen. Your options are endless and with some careful planning and lots of creativity, learning can be a truly wonderful experience.

Final Grades What do They Mean for You

Final Grades What do They Mean for You What do Final Grades Mean for You? Once high school students get their final grades for the year they are free to go off and enjoy their summer. Many students dont think about what their final grades mean until it comes time to apply for college. However, its a good idea for students to look really at their final class grades and ask themselves a few questions. Is this a subject I struggle with? Do my grades seem fair? Is it the grade I was expecting? Students are also encouraged to calculate their GPA and get an idea of what types of colleges might be right for them. Additionally, if students have questions about their final exams or other assignments from the class, they should talk to their teacher to get feedback. 1. What do grades say about strengths and weaknesses? Final grades can help students look at their strengths and weaknesses. In many cases, a high school student will know that theyve always been great at science or that theyve always struggled with grammar. However, some students develop brand new skill sets once they reach the high school environment. Grades can be an indicator of both study skills and content knowledge. A final grade will give a student an idea of their overall strength in a particular subject. This can be very helpful when students need to choose which AP courses to take or what they might like to study once they get into college (READ: Why Its not too late to get a tutor for finals). 2. How will final grades affect college admittance? Students who are entering the college prep years might also want to think about how their final grades will affect college admittance. Most universities look at grades from sophomore to senior year, but some look at all four years. If the student’s final grades are a little bit lower than they would like them to be its a good opportunity to look at study habits and think about what students can get help with the following year. For example, did the student have an A in their math class going into the final but end up with a B overall? Why did their grade drop so suddenly? On the other hand, maybe a student had a straight B+ in their English class the entire year? 3. Are these grades accurate? Although grades are almost always accurate, it doesnt hurt to check. This is especially true if students were completing extra credit or if they were handing in missing assignments from earlier in the term. If students received a grade they werent expecting, they are encouraged to go online and look at each assignment and how much it was worth it. Some assignments might have been worth 20% of a students final grade while other assignments may have only been worth 2%. 4. How do final grades affect GPA? Students should also think about how their final grades affect their grade point average. In most cases, each class is worth the same amount of weight in a GPA. However, sometimes elective classes or after-school activities count for fewer units than academic classes. The online grading system should be able to calculate a GPA for the student, but students should learn how to calculate their GPA so they can stay informed throughout the year (READ: 5 Tips for Last Minute Finals Study). 5. Can grades be improved in the future? Students are also encouraged to think about whether or not grades can be improved in the future. In some cases, a student is struggling with the content of a course. Perhaps calculus is just really hard (it is!), in which case they might need to join a study group or work with a tutor one-on-one. Other times, a student might nail the subject matter but have difficulty organizing their many assignments and need to address their study strategy before the fall. Final grades give students great insight into their current skill set and ability and can help them determine how to approach the next year of high school this August. 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 write.

Online Tutoring Courses - Where To Learn At Harvard

Online Tutoring Courses - Where To Learn At HarvardIf you want to have access to all the Harvard University students, there is the 'Tutoring Site: Harvard.edu' available at the official website of the university. The Tutoring Site: Harvard.edu contains all the materials for all the subject matters taught by the masters at Harvard University.This Tutoring Site: Harvard.edu has been fully approved by the university, and all the Harvard students who would like to attend classes at Harvard can now do so. All the resources available through this site include comprehensive notes about the subject matter, detailed teacher's manuals, the Harvard Student Guide and much more.If you find it difficult to follow a lecture of your teacher at Harvard, then you may simply use the tutoring site. The Tutoring Site: Harvard.edu will help you keep track of what your teacher is saying. It is an ideal resource for students who are very busy with their studies.The tutoring site: Harvard.edu is a unique res ource of its kind. In fact, it has been designed as a computerized class instruction system that allows its users to learn at their own pace, according to their convenience. There are both public and private tutoring services offered through this site. No matter which route you choose, the Tutoring Site: Harvard.edu will enable you to learn everything you need to know about any subject that you are studying.The tutor at the tutoring site is assigned based on the person's social class. Those from the lower economic strata are in a position to avail of the services of the tutoring site from the very beginning, regardless of whether they are new to the subject, or have taken up such a course previously.Mostof the tutors offer free online classes. Students of all ages can also benefit from the tutoring services offered by the tutoring site. Students in high school may want to take up the free tutoring classes offered by the tutoring site.Students interested in attending different online classes may have the option of opting for the Harvard Tutoring Course. If the student is enrolled in a Harvard program and wishes to take up the course at a later stage, the Tutoring Site: Harvard.edu will make sure that he can do so without any difficulty.

What to Expect at the A.C.S. Organic Chemistry Exam 2020

What to Expect at the A.C.S. Organic Chemistry Exam 2020This article will discuss what to expect at the A.C.S. organic chemistry exam 2020. This is a good opportunity for you to get prepared for the A.C.S. exam.The exam will start on the Monday of September 22nd. The testing schedule has been changed to allow time for students to prepare for the exam. It is best if you can study online and when you do so, make sure you focus on A.C.S. substance Chemistry. You can also practice with real test questions and practice material to help you with your study habits.Different areas are covered in the exam. You will be asked to identify numbers and letters for simple compounds, ions, acids, bases, and ketones. The examiner will make a reference to the classic texts or labs that have been used in chemistry to answer your questions. These reference materials are called CAS lists.There are many exams around the world, but this one is unique because of the length. In fact, many other exams are two and a half hours long. However, with the shorter exam, you are getting to the material faster, which means you won't be as tired after completing the exam.Some people take an extra hour out of their exam because of their lab's room. You can have a great time during your exam if you can take a break for five minutes. If you feel that you can only stay awake for an hour or two, try taking a nap.You should take some extra supplements before the exam. These include Vitamin C and magnesium.You should be aware that this exam is extremely difficult. However, it is also one of the most important ones to take since you will be deciding whether you get into an advanced chemistry program or not.

The Right Way to Connect with a Stranger on LinkedIn - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / The Right Way to Connect with a Stranger on LinkedIn - Introvert Whisperer The Right Way to Connect with a Stranger on LinkedIn Career Attraction August 18, 2014 Career Development, Communication, Networking No responses Go to top Last week, I received an informational interview request from a stranger as a direct message on LinkedIn. Despite my very busy schedule, I decided to take his call. Over the weekend, I asked myself, “Why did I agree?” Let’s take his email apart and identify its four essential elements so you can use them in your own LinkedIn networking communications. Networking with strangers on LinkedIn can give you great results if you’re deliberate in the process. First, here’s the email I got over LinkedIn from J.: Hi Joshua, I noticed we are both connected to M. F. â€" how do you know M.? I first met her at J.P., and she actually photographed my wedding. Small world. I wanted to touch base with you because I saw an open position at J.R. I thought would be a great fit for me. I’m located in Portland now, and do social media strategy for a digital marketing agency here in town. It’s a fun role, but you know how agencies are â€" fingers in a lot of different businesses, but no ability to truly own a marketing program. It looks like I would be able to do that with the Marketing Communications Manager role that is posted. Would you mind if I called you some time this week to hear about your experience at J.R. and your perspective on the marketing organization there? I’d really appreciate it. J. Now, let’s look at the takeaways: 1. Lead with Something in Common J. begins his email by pointing out our mutual friend M.F., and although I know M.F. from my sister’s college days, what really got my attention was that M.F. was the photographer at his wedding. With LinkedIn, there is a danger your first-degree connection isn’t really a close friend. I went through an Open Networking phase, and about 100 people in my LinkedIn network are complete strangers to me. Don’t assume just because they’re connected that they know each other. J. took a calculated risk. However, he mitigated that risk by further sharing a personal tidbit: he’s married, and our mutual connection photographed his wedding. As another recently married guy, I can very much relate to his situation (i.e., he has my sympathy). 2. Get to the Point â€" Fast J. wastes no time on BS or apologies. He’s writing to me because he saw an open position at a company with which I have a relationship, and he thinks he’d be a fit. Notice he says, “I saw an open position.” He doesn’t assume I know anything about this position. In fact, it was news to me. So I can infer he’s not assuming I’m any kind of decision-maker. I know this is going to be a purely informational interview. Furthermore, he concludes the email by reaffirming that he’s just looking to hear about my experience with J.R., the company, and my perspective on its marketing organization. My guard goes down, because I know he’s not going to put me on the spot or ask me for more than just my opinion. 3. What Makes You Qualified? Without bragging, J. makes it clear that he’s a serious candidate, not one of those job fisherman. He tells me he already works at an agency and that even though he enjoys his current agency, he’s looking for more. He wants to “truly own a marketing program.” It might occur to me, after all, that if he already has a job, why is he looking to make a change? That concern is assuaged. 4. What Do You Want from Me? J. concludes his email with, “Would you mind if I called you sometime this week,” meaning I won’t have to do anything except wait for a phone call and talk to him. Sounds easy. I would have even mentioned the exact amount of time such a conversation would have taken: “Would you mind if I called you this week for just 10 or 15 minutes?” Other Observations You may have also noticed… The email was very short. It took me less than 30 seconds to read. J. named the position he was after, did his research, and I know he won’t waste my time. He is sensitive to and grateful for my time. (“I would really appreciate it…”) The next time you’re reaching out to someone new over LinkedIn, consider bringing in one or more of these elements to your message. I’m sure it will make a big difference in your response rate. Any successful messages you’ve sent on LinkedIn? Please share them in the comments so we can learn from each other! This article originally appeared on Ragan.com and Career Enlightenment and was republished with permission by Career Attraction. Image: Photobucket Go to top Bottom-line â€" I want to help you accelerate your career â€" to achieve what you want by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my 4 Building Blocks to Relationships eBookâ€" the backbone to your Networking success and fantastic work relationships.  Grab yours by visiting here right now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

A Guide to Different Percussion Instruments.

A Guide to Different Percussion Instruments. Percussion is Not Just the Drumkit. Here’s a Beginner’s Guide to Some Other Percussion Instruments. ChaptersWhat You Need to Know Before You Play the Tambourine.A Guide to the Xylophone.All You Need to Know about the Marimba.Why You Should Learn the Triangle.Thinking about Learning the Steel Hang? Here are the Basics.Maybe by now you’ve cracked the drums. You can nail some pretty rhythms on the snare drum and love to make a racket with the cymbals.If that’s the extent of your ambitions, then read no further: keep doing what you are doing. However, if you want to be a proper percussionist, you have some different musical instruments to master too.Because percussion music isn’t all about the drum kit, no. There’s a lot more to it than that. From the castanets to the cajon, from the orchestral timpani to the djembe, there’s a much wider world out there that deserves the attention of your talents.That’s why we’re taking a look at some of the more important varieties of percussion instruments that exist in the world. We’ll take you through their histories, some different playing techniques, and some of the most impressive percussion performances ever recorded.So, put your drum sticks down for the moment â€" they’ll be right there when you get back. Let’s instead turn to some instruments that inspire percussionists around the world.Here are five different percussion instruments with which you can extend your personal percussion section. He's playing the tambourine with his foot! LowriMusic Teacher 5.00 (8) £85/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenMusic Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielMusic Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RussellMusic Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeighMusic Teacher 5.00 (3) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KonstancijaMusic Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMusic Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtMusic Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat You Need to Know Before You Play the Tambourine.A frame in which ‘zills’ or jingles are suspended, the tambourine is one of the more well-known hand percussion instruments. It comes either with a drum head or without one â€" something that gives it a more, or less, percussive effect.Given the two basic variations of the tambourine, t hey can be played in two different ways â€" either by striking or by shaking. In either case, playing the instrument engages the resonance of the zills, making it either a good accompaniment to a pop song or else a specific percussion instrument in an orchestra.A Brief History of the Tambourine.Tambourines, like many percussion instruments, have a long history, spreading pretty much the length of the world.It is thought that this musical instrument developed in ancient Mesopotamia, from where it spread as far as Indonesia, in the form of the rebana, and eastern Europe, in what is known as the buben. It is thought to have entered western Europe through northern African and the Middle East to France, where it picked up the name tambourine. Since this point, the tambourine has been one of the favourite instruments of Christian iconography, often appearing as being played by angels.Some Important Tambourine Performances.For some inspiration, let’s see what the tambourine can do. Here are two examples of tracks in which the tambourine makes a huge difference.And if you want to know more about this instrument, check out our article on playing the tambourine.Prince â€" Tamborine.We all know that Prince is awesome. However, this song features a pretty spectacular tambourine performance that will be an inspiration to everyone.Tchaikovsky â€" The NutcrackerTchaikovsky made a lot of use of the tambourine â€" and in the ‘Russian Dance’ of the Nutcracker it stars almost centre stage.A Guide to the Xylophone.If the tambourine is an instrument generally seen wielded contemptuously by the likes of Noel Gallagher, the xylophone is put to a wide variety of uses.You’ll play it â€" or a glockenspiel maybe â€" at school to bash out tunes like ‘Twinkle Twinkle’, and you’ll see virtuosos playing xylophones in classical orchestras. As percussion instruments go, the xylophone seems to stand with both the most novice and the most accomplished musicians around.Yet, these p articular idiophones â€" a type of instrument whose whole parts resonate when struck â€" is neither the basic instrument nor the niche one you might think. Rather, it should be played by so many more people than those who enjoy it now.So, why not give it a go? Want to learn the tambourine?The Development of the Xylophone.Varieties of xylophone exist all over the world â€" and are often confused with other instruments including the marimba (below), the glock, the vibraphone and tuned percussion instruments in general.And whilst the xylophone has come to be the word that stands for all of these instruments that you strike with a mallet or beater, their histories are all pretty different too. From the gamelan in south-east Asia to the balafon in west Africa, xylophone-like instruments are ubiquitous.Sixteenth-century Germany was the first place a xylophone was heard of in Europe, but it didn’t even receive that name until much later. And the first time the instrument went ‘mainstream’ was in the late nineteenth century.Some Famous Xylophone Players.So, which xylophone players might you actually have heard of? And in what pieces of music would it have appeared?Here are two places you might have heard the xylophone. And you can find out m ore about the instrument in our article on playing the xylophone.Evelyn Glennie.These days more accurately known as Dame Evelyn Glennie, this percussionist became known to the general public at the 2012 Olympics. Her xylophone performances are astounding.Pink Floyd.Fans of Pink Floyd will know that they are fans of less conventional instruments. This includes the xylophone, which can be heard on tracks like ‘See-Saw’ and ‘Time’. LowriMusic Teacher 5.00 (8) £85/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Chi yuenMusic Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DanielMusic Teacher 5.00 (5) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RussellMusic Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LeighMusic Teacher 5.00 (3) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KonstancijaMusic Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMusic Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KurtMusic Teacher 5.00 (3) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAll You Need to Know about the Marimba.The marimba is one of the instruments most commonly confused with the xylophone. However, there are important differences.The marimba has resonators, or pipes that descend vertically from the bars â€" to increase volume and change the tone. Meanwhile, the bars themselves are larger and deeper in pitch than a xylophone. In the language of a proper percussion ensemble, this difference is quite crucial.However, if you manage as a xylophone soloist, the chances are that you’ll be able to play a pretty tune on the marimba too.A History of the Marimba.We said that marimbas and xylophones have fairly similar â€" or at least indistinguishable â€" histories. The difference is that where xylophones entered reasonably early into classical instrumentation, marimbas took quite a different route.Instead, marimbas headed to Latin America with the transportation of west African people in the slave trade. When there, they became quite popular instruments and, ultimately, became â€" for example â€" the national instrument of Guatemala.It was there â€" and across the length of Central America â€" that they gained their popularity and developed into their modern form.Where You Can Hear the Marimba.Like the xylophone, the marimba became popular in pop music and classical as an unconventional instrument to add different effects to pieces. There are a lot of examples of the marimba being used â€" but here are two.You can find out more about this instrument in our article on playing the marimba.The Rolling Stones â€" Under My Thumb.Throughout the Stones’s famous track, a marimba plays probably the most interesting rhythmic line. Listen carefully and you can’t miss it.Steve Reich â€" Six Marimbas.In the later twentieth century, the marimba entered classical music hard. One of the most famous pieces featuring the marimba is Steve Reich’s minimalist piece, where there is only the rhythm section. The triangle is actually a really important instrument!Why You Should Learn the Triangle.The triangle is seen by many as something of a joke instrument, one that requires no skill and that contributes fairly little to the world of music.This isn’t exactly fair and people who hold this view have a big wall of history to contend with â€" as the instrument has been played for nearly a thousand years.It’s the instrument that consists of a metal rod that is bent into a triangle with one open corner. Yet, despite its modest appearance, it is actually quite important.You can see this percussion instrument in all manner of places throughout history: in religious iconography, on medieval manuscripts, in Turkish travelling bands. And its importance comes from its strange ethereal sound: designed so as not to produce a defined pitch, its ring is completely distinctive.Crucial Triangle Performances.The triangle has been used in classical music since the eighteenth century. You can hear it in action in such famous pieces as Brahms’s Fourth Symphony, where it features heavily in the third movement.You can learn more about this instrument in our article on playing the triangle!Thinking about Learning the Steel Hang? Here are the Basics.Where all the other instruments mentioned here have long, illustrious histories behind them, the steel hang is something of a more recent invention. We’re talking less than twenty years old.Invented by a pair of Swiss musicians, the ‘hang’ is an idiophone that sits on your lap. Made from two bowl-shaped pieces of metal, it is struck by hand in different places to produce different tones. The effect is wonderful, with a sort of resonant hypnotic tone produced.‘Hang’ in Swiss German means both ‘hand’ and ‘hill’ â€" senses that encapsulate this completely different instrument. You can learn more about the instrument in our article on playing the steel hang.The Steel Hang Artists You Should Know.There aren’t many artists w ho are famous for their hang playing. There are probably only a couple who are worth mentioning.One of these is Manu Delago, an Austrian experimental musician who puts the instrument to really extraordinary ends.

How to Create Your First College Schedule

How to Create Your First College Schedule One of the most exciting parts of starting college is the newfound freedomadjusting to dorm life, choosing when you go to class, and what courses you take. Your ability to choose courses in high school was likely limited; you probably didnt have too many options to choose from, since most credits were mandated. However, colleges offer an array of choices for every interest. How do you choose courses for your first semester of college? Creating your first college schedule can seem exciting but also daunting. No matter how you feel about your new freedom, be sure to follow these tips when creatingyour first college schedule. 1. Be realistic when creating your schedule With all of the new and exciting class options, its natural to get excited and want to try them all. However, do not overload your course schedule during the first semester. College is a huge transition, and not just in terms of academics. Adjusting to your new life will be work in itself. Each college has a different recommended number of courses to take per semester. Do not plan on exceeding this recommended amountat least in your first semester. Its also important to be realistic when it comes to your lifestyle. Choosing all night classes may seem like a great idea (you get to sleep in!), but if you know you are most productive before nightfall, you may not want to heavily load all of your classes into the late afternoon. Furthermore, having later classes does not necessarily translate into sleeping in. If your afternoons and nights are consumed with class time, your mornings will need to be reserved for studying, homework, and assigned readings. It may come in handy to have an early class that forces you to be up and productive. Your first semester is a great time to discover what your best habits are. Mixing up your class schedule to discover when you are most productive can help determine your future schedules. 2. Use your schedule to plan ahead for later in your college career College is a marathon, not a sprint. Every college has different requirements that you must meet before graduation, and each degree comes with its own set of requirements as well. Before beginning to choose classes, make sure you are aware of your schools education requirements. If you know what you would like to major in, you should also be aware of the prerequisites needed to enter the program and to graduate. A rough four-year plan can make each semesters scheduling an easier process. Map out the classes you know you will have to take and tentatively place them in a four-year schedule. This planning can ensure you arent stuck with a 20-credit semester senior year in order to graduate on time (or, that you must delay graduation). Use a class catalogue to do some research on the types of classes you are planning to take before setting your schedule in stone. Some classes have extra requirements, and its important to know those before the class begins. Does your class require an extra lab? Will you be required to participate in a service learning project that takes place over the weekend? These components might be required to pass the class, so be sure you can complete them before you sign up. 3. Maintain a balance of requirements and electives in your class schedule Your first instinct may be to spend your first semester knocking out all of your required classes. General education classes, typically referred to as gen eds, are classes outside of your major that must be completed to reach your degree. These requirements ensure that all graduates have a well-rounded education and the opportunity to acquire a variety of skills. In addition, these classes are most beneficial when scattered throughout your academic career, over several semestersloading up on these requirements in one semester will not provide you with the maximum benefit. Gen ed classes complement your major classes, allowing you to make connections between disciplines and gain skillsets that can help you in your future career. Plan to take a few general education classes each semester, along with classes in your major. 4. Expand your horizons by signing up for new courses As a college freshman, it is completely normal to be unsure about what you want to do with the rest of your life. College is a time to explore and discover your interests. Even if you do know what you want to study, its important to use your first semester as a time to expand your interests. Try to take one or two classes that interest you, even if they arent in your planned major. You may find that your original plans changeperhaps you decide to double major or minor in a new subject. At the very least, youll likely discover a new interest. Many colleges offer seminars and workshops specifically for freshman that cater to their interests, or even that help with the college transitioning process. These classes are a great way to meet other students who share your interests, while helping you hone your college skills. You never know what you can learn from a sports in history class, an event planning class, or even a class on Harry Potter. Find what peaks your interest, and see where it may take you.