Diamond Blocks and Carbon Based Manufacturing Techniques

Diamond Blocks and Carbon Based Manufacturing TechniquesDelta T Chemistry is a high-tech method for bonding and crystallizing diamonds. The diamond blocks are manufactured from a combination of chemicals, such as carbon and boron, to form diamond nanoparticles. During the production of nanoparticles, some or all of the carbon atoms that compose the diamond may have been lost.These lost carbon atoms bind to one another to create the diamond block. The Diamond block is then bonded to an alumina block. The diamond block is then crystallized onto the alumina, creating a flat diamond crystal. This is a process called calcination.There are several different ways in which the delta T chemistry can be used in the world of manufacturing. It can be applied to a wide variety of different materials, including ceramic, glass, metal, graphite, nitrogen and carbide.Most ceramic parts are made using delta T chemistry. It is not uncommon to find diamond block ceramic components in automobile parts, a lthough some of these ceramic compounds may contain trace amounts of carbon that may either help the carbon bond better to the ceramic block or make the carbon easier to remove.The carbon content in the delta T chemistry can also be altered. Several different types of additives can be used to alter the properties of the material. Diamond block can also be layered with several different compounds to alter the properties of the material.In some cases, the percentage of carbon in the material can be increased or decreased to achieve a desired property. The high density carbon material can also be changed.The use of delta T chemistry in the world of manufacturing can prove to be advantageous. However, there are a number of drawbacks to using this technique. It is important to understand the limitations of the procedure so that mistakes do not occur.The carbon molecules will be very large, resulting in a cost savings in the initial costs of manufacture. Carbon will also have to be treate d to prevent it from bonding to another compound, such as alumina. The problem with delta T chemistry is that it does require more skill to produce, although the added cost can be offset by the cost savings during production.

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Technology Fields

Scholarships and Financial Aid in Technology Fields Scholarships and Financial Aid in Technology Fields The United States has many students who have excellent grades and SAT scores and who would make a huge difference in their communities and the world at large, but only if they had a chance to attend a four-year university (READ: 5 Awesome SAT Apps). Unfortunately, college is very expensive and not everyone can afford to attend without assistance. There are several options for students who cant afford to attend college including government sponsored and private scholarships as well as grants that do not need to be repaid later in life. Students who are in-the-know about scholarships and who have excellent grades will have a better chance at obtaining a post-secondary education. One â€" Unmet Need Scholarship Program This scholarship is part of the Sallie Mae Scholarship Fund. It offers lower income families with money to pay for college. In order to be eligible for this particular scholarship the student must come from a household that makes less than $30,000 per year. The scholarships range from $1,000-$3,000 and should be viewed as a supplemental scholarship. Of course, this scholarship alone will not successfully help a student who needs $16,000 a year to navigate the University of California or the Cal State system. However, this amount of money could pay for food, books, other supplies, and additional fees. Learn more at: www.collegescholarships.org Two â€" Gates Millennium Scholarships Some students will only be able to go to college if they obtain a full-ride scholarship. A full-ride means that any and all tuition and fees are paid through a scholarship or grant, usually straight from the university or through a private philanthropic institution. One such institution is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Students from minority demographics can apply to receive one of 1,000 Millennium Scholarships, all of which include a full-ride from the first day of freshman year through graduation (READ: Navigating the Basics of the College Application Process). Students who wish to apply for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program should apply online before the deadline, which is Wednesday, January 14, 2015. Learn more at: www.gmsp.org Three â€" The Google Scholarship Program This scholarship offers financial aid for college students from minority backgrounds. Students who are interested in business or technology careers should consider the Google Scholarship Program as an option. Google offers the Generation Google Scholarship, which aims to allow lower income students to break into a science or technology field. Students who are selected to participate in this program will receive $10,000 towards a university in the United States. Students who receive this particular scholarship will also attend Googles Computer Science Summer Institute. Google also offers a scholarship in the amount of $10,000 for veterans who plan to attend college full-time and study any computer science field or closely related field. In order to be eligible for the scholarship the student must be a current student veteran from either the National Guard, Reserve, or be on active duty and have the appropriate paperwork that puts them in good standing. Learn more about all of the Google scholarships at: www.google.com/edu Four â€" The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation This foundation offers multiple academic scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate students in college. In order to qualify, the student must come from a lower income family and also demonstrate a willingness to work hard and achieve in an educational environment. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation starts working with students as early as the eighth grade in order to help them achieve their unique goals. Students who wish to apply for this scholarship may do so between January and March. This foundation will choose as many as 65 students to receive a scholarship (READ: Financial Aid Options for Study Abroad). Students who apply for the College Scholarship Program could receive up to $40,000 per year, which could certainly be considered a full-ride. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers several different scholarships including the Young Scholars Program, the College Scholarship Program, and the Undergraduate Transfer Program. Students who wish to apply should make sure they know all of the differences and eligibility criteria prior to applying. Learn more at: www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by TutorNerds. 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.

Living abroad five things to know before teaching English in Japan

Living abroad five things to know before teaching English in Japan When I started my two-year teach abroad stint as a fresh-faced new grad back in August 2009, I had no idea where I wanted to go with my career. I knew I wanted the opportunity to travel to new places, get out of my comfort zone, meet people from all over the world and explore different cultures and ways of life. Teaching English abroad seemed like the perfect next step for me - but I chose Japan mostly on a whim, as the market for ESL teachers was booming there. Quite honestly, I made the move to teach English in Japan knowing very little about the country. I don’t recommend you do this! Not only was teaching children an entirely new experience for me, lesson planning and working with colleagues who speak a different language was too. The beginning of my teach abroad experience could have been far less rocky if I had researched and planned ahead better. Here are my top five tips for English teachers before heading abroad to teach in Japan: Get your packing list essentials in order. As Japanese clothing sizes run quite small, you may need to bring enough staple items of clothing to last you your stay - especially skirts and pants! If you have large feet (8.5 US and above), you might also also struggle to find shoes that fit in most Japanese stores. Make sure you’re well stocked up on appropriate footwear for all seasons. Japan also gets incredibly hot in summer, and the humidity is hard to escape (although the other seasons are pleasant and more than make up for the muggy summers). Be sure to plan ahead and pack enough light clothing. Get to know Japanese customs. Save yourself potential embarrassment in the classroom and elsewhere and learn some Japanese etiquette before your arrival. Be observant and respectful of cultural differences - this will go a long way in helping you understand how Japan’s unique culture works and how you can integrate yourself into Japanese society. Things like walking and eating at the same time, wearing shoes indoors and sneezing in public are considered rude in Japan. Japanese people are also into gifting - you must remember to always bring a host a gift. Another big difference between North America and Japan? Tipping is not customary. Plan your finances to your teach abroad goals. You’ll have some start-up costs to consider (airfare, your TEFL certificate). You should also have a rainy-day fund set aside for any emergencies that might crop up. After that, you’ll have monthly bills, rent, phone and grocery bills plus other living expenses to budget for. If your aim is to travel in your free time, or to save up money to pay off student debt back home, then you’ll need to live below your means to free up some cash for those things. Learn basic speaking Japanese and written characters. It doesn’t take long to master some key Japanese phrases and there are lots of resources online to help you get started. Katakana and Hiragana are the most common writing systems you will see in Japan, so get a head start and take the time to familiarize yourself with some basic symbols. Trust me - it’ll make ordering in restaurants much easier! Stockpile comfort food. If you're heading overseas, you’ll want to bring some of your favorite foods with you. That’s not to say that authentic Japanese cuisine isn’t wonderful - it is - but inevitably homesickness strikes and you get a yearning for old favorites! This tip really depends on where you plan to teach English in Japan. No two teachers will have the same experience: for example, I was teaching in a remote town in coastal Japan. Maybe you’ll be teaching in the capital, Tokyo. In more metropolitan areas, international cuisine is very easy to come by. It’s a good idea to bring some packets of dried food stuffs like gravy and mac and cheese - whatever you can’t live without during your time abroad! Teaching and living abroad is the experience of a lifetime and a little planning ahead goes a long way. There’s no easy way to explain what it’s like to teach English abroad in Japan. You have to experience it for yourself to understand. Either way, you need to be flexible and willing to let go of all expectations. My experience had way more positives than negatives and it’s changed me for the better in so many ways. Don’t forget to head on over to the Teach Away job board to take a look at all our current English teaching jobs in Japan! Do you have any top tips for teachers looking to teach abroad in Japan to add to the list? Let us know below!

How to Say Chemistry in Spanish - A Quick Reference Guide

How to Say Chemistry in Spanish - A Quick Reference GuideWhen learning how to say chemistry in Spanish, you can choose a specific time frame. At first, you will have to start at the beginning of your studies. Don't worry about getting the pronunciation of the words straightaway, because you can practice on the most common Spanish words and phrases.There are some language websites that offer phonetic versions of all Spanish words. At first, it might seem hard to create your own words for everyday conversations. If you already know how to speak English, you can learn to speak Spanish by combining the words with one another.You can start with simple Spanish phrases such as 'tomorrow morning'. If you want to give a more personal touch to your learning, you can try to create something unique. With a bit of creativity, you can make up your own chemistry text messages.If you have not mastered the basics yet, you should try to go to a Spanish speaking country, and try to get in contact with people that live there. They can help you learn the language easily.Try to get some information on the culture, history and the country's language. These sources will make it easier for you to get acquainted with the vocabulary and learn the pronunciation of the Spanish words. It is important to learn the basic of Spanish before trying to understand the slang words.If you want to learn the history of the country, it is also good if you could join a cultural group. This will enable you to meet and discuss the culture with other people who live there.You can find plenty of Spanish-language websites that offer free materials that you can use to practice the basics of the language. All you need to do is to fill up the online forms and start enjoying the benefits of the language right away.

Ark Chemistry Table - Great Education

Ark Chemistry Table - Great EducationThe Ark Chemistry Table allows you to work in a more peaceful, educational environment. Many individuals enjoy working at home but feel that they do not have enough time to devote to their projects or studies. A number of individuals feel that they would like to take the time out of their busy lives to participate in activities that can help them learn more about their hobbies. This will give them the opportunity to use a more educational and enjoyable means of learning and this can be achieved through the use of the Ark chemistry table.You will be able to enjoy working with the natural world around you and explore the meaning behind the things that you find around you. You will be able to work with life and science and discover all of the wonderful discoveries that have been made throughout history. This will allow you to learn more about the planet that we live on and this will help you to create new discoveries that can be used in many differen t types of materials.With the Ark Chemistry Table you will have the opportunity to do experiments and see how things react in various conditions. With this it will be possible for you to create a natural understanding of the human body and its processes, which will be a benefit to the individual.This can be useful for students and those who are studying material chemical reactions as these may be a great source of fun. The Ark can be found in the US and you can also buy it in other countries and the material that is available will vary to suit individual tastes.You will be able to create and understand different types of material chemical reactions and this can be useful for students studying this material. This will provide a sense of achievement and will allow you to explore new scientific knowledge.This can be a great way to allow people to learn more about material chemical reactions and will allow them to explore all the possibilities that are available for them. This can be an educational experience that will allow you to keep fit and it will allow you to gain an insight into the scientific world.With the Ark there is no need to worry about a true education because it can be taken by itself and if you are looking for an exciting way to learn then this can provide the perfect balance between learning and play. It will be possible for you to explore your own planet and its wonders.

Flirting in French 25 Phrases You Need To Know

Flirting in French 25 Phrases You Need To Know Sign up successful The French are quite reserved, and while there are some pick up lines listed here, you will rarely hear them. In fact, some are simply funny sayings you’ll hear among your friends. Others are more like compliments that you can use with a partner or spouse. Check out this video to learn more and then keep scrolling for more French pick up lines! Remember: the French like to be respected and they want their partners to act natural. So if you find someone attractive, your best bet is to forget the cheesy pick up lines and be yourself. But enough about culture, here are our top 25 flirtatious phrases and sayings! Est-ce que ton père a été un voleur? Parce qu’il a volé les étoiles du ciel pour les mettre dans tes yeux. This is a classic French pick up line that is rarely used, unless you want to make someone laugh! It translates to, “Is your father a thief? Because he stole the stars from the sky to put into your eyes.”   T’as dbeaux yeux, tu sais? This French pick up lines means, “You have pretty eyes, you know?” It’s actually a famous reference from the French film, “Le Quai des Brumes.”   J’ai eu un coup de foudre! In French, “le coup de foudre” literally means a strike of lightning, but it can also mean, “love at first sight.” So this phrase is another way of saying, “I fell head over heels.” Romantic French phrases like this one are sure to melt hearts! Tu veux sortir avec moi? This phrase means, “Do you want to go out with me?” But be careful, as it can be used romantically or simply among friends!   Si on prenait un verre un de ces quatres? Use this phrase if you want to invite someone for a drink. It literally means, “What if we grabbed a drink one of these days?”   Je t’apprécie. The verb apprécier generally means “to appreciate (someone or something).” However when you use it in this way, it means “I like you” or “I have a crush on you.”   Tu me manques. Contrary to what you might think, this phrase actually means, “I miss you”! It literally translates to, “You are missing from me.”   Embrasse-moi! Simple, straightforward and to-the-point, this French phrase means, “Kiss me!”   Je t’aime. The verb aimer can mean either “to like” or “to love.” But if you want to say “I love you” to your special someone, you’d use this phrase.   Je suis tombé amoureux. Someone swept you off your feet? This phrase is how you say, “I fell in love,” if you’re a man.   Je suis tombée amoureuse.   If you’re a woman who’s fallen in love, use this version of the above phrase. Un beau gosse.   “Un beau gosse” is one of the cute French sayings you’d use to describe a good-looking guy, or a hunk.” The French use this all the time with their partners, or jokingly among friends. Tu es beau.   Simply put, “Tu es beau” or “T’es beau” means, “You are handsome.” Saying compliments in French is an easy way to get someones attention! Une belle gosse.   Similar to “Un beau gosse,” this is a phrase to describe a good-looking girl. Tu es très jolie.     This is a phrase that can be said to a woman to tell her that she looks pretty. Je te trouve belle.   This phrase literally translates to, “I find you beautiful,” and it’s interchangeable with the one above. T’es canon, toi!   You can never go wrong with compliments in French. This expression means, “You’re hot!” You can say it as a joke or when you really mean it, and it can be used for either a male or female.   Mon amour.   Use this phrase as a pet name for a partner, meaning “My love.” This one can also be used for both men and women. Mon chéri.   This is a cute saying for your male partner that means, “My dear.” Ma chérie.   This version of the above pet name can be used for the special lady in your life. Ma belle.   Another adorable name to call your girlfriend or wife, this phrase means, “My beautiful one.” RELATED: 15 French Greetings French Pick Up Lines to Avoid Now, in France it’s common also to hear the phrases below. However, be forewarned: these are some of the worst ways to flirt in French. These phrases are quite rude and not very well accepted. You should avoid using these catcalls, but be aware of their meanings! Ma’moiselle! This is like saying “Hey miss!” Oftentimes, it’s yelled out while a woman is walking on the street, and it’s not generally acknowledged. Tu as un 06? In France, cell phone numbers begin with 06 (and now 07). So when someone asks this question, they’re asking if you have a phone number and hoping you’ll give it to them. Souris un peu. Another common catcall meaning “Smile a bit,” this is something French women generally don’t like to hear. T’es charmante. “You’re charming” is perfectly fine if you’re on a date, but it’s often something that is called out on the street, which women typically walk right past. Do you know any other cute French sayings, or phrases for flirting in French? Share them with us in the comments below! To work on your French accent so you can really nail these phrases like a native, check out the French classes online at TakeLessons Live. 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  amira_a

Construct Parallel Lines

Construct Parallel Lines Parallel lines are the lines which never intersect. Construct parallel line means we have to construct two lines whose slope are equal. Construct a parallel line is the method to maintain the constant distance between the two lines so that they will never meet. Parallel Lines are constructed by the help of geometry rules. It can be constructed using scale, pencil and compass. Condition of parallel lines slope of first line m1 = slope of second line m2 Now we will see some examples in which we will proof those two lines are parallel. Example 1:- One line passes through the point (4, 4) and (8, 12) and another line passes through the point (2, 2) and (8, 14). Proof that the above two lines (if constructed) are parallel Solution: Given One line passes through (4, 4) and (8, 12) So the slope of first line is, m1 = (y2-y1)/ (x2-x1) = (12-4)/ (8 4) = 8/4 = 2 Therefore m1 = 2 Also given, another line passes through (2, 2) and (8, 14) Therefore the slope of second line is, m2 = (y2-y1)/ (x2-x1) = (14-2)/ (8-2) = 12/6 = 2 Therefore m2 = 2. Since slope of the two lines are equal that is m1 = m2 =2 Therefore the two lines are parallel. Example 2:- One line passes through the point (2, 2) and (4, 6) and another line passes through the point (3, 3) and (6, 9). Proof that the above two lines (if constructed) are parallel Solution: Given One line passes through (2, 2) and (4, 6) So the slope of first line is, m1 = (y2-y1)/ (x2-x1) = (6-2)/ (4 2) = 4/2 = 2 Therefore m1 = 2 Also given, another line passes through (3, 3) and (6, 9) Therefore the slope of second line is, m2 = (y2-y1)/ (x2-x1) = (9-3)/ (6-3) = 6/3 = 2 Therefore m2 = 2 Since slope of the two lines are equal that is m1 = m2 =2 Therefore the two lines are parallel.

Tips for Learning the Piano Quickly

Tips for Learning the Piano Quickly How Can You Optimize Your Piano Learning? Chapters Learning to Play the Piano: Using Both Hands Independently Learning to Play the Piano: Understanding Theory Learning to Play the Piano: The Rhythm Learning to Play the Piano: Reading and Playing at the Same Time Learning to Play the Piano: How to Position Your Body How Long Does it Take to Learn to Play the Piano? Learning to Play the Piano as a Child What if You’re an Adult? Playing the Piano with YouTube Videos! One Last Thing...Along with the guitar, the piano is one of the world’s most recognizable instruments.  There are so many people that want to learn how to play it. Learning how to play the piano can take a lot of time.It’s a demanding activity. Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic way to learn the piano by snapping your fingers. You need to practice whenever you can and put the time and effort in.How Can You Learn the Piano Properly?Over the course of this article you’ll find out some important information about learning to play the piano (choosing your sty le, the right tutor, the basics, getting piano lessons near me, etc.). When you start learning to play the piano, you’ll quickly come up against a number of challenges such as playing with both hands, for example.You’ll see that it’s not as easy as it looks and overcoming this challenge is the first thing you’ll spend most of your time doing.Generally speaking, when you play the piano, your right hand tends to play the melody while the left hand harmonizes with said melody. Put simply: melody on your right hand, chords on your left.However, it’s not always that simple. Contrapuntal music, for example, doesn’t tend to follow this pattern.If you’re right-handed, you’ll probably also notice that it’s much easier to play with your right hand than your left. Your left hand is pretty useless and weak. Right from the start, you’ll tend to only use your right hand.It’s not a problem if you start out like this. The melody is what you’ll usually learn first, anyway. Ho wever, to really play the piece, you’re going to have to incorporate your left hand.Anyone who’s started out by teaching themselves a few things will have also started out in this way. Once you’ve got the melody down, it’s time to start working on the chords.  There’s no right way to do this. Everyone learns a bit differently, after tall. However, you’ll have to use both hands eventually.Before you’re able to play using both hands, you have to be able to use both hands. How can you play the piano with your left hand? Or rather, how can you learn to play the piano with your left hand?To overcome this first challenge, you’ll need to start playing with just your left hand (by practicing scales, for example). You need to be doing this as soon as you start learning to play the piano! Don’t wait two months before you start using your left hand. Don’t waste any time!Once you’re beginning to feel more comfortable with your left hand, you can then move on to using them both at the same time. The key here is to master using both hands and then bring them together.Learning to use both hands at the same time can be a nightmare! (Source: Jason Plant)When you first start, just work on playing the same notes with one hand at a time. Then do it again with both hands. Then learn to play a very simple piece where each hand has a different part. As always, learn each part independently. This is the first rule to follow: never start by trying to use both hands at the same time.Deconstruct the piece and think about the sound. Over time, your brain will start doing this automatically. Believe me! You don’t need to rush.You’ll see that playing different parts with both your hands is getting easier and easier. This may take some time, but eventually your hands will remember their individual parts. At this point you’ll be able to start playing pieces with both hands from the offset.Don’t forget to pick easy pieces in the beginning. Make sure they’re sui ted for beginners. You’ll probably need at least a year before you start getting comfortable with playing using both hands independently.Don’t get discouraged at the beginning. You won’t become the next Mozart overnight.Discover our top tips for learning how to play the piano! Learning to Play the Piano: Understanding TheoryThe second problem you’ll come up against is music theory.Learning to play the piano requires a good understanding of music theory. This isn’t usually the most fun part of learning to play an instrument but it is incredibly useful whether you’re playing a keyboard, electronic, upright, or grand piano.You could learn to play the piano without learning any theory, I suppose. However, you’ll quickly find your abilities limited, especially when it comes to playing classical pieces or creating your own.Fortunately, there are plenty of books dedicated to the subject. There are plenty of piano tutorials on YouTube to help you get started. However, they can only take you so far without any understanding of music theory.Music theory can be difficult when you’re first starting out. However, it’ll help you learn pieces much more quickly in the future. There are two things you should know about music: notes and rhythm. You need to learn about both of them.  You’re probably familiar with the notes in one way or another. There are seven of them. A to G. You’ll need to be able to read them on a staff.  You might even remember some of these from school.Being able to read these notes is usually quite simple. You’ll see that you only need a few minutes (or hours) to work them out.  However, rather than working them out, you should be able to recognize them the second you look at them. If you have some music in front of you, you should be able to name every note you see as you look at it.By learning about music theory at a music school or with the help of a private tutor, you’ll progress much more quickly. Understanding music theory is the quickest way to mastering your instrument.  However, you should probably also be familiar with music terminology when you’re talking about it.Don’t forget that the piano is an instrument that uses both the bass and treble clef. This means you’ll need to be familiar with both. The notes on one clef are different to the notes on the other. This means that a “C” on the bass clef won’t be in the same position as a “C” on the treble clef would be.Learn how to play the piano faster with these top books! Learning to Play the Piano: The RhythmOnce you understand the notes, you’ll need to move on to studying the rhythm.  Music is basically notes in a particular rhythm, after all.  You can’t separate the two.Without rhythm, there's no point in learning to play the piano. (Source: TecnoVortex)Rhythm is also an important part of music theory. You need to be able to read what the notes are but also how long they should be played for (you can use a metronome to help you , too). This means you need to know the note value: whether it’s a whole, half, quarter, eighth, etc.We recommend working on the note value without thinking about what note it represents. You need to have an understanding of the different values before you can move on. You can’t just learn their values, you have to learn how they interact with one another. You need to know that a whole note lasts the same as four quarter notes. This is important when practicing. You should also make sure you’re familiar with measures.  A piece of music is divided into units known as measures. Generally, a measure is four quarters.  However, this isn’t always the case. This might seem completely alien to you at the moment but once you get started, the idea of time signatures will become second nature to you.The time signature will tell you exactly how you need to read each measure. Once you’ve mastered this, you can even play around with it a bit.  It’ll be great for improvisation. Learni ng to Play the Piano: Reading and Playing at the Same TimeOnce you’ve mastered your music theory and reading music, there’s one more thing you need to do. You’ll have to play the music. This is something that’s really difficult in the beginning because you’ll need to do a lot of things at the same time.You’ll have to work a lot in order to be able to read and play at the same time. This will require a lot of practice and a lot of training.  It’s a lot harder than it looks.It'll be difficult to coordinate your hands at the start. (Source: Piano Learning)Here’s some advice: read the notes and don’t even touch the piano. Then work slowly with each hand individually. Your hands and your brain need to get used to recognizing the notes on the paper.Another piece of advice: start doing this with slower pieces of music. Don’t even consider doing this with faster pieces. Bit by bit it’ll become second nature. Keep this in mind every time you type something on the comput er. Remember when you used to peck and seek with your two index fingers (I hope you still don’t do this!). Just by using your computer every day, you probably don’t even look at the keyboard anymore when you’re typing and probably use all your fingers when you do. The piano's the same. Just be patient!Working on your scales is a good way to do this as you’ll associate the notes on the keyboard with the notes on the page. We’ll talk more about scales later on.There’s no other secrets: you’ll need to practice to get better. It’s normal to make lots of mistakes when you’re a beginner. Stick with it and you’ll soon start progressing faster and faster.You don’t just use your hands when playing the piano and you don’t just use your mind, either.  Playing the piano uses your entire body. To play the piano, you’ll need to be sitting comfortably since a good posture is essential for playing the piano as well as you can.You need to be well positioned in front of the keys.Sit directly in the middle of the keyboard in front of Middle C. Your arms need to be almost perpendicular to the keys. Your elbows need to be at the same height as the keys or slightly above this level. Of course, this depends on how tall you are. A private tutor will be able to help you work on your posture and decide on the best way for you to be when you play the piano.Poorly positioning your elbows and your fingers is not only detrimental to your playing but also your health. If your elbows are too low, your wrists won’t be in the right place and you won’t be able to press on the keys as much as you’d like to. Make sure to get a piano stool to ensure you’re sitting in the right place.On the other hand, having your elbows too high is also a bad idea. Your forearms will be above your fingers.Your back must be straight. Beginners tend to lean towards the piano. This can result in back pain. Make sure your stool is big enough so that you can comfortably turn towards th e highest notes and the lowest notes.Your body also needs to be in the center of the piano so that you can reach the pedals more easily. The pedals are located right in the middle of the piano.Become a piano expert by playing with both your hands. (Source: Superprof.ch)Being in the center also means you can reach all the keys more easily. This also means you can play with four hands (using two pianists, of course). In this case, the piano is split into two. The first pianist plays the chords on the lower end of the piano while the second plays the melody on the higher end.And, of course, your hands need to be on the keys. It’s suggested that your fingers are curling slightly downwards. Imagine you’re holding an apple in your hand. However, this will depend on how big your hands are. A pianist with big hands won’t adopt the same position as a pianist with small hands. It’s best to ask your tutor about the best position for you or even have a look on the Internet for examples. Make sure you’re also doing breathing and relaxation exercises to help you. Think about loosening up your body (especially your wrists and shoulders). You need to make sure you don’t have any stiffness. You’ll play much better if you’ve taken the time to loosen up and warm up than you would if you’re stressed and tight.Playing the piano is a bit like dancing. Your entire body is involved musically. Your feet are using the pedals while your fingers are touching the keys.Relaxation is important because playing the piano can also be “tiring”. Playing the piano is like exercise for some. Make sure you also relax your muscles after having played the piano (and after your lessons). You don’t need to keep pressing down on keys that are already pressed down, either. It doesn’t change how a note sounds and it means that you’ll save energy.Master these tips for piano improvisation! Learning to Play the Piano: Working on Your ScalesWe mentioned them earlier in the article. Scales are one of the most popular piano exercises in the world.  In addition to being used as a warm up, scales can be used for a number of reasons. In recent years, scales have become decreasingly popular to the point where some teachers completely avoid them altogether.So what are scales? Scales are a series of notes played in succession with a predefined interval between said notes. A scale usually gets its name from its first note. The number of notes in a scale can also vary. Some have ten notes while others only have five.Scales can be used to improve how quickly you can play. Most songs are built around them, too. Scales have another use: learning to play in time. Using scales can help to develop your rhythm. They can also help you when it comes to positioning your hands and fingers.Scales are also useful when you first start out as they can help you recognize different harmonies. If used correctly, scales can help you understand music theory better, recognizing the element s that make up a major scale or a minor scale, for example. A student learning a piece in a certain key will learn it much more quickly if they’re familiar with the scale.In fact, it’s highly recommended that students learn a given scale before they start learning any piece utilizing it.  There are plenty of resources on scales, too.If you’ve already learned to play another musical instrument, you’re probably already familiar with a number of scales. How Long Does it Take to Learn to Play the Piano?This is an important question. Like we said before, learning to play the piano can take a lot of time.  How many hours a week should it take?There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. This depends on a number of factors and which methods are being used to learn to play. Firstly, not everyone can practice two hours every day and also study music theory. You need to take into account their other commitments.Furthermore, it completely depends on why you’re learning to play the piano: if you’re wanting to master Liszt in two years, you’re going to have your work cut out for you. You could commit several hours a day. Some people can get better at the piano by spending only a few hours a week, too.Whether you practice ten hours a week or two hours a week, you need to practice regularly. Make sure you always put aside some time to practice playing the piano.It's important to take the time to consolidate your music lessons. (Source: PB Security)Starting out isn’t going to be pretty. You might think you’ll learn an incredible piece in a few weeks but you probably won't. Don’t get frustrated! You’ll get there. You just need to be patient and get used to playing regularly.Don’t forget to practice technique as well as playing.Alternate between playing a piece and practicing scales and techniques, etc. This will help you to progress much more quickly. You’ll go from beginner to intermediate in no time.There are other things you need to tak e into account, too: how you work, your concentration, and how often you practice. Don’t forget that you only need to practice for four or five hours a week. That’s one hour a day, not including the weekends.  However, it’s difficult to get any better at the piano if you’re only practicing one hour a week. Learning to Play the Piano as a ChildA lot of parents ask: “What age should are child start learning to play the piano at?”On the other hand, adults ask: “Am I too old to learn how to play the piano? How long will it take?”So is this important? Age is an important factor given how hard your brain has to work when playing the piano. Brain development slows down with age.Let’s have a look at different age groups and their growth.From 0-6:  Perhaps a little young. Let them discover it naturally.Music can act as a supplementary stimulus for babies and young children.Every parent should have a good collection of piano music, orchestral music, piano and violin concert os, and operas, etc. and let their child to listen to them in their room or around the house.Lots of parents tiptoe around and whisper while their baby is sleeping even though they really shouldn’t. Babies will learn to sleep in a normal environment (complete with various noises).From 6-12: Learning music in stages.This age group usually undergoes significant brain development. Learning seems almost effortless at this age.From 13-19: The age at which pianists mature.  This is the age at which pianists can delve into advanced music theory and play complicated pieces.A pianist at this age will start developing their own styles and tastes, make sure you’re encouraging them! What if You’re an Adult?Lots of adults who want to learn the piano are asking this question. Adults don’t learn as quickly children, right? In some ways that’s true. We memorize things more quickly as children and this works as much for learning languages as it does for playing the piano.However, if we del ve a little deeper, you’ll see that you needn’t lose all hope!You can learn to play the piano at any age and become an excellent pianist by starting at 30, 40, or beyond. Some start learning to play the piano when they retire and become surprisingly-good pianists a few years later.  Age isn’t important, motivation is.  That’s what drives you towards becoming a better pianist.Even at 90, you can start having piano lessons. (Source: Steamline 365)No matter how old you are, you need to be motivated in order to learn to play the piano. It requires a lot of work and effort. If you’ve already learned to play another instrument, you’ll know how much hard work it can take. Getting better takes time so don’t get discouraged.On the other hand, it is true that adults tend to have less free time to dedicate to this pursuit. Our working lives take up so much time if can be difficult for adults to practice as often as they should.The only way to get better at playing the piano (and learning without getting bored and giving up) when you’re an adult is to give yourself goals, schedules, and stick to them.Regularly practicing is the most important thing. Even if you’re up to your neck in work, you can always find 30 to 40 minutes to practice playing the piano. Especially given that the average American watches over 5 hours of TV per day!Practicing the piano is an even better way to relax. Music is great for your brain. It improves your concentration and alleviates stress. In fact, music can also alleviate stress from our bodies. Do you need another reason to start playing the piano when you get home?Should you learn on your own or with a tutor?There are several ways to learn how to play the piano: alone, with a private tutor, or at a music school. There are no wrong answers. Some people learn brilliantly on their own. However, others may need structured lessons and advice in order to improve.It really depends on your goals. If you just want to learn how to pl ay a few songs for your friends, without studying any theory, learning on your own is more than possible. If you want to learn how to play some of the world’s most difficult pieces, you’re probably not going to manage that without outside help. Don’t forget that you can also look for resources and tutorials on-line.If you’ve decided to learn on your own, you should probably get the right tools for the job. There are a number of ways to learn how to play the piano without the help of a tutor.Once again, perseverance and motivation are going to be key. Without a tutor driving you forwards, it can be very easy to cut corners or even given up as soon as you encounter any difficulties.It’s very difficult to stick to a schedule when you’re the only person telling you that you have to. Not having a set time to practice will also make it harder to get into a routine. If you’re great at procrastinating, it’s probably not the best idea in the world to teach yourself.In this ca se, you should already be looking at hiring a private tutor to help you. This may be costly but it’s better than buying a piano and giving up.A piano tutor is so much more than just somebody who tells you how to play the piano. They’ll also motivate you, give you a study and practice schedule, and help you fall in love with learning about music.  A piano tutor loves their instrument and their passion for it is usually contagious, meaning that sooner or later, you’ll end up loving the piano, too. Don’t forget that you can find plenty of piano tutors on Superprof!Going to a music school is also another option if you don’t feel like getting a private tutor or learning on-line. There are plenty of different classes available:beginners pianoprivate tutorialstheorymusical awakeningjazz pianoclassical pianomusic trainingmusic historysinging lessonsTaking a class could help you find private tutors. They’re often cheaper if you’re working to a strict budget.Whether you’re wor king on your own or with the help of a tutor, you have to work in order to improve. It’s worth it in the end. If you want to play your favorite pieces, you’re going to have to regularly sit down in front of your piano.With Superprof you can find a tutor that works for you. As well as helping you discover new types of musics, your private tutor can adapt the piano lessons near me to suit you and make sure you get the most out of every hour together.Some tutors love classical music, others love cinema, and some prefer jazz or blues piano. Make sure to check out which before you make your decision. If you get along, it’s probably a good idea to keep having tutorials.Private in-home tutors are often fantastic teachers who might even teach another instrument you’re interested in. For them, teaching is a way to share their passion with their students. They use classes to delve deeper into their passions while exploring techniques they love. Before you start learning in a particula r way, you’ll learn to enjoy learning about music.Why should you learn the piano?Your lessons will quickly become one of the most enjoyable things in your life. If you’re motivated and determined to learn to play the piano, don’t waste any more time!Join the conversation: is learning how to play piano as an adult more challenging? Playing the Piano with YouTube Videos!This certainly isn’t the best way to learn to play the piano or read sheet music but it is worth mentioning. Why not check out the thousands of videos available on YouTube?Every day thousands of pianists all over the world upload video tutorials of them playing their own versions of famous pieces by Bach, Chopin, and Mozart, etc.Can you become a pianist with YouTube? (Source: YouTube)You’ll come across two main types of piano videos on YouTube:Synthesia: where you can watch the color-coded notes play out on the screen. It looks a bit like Guitar Hero if you’re familiar with video games.Videos where the pian ist films themselves playing the piece.Neither of these are ideal for beginners. Why? Simply because neither of them technically tell you how to play the song. They don’t tell you the rhythm, the rests, or the phrasing: things which have taken these pianists years to master.However, that doesn’t mean they’re any less fun:you can learn without the sheet music,it’s a new interpretation of the original piece,you can learn modern songs like TV or movie themes, or songs from current singers,You can take inspiration from the way the song is played in order to drive your own creative.If this seems interesting, we should also recommend that you use YouTube for help with your music theory. Remember: you can’t skip any steps. You need to start with a strong foundation.Remember that we’re recommending YouTube tutorials here for those who can’t take private tutorials. Furthermore, the Synthesia videos are useful for showing budding pianists where they should be putting their hands .  This is very useful for those visual learners.These videos also open up a whole host of possibilities. Once you’ve found one of these videos, a whole heap of suggested videos will be there on your right. You might find yourself spending hours practicing.Make sure you check out different genres and styles, songs that you wouldn’t normally listen to or learn how to play. Go explore YouTube. Listening to different styles of music is great for encouraging creativity and giving you some inspiration.Don’t forget a simple search is all it takes to find plenty of resources on how to play the piano. You can also search how to play a particular song, too. You’ll no doubt get plenty of interesting results!Learning piano on-line isn’t always the easiest thing. While you may enjoy the freedom of learning whatever you want, it’s hard to establish the routine and discipline you need to really improve when it comes to playing the piano.For this you’ll need a private tutor or lesson s at a music school, especially when you’re first starting out. No matter what instrument you play, having your own personal tutor gives you an opportunity to ask questions and clarify things you don’t understand. You don’t get this from in front of a screen. One Last Thing...The best way to learn the piano, I believe, is with the help of a qualified piano tutor.  Tutors are always available to guide you better than any book or YouTube video ever could.However, I understand that you might still be asking the following question:  â€œHow can I learn on my own?” If your mind is made up, then here’s something I’d recommend:  Follow Andrew Furmanczyk on YouTube.He’s a piano tutor who’s produced around 200 free videos on how to play piano and music theory.  He starts with the basics and things you should know about the piano and music theory.  He’s a good tutor who explains everything for beginners.However, if there’s something you don’t understand, the only thing y ou can do is watch the video again (as many times as you want). At least it  won’t cost you a penny.Discover how you too can tune a piano...

The 5 Best Electric Guitars for Beginners

The 5 Best Electric Guitars for Beginners Megan L. With so many electric guitars on the market, its easy to feel overwhelmed if youre a beginner picking out your first ax. We recommend trying out lots of guitars in the shop and asking your electric guitar teacher for tips as you shop around. To help you get started in your quest, take a look at five of our favorite picks to learn guitar with! Some of the main features youll want to pay attention to as you play each guitar include the style and shape of the body, the pickups, and the way the neck and strings feel under your fingers. Guitars come in different shapes and sizes, with different neck shapes as well, so pay attention to what feels right for you to hold and play. The pickups are the metal bars under the strings that conduct the sound from your strings to your amp. Well be looking at guitars with single coil pickups, which have a brighter sound, and humbuckers, which have a darker, fuller sound. As you test drive guitars, keep these features in mind and youre sure to find the perfect beginners electric guitar for you. Epiphone Les Paul Standard Photo by Matt Prince The Epiphone Les Paul has the quality build, features, and classic beauty of the Gibson Les Paul at a lower price, making this guitar an excellent choice for beginners. The Epiphone Les Paul has two humbucker pickups which give you a really full-sounding clean tone. You can switch between the pickups and there are pots for tone control on each pickup, so you can use this guitar to experiment and find the sound you like. Due to their versatility and durability, Epiphone Les Pauls are popular among rock, pop, country, punk, and funk players. Fender Stratocaster Photo by  Vintage Guitarz The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most famous and widely played electric guitars in the world. Stratocasters have three single coil pickups and a five way switch, so you can modulate between different combinations of the pickups. This gives the Strat a sound ranging from bright and jangly to mellow and twangy. The Stratocaster also has a nice cutaway in the body along the bottom side of the neck so you can more easily reach the higher frets. The Stratocaster was designed for country music, but has since been popular with rock, jazz, and even heavy metal guitarists. As you learn guitar, youll want to try out songs in different genres, so a versatile instrument like the Strat really comes in handy. Ibanez Artcore Photo by JazGaz See the f-shaped cut-out in the body of the Ibanez Artcore guitar pictured above? This guitar is whats known as a semi-hollow body guitar. Its lighter than the solid body electric guitars weve been looking at, and the cut-outs in the body give it a more acoustic-like, resonant sound. Hollow body guitars tend to generate a bit more feedback and noise than solid bodies, but the humbucker pickups on this guitar keep the noise and hum to a minimum. The Ibanez Artcore is an inexpensive option for beginners interested in playing blues, jazz, or pop music. Epiphone SG Photo by Chico Luz Modeled after the Gibson SG, this Epiphone guitar is another great value for beginners. The cutaways in the body give easy access to all the frets up to where the neck meets the body. The SG is a very popular guitar with metal and hard rock players due to its edgy look, playability, and loud set-up. Without adding any effects, the clean tone on this guitar already sounds aggressive and very metal. This model is a lighter guitar, which is great if you plan to play on your feet a lot. Additionally, it holds tune well and wont break the bank. Squier Telecaster Photo by SMII TonPair Squier guitars are essentially cheaper versions of the Fender brand, which can make them a great choice for beginning players who want a Fender but arent ready to make the investment. The Squier Telecaster is based on the original electric guitar that Fender introduced to the mass market in the 1950s. The Tele has two single coil pickups and a three-way switch so you can toggle between the two. The Telecasters sound tends to be a bit brighter and louder than the Stratocaster For a classic rock and roll, country, or surf guitar sound, the Squier Telecaster gives you great value and a classic look. Whats your dream electric guitar? Do any of these guitars stand out to you? Let us know in the comments below! 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