Help For 8th Grade Algebra - The Best Way to Get Started

Help For 8th Grade Algebra - The Best Way to Get StartedFor students who want to take the proper steps to help for 8th grade algebra, the biggest factor to consider is whether or not they are ready to get started. After all, any student learning calculus in seventh or eighth grade may feel that they are already well on their way to mastering the subject, especially if they have been taught by a professional who has specialized in helping for advanced subjects like algebra. However, those who haven't been taught by someone who knows what they are doing may be entering a new world of math and science that can be extremely intimidating and challenging.Algebra can be intimidating for anyone learning it because of the vast number of variables involved in the process. Any student learning calculus in seventh or eighth grade has already overcome one of the first major hurdles, which is being able to solve problems with confidence. They must be able to do this every time they sit down to stu dy, no matter how complicated the equation may seem. The problem comes when algebra students try to actually memorize equations before they try to solve them, or when they try to see how many more variables can be added to a problem in order to solve it.One of the best ways to help for 8th grade algebra is to incorporate a game into the program, so that students don't have to calculate every variable. Students can still use their calculators, but they can use a game to have fun. Games that include working problems, with math cards, stickers, or other objects that students can identify as 'useful' are helpful in helping students learn.Any game that involves a teacher assigning a numerical value to different objects can help students remember the properties of the object. When students can understand how much an object weighs, it can be very easy to learn its mass, volume, weight, and so on. Students who find this information interesting may also be more likely to start thinking of wa ys to combine this information into simpler equations.There are plenty of games that can be used to help for algebra, including word searches, crosswords, word puzzles, spelling quizzes, and more. Before deciding on a game to use, be sure to do some research on the topic and read reviews from people who have used the game. You may find that the game you choose would work with your class.Another good teaching strategy for algebra is to make sure that every student is familiar with the concepts behind the subject. It is important to make sure that every student understands the basic concept of variables, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and a few other concepts. If a student is unfamiliar with any of these concepts, then he or she will struggle to understand what is going on in class.Teachers can help students who struggle to understand mathematics by suggesting that they find a book that has a chapter devoted to the subject. A book can be especially helpful for studen ts who learn best in a structured environment, such as at school or at home. This will provide the students with a way to make sense of the material, and they may develop a stronger understanding of the subject.

4 Time Management Strategies for the GMATs Integrated Reasoning Section

4 Time Management Strategies for the GMAT's Integrated Reasoning Section The GMATs Integrated Reasoning section, which was introduced in 2012, consists of 12 complex questions that you must answer in only 30 minutes. It includes four question types: Graphics Interpretation, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, and Two-Part Analysis. Each Integrated Reasoning problem requires you to analyze provided data, and to then answer multiple parts of the question correctly in order to receive credit. What are the best ways to process such a large amount of information from multiple sources in a brief period of time? Here are four time management strategies for the GMAT's Integrated Reasoning section: 1. Read the information before you answer an Integrated Reasoning question Reading the information first will help you gain an understanding of what you are looking at. It will take you less time to answer the question if you know what information it is based on, as opposed to trying to answer a question you know nothing about. For example, if you are presented with three different tabs with paragraphs and tables, look them over to understand the situation in front of you. Then, once you are familiar with the context, look at the first question, and go back to the tabs to find the information that is required. [RELATED: Preparing for Integrated Reasoning on the GMAT] 2. Write down what you know for each Integrated Reasoning question With just 30 minutes to answer 12 questions with multiple parts, you have only 2.5 minutes per problem to read the information, analyze the data, perform equations, and select the best answer choices. Do not try to process everything in your head. Use the provided materials to make notes, write down names and numbers, and organize the data you are working with. This will allow you to focus and identify the best answers more efficiently. 3. Answer one Integrated Reasoning question at a time There is often a great deal of information presented on the screen for each Integrated Reasoning question. You will not always need all the information to answer each part of the question. However, you will need to answer each part correctly in order to earn credit, as no partial credit will be awarded. Look at each part individually, perform your analysis, and select the best answer. Then, move on to the next part of the question. Additionally, answer the questions that are asked. Read the question carefully, understand what it is asking for, and then make the best selection. [RELATED: How to Plan Your GMAT Prep Schedule] 4. Keep moving forward on the Integrated Reasoning section Again, the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT is only 30 minutes long. Do not spend too much time on any one question. Note, too, that you cannot move backward through the section to change your previous answers. Approach the exam with confidence. Concentrate on the question in front of you, select an answer, and then go on to the next question, knowing that you have used your time wisely and made the best choice. Integrated Reasoning can be a complex part of the GMAT for test-takers, but it does not need to be a difficult experience. Pace yourself, practice with Integrated Reasoning practice tests, and focus on maximizing your score. If you read the information provided and perform your analysis in an efficient mannerby taking notes and answering the questions that are being askedthen you will have a great strategy for time management on the GMATs Integrated Reasoning portion. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

How Much Do Italian Lessons Cost

How Much Do Italian Lessons Cost How to Budget for Learning Italian with a Private Italian Teacher ChaptersWhat is the Going Rate for Italian Lessons in the UK?Learn Italian through Italy-Based OrganisationsThe Average Cost of Italian Lessons through SuperprofHow to Select the Italian Teacher that Suits Your BudgetOther Ways to Reduce the Cost of Learning ItalianItalian, that most enticing of romance languages, is often overlooked in favour of the presumably more practical Spanish language, which lays claim to more usage worldwide.Still, there are numerous reasons that people cite when casting their language learning lot on the Italian tongue:They wish to imbue themselves with Italian cultureThey seek a job in Florence or Milan, in the fashion industryThey are about to embark on a trip to Italy: floating down the canals of Venice or enjoying Tuscany's sun-drenched hillsThey are foodies hoping to unlock the mysteries of Italian cuisine by learning from the mastersThey are aware that Italy is the world's seventh-largest economy and are poised to take their place among Rome's or Sien a's movers and shakers.All of these reasons and more drive people to seek out professors of Italian, but at what cost?How much should you expect to pay to become fluent in Italian?And how will you find the teacher who is right for you?Let us discuss the most cost-effective way to learn the language of Dante: avanti!Learn the many ways to save money on your language learning Source: Pixabay Credit: StevepbBritish Council, Italian lags behind French, German and Spanish as languages students elect to learn in secondary school.That is such a pity!In a society where people cry out for individualism, with unique voices that long to distinguish themselves from the masses, one way to stake that claim would be to focus on a language the mainstream is all but ignoring.Italy is the world's 8th largest economy, whose enterprises impact especially the high-end consumer.Fashionistas appreciate brands like Gucci and Versace. Automobile afficionados dream of racing a Ferrari or owning a Maserati.Wi th Italian as your second language, you may well become employed by a fashion house or car manufacturer, should that be your dream!All of that starts with learning Italian, from buongiorno to buona notte.It's not that Italian courses are not offered in UK schools. They are, alongside a lot of other languages. Languages that are more often selected for study than la lingua italiana.You have elected to study Italian in school?Congratulations! Now all you need is a dedicated approach and a variety of learning materials, as well as ways to focus, in turn, on the four areas of learning: listening and speaking, reading and writing.For that, you couldn't hope for better than a private tutor.Let us talk, for a moment, about the two ways to secure private lessons...Learn Italian Through Private OrganisationsAn obvious solution to mastering the language of Dante Alighieri would be to enlist with a language learning concern.Language schools have years of teaching experience and a refined teach ing methodology.They also have legions of teachers who could come to your home, or deliver lessons via webcam, or teach in small groups in their office, or give one on one lessons at their facility.Those Italian teachers have most likely already been vetted: demonstrated their competence with the language through an impressive array of credentials.At the start of every Italian lesson they would quiz you on what you've retained â€" maybe start out with a bit of conversational Italian, if you are at intermediate level.The close of your language lesson  may well bring a list of words and phrases to memorise before your next session.Such instruction fees could be as high as £40 or more per hour, and some language teaching institutes may charge an initial administrative fee, just for enroling.You can find such offices all over the UK.Learn Italian through Italy-Based OrganisationsYour second option to learn how to speak Italian would be to address yourself to any Italian-driven outlet t hat focuses exclusively on Italian language lessons.This type of course is more likely to happen in small groups, so that the teacher can be sure that everyone receives equal support and attention.If you live in London, the Italian Culture Institute offers language lessons, for absolute beginners all the way to advanced Italian learners.If you hang your hat in or close to this region, the University of Manchester has an excellent programme for learning Italian.As long as Manchester is on the map...That campus is the home to the UK's only branch of the Società Dante Alighieri, which also offers language lessons, both on campus and via webcam. These lessons have competitive pay-as-you-go scheme wherein each session costs £6 per evening ( £4 for students), as well as other, more conventional schedules of fees.You may pay over £90, plus the cost of books and other materials for a course in Basic Italian. For more advanced courses, the fees are set at over £100, plus the cost of lear ning materials.Engaging a Superprof tutor will ease your budget concerns Source: Pixabay Credit: Firmbee those who are passionate about Italian speaking and wish to impart their language skills â€" Superprof's lineup of tutors is sure to meet all of the criteria you are looking for in a teacher of languages. You even learn Italian online!Che ne pensi, Amico?Finding a teacher that won't clean you out is easy with these tips Source: Pixabay Credit: DerneuemannHow to Select the Italian Teacher that Suits Your BudgetEvery student has his own ideas, ideals and goals well developed before pitching himself headlong into Italian learning.Thus, it corresponds that s/he should choose the teacher that will best match said ideas and goals.And then, we add to the mix the fact that Italian teachers also have their teaching methods and philosophies.Only the most altruistic of teachers could afford to give lessons for free!So, how to find a lower-cost teacher who will still satisfy every criterion you require as you learn to speak Italian?Take Lessons with a StudentYou wish to learn Italian phrases and practice your spoken Italian prior to holidaymaking in Tuscany.You want to nail down Italian grammar fundamentals.You need to expand your Italian phrasebook.For these instances and more, you might appeal to a student of the Italian language.Besides requesting lower fees than more experienced tutors, this new generation of language learners could make your lessons more relevant to our modern times, and more fun.Prepare for a Major Exam with a Bilingual ProfessorIf you are anticipating sitting for any Italian exam, including the life-changing ones such as CILS or PLIDA, you may want to work a bit with such a master.Being a formal instructor, possibly engaged in a teaching position with a bona fide institution of learning, s/he has probably already sat for the exams you anticipate taking.As you are most likely more advanced in your studies, and probably only need a boost to your I talian speaking abilities, this would be the ideal teacher for you.The Native Italian TeacherThis type of tutor would be most apt to provide an immersive atmosphere to his lessons, weaving together language and culture, peppering speech with native expressions and rich Italian slang.Italian language courses with a native speaker are more likely to refine your Italian pronunciation and, while you're at it... why not incorporate gastronomy or art appreciation into your learning experience?When learning a new language, it is always best to expand topics of discussion beyond what is offered in textbooks.That is what a native speaker of this romance language can do for you.Don't reach for the credit card so quickly: look for more ways to reduce Italian lesson costs Source: Pixabay Credit: StevepbOther Ways to Reduce the Cost of Learning ItalianLearning is hard work, both for your brain and on your wallet.If your disposable income is sparse, taking supplemental lessons at home could put u ndue strain on your budget.Let us now propose other ways you can help reduce the cost of Italian lessons.First Hour FreeMore than 90% of Superprof tutors give their first hour of teaching for free.Those introductory sessions are meant to be more of a face to face, get-to-know-each-other proposition, to see if your learning needs match that instructor's style, rather than a full-on teaching session about conjugating Italian verbs.That doesn't mean that, once you find the ideal teacher, you couldn't negotiate rates.You will find Superprof teachers to be very understanding and amenable. You may even offer to do some work in exchange for free Italian lessons!Lower Fees for More HoursRome was not built in a day. Nor will a decent lexicon of Italian vocabulary be acquired in that time.Obviously, to gain proficiency in Italian, you will have to spend more than one hour â€" or one day with a tutor.And don't let those adverts fool you: Learn Italian in 30 days? Speak Italian fluently for onl y £80? Seriously?It will most certainly take more than one month and, quite possibly more than £100 to gain fluency in any language, including Italian.By agreeing to a set number of lessons with a particular tutor at the outset of your language learning efforts, you could certainly incur a lower price.Some Superprof tutors give up to a 15% discount when you sign up for ten or more lessons!Location, Posizione, LocationWhere you live bears on how much you will pay for lessons, believe it or not.People who learn another language in London are more likely to pay a higher rate than someone who wants to learn language in York or Bath, or the Scottish Highlands.By no means are we suggesting that you relocate solely for the purpose of incurring lower language learning fees.You could also  consider taking online lessons.Online communication these days â€" video-conferencing and chatting are ubiquitous. Just about every  business that has in any way modernised makes use of this technology.Y ou can too!Using the camera built right into your laptop, tablet or smartphone, you could be speaking Italian in a matter of minutes.All of these avenues provide you ways to control the cost of learning la lingua d'italia. All you have to do is look for the teacher and price that suits your budget. Try it on Superprof by searching for the subject and city, for example Italian classes London. Good luck!Buona ricerca!   P.S. You can also  Prepare for your Italian exams with our guide to exams.

Work-Life Balance and Its Importance Today - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Work-Life Balance and Its Importance Today - Introvert Whisperer Work-Life Balance and Its Importance Today Work-life balance has gained considerable importance in the last few years. Experts at Rutgers University claim that “Work-life balance has become a top priority to many workers entering or moving up the career ladder in today’s workforce. This trend is evident in a broad range of careers and industries.” One reason for this is the growing number of millennials entering the workforce. With an increasing number of millennials dominating office environments, employers are trying harder to appeal to this majority by emphasizing a healthy balance between work and personal life. However, millennials tend to define work-life balance differently from previous generations, owing to the continuous evolution in regards to the definition of the term. So what exactly does work-life balance consist of today? That’s a question with no fixed answer as, ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all definition of work-life balance. Contrary to popular belief, work-life balance is not a 50/50 split between one’s professional and personal life. In fact, work-life balance can differ from person to person and depends greatly on one’s priorities at a given time. For instance, a married person with kids will have a very different definition of work-life balance from that of a recent graduate with student debt. Why is Work-life Balance Important? Having a proper work-life balance has many advantages. Most significantly, maintaining a healthy work-life balance prevents employee burnout and reduces chronic stress. Alan Kohll, a Forbes contributor for corporate wellness, writes that “Chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace. It can lead to physical consequences such as hypertension, digestive troubles, chronic aches and pains and heart problems.” Eventually, too much stress over extended periods of time can lead to employee burnout, affecting both the company and employee very negatively. Employee burnout has severe psychological ramifications, and results in a major drop in employee productivity and performance. Promoting a well-balanced life can reduce the probability of burnout significantly. While the most obvious benefit of work-life balance is fewer health problems in employees, it also aids in boosting employee engagement. Additionally, companies that promote work-life balance tend to attract and retain top talent as the general employee satisfaction level is much higher. There are many telltale signs that indicate poor work-life balance amongst employees no matter the industry. These include overeating or barely eating, experiencing lack of sleep, having nightmares about work, a feeling of depression, constant irritability and fatigue, getting sick often, drinking excessive coffee, and refusing to take a break at work. Should employers or employees notice any of these signs recurring in fellow employees, they should encourage the affected employee to take action and actively work towards a better work-life balance before it is too late. How to Achieve Better Work-Life Balance One of the best ways for employers to promote work-life balance is to allow for a flexible work environment. Doing so is proven to satisfy the needs of most employees, no matter which generation of workers they belong to. Flexible work environments that encourage remote working have been shown not only to boost productivity but also reduce stress levels. The ability to work from anywhere enables employees to personalize their schedules and save ample time that would have otherwise been spent in long commutes. This translates into extra time to invest in self-care and wellness activities. Simultaneously, employers must realize that work-life balance goes beyond simply the hours of work. Creating a happy, accepting and safe work environment for employees should be a top priority for employers. An overall positive work experience allows employees to feel like their place of work is like their second home, and creates a healthy mindset. Companies can improve workplace culture by providing competitive compensation, prioritizing comfortable working conditions and providing opportunities for professional development. Alongside employers, there are many actions employees can take to achieve a better work-life balance. One suggestion is to organize the week in advance. Coming home after a busy day at work to a long list of chores with no idea where to start is a major cause of stress for a lot of employees. As aptly stated in this article, “With a job, family, and housework to balance, sometimes it seems impossible to indulge in hobbies or even just relax.” Taking some time out at the start of every week to map out weekly goals and create to-do lists can help relieve that foreboding feeling of stress and provide a sense of direction through the week. Organizing one’s week in advance is a great way to free up some time that could then be used to pursue non-work and non-household related interests, or to simply relax and unwind. Additionally, employees should commit to “disconnecting” and spending some time away from their digital devices. In today’s overly connected world, it’s easy to feel “always-on.” Constantly checking emails and engaging on social media doesn’t really allow one to separate work life from personal time. Committing to a fixed amount of no-screen time can help employees slow down and decompress, giving their minds a complete break from the work-induced, high-stress mindset. Achieving a healthy work-life balance no longer happens as organically as it once did. In today’s digital era, maintaining a comfortable balance between the professional and personal takes effort and strategic thought from employers and employees alike. However, given the importance of work-life balance, this shouldnt be a deterrent. Rather, employers and employees should work together to create optimum working conditions that promote a productive, happy, and healthy lifestyle. Author Bio: Frankie Wallace  is a freelance writer from Boise, Idaho and contributes to a wide variety of blogs online. Wallace writes about many different topics, from education to the environment. Photo Source: https://pixabay.com/en/justice-scales-balance-lawyer-423446/ Go to top Do you know what your next career step is?  Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable. Get your copy now and start your action plan today! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

What is a Vertical Line

What is a Vertical Line In a coordinate X-Y plane, there are two main axes which are always fixed. They are the X-axis and the Y-axis. The X-axis is the horizontal line and the Y-axis is the vertical line. In the coordinate plane, any axis parallel to the Y-axis is also known as the vertical line. Given any point on the plane, a vertical line can be drawn passing through the given point. Based on the point, the equation of the vertical line can be calculated. Example 1: On which line are the points (0, 3) and (0, 5) located? Given two points: (0, 3) and (0, 5) Hence for the point (0, 3), the x-coordinate = 0 and y-coordinate = 3. Similarly, for the point (0, 5), the x-coordinate = 0 and the y-coordinate = 5. We can see that both the points have the x coordinate as 0 which means that the points are on the Y-axis as only on Y-axis, all the x-coordinates of the points are 0. Example 2: On which line are the points (0, -1) and (0, -6) located? Given two points: (0, -1) and (0, -6) Hence for the point (0, -1), the x-coordinate = 0 and y-coordinate = -1 Similarly, for the point (0, -6), the x-coordinate = 0 and the y-coordinate = -6. We can see that both the points have the x coordinate as 0 and hence the points are located on the Y-axis. This Y-axis is the vertical line continuing up and down until positive infinity and negative infinity.

11 Ways to Practice Guitar While You Watch Shark Week

11 Ways to Practice Guitar While You Watch Shark Week Sign up successful When I first started learning to play guitar, I stared too much at my hands which really slowed down my ability to read tabs or chord charts while I played. Playing with the TV on pulled my eyes away from my hands and forced me to learn to rely on my muscle memory to form chords, scales, and riffs. I also used to get bored easily while practicing technical exercises such as scales and arpeggios. With the TV on in the background and my metronome clicking happily away, I can  run through technical exercises for  a whole episode of Shark Planet. Finally, watching TV distracts the nervous, busy parts of my brain that are mainly responsible for criticizing me constantly and wondering if I left the oven on. With my focus split and my busy-brain occupied, I can improvise in a freer, less-inhibited way. I find I feel less self-conscious and much more relaxed. Plus, its great to just spend more time with a guitar in my hands. If Im sitting around at home anyway, I might as well be playing! How to Practice Guitar While Watching TV For best results, I play an unplugged electric or hollow body electric guitar while watching TV. Its a little less annoying to the other members of my household, but I can still hear myself well enough to get the job done. When Im alone, I bust out my metronome for TV practice sessions as well. 11  Things You Can Practice While You Watch TV Ready to give it a shot? Ive selected  11 shark-approved  things you can practice while you enjoy Shark Week, your next Netflix binge, or a week long Harry Potter movie marathon. 1. Play Chromatic Scales Chromatic scales involve all the fingers of your left hand and theyre a great way to refine your right hand skills with your pick. Just like any other exercise, start with your metronome on a slow speed and work up to a faster tempo. 2. Play Pentatonic Scales Pentatonic scales are at the root of many of your favorite rock, pop, and blues songs. Plus, they are a great tool to have at your disposal when it comes time to improvise a solo. Practice them in many positions on the neck to get the pentatonic patterns locked in your muscle memory. 3. Play Major Scales Practicing major scales is a must for all musicians, no matter what instrument you play. There are five patterns you can learn  to play major scales all over the fretboard. 4. Play Minor Scales Minor scales give you a  sadder,  moodier sound. The melancholy vibe of these scales will help you express your grief  when Shark Week is over. 5. Play Scales in Different Modes Each scale can be played in a different order, known as a mode, for even more variety in sound and feeling. This guide from Guitar Habits can help you learn all seven modes in seven days. 6. Practice Chord Changes Keep your eyes on the TV as you practice switching from one chord to another. You can work through the chord changes in your favorite songs, or make up chord drills to give yourself a little extra challenge. 7. Play Arpeggios Arpeggio is a fancy word for broken chord, and theyre extremely versatile piece of  your guitar-skills arsenal.  Arpeggios are great for picking an accompaniment to a singer or for improvising solos. 8. Practice Fingerpicking It can take a lot of time to master the coordination that fingerpicking requires, so why not practice this technique while youre vegging out in front of the TV? 9. Practice Something That Challenges You Sometimes when youre playing something hard, the biggest obstacle to mastering it could actually  be your own mind. Get a little bit distracted with some TV while you play through challenging pieces (or parts of pieces) and you might break through your mental block. 10. Practice Something Easy Unwind by playing through your favorite, easy, fun pieces. After all, the best thing about playing guitar is the pleasure you get from making music. Enjoy yourself! 11. Get Creative You might like to improvise along with your TV, perhaps playing along to music in the show youre watching, or writing riffs inspired by what you see on the screen. Find what you enjoy and what makes sense for you to play. Remember, though playing in front of the TV can be fun and relaxing, its no substitute for focused and dedicated practice time. Your guitar teacher can help you make a plan for great guitar practice that helps you meet your musical goals. Practice every week like its Shark Week! Do you like to play guitar while you watch TV? Why or why not? Share your thoughts 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

3 Fun Rhythm Guitar Patterns So You Can Learn to Sing and Play

3 Fun Rhythm Guitar Patterns So You Can Learn to Sing and Play Megan L. Mastering a few basic rhythm guitar patterns is key to learning how to sing and play guitar at the same time. Follow this guide from guitar teacher Andy T.  and youll be strumming like a boss in no time Singing and playing guitar at the same time is one of the most challenging things that  a musician can do. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your stomach, only ten times more  difficult. Today, we are going to look at three easy and hip rhythm guitar patterns that you can use  to get started. For the purposes of this article, we are going to use a guitar as the example instrument.  However, with a little creativity, these rhythmic patterns can be converted to piano, ukulele,  banjo, or any other chordal instrument. Each rhythm guitar pattern is notated using slash notation  and is accompanied by an audio clip. Above each beat, you will see either of these two symbols: a downstroke or an upstroke . These symbols refer to downstrokes and  upstrokes, respectively. Don’t forget to play the rests! In other words, any time you see a rest,  go ahead and move your strumming hand over the strings like you’re strumming, but don’t  actually touch the strings. This will keep your hand in sync so that you are strumming down on  downbeats and up on upbeats. You’ll also notice that each pattern has two versions. The only difference between two  versions of the same pattern is where the change in chord takes place. By altering where the  chord change takes place, you can significantly change the feel of each pattern. Pattern #1 This is one of the most common types of strumming patterns and is a good start to getting a  song under your fingers. The trick to nailing this progression is remembering to start the  second group of notes on an upstroke, so that you can smoothly land the downstroke on the  downbeat of the next measure. Strumming Pattern 1A: document.createElement('audio'); /blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/StrummingPattern1A.mp3 Strumming Pattern 1B: /blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/StrummingPattern1B1.mp3 Pattern #2 Take note that this pattern is swung by observing this notation: This means that all  upbeats are shifted from perfectly in between each downbeat, to about 2/3 after each  downbeat (or 1/3 before each downbeat, depending on your perspective). While difficult to  explain in words, hearing and feeling a swing rhythm is much easier. Just imagine the sound  of a train clunking along the tracks, or your car’s tires as you drive over a bridge, or a pair of  boots or high heels walking around on a hard surface. You’ll notice this kind of strumming  when listening to artists like Jack Johnson. Strumming Pattern 2A: /blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/StrummingPattern2A.mp3 Strumming Pattern 2B: /blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/StrummingPattern2B.mp3 Pattern #3 This is one of my favorite patterns, especially the second version with the quicker chord  changes. That’s because the chord change happens on the last beat of the second measure,  as opposed to the first beat of the third. It’s that unexpected (and early) change that makes  this so groovy. This pattern and its variations are frequently used by artists like John  Mayer. Strumming Pattern 3A: /blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/StrummingPattern3A.mp3 Strumming Pattern 3B: /blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/StrummingPattern3B.mp3 Practicing These are three fun, easy strumming patterns to get you started. Before you go, let’s talk a  little bit about the best way to practice these: Slowly. Start by playing much more slowly than  you think you need to. Make sure that you have the pattern looped smoothly before increasing  the tempo. Despite popular logic and opinion, it is much harder to play slow than fast. Which  brings me to my next (and last) point: Use a metronome. A good place to start is typically 60  bpm. See if you can loop a chord progression for at least three minutes (the radio ­standard  length for a song) before increasing the tempo. Good luck, and have fun! Get more guitar guidance by studying with a private music teacher. Guitar teachers are available to work with you online via Skype or in-person depending on location and availability. Search for your guitar teacher now! Andy T. teaches in-person guitar, performance and songwriting lessons in Austin, TX. He has a degree in education from the University of Texas at Austin and has been teaching private guitar lessons for 6 years. Learn more about Andy here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by  Mathias Miranda

Prepare for the June SAT and ACT with AJ Tutoring

Prepare for the June SAT and ACT with AJ Tutoring Is your student planning to take the SAT, ACT, or SAT subject tests in June? If so, AJ Tutoring can help with a review of important concepts and strategies. We know this is a busy time of year with finals and AP exams, so we will work with your students schedule to accommodate his or her needs.Read on for more details and important dates!Retaking the SATThe SAT is offered again this spring on June 7, 2014. The regular registration deadline for the June 7 SAT is May 9. To register for the SAT, please visit the College Boards website.You should plan your students testing schedule ahead of time so he or she has time for both the SAT and the SAT subject tests. The SAT and SAT subject tests cannot be taken on the same day.If your student has already completed a full SAT preparation or an SAT group class, AJ Tutoring offers the option of a 3-4 session SAT review. During these review sessions, our tutors zero in on your students difficulties with the test and focus on fixing specific proble m areas or content gaps.Taking the SAT subject testsSAT subject tests are also offered on June 7, 2014. Registration for the SAT subject tests takes place at the College Boards website.SAT subject tests are offered in math, literature, US and world history, biology, chemistry, physics, and most languages.Students can take up to 3 subject tests in one day.If your student is taking AP exams in May, its a good idea to also take the subject test in that topic in June. For example, many AP US History students do well on the subject test in US History with little additional review.To prepare for SAT subject tests, students typically meet with our tutors for 3-4 sessions for each test to review content and cover test-taking strategies.The ACT: another college admissions optionColleges accept both the SAT and ACT for admissions, so for most students it makes sense to try both tests and see which one yields a higher score. The ACT is faster-paced but more straightforward than the SAT.The ACT is offered one more time this spring on June 14, 2014. Regular registration is available until May 9. To register for the ACT, please visit the ACTs website.AJ Tutoring offers two options for ACT preparation. For students who have not completed a full SAT prep or would like more comprehensive prep for the ACT, we have a full 8-9 session one-on-one tutoring program. For students who have already prepared for the SAT, we offer a shorter 4-session ACT hybrid review, focusing on the differences between the two tests.If youd like to sign up for SAT or ACT review or speak with a director to develop a testing plan for your student, please give us a call at (650) 331-3251, or email info@ajtutoring.com. Were looking forward to talking with you!