Finding a Good Tutor With an Education Background

Finding a Good Tutor With an Education BackgroundA Canadian Tutor Doctor is a good fit for individuals who need a specialized service but who have limited English skills. For example, a first time language learner might find themselves struggling with colloquialism in a conversation. A tutor with an education background could help them learn to control the tone and not use slang as frequently.The most important thing to remember when you are looking for the right curriculum is to find one that matches your needs. A tutor will help you achieve your goals will be driven by your own needs and wants. One way to do this is to find a tutor that has a reputable standing within your community.A good reputation indicates a good association with professionals and organizations that you trust. When choosing a professional organization look for one that has been in business for many years and has a strong position within the industry. It may be a great idea to attend one of their training sessio ns to get a feel for the environment. While the website or teacher's biography is important it is only part of the overall picture.A Canadian Tutor Doctor can provide tutoring for a variety of ages of learners. The sooner you find a program, the easier it will be to make progress with your education. Even if you only need a half hour of tutoring once or twice a week a tutor can go a long way towards teaching you the skills you need. While some programs will hold a specific age limit, others allow you to take classes as a student and participate in lessons from time to time.Often times these programs require only one to two hours of tutoring per week. At times this can be helpful for students who are studying for a full four years or longer. If you want to earn your degree and not just practice teaching, consider a tutoring program that allows you to utilize your time in the most productive manner.Online programs are becoming increasingly popular. If you live in Canada or have an ext ended stay, consider going online to a tutoring program. You will often find a smaller class size, more individual attention and the ability to work at your own pace. An online program is less expensive than traditional one, and the flexibility of the online format allows you to take on several courses at once.If you have the time and money, consider taking advantage of online tutoring programs. They can benefit you and your career greatly.

Listening Exercise Debate or Debacle

Listening Exercise Debate or Debacle debate    noun  a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something debacle  nouna great disaster or complete failure(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)U.S. presidential elections always get a little ugly.  Attacking the opponent often gets in the way of answering important questions and talking about real plans. This year, however, feels unlike any other.  Each week brings surprise, shock, and usually horror. It’s like seeing a car accident-you want to look away but you can’t. So, if you would like to practice your listening skills while having a good laugh, let’s take a look at some highlights from the second presidential debate.  By the way, if these clips are challenging to understand, don’t blame your English skills. The candidates rarely answer questions in a direct way, and spend time attacking each other instead of getting to the point. Don’t be discouraged if you are confused. Americans are too!  Now, let’s have some fun, shall we?O ne of the biggest problems problems for Hillary Clinton in this election is her irresponsible use of a private email while she was secretary of state. Many people believe this could be linked to attacks in Benghazi, Libya in 2012. If you’d like to know more about this issue, heres  a helpful article from the New York Times that explains the events in detail. The following clip is Hillary’s explanation.  After listening, write your answers and share your opinions in the comments section.Click here for the 1st videoThe FBI said that there were 110 classified emails that ____ ________, 8 of which were ___ ______, and that it was possible _______ actors did gain access to those emails.Why was Hillary “extremely careless with her emails?Obviously, if I ____ __ __ it over again, I would not (use a personal email account).  In number 3, Hillary used the 2nd conditional to express regret for her mistakes.  If you were Hillary, what would you say to Donald Trump?After a yearlong ___ __________, there is no evidence that anyone ______ the server I was using, and there is no evidence that anyone can point to at all (anyone who says otherwise has no basis) that any classified material ended up in the _____ _____.Can you summarize Donald Trump’s response?  What is his argument about the emails?Just like number 4, If you were Trump, what would you say to Clinton?At the end of the clip, why does Trump say the debate is “one on three”?Now, let’s take a look at Donald Trump’s position on a very important issue: immigration. Continue to answer the questions and share your opinions below.click here for the 2nd videoMr. Trump, in December you said this: “Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete ________ of Muslims ________ the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what the hell is going on.”Trump says, “we have no choice.”  Do you agree or disagree with this statement?  How do you think countries should approach the refugee crisis?  The Muslim ban is something that, in some form, has _______ into a[n] _______ vetting.“People are coming into our country.  We have no idea who they are, where they are from, what their feelings about our country is, and she wants 550% more.”  Can you find Trump’s grammar mistake?Do you have a headache yet? Are you frustrated and/or confused? At times like these, it is important to find the humor in this debacle. We know Trump wants to get to know the immigrants and who they are. He proposed an ideology test to make sure immigrants share some of the same values of US citizens. Watch the video below to see if some of Trump’s supporters can pass the test.What political issues are most important to you?  Which candidate would you vote for and why?We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments section below!  If you would like to talk politics with one of our instructors, or if you’re sick of hearing about politics but want to improve your English , sign up for a class with LOI today!

?? How Much Does A French Tutor Cost

?? How Much Does A French Tutor Cost How Much Does A French Tutor Cost? Are you looking to hire a French tutor for your child, but unsure how much a tutor costs? We’re here to help…The average cost of a French tutor in the UK is £22.42, factoring in location and level of study. The most expensive French tutors can be found in London, costing you £58.28 on average. The cheapest are in Dundee at £17.79.What are the French tutor prices near me? City Average Hourly Cost ( £) London £58.28 Cambridge £24.71 Sunderland £23.87 Oxford £23.81 Peterborough £23.22 Chester £22.57 Derby £22.54 Portsmouth £22.18 Bristol £21.52 York £21.30 Southampton £21.23 Leicester £20.87 Birmingham £20.79 Edinburgh £20.69 Coventry £20.69 Nottingham £20.33 Leeds £20.30 Manchester £20.20 Newcastle £20.08 Lincoln £19.89 This table shows you where you are affects the price you’ll pay for a French tutor. These differences are generally due to the overall affluence of an area, and the demand for French tutors.How much is a French tutor for each level of study?Putting location aside, the other major factor when it comes to the cost of a French tutor is the level of study they’re teaching.A-Level French, for example, will cost you more than Primary school level. This is because it requires more knowledge of the language.Here’s how the level of study affects the cost of a French tutor:Primary â€" £21.90KS3 â€" £22.26GCSE â€" £22.18IB â€" £23.04A-Level â€" £22.73What factors affect the cost of a French tutor?As well as location and level of study, there are some other factors that affect the cost. The most notable ones are certifications and tutoring experience.A French tutor with a degree in the subject can justify charging more than someone who learnt to GCSE standard, due to their knowledge o f the subject. Equally, a native French speaker will obviously have an even better command of the language, and so can charge higher rates.More importantly, however, is the amount of teaching experience the tutor has. Tutoring isn’t just about helping your child with French, but also helping them develop a passion for learning. An experienced tutor is able to convey that, and can also make your child feel more at-ease. This leads to a better learning environment.Have you considered online French tutoring? Online tutoring is quickly becoming more and more popular with parents and kids alike. It offers a number of improvements over traditional in-person tutoring.For parents, it removes the time and fuel costs involved with travelling. You no longer need to worry about getting your child to the tutor on time. It also means your tutor doesn’t have to travel to you, often resulting in cheaper tutoring.For kids, it means they can learn in a place that they’re familiar and comfortable with. This increases their concentration and focus. Kids are also used to working with online platforms for learning, so online tutoring will come naturally to them.Tutorful’s online platform has some great features, including video calling, screen sharing, and an interactive whiteboard. It makes learning fun, and more effective than ever.Get a quote from a French tutor near you!There are loads of French tutors ready and willing to teach your child. Use the link below to find one near you.Find a French tu tor near me

Country Day School

Country Day School Country Day School Founded in 1963, Country Day School is an international school offering an American High School Diploma and a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for its 875 students. CDSs curriculum also prepares students for the Costa Rican Bachillerato examinations at the high school level. The CDS mission is complemented by the CDS Educational Development Association, the non-profit arm of the school which funds scholarships for local students, encourages student community service opportunities and supports continuing education for local teachers. The campus moved to its current site in July 2016 and is the first K-12 LEED-certified school in Costa Rica. It includes 81 well-equipped classrooms, seven science labs, robotics and maker spaces, a theater, fine arts center, library, athletic facilities and swimming pool. CDS offers a full sports program and a range of after-school activities for its students. Basketball, soccer and volleyball are the most popular competitive sports. Student council, National Honor Society, environmental and service learning programs, music and drama, a robust elective program in middle - high school and overnight class trips to Costa Ricas national parks provide a well-rounded extracurricular program. CDS is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States and by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education.

8 Best Tablets For The Regular Student On A Budget

8 Best Tablets For The Regular Student On A Budget Image via Siddartha Thota on Flickr We’ve all been there: you spy someone in lecture whipping out their handy-dandy tablet in preparation for class, and you sorely wish you had one to bring to class too, instead of that massive 15-pound monstrosity of a laptop. Well, look no further (but really, please do), because I’ve done the research for you and found 8 tablets that I think strike the best balance between quality and frugality. So read on, spend on  and save on! 8.)  Dell Venue 8:  $109.90 Image via Amazon.com Like youll soon see with the others on this list, the Dell Venue 8 is what critics like to call a “bargain tablet,” but don’t think that means it’s a piece of junk. On the contrary, the Venue 8 appears to be a very average, solid tablet. That being said, nothing about it really stands out, but then again, what do you need something flashy for when you can receive stable instead? Cnet.com provides a review of the Dell Venue 8  here. 7.)  Acer Iconia A1-830: $149.99 Image via Amazon.com The Acer Iconia A1-830 might be a bit of a mouthful to say, but trust me, its functionality is simple and solid. Its design is also eye-catching (Cnet.com calls it “fetching”), while its responses are equally attractiveâ€"they earn the titles “swift” and “smooth.” Unfortunately, it seems that reading small text can be a bit of a chore on the Iconia, so one of the other tablets on this list might be a better choice if that’s your primary objective. Cnet.com’s review of the Acer Iconia A1-830 can be found  here. 6.)  Lenovo A10: $199 Image via Shop.Lenovo.com If you’re looking for a larger tablet, look no further than the Lenovo A10; this bad boy delivers 10 inches of screen for your viewing pleasure. However, the screen resolution is said to be poorer than some other similarly priced tablets, but if you’re willing to take the risk, the Lenovo A10 has a strong base to make up for that. What’s really got people raving about this tablet is its sound quality. Dual front-facing speakers apparently deliver crystal clear, rich depth, which is made even better by its handy Dolby app that lets you customize your music/sound settings. Cnet.com has a helpful review of the Lenovo A10  here. 5.)  Asus MeMo Pad 8: $180.49 Image via Amazon.com First of all, the Asus MeMo Pad 8 is impressive right off the bat due to its thin and light frame. On the other hand, here’s a word to the wary: this tablet does run on an Android operating system, so if you know that’s not for you, then you should skip this one. However, users have commented that Asus provides a number of easy, useful tutorials to get new users used to the tablet, so don’t let this scare you off. Cnet.com promoted this tablet as “approachable,” and I’d have to agree. You can check out Cnet.com’s review of the Asus MeMo Pad 8  here. 4.)  LG G Pad 7.0: $119 Image via Frys.com At just over $100, this tablet is definitely a steal. However, the relatively small 8 GB of internal storage may not be enough for more dedicated users. That being said, the LG G Pad 7.0 does have some cool features not often seen in tablets in this price range. For instance, you can multitask with dual windows, meaning that you can, for example, watch Youtube videos while reading your emails, if you’re so inclined. And while the dual window function is described as pretty limited, I still think that’s a really awesome feature to throw in. Overall, this tablet is ideally suited for a casual user. For a more detailed review, check out Cnet.com’s analysis of the LG G Pad 7.0  here. 3.)  Barnes and Noble Nook HD+: $169.99 Image via Amazon.com Like the Asus Memo Pad 8 (#5 on this list), this 9-inch tablet stuns with its light and thin body. The Nook HD+ then continues to shower you in good things by being one of the best tablets on the market for reading (if you’re anything like me, that just made your mouth water). In fact, Cnet.com notes that the Nook HD+ “implements magazines and catalogs” better than any other tablet out there. One main drawback is that the tablet doesn’t come equipped with a camera, but if you’re like me and don’t intend to use a tablet as your main camera anyway, then that doesn’t matter much. Cnet.com’s review of this great tablet is  here. 2.)  Google Nexus 7: $189 Image via http://ecx.images-amazon.com At $189, this tablet is one of the more expensive ones on this list, but I’d like to think that its performance more than makes up for its relatively steep price. For instance, aside from being the lightest tablet on the market, the Nexus 7 also has an impressively full and deep picture quality that appears to dominate other tablets even of higher price ranges. On top of that, the Nexus 7’s generous battery life (beaten only barely by the much more expensive iPad Mini) and its ultra-fast, super-sensitive responsiveness make this tablet hard to beat. The main drawback of this tablet is that it’s significantly more expensive than the #1 tablet on this list, the Amazon Fire HD 6, and everyone knows that any extra cash a student can hang onto is cash well saved. Cnet.com’s review of the Google Nexus 7 is  here. 1.)  Amazon Fire HD 6: $99 Image via Amazon.com If we’re looking solely at price, you sure can’t beat this tablet. Even better, Amazon delivers quality along with this monetary steal, so this tablet can go head to head with much more expensive ones, as well. The great screen resolution that you get with this undeniable bargain deal seems to be what’s impressing most buyers, along with its immediate responsiveness and decent battery life. And at a 6 inch screen size, everyone seems to agree that this tablet is the perfect sizeâ€"neither too big nor too small, just like Goldilocks. After all, not having to lug around a laptop-sized item is exactly the purpose of a tablet, right? Finally, a surprising yet reassuring fact about this tablet is that a great number of buyers have recommended this one over Amazon’s newer version, the Amazon Fire HD 7. While you can look up reviews yourself, the Fire HD 7’s poorer screen resolution and significantly higher price speak for themselves. My conclusion, you ask? The Amazon Fire HD 6 is exactly the tablet to snap up this year. If you don’t want to take my word for it, you can read Cnet.com’s review of the Amazon Fire HD 6  here. Note:  If you’re willing to shell out a little more dough (maybe because you’re saving so much with the Amazon Fire HD 6, perhaps?), the  Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7  ($179.99) is touted by Cnet.com as one of the top 3 best tablets for your bucks. It’s similar to the Fire HD 6, but has some extra bells and whistles. You can find out more from their review of the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7  here. Image via https://bizlaunchblogdotcom.files.wordpress.com Now that you know which tablet youre going to get, you also need accessories! Thats where my article, 8 Cheap Alternatives To Your Favorite Technology Accessories, comes in. Check it out and discover which tech accessories your life is missing (besides that tablet, of course).

Audiobook Solutions to 4 Common Language Learning Dilemmas

Audiobook Solutions to 4 Common Language Learning Dilemmas Audiobook Solutions to 4 Common Language Learning Dilemmas Learning a new language isnt all wine and roses.Like any other worthwhile endeavor, it has its challenges.Often, its a stop-and-go adventure. There are times when youre on a roll, just laying down words and phrases as if you were born into the language. Other days its a struggle to find the right verb tense. Three steps forward, two steps back.Weve all been there.We get it. Really, we do.Four major issues pose potential hazards on the road to successful language learning. They all present unique obstacles. Fortunately, audiobooks make it possible to blast through them in a way that’s individually tailored to your learning style. The Most Common Language Learning Hang-upsYoure probably already familiar with these sticky language learning situations.Time crunch. Let’s face it, we’re all stretched thin, time-wise. Work, school, family, health and social obligations claim most of our waking hours. Throw in a second job or even a travel opportunity, and were toast.Money pinch. Hey , who doesnt feel that? Even if youre doing well financially, you still may not want to spend  extra money when you dont have to.Lackluster learning materials. There are times when language learning stalls because we tire of flashcards, repetition and the same old, same old. We need to step away and freshen up our minds by playing around with new methods before we can come back to the repetitive tasks that stick languages in our memories.The dreaded, but almost-inevitable, plateau. Its commonâ€"and not just with language learning. When a certain level of proficiency is achieved, learning stalls, leaving the pupil stranded on the plateau. Not the place anyone wants to park, is it?What would you say if I were to tell you that foreign language audiobooks provide epic solutions for each of these issues? That’s rightâ€"each one!I’ve got your attention now, don’t I?Let me show you how to use them to your advantageâ€"and solve all four of these learning problems.Audiobook Solutions t o 4 Common Language Learning Dilemmas1. Never Be Pressed for TimeFeeling a big time squeeze?  You’re not alone. We all feel that! This is a portable, on-the-go solution that makes any time the right time  for language learning.Foreign language audiobooks solve the can’t-find-time-to-learn issue. Throw a few into your insanely packed schedule and customize your learning. You’re in chargeâ€"decide where, when and what you want to hear.Remember, you’re in charge. Got that?One of the perks of foreign language audiobooks is they make practicing a new language almost as easy as catching a plane to somewhere exotic. On a plane or train? No problem, your audiobook is there with you. Adjust the headphones, press play and pick up where you left off.Dont be afraid to interact with the audiobook. If you’re prompted to reply, answer away! Talk out loud whenever, wherever. Believe me, it’s no big deal if you’re the only one who’s in on the whole conversation. Chances are, people a round you are busy and won’t even notice. So talkâ€"and if you make mistakes, that’s fine too. Audiobooks give you a chance to say, “hey, I missed that the first time around!” Back it up, listen again and nail it the second time.No time to jet off to immerse yourself in a culture and surround yourself with native language speakers? No problem! Language audiobooks bring learning to you. Even China and the  Chinese  language aren’t far at all when you download, listen and learn.2. Study on the CheapLanguage learning audiobooks are often free. And if they’re not completely free, they’re cheap.Free and cheap? What’s not to love?Remember when you got your first library card? I still have mine. The library is closed now, moved into a big, modern building, but the thrill that little card brought is one memory that will never fade.Most places still have libraries, only now theyre filled with more than books. Thats rightâ€"your local library may be the foreign language audiob ook jackpot youre looking for. Grab your card and go browse the audio files, or request access to the librarys online resources. If you dont have a card, thats no biggie, either. It takes just a few minutes to get one. Chances are, youll find enough in the stacks to make your inquisitive foreign language seeking brain stand up and pay attention.The New York Public Library  has a virtual warehouse of foreign language learning audiobooks available to card holders. Even if your library isnt massive like the one in NYC, most library systems share resources. Your library has access to much more than what’s on its shelves, so if you don’t see what you want, ask to have it ordered for you.There’s no need to keep opening up your precious wallet when there are tons of freeâ€"absolutely free!â€"audiobooks up for grabs.Studying French? Try  Audiocité. Innovative  Language  can help learners of tons of different languages find great audiobook resources to start listening to.  Cant find w hat youre looking for in your target language? Browse  this list at Open Cultureâ€"Im sure something will pop out at you!3. DiversifyForeign language audiobooks are made for many interests so theres no reason to stay in a rut.If youre not excited by your current materials, prepare to be dazzled! There’s no end to the diversity of audiobook offerings.There really is something for everyone. Don’t believe me? Check out the  huge Spanish-language selection at AlbaLearning. Germans more your thing? Get your German on with Vorleser.Every interest and every personality has optionsâ€"and with a click or two of your mouse, you’ll find an array of foreign language audiobooks in your chosen language.The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is available in 253 languages. It has always been one of my favorite books, so every time I learn a new language I buy an audio copy in that language. The story is familiar and easy to follow, and even if I miss a word or two the first few times I hear the  German  Der kleine Prinz, Italian Il Piccolo Principe  or Spanish  El Principito, it’s still empowering to hear and learn with something dear to my heart.4. Make It PersonalNo matter where you are on your language learning journey, there are foreign language audiobooks to support your learning.Choose an audiobook thats perfectly suited to your current level so punching through the plateau is almost too easy.Beginners benefit most from short stories or  childrens favorites. Audiobooks.com  has a huge selection!Intermediate learners should choose audiobooks in foreign languages the way they choose books in their native tongue. Pick a book on Audible based on a hobby or fascinating topic, or learn something new while increasing your language skills!At the intermediate level, it’s not a bad idea to pause an audiobook to check a dictionary for unfamiliar words. Write these words down with their definitions and usage as go you. A journal of new words increases vocabulary a nd hearing the words in context makes it a breeze to use them in dialogue later. A plusâ€"the more foreign language audiobooks you listen to, the bigger your journal of new-to-you words becomes! Eventually these new words become part of your foreign language mindset and you’ll use them naturally.Anyone at an advanced skill level can benefit greatly from using foreign language audiobooks. At this level, the need for a dictionary is minimal so whatever your listening pleasure may beâ€"fiction, non-fiction, self-help or the current bestsellerâ€"it’s all comprehensible, and Amazon  has  you covered with a huge selection of audiobooks!The focus is less on deciphering what’s being said or learning sentence structure and other fundamentals. Without all these concerns, there’s room to actually enjoy the audiobook.  And we all know that liking what we’re learning makes for a less stressful learning experience, right?This is the same reason why language learners can also benefit fro m listening to  podcasts. Theyre similar to audiobooks, and the topics are so varied that there are subjects for every skill level.  At an advanced level there’s learning and listening for the sheer joy of it, because we’ve already done the hard work.Learning isn’t all wine and roses, but sometimes there are indeed roses.Foreign language audiobooks can be a language learner’s best friend. They can help banish time crunch, money pinch, lackluster materials and plateausâ€"four major language learning problems that most of us experience at one time or another.Who knows? By the time you listen your way through an assortment of intriguing, mind-expanding audiobooks, you might be ready to grab your passport and try out your excellent language skills somewhere warm and exotic!

How to Make a Chemistry Graph in MS Excel

How to Make a Chemistry Graph in MS ExcelI often see the term 'Chemistry Graph' on a course review site. For those of you who have no idea what that is, the question is simple, can you draw a Chemistry Graph in MS Excel? The answer is, Yes!This has become quite an Internet trend, where people are used to start making graphs using MS PowerPoint. And since the introduction of Microsoft PowerPoint, more users are producing graphs using this application to assist them in their own studies.As far as I am concerned, MS PowerPoint's ability to create graphs with shapes and labels is very good, because all you need to do is insert a script and click some buttons, without using any graphics. Of course, if you are not aware of how to write a script in MS PowerPoint, it might be difficult for you to find one that has all the features that Microsoft offer, plus the option to use a graphical style.However, if you are up to the challenge, you can always find a suitable and detailed program for you r system using a free online review site. A few useful tips I have learned is:When you first set up your MS PowerPoint, I suggest that you make some notes on how to create an Excel-like document in MS PowerPoint. I know that it sounds funny, but the real point is that you should take the time to write a script that will allow you to create a similar structure of an Excel file.You will find that you have more additional features than MS PowerPoint does. You can also customize it so that it is user friendly, if you know how to type and how to use a keyboard.I have found that most free online sites are good at providing advice on subjects like these. Try to use this when you are not sure about the course you are reading orthe product you are looking at. The tip above was probably the best information I have found on how to make a Chemistry Graph in MS Excel.

Chemistry Worksheet and Phase Changes - Effective Teaching For a Quick Assessment

Chemistry Worksheet and Phase Changes - Effective Teaching For a Quick AssessmentJust as learning chemistry can give students a new way to learn science, learning chemistry also helps children adjust to the world of science. When looking for an instructional program that will help students with their learning experience, be sure to choose one that can assist students in understanding the workings of a periodic table. Children are generally more comfortable learning about the periodic table through an interactive science process. There are many methods available to teaching and learning science to young children.Science teachers who use phase changes worksheet chemistry will begin by establishing a syllabus. The curriculum should go beyond basic concepts of physics and focus on how different elements interact. For example, from the phase changes worksheet, the teacher can construct a periodic table with its chemical properties and explain the attributes that would occur in each elemen t when it is in its right position.Teachers will then use this learning process in real life. For example, if students have been learning about the periodic table, they will most likely be asked to answer questions about these materials. Students will also be shown how the periodic table would look if various elements were in a particular place in it. They can then get their own periodic table in a classroom setting.Science students who learned through this approach could also apply these ideas in their own work. If a student sees an element in a specific place, he or she might have a way to learn more about that element. Science teachers might also use this approach in their science lessons and teach students how to create their own periodic table based on materials available in the classroom.One advantage of using worksheets to teach science students is that they can be used both in the classroom and outside the classroom. When students are assigned a science lesson, they can star t by learning by doing by using these worksheets.This approach also helps science teachers avoid having to design curriculum around the structure of periodic tables. They can simply let the student to construct his or her own workbook to introduce them to the element and learn more about it.As with any instructional activity, science teachers can find more efficient ways to deliver science lessons. It is important to find one that can be used in every subject and every grade level, so that students can learn to properly interpret the information they get from it.

Six Helpful Pointers For Learning To Play Guitar Solos

Six Helpful Pointers For Learning To Play Guitar Solos Suzy S. What kind of preparation, thought, and practice goes into creating the best guitar solos? Take these six tips from Austin guitar teacher Samuel B. and youll be well on your way to guitar glory In reality, theres probably no way to effectively teach someone to improvise. At this point in the curriculum, the student is ready to begin exploring that mysterious terrain known as expression. Though the parameters (an understanding of guitar scales and corresponding keys) are necessities, youll be on your own at this point in ways in which you have not previously been. The good news is you will have already learned whole songs that youre now ready to jazz up with advanced touches. While artistry (virtually by definition) is something that should be met with minimal-to-no interference, Ive included pointers that should provide friendly encouragement to accompany your early development as a soloist. There are no right or wrong notes. Though youll want to remain firmly entrenched within the confines of a single scale (which you will have learned at the beginning of your guitar lessons) what you play is really up to you. Some notes do of course sound better than others, but the trick here is to create a melody as you would while singing to yourself. I  recommend starting with three notes only. After a while, youll be in a position to branch out. Envisioning what you want to play a few seconds ahead of time will improve your delivery. On more than one occasion, it was brought to my attention that the best guitar solos are the ones for which a mental map has been created. Understand that youre using your instrument as a means of communicating an internal message one that transcends the boundaries of spoken language. Your job is to articulate that message not with words but rather with a sequence of notes. Youre responsible for determining the sequence that best articulates your internal cadences. You can learn a lot by listening. “You can observe a lot by watching” is sage advice attributable to baseball legend Yogi Berra. Playing a great solo is a comparable feat of conscious imitation. The trick is here is to imagine yourself in the shoes of whichever guitar heroes youve picked as role models and to try and follow the thought patterns that inspired their specific choices of notes. This way, youll learn to implement those patterns in your own playing. There will always be new tricks to learn. While waiting for a student to arrive, I find myself puttering with a note pattern that was likely inspired by my fondness for the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Though Ive been a guitarist for nearly a quarter of a century, Im finding the specific pieces of his unique brand of musical bombast very difficult to assemble and imitate. Multiple tricks of unfamiliarity (quick changes in tempo for instance) play into the equation. Always be open to new ideas. Ever since I was a teenager, Ive made a point of not restricting my solos to a mere recitation of the notes of a scale. Ive combined notes (playing more than one at a time) and even bent them with the same finger. Ive also branched out into enharmonic ones on either side of whichever position corresponds to the solo effectively allowing my left hand to dance up and down the neck a bit. Accept no limitations. Im convinced that all of us have a tendency to impose limits on our speed, dexterity, fluidity, and knowledge. In other words, we have an innate desire to reach a certain plateau (a musical one in this case) and coast. The truth is that nothing is more potentially damaging to ones musicianship than coasting. Knowledge and skills are two things that should be steadily and actively pursued. Samuel B. teaches beginner  guitar lessons in Austin, TX. He teaches lessons face-to-face without sheet music, which is his adaptation of Japanese instruction (involving a call-and-response method).  Learn more about Samuel 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  jikatu