The Benefits of Spanish Tutoring

The Benefits of Spanish TutoringThe first experience many new MSJ students have is of going through Spanish tutoring services to learn the language. A Spanish tutoring service can seem like an easy way to learn the language, and while this is true, the fact of the matter is that you're missing out on many of the benefits and advantages of having a comprehensive Spanish school.Let's start at the beginning - we're starting at the beginning to learn a new language. While it can be fun to participate in foreign language classes, not all students have the time to commit to these activities. With a one to one Spanish tutor, you can learn the language and have fun at the same time.Many people who are interested in learning a new language don't play around in class. However, when you have a variety of different activities like Spanish tutoring classes, you can do a lot of variety while maintaining your attention to detail. You can get the best value in learning a new language by participatin g in these types of programs. This type of variety helps boost your ability to learn the language.The whole reason for having a Spanish tutor is to help you learn Spanish. When you work with a tutor to help you with the language, you can apply what you've learned to any conversation that comes up. Because of the way the software is designed, you can plug in what you learn and translate it back to Spanish. Some software even makes it easier to learn new words in the translation process. In fact, the program learns as you use it, so it will gradually translate what you're learning as you use it.With Spanish tutoring, you can improve your Spanish skills in other ways as well. The more you practice the language, the more comfortable you'll be in conversations, and this translates into your ability to get jobs and places to talk to people.The benefits of Spanish tutoring services are truly all around. If you're new to the language and have never tried to tutor, check with a service like MSJ to see if it's a good fit for you. You can be sure to get great results and learn a lot of new words.Before you join any tutoring programs, MSJ offers a free trial. While the program may not be right for you right now, you can make sure it's the right fit for you by checking with a service like MSJ. You'll find out if it's right for you and what it can do for you.

How Much Does an Acoustic Guitar Cost

How Much Does an Acoustic Guitar Cost Looking to Buy a Folk Guitar? Let's Talk about How Much an Acoustic Costs. ChaptersThe Specificity of the Acoustic Guitar.The Price of an Acoustic GuitarThe Importance of Investing in an Acoustic GuitarSo, How Much Does an Acoustic Cost? It Depends - According to Usage and QualityBuying your Guitar with the Help of ProfessionalsHow to Lower the Price of an Acoustic Guitar?Do you dream of buying an acoustic guitar?For you, no electric guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, gypsy guitar, electric bass, or mandolin… Acoustic it will be!Have you started learning how to play the guitar over the past months, or even years, and now you want to learn new musical styles? Want to record in the studio?This is the time to get started and buy an acoustic guitar!Ibanez, Stratocaster, Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul… Which brand to choose? The truth is that none of these will be helpful in your search for good acoustics. Replace these names with others: Taylor Guitars, the Seagull S6, the Hummingbird, Martin Guitars, Sweetwater, and Tanglewood.    And whilst you're at it, try and get these ideas into your brain: cutaway, dreadnought, grand auditorium, parlor, jumbo acoustic. These all refer to different aspects of the acoustic guitar's body shape.These  are the names you'll need to know - because these are some of the best acoustic guitars around. Acoustic guitarists are often forgotten honestly, in favour of the rock n roll electric guitar player.The acoustic guitar often opposes the classical guitar. However, this is a language mistake since acoustic guitars are all guitars that use a resonance box for single amplification.This differentiates the acoustic guitar from the electric guitar, which uses microphones to diffuse the sound. So we often call a folk guitar an acoustic guitar. The latter is different from the classical guitar because of its round neck and it’s less large than the classical. Its strings are made out of steel while a classical guitar’s strings are made of nylon.Folk, or acoustic, guitars are used to play traditional styles; rock, bl ues, flamenco, hard rock… Indeed, by acquiring a folk guitar you will be able to play any style.But what is the price of an acoustic guitar?The Price of an Acoustic GuitarIt’s often advised to get an acoustic guitar as your second guitar, once you’re at a more advanced level - having started with its nylon string cousin.Don’t hesitate to borrow an acoustic guitar from a friend or your music teacher in order to get an idea about its sound and use. It’s generally easier to strum the strings after playing on a classical guitar for several years. This heightened playability is due to the size of the fretboard, and different size of body and neck.  Once you have decided to buy a folk guitar, you still have several possibilities. You can start by looking at the average price of guitars on the Internet. You can easily find a good guitar that costs around $150.This will be good for you if you don’t have a particular model in mind and you want to discover the joys of the folk gui tar.If you choose to go to a music store, it will be easier to decide which guitar to buy. You can inspect every part of the musical instruments - from headstock to the soundboard to tonewood. On the Internet, there are also many guitars to choose from. However, you can easily get lost in an endless sea of guitars. At a music store you will have just as many options, but with a limited number of guitars to choose from.In addition, the salesperson will be able to give you some tips and tricks!Your first guitar will always be specialExpect to spend on average $300 to $600 to get a good quality guitar without going broke.You’ve been saving for a while now, but your budget is still quite tight?Then check out used guitars.I personally bought my first folk guitar, which was second-hand, in a music store. A Lag guitar that was recommended by the salesperson, that I have absolutely no regrets about buying! I was able to buy it for half of its original price ($200 instead of $400). A great deal when you’re a student… The acoustic guitar, by its most common name, brings a lot of joy to music players. It gives a unique feeling, different from those that you get from buying a classical or electric guitar.Acoustic guitar strings are made out of steel, which helps you hold your fingers on the strings. Steel strings resonate differently from the classical guitar’s nylon strings - due to the material of the strings, yes, but also to the construction of the instrument, from the soundhole to the bridge and the neck.  The biggest advantage of the folk or acoustic guitar for a musician is the ability to play many different styles!A folk guitarist can adapt to all styles of music!Because no, this guitar is not exclusively reserved for playing folk music. It allows you to play any style with any technique.It is, therefore, a guitar that’s very versatile, allowing the guitarist to have fun with solos, arpeggios, and even gypsy jazz.So why not start out directly on an acous tic guitar?It is quite possible to learn to play on a folk guitar if you wish.However, if you decide to take classes at a music school, the classical guitar will be recommended for its more classical tone and to teach you where to properly place your hands.So, How Much Does an Acoustic Cost? It Depends - According to Usage and QualityWhen choosing your guitar, it’s necessary to be able to define what you will use it for. The price depends on that…Whether you are a professional, an amateur or at the intermediate level, the prices of the guitar you should use will not be the same.As a beginner, you can find a guitar in the $200 to $500 range. You can buy a good guitar from Cort or Yamaha, and also from Stagg, Gibson, Epiphone, or Alhambra. Some of the best acoustic guitar options come from specialists such as Breedlove and Taylor acoustic.  Here are 2 examples of guitars to get an idea of what you can find in a music store:Yamaha F335 â€" $120 With a spruce top, rosewood fingerboa rd and bridge, and meranti back and sides, this guitar will delight folk and country fans. It’s also sold at a reasonable price!Cort Earth 100 NS â€" $175 This Dreadnought guitar is made out of solid spruce for the top and mahogany for the back and sides. It makes a nice guitar to play as a beginner.However, some guitar players will soon want to play onstage in front of an audience. And unless you have one of Yamaha's new TransAcoustic guitars, you will have to amplify your guitar for it to be heard by the crowd.You can invest in an acoustic-electric guitar. It has a device to connect to an amplifier. However, the amplifier makes the price go up.Some guitars can be acoustic-electric.The value of your guitar will also depend on its qualities.It depends on several elements. First, your guitar can be solid wood (two pieces symmetrically glued together) or laminated wood (sheets of wood glued together). It can also be a Jumbo or Dreadnought guitar. And the wood chosen is not always th e same. It’s possible to find mahogany, cedar, cherry, spruce, ebony, etc.So how do you choose one?The choice depends on your tastes. Try out different guitars before choosing the one that suits you best. You will surely be drawn more towards one than the others. Or to a guitar's design…Buying your Guitar with the Help of ProfessionalsMany music stores specialize in guitars.They offer everything:classical guitarsgypsy guitarsacoustic or acoustic-electric guitarselectric guitarsHeading to a music store to purchase your guitar is a very good idea.The salesperson will be able to advise you on which guitar is right for you. You can even test the guitars on the spot. In addition, you will find all the necessary accessories to play the acoustic guitar:strings (how much do guitar strings cost?)tablaturesscorestuning forkeaselguitar casestrapYou can also find an amplifier if you opt to buy an acoustic-electric guitar.Stores also sell learning methods and many picks.Also, consider gettin g a capodaster. This small tool may be needed to play certain pieces. It acts as a clamp that holds down on the strings. It then replaces the last fret on the neck of the guitar and gives a sharper sound.If you buy your guitar on the Internet, you have to be sure of the model you want. Or choose a guitar that can be returned and refunded if it doesn’t satisfy you. You can also call on your music teacher for help.It’s ideal to be able to test a guitar before buying it.In what case should you buy a new guitar and why?When your budget allows, it’s nice to get a new guitar. Then you are sure not to find any scratches or shocks on the guitar. Moreover, you can be sure of where it came from.But it also depends on how you will use your guitar. If you have just started guitar lessons near me and you aren’t sure if you will continue playing the instrument, perhaps buying a new guitar isn’t very wise.A new guitar should be for music lovers wishing to continue playing the guitar for many years to come.How to Lower the Price of an Acoustic Guitar?Are you wondering how you can buy a guitar without spending a lot of money?First, you can look at the prices of used guitars. Check out websites, like Craigslist, that sell used things. Do you prefer to buy a musical instrument from somewhere close to where you live? You can usually  meet with the owner of a pre-owned instrument and examine the guitar.Many stores have music sections where you can easily find a guitar that suits you. Also, take advantage of flea markets, this is one of the best places to be able to negotiate the price.And if you don’t want to take a risk buying a second-hand guitar, you can always wait for a sale. Sometimes you find a golden opportunity that you do not want to miss. Sellers usually lower the prices of models that do not sell because their original price is too high.Wait for sale periods, like Black Friday, to take advantage of discounts. And, while you're waiting, read these tips for b uying a second-hand guitar...

15 Holiday Gift Ideas for Guitar Players

15 Holiday Gift Ideas for Guitar Players Sign up successful Accessories • Strap locks: These prevent your guitar strap from slipping off the strap buttons, and have been an absolute lifesaver for me. I have them on all my guitars and all my straps, for ultimate interchangeability. There are various different models and designs available, which all pretty much do the same thing. • Capo:  This is a small clamp that clips onto any position on the fretboard, shifting the key of the open position. These are essential for guitarists who prefer open chord shapes instead of barre chords, or anyone who would like to be able to utilize more advanced open chord voicings in different positions/keys. There are lots of different models available, and it is important to make sure the capo is compatible with the guitar it is intended for. • Slide: This is a cylinder that fits around one of the fingers on your fretting hand and substitutes the frets, allowing for smooth transitions in pitch and a very expressive vibrato. Different materials (glass/metal/ceramics) give different sounds and preference is really a matter of taste. • Ebow: An EBow is a small, battery-powered device that replaces your pick and creates infinite sustain on whatever string you float it over. It takes a little while to get used to, but it turns the guitar into a whole new instrument. You can also combine it with a slide for even more interesting sounds. Maintenance • String winder/cutter: These make installing new strings a breeze; plus, they are cheap and fit in any gig bag! • Multitool: These generally include a screwdriver and truss rod/bridge/saddle adjustment hex keys, essential for on-the-fly adjustments to your guitars setup, but they also come in handy for any odd job that requires a screwdriver. • Cleaning kit: This generally includes a microfiber cloth, a cleaner, a fretboard conditioner, and occasionally a polish. Keeping your guitar clean does not only make it look better and play nicer, it also prevents damage to the wood and hardware. Storage • Single or multi-guitar stand: This is a great accessory to have if you use more than one guitar live, or if you want to keep your collection at home safely stored. • Wall hanger: These make your guitars double as cool-looking wall decorations, plus its also a great way to save floor space. Whether for a beginner or a more advanced guitarist, these are great additions to any player’s arsenal of tools and supplies, and there’s something here to fit everyone’s budget.  They’ll make the perfect gift for the guitarist in your life, keeping him or her inspired and motivated, or in some cases they simply make life easier which means more time can be spent playing instead! Nils B. teaches guitar,  ear training, and  music theory  in Los Angeles, CA. He attended various schools for his training, including the  Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Nils has been teaching students since 2002.  Learn more about Nils 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  philwirks

Circulatory System of Frog

Circulatory System of Frog Circulatory system transports all the nutrients to the different parts of the body. They are involved in the transport of nutrients, hormones, transport oxygen to various body parts and carries the waste CO2 from the different [arts to the excretory organs. The circulatory system of frog includes the heart, blood vessels together with the fluid blood. It distributes the digested food and oxygen to different parts of the body to release energy to carry out life activities. The heart is a chambered muscular structure that forces the blood to circulate constantly through the closed system of tubular elastic blood vessels. The heart of frog is a dark coloured conical muscular organ situated ventrally to the liver in the pericardial cavity along the mid ventral line at the level of fore limbs. It is enclosed in two membranes, an outer pericardium and an inner epicardium.Between these two membranes a pericardial fluid is found which prevents friction and keeps the heart moist. The blood vessels which carry the oxygenated blood away from the heart to different parts of the body are called arteries. The arteries divide into the thinner arterioles which branch into extremely thin and small capillaries forming a network in all body tissues except cartilage and epithelium. From the capillaries the blood passes into thin venules which combine to form veins. Veins carry deoxygenated blood towards the heart so that it may be transported to the respiratory organs for the oxygenation. All blood does not pass through capillaries into venules but also passes through some channels and arterio venous anastomoses directly from arterioles into venules. The arteries along with their branches constitute arterial system where as the veins along with their fine tubes form the venous system.

How to Join the 1 Percent... of Musicians

How to Join the 1 Percent... of Musicians Suzy S. The New York Times posted an interesting infographic last week describing the other, less-publicized trends of the 1 percent including the estimate that only 1 percent of the adult population plays a musical instrument each week. So where do you fit in?   For those of us who have a musical background, it may seem crazy to think that there are so many people out there who havent felt the excitement of playing a song for the first time, the gratification of learning a new language (music!) or the electricity of harmonizing with another musician.   If youve never felt that, whats holding you back? We recently came across a great article from the Music Made Easy blog comparing learning music to traveling and exploring somewhere new, which is the perfect way to think about it.   It can definitely feel like that for the beginner musician but that shouldnt stop you.   It just requires careful preparation and a road map, of sorts. The articles continues on to list out the things you would need to plan if you were traveling, for example: Work out how to get there (Transport) Work out where I want to go once I’m there (Procure a map) Work out how to get around (Navigation) Work out how to deal with possible pitfalls (Inside knowledge) Work out how I’m going to sustain my travel (Fuel) Work out how to obtain day-to-day necessities (Supplies) Next, how would these relate to starting music lessons? 1. Transport = Understand how to practice effectively With effective practice you can get to where you want to go. 2. The Map = Keep a practice diary With this you will be able to see where you have been and where you are headed. 3.  Navigation = Reflective learning This tool can help you to plan the best way to progress. 4. Inside Knowledge = Reacting to your inner critic This information will show you how you can begin to let yourself create great music. 5. Fuel = Motivation This will give you guidance on how to keep your motivation levels up in order to keep learning. 6. Supplies = Performing and recording These aspects are necessary to keep yourself happy and comfortable in music so that you can continue to play. While the article points out there is no final destination in music, if youre armed with this kind of knowledge and preparation, you can come out of your travels with a new skill-set, and the satisfaction of reaching a goal.   And just as you would look back on the memory of a great vacation, you can look back on how much you learned and how much fun you had during the process.   So the question is: Are you ready for the adventure? Your turn: what are your goals, and whats holding you back?   How are you working to overcome your fears?   Leave a comment below or join the conversation on Facebook! Ready to try your hand at music lessons?   Search for instructors near you and learn more about TakeLessons here. Like these posts?   Sign up to receive daily updates right to your inbox!   Click here to subscribe. Photo by Chris Blakeley.

How to Make the Most of Your Gap Year

How to Make the Most of Your Gap Year Youve made the big decision to take a gap year, and its time to create a plan to make the most of this experience. Its key to remember that a gap year isnt simply a time for relaxing and having fun. Instead, its to explore various interests you may have in order to start the next step of your life on the right foot. Examine what you really hope to get out of this year, and sit down to establish a plan to accomplish it. You can make the most of your gap year by choosing smart travel destinations and finding creative ways to document your experience. Create a plan to capitalize on your gap year Once you decide to take a gap year, the next step is to plan how youll fill the time. Your gap year technically begins the summer after high school graduation, so make the most of every second you have. If youve decided to travel or volunteer abroad, you may have a set time frame for these actions that was determined by an external source. If youre staying home to pursue work opportunities and to save money for college, you may need to exercise your planning skills a bit more. Consider questions such as: How will you fill the time when youre not working in a way that will further your goals? Can you volunteer or pursue a new hobby that you havent had time to try in the past? Once youve decided how to fill your time and have established specific goals for your gap year, create a detailed agenda to help hold yourself accountable. [RELATED: Should I Take a Gap Year?] Choose a smart gap year travel destination Make sure the travel destination you choose for your gap year will expand your knowledge in areas that are specifically helpful to your future goals. If you think a particular language will be useful in your prospective career, consider spending time somewhere that will immerse you in that language and culture. There are certain careers that you can do almost anywhere in the world, so put some thought into the location you choose and examine how it may come into play later down the road. [RELATED: 4 Tactics for Landing Your Dream Job] Seek out relevant job experiences during your gap year Since the goal of a gap year is to gain valuable experience, it may be ideal to find work opportunities that fit with your future career goals. For example, if youre eventually headed to law school, seek out work as an assistant at a law firm to give yourself a taste of the environment. Additionally, you may make connections with people who will be valuable resources later, especially if you impress them with your work ethic. If you want to become a teacher, find an opportunity to work with children and discover what age groups you might want to gear your studies toward. The experience youll gain is valuable, but perhaps even more so is the chance to get real world experience before you commit to a college major. Find a way to document your gap year experiences A great way to showcase to potential school administrators what you accomplished during your gap year is to find a way to document your experience. Options could include starting a blog or creating a special social media account detailing your gap year activities. You will both preserve your memories and establish a clear location that others can reference to learn what your gap year meant to you. [RELATED: How Social Media Affects College Admissions] 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.

4 Must-Have Apps for Guitar Players

4 Must-Have Apps for Guitar Players Suzy S. Excited about learning how to play the guitar? Awesome! Youll need the perfect beginner guitar, a great teacher by your side, and a personal commitment to learning and improving. Using extra resources like smartphone or tablet apps to help you practice efficiently in between lessons can help a ton, as well. But with so many apps available these days, you may feel a little overwhelmed when youre trying to find one to download. Below are a handful that we really like. TakeLessons Live TakeLessons Live offers online classes that are led by live guitar teachers. With the free membership option, you can join a variety of classes from anywhere in the world.  Topics covered include guitar exercises, music theory, scales, song tutorials, and more. If you’re looking for a fun way to practice your skills while getting feedback from a real instructor, this is the app for you! TakeLessons Live is available for both iOS and Android and is free. Guitar Toolkit For any guitar player, having an app that can function as one of the many tools needed for practice and performance is always nice. There are a lot of apps for guitar that serve as metronomes, tuners, and chord reference charts, but what makes Guitar Toolkit stand out above many of the other apps for guitar is that it combines all of these tools and more into one slick interface. If you need to tune your guitar, this app makes it easy, whether youre looking for standard tuning for a 6-string, or an alternate tuning for anything between 7 and 12 strings. It can also help you practice scales and arpeggios to get ready for your next lesson! The Guitar Toolkit app is available in the iTunes App Store for $9.99 from Agile Partners. The cost is a little daunting compared to other apps, but if youre willing to pay for efficiency and not having to switch apps every time you need to reference a chord chart or switch tuning, this is the best option. The Gibson Learn Master Guitar Application The reputation of Gibson in the guitar-playing world is second to none. So it goes without saying that when they create a mobile app to help with mastering the guitar, it would be an excellent resource as well. This app has it all: a fully functional tuner for either chromatic or standard guitar tuning, a metronome, a chord reference chart, and even video lessons. You can also use the in-app links to get to Gibsons website, where you can stay updated with the latest news in the guitar industry. The Gibson Learn Master Guitar Application is available in both the iTunes App Store as well as the Android Market from Legacy Learning Systems, and is free to download and use. Lick of the Day There are a lot of apps for guitar out there that show you how to play guitar  solos and popular riffs. What makes this app different is that a lot of the licks showcased in the app are taught by the guitar players that wrote the riff themselves. Its not every day that you can learn from Joe Satriani! The Lick of the Day app for guitar is free, but the Lick Packs cost $4.99 each. However, you can still get a lot of the features for free, such as a new free featured lick each week! The app is available in the iTunes App Store from Agile Partners. Bonus: Ultimate Guitar Tabs You might already know that Ultimate Guitar has a huge database of online guitar tabs for you to browse through. So it should come as no surprise that one of the most essential apps for guitar is their mobile app, which features the entire library! You can search quickly by song title or artist, or you can narrow your search by a multitude of different parameters, such as difficulty, tuning, and overall rating. And if youre at a loss for what to play next, you can always use the random tab button to find something new! The Ultimate Guitar Tabs app is available in the the iTunes App Store, Android Market, and Windows Phone Store from Ultimate Guitar USA, LLC. It costs $2.99, and there are numerous in-app purchases for add-ons, such as a metronome or tuner. Dont Forget the Best Resource of All! These mobile apps for guitar are fantastic for helping you practice, but dont forget that your private instructor is your best resource of all! He or she will guide you through lessons at a pace appropriate for you, keep you motivated, introduce you to new songs and genres you may not have considered playing, and show you exactly what to practice to improve your skills. Have fun and keep up the great work! 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  ljguitar

LSAT Tip of the Week How to Read an Argument

LSAT Tip of the Week How to Read an Argument LSAT Law School Blog The Argument Section of the LSAT, also known as the logical reasoning section, is made up of 24 to 26 arguments. Helpful LSAT course sites like 7Sageusually include an entire section devoted to logical reasoning and arguments. The first step to answering a logical reasoning question is, surprise, surprise, thinking critically. Usually when we think of arguments, we think of heated or emotional exchanges between people. For the purposes of the LSAT, it is very important that you do not respond to the information presented in an emotional way. Your goal is not to agree or disagree with the content, but rather to analyze the strengths or flaws of the argument itself. You want to make sure that you understand the author’s conclusion and how they used evidence to form their argument. If you are able to understand HOW the author argues, you will be better prepared to answer the question at hand. As you try to understand the HOW, it is crucial to remember that it is usually pretty difficu lt to make a nuanced and full argument within the span of three or four sentences. This means, that usually there will be some gap in the author’s argument. As you read, train your brain to be on the lookout for flaws in the argument. Stay on the lookout for what the author is attempting to convince you of, how the author is using evidence to support their point, and where in the argument the author has failed in that effort.

Academic tutoring for the fall 2012 semester is still available at AJ Tutoring!

Academic tutoring for the fall 2012 semester is still available at AJ Tutoring! As the Bay Area cools off in anticipation of winter, classes at your students school are heating up!  Now is the time of year when academic material becomes more difficult, and finals will be here in December before you know it.In the last several weeks, we here at AJ Tutoring have fielded many phone calls and emails requesting academic tutoring.  Tutors are filling up for the semester, so if you think your student might need help with an academic subject, please dont wait too long to contact us to set up a tutoring program!Just as a reminder, AJ Tutoring offers academic tutoring in the following subjects:Math  (all levels including AP)Biology  (all levels including AP)Physics  (all levels including AP)Chemistry  (all levels including AP)Spanish  (all levels including AP)History  (all levels including AP)English  (all levels including AP)Study SkillsFor more information about AJ Tutorings academic tutoring program, please  consult our website  or call us at  (650) 331-3251.  One o f our directors would be happy to speak with you about a customized academic tutoring program for your student!