Learn To Play Rock Style Drums

Learn To Play Rock Style Drums Want To Learn Rock N Roll Drums? ChaptersThe Configuration Of Rock N Roll DrumsThe Importance Of Having A Bass Drum When It Comes To Rock N Roll DrumsChoosing A Drum HeadChoosing Your Rock N Roll DrumsSo you’ve decided that you’d like to learn how to drum â€" congratulations! One of the first things that you might decide on as a new drummer is the kind of music that you’d like to play and what drum kit you’d like to use.Whether you’re into drumming along to jazz, fusion drumming, rock n roll drumming, or drumming without access to a standard drum kit, there really is no wrong answer when it comes to what you play.However, you might have decided that rock n roll drumming is for you, or maybe you’ve found a group of friends who would like to form a group, and have you as their drummer?This article outlines some of the basics of rock n roll drumming, and some of the things to look out for when buying a rock n roll drum kit.If you want to play in a rock n roll band, a rock n roll drum kit can be great to hav e. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, Free-Photos, Pixabay)A 12-inch alto tom;A 13-inch medium tom;A 16-inch floor tom; andA 14-inch snare drum.The alto and medium toms are suspended, while the floor tom stands on the floor.Additionally, it’s not uncommon to find a hi-hat, a ride cymbal, and a crash cymbal when it comes to rock, punk, or blues music.What’s more, every drummer is free to change up the configuration of their drum set. For example, you could add extra cymbals, or make use of a snare drum.The best way to find a configuration that works for you is to try out a few different set-ups, some common and some perhaps less-used, and see which result you like the most!If you want to play rock style drums you need to decide what kind of drums you'd like to have, just as you'd have to choose which type of guitar you'd like to play if you want to take up the guitar. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, herryway, Pixabay)The Importance Of Having A Bass Drum When It Comes To Rock N Roll DrumsThere’s n o question that the bass drum has a huge role to play when it comes to drumming in a rock n roll style. Incredibly, you can find bass drums at enormous sizes, such as the 26-inch bass drum that John Bonham, the drummer in Led Zeppelin, used to play.So if you’re looking at learning how to play rock n roll drums, it’s highly recommended that you make sure that you’re comfortable using and playing on a bass drum and focus your efforts on playing it well. This can even be one of the first things that you start learning to do.The reason why it’s worthwhile getting to know how to play the bass drum is that, in order to create a rock n roll sound, it’s not enough to simply hit the skin on a bass drum.For an improved sound, try to position your foot in the centre of the pedal, and make use of one of the two common ways to hit the bass drum pedal, which are as follows:The flat foot technique: This position isn’t too tiring as it’s the ankle that’s doing the work;The heel up t echnique: For a more rock n roll sound, this technique relies on your upper thigh and knees to drive the pedal, which should give a punchier sound.Another tip to help you keep control when using the above techniques is to try to keep your foot on the pedal when drumming (i.e. don’t take your foot off it!)If you’re looking for other ways to try and recreate a rock n roll sound when drumming, then a good idea is to try and recreate the way in which your favourite rock n roll drummers played. This should also give you some extra motivation and inspiration when it comes to improving your own play style and technique.So whether you’re a fan of Travis Barker, Phil Collins, Dave Grohl, Keith Moon, or another drummer entirely, don’t be afraid to do some research and see whether you would fancy trying to emulate their drumming styles and kits.Choosing A Drum HeadA drummer has a number of different roles to play, particularly when playing within an orchestra or as part of a group. For instance, a drummer can:Provide tempo;Play a catchy beat; andMake you dance!Of course, these are just a few things that a drummer can provide within a group.However, for a drummer to be successful at what they do, it’s also important that they have a drum head that is well-suited when it comes to that drummer’s style and the style of music that they like to play.As a result, the type of drum head that you choose to use is arguably just as important as choosing which rock n roll drum kit you’d like to play on.In essence, a drum includes a batter head, which is what a drummer actually hits, and a resonant head. The resonant head reacts when the batter head is struck and has an influence on the richness of the sound being produced.If you’re looking to play rock n roll style drums, then it may be worthwhile opting for a double-ply batter head. This is because they tend to offer a more powerful sound, a better attack, and can last longer than single-ply heads.When it comes to ch anging the heads, try to aim to change the batter head at least once a year. Essentially, you don’t want to get to a point where the head breaks and then you’re forced to change it â€" you should change it before it breaks.Equally, try not to neglect your resonant head too much, as they can sometimes be forgotten about. If you can aim to change the resonant head every two years, then so much the better.Of course, the more that you play, the more often you’ll likely have to replace the heads on your drums. Often, the snare drum is the most used, and so it may also end up being the drum head that you need to replace most often.When changing the drum head of a tom-tom, you might also consider whether it’s worthwhile changing over all the heads on all your toms, as this may help to maintain a consistent sound. Of course, this decision is ultimately up to you, and whether your budget would allow you to change all the heads at once.Choosing what rock n roll drum set you'd like to buy is an important decision. (Image Source: CC0 1.0, jeanvdmeulen, Pixabay)Choosing Your Rock N Roll DrumsWhen it comes to picking which rock and roll drums you’d like to play, it can feel as though the choice is endless.For instance, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration, such as:Your budget;How much space you have for a drum set;What elements you’d like to see in your rock n roll drum kit;Whether you’d like to buy each element separately; orWhether you’d prefer to buy a ready-made kit.As a result, one of the best things you can do when looking to buy a new drum kit is to do your research. Ask around and see which rock n roll drum kits have gotten good reviews, and which kits specialists would recommend you buy.Also, take into consideration your ability level. If you are a relatively new drummer or a complete beginner, don’t feel pressured to buy an expensive, top of the range drum set when more entry-level drums will suffice. Equally, if you get the cha nce to try out the drums before you buy them, then so much the better.Ultimately, the drum kit you choose should be one that will help you to play and get better at the drums and become a better musician. It also shouldn't put too much pressure on your budget and should be a set that you’re comfortable playing with, whether you're following a beat or playing your own drum solo.

Ask an Admissions Expert Nancy Milne

Ask an Admissions Expert Nancy Milne Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Nancy Milne has worked in higher education for over 15 years. With a doctorate in Higher Education, she has worked as an application reader for the University of Vermontand a Director of Admissions for Cornell University. Nancy has applied her admissions knowledge to the creation of her own consulting service, Milne Collegiate Consulting, where she guides numerous students through the challenging college search and application process. VT: How far ahead of time should a student begin working on his or her college application? Nancy: The summer before senior year is the ideal time to begin filling out applications. The Common Application doesnt go live until August, but the essay questions are usually public knowledge before then. The farther along a student is, when school begins, the easier it will be to submit without last minute concerns. Writing the essay takes time to brainstorm, draft, rewrite, edit and proofread. Use the summer months wisely and you wont feel pressured in the fall once classes begin. In addition, creating an activities resume, so all of that demographic and extracurricular information is in one place will make it so much easier to fill out applications when they do become available. VT: What are the best ways to go about selecting a terrific essay topic? Nancy: Colleges use the essay to see how a student views the world, how they process information and experiences. The essay demonstrates what is important to the student, what the student values. Choose an everyday experience that is important to you. Explore a smaller part of a big experience. Make it memorable, so the reader finds themself saying me too or aha. Make sure that you evaluate and not just describe a situation. Show, dont tell. The reader is interested in your character, passion, and personal qualities. VT: Are there any essay topics you get tired of seeing or would warn students to stay away from? Nancy: Unfortunately there is quite a list of overused essay themes that surface year after year. From I scored the winning goal for my team to my hero is my teacher/parent. Other overworked examples include death, divorce, drugs, religion, politics, essays written for high school English class and current trends (think Harry Potter books, Twilight movies, reality TV shows). While it is possible to put a positive spin on any of these examples, very few succeed. VT: What is the biggest mistake a student can make on a college application? Nancy: Proof, print preview and don't procrastinate! That is the number one issue with applications. It is all too easy to overlook errors after you've read your work umpteen times. Despite spell check and word counts there is still much that can be wrong. And just because it looks like it's formatted correctly, print previewing may show otherwise. The worst situation is waiting until the last minute. What if you have technical difficulties? Always plan time to deal with last minute circumstances. Also, think quality versus quantity when writing the essay. My order of preference is: short and good, long and good, short and bad, long and bad. Craft an introductory sentence that hooks the reader and makes them want to keep reading. Be less concerned with what you did than why. Its not the events, but what they meant to you. VT: What is the typical process an admissions officer goes through to evaluate applications? Nancy: While every school has their own system for application review, you can be certain that because they asked for the information they will use it in their decision process. While some schools will focus more on scores or grades, others will give the essay equal weight or use it to tip the scales. Colleges are looking to enroll a well-rounded class, not just well rounded individuals. There is no magic formula and there is no one perfect profile. Simply be yourself and your authenticity will be evident on the application. VT: What do you think is the single most important thing a student should make sure they present in the best possible way on their application? Nancy: It is important that applicants come across as someone looking to be engaged on campus, both academically and socially. Colleges are looking for students who are resilient, humble, wise, and demonstrate courage and grit. VT: How should students go about determining the culture of a university, and whether they would be a good fit? Nancy: A visit to campus is the chance to get a feel for the vibe of the school. Pick a class of interest and sit in on the lecture/discussion. See if you can connect with a faculty member in your area of interest. Have a meal in the cafeteria and initiate conversation. Pick up the school newspaper to read when you get home. Pay attention to bulletin board postings, student activity tables, and library traffic. Try to get a sense for how engaged the students are on campus. Do folks stay around on the weekend, if so what do they do? Make sure the residence halls look like a place you'd feel good about going home to after a tough day of classes. If recreation is important to you, are you pleased with the facilities? And most of all, if possible see if you can spend an overnight on campus. That is when you'll really see what goes on. VT: Early-action, early-decision, binding/non-binding, regular decisions.With so many choices when applying, what do you recommend to students? Nancy: I love rolling admissions. Within 4 weeks of submitting an application, you could have your first offer of admission. Knowing that someone wants you can make the clouds part and the sun come out at a time when you are feeling stressed. Early decision concerns me because students are locked in to a commitment that eliminates any financial aid negotiation. I also find teenagers change their minds many times during their senior year of high school, so this could pose a problem. Early application pools tend to be filled with fewer and stronger students. I encourage students to be organized and apply early whenever possible. VT: How important are grades and standardized test scores when admissions decisions are being made? Nancy: The rigor of the transcript, along with the curriculum offered at the high school is often a better predictor of college success than SAT/ACT scores. Colleges love to see an upward grade trend, so dont beat yourself up if you got off to a slow start in high school. There are many institutions that no longer require standardized test scores in their application requirements. In addition, the degree you are seeking may also determine what parts of your file are considered more important. VT: What tips do you have for student s asking their teachers for letters of recommendation? Nancy: Please give your teachers as much advance notice as possible. I encourage juniors to ask before leaving for summer vacation. Provide your teacher with an activities resume, offer to chat over lunch or coffee, so they understand your plans. By all means dont forget to thank them and share your final decision with them when the time comes. Chose teachers from the core subjects of math, science, English and social studies. Preferably select faculty whose classes you took as a junior or senior or had for multiple courses and know you well.Get in touch with Nancy by visiting theMilne Collegiate Consulting website. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How Has Technology Changed Music Lessons [Infographic]

How Has Technology Changed Music Lessons [Infographic] Suzy S. Over the past several  years, online music lessons have substantially grown in popularity. And its no wonder its an option that is convenient and often priced lower than in-person lessons. Plus, you can choose an instructor from practically anywhere! Advances in technology have made the success of online music lessons possible, but that’s not the only way that technology has changed the way we learn music. New innovations provide fun and creative ways to enhance the learning experience for today’s student. You can find the best online piano lessons, for instance, and then supplement those with apps, games, and YouTube tutorials. Here are some fascinating  facts about how we learn, teach, and promote music online. Share this Image On Your Site pstrongPlease include attribution to TakeLessons.com with this graphic./strong/pbr / pa href=/blog/online-music-infographic-z06img src=/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Technology-and-Music-Lessons-Infographic2.jpg alt=How Has Technology Changed Music Lessons? [Infographic] width=720px border=0 //a/pbr / p Teaching Music Online Additional Resources Interested in teaching online? These days, youve got several options for video platforms to use, allowing you to instantly connect with your student, send files, and record lessons.  Learn more about teaching online with TakeLessons here. Tips for teaching online via BrandShark Tips for communicating online via LessonFace Best iPad apps for piano teachers via Tim Topham Best Free Web Resources on Music Education via Educational Technology and Mobile Learning Learning Music Online Additional Resources Whether youre looking for the best online piano lessons  via Skype,  pre-recorded YouTube drum  tutorials, or chord charts for guitar and bass, there are so many resources available for students! Learn Guitar   10 Online Guitar Resources for Beginners Top 10 Online Resources for Learning Guitar Theory How Do Online Guitar Lessons Work? Learn Piano 5 Fun Online Games for Learning Piano Notes How Do Online Piano Lessons Work? Piano Resources: 7 Piano Blogs We Love Learn 8 Easy Piano Songs With These YouTube Tutorials Learn Violin Top 4 Online Resources for Violinists How to Tune Your Violin: Online Violin Tuners Resources Top 5 Violin YouTube Tutorials for Beginners Learn Drums Learn Drums Online: The 10 Best YouTube Drum Lessons The 10 Best Websites for Drum News 6 Awesome Drum Websites to Help You Practice at Home Whether or not you take (or teach) lessons online, there are many ways you can use current technology to enhance and supplement the learning experience. If you’re a teacher and need a place to start, online forums are great for  sharing ideas with other instructors. The possibilities are endless! And once you start looking, it’s amazing what you can find out there! Special thanks to online piano teacher Crystal B. for her help with this article!   Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for safe, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

What to Know About Middle School Math

What to Know About Middle School Math With the introduction of newand often challengingconcepts, middle school math can be a roadblock for many students. To best offer guidance to middle school students who are apprehensive about their math class, there are specific things parents should know about middle school mathsuch as how students can establish good study habits, ways to encourage development of strong subject-specific skills, and how to identify opportunities for advancement. Middle school math can be intimidating for students and parents alike. Keep reading to learn what to know about middle school math: Middle school math allows students to establish strong study habits Your students middle school math class is a great time for them to practice excellent study habits that will foster future success. Middle school math classes often involve a plethora of assignments that may feel unlike previous classes workloads. Therefore, its a great opportunity for your student to gain useful study skills. At the start of the semester, ensure your student understands where to find homework assignmentswhether this be in the course syllabus or through the schools online platform. Regardless, good study habits begin with students remaining consistent and up-to-date on all class assignments. If a student encounters concepts they find challenging, its important to address these questions with their teacher. Remind your student that its beneficial to be proactive and to ask questions before grades become negatively affected. At times, students are unable to identity their own mistakes; therefore, discussing concepts and assignments with teachers can give students insight into how to improve. When reviewing for quizzes or exams, its key to do all the practice problems provided. Encourage your student to analyze incorrect answers in order to identify areas of improvement. [RELATED: How to Help Math-Phobic Students This School Year] Middle school math involves a number of foundational concepts Math classes in middle school introduce students to concepts they likely lack a high level of familiarity with. That being said, the large amount of information students are expected to learn can be overwhelming at first. You can help your student ease their concerns by noting concepts they may encounter, including: Substitution Equations Percents Proportions. Its key to understand that concepts learned in middle school math are often the foundation for higher-level courses students will take in the future. Skills learned now, for example, may come into play in high school geometry or calculus. Note that math classes build upon each other. Therefore, if students experience knowledge gaps at this level, its important to address them before moving on. Always encourage your student to discuss any concerns they may have with both you and their teacher. Support development of these concepts by assisting your student in finding strategies that suit them best. Its critical for students to find specific techniques that work best for their individual learning styles. If your student is a visual learner, they can research at home the concepts learned in class to find related educational videos. Students may also color-code notes to help further absorb information. Encourage your student to be honest with themselves about what helps them learn these important concepts best. [RELATED: How Parents Can Help Students Setand AchieveAcademic Goals] Middle school math can provide opportunities for advancement While not every middle school has honors math classes, it could be beneficial to inquire about the opportunities for advancement available to your student. If your student would thrive in an honors-level course, discuss with his or her teacher what options are available and what they would entail. These types of classes can provide the extra challenge some students are looking for. Additionally, taking honors math classes in middle school can gain students admission to higher-level high school math courses. [RELATED: Must-Try STEAM/STEM Activities for Fall] Middle school math doesnt have to be a source of stress for you or your student. Have an open discussion with your student about their interests and concerns. Remind them to always approach teachers if they have questions or concerns, and to utilize appropriate study practices. This is a great opportunity for your student to take ownership of their learning and to seek out ways to excel. 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 to Apply for University in the UK

How to Apply for University in the UK Navigating the complexities of UK University Applications ChaptersFirst StepsThe Application ProcessChoosing CoursesThe Personal StatementAlmost DoneDeadlines and OffersYour race is nearly run: you’ve sat your first round of A-Levels and are preparing for Round II of your examinations.Perhaps you’ve winnowed your list of subjects from an ambitious five down to the three that are most representative of the fields of study needed for your admissions requirements.If you are an international student intending to study in the UK, you are furiously working toward satisfying all of your International Baccalaureate requirements.And you study. My, how you study!Whether IB or A-Levels, those all-important test scores are, sorry to say, only half of your battle. You still have to apply for admission â€" hopefully at the university of your choice and, hopefully, in the study programme that most entices you.With all of the logistics â€" finance, legalities, marks and paperwork, applying for admission at university can seem an overwhelming task.Shini ng a light through those convoluted turns is your Superprof, who lays out the path towards claiming your place as an undergraduate. CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40 /h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsFirst StepsIn The Wizard of Oz, every munchkin and (good) witch assures Dorothy that the surest path â€" indeed, the only way for her wish to be granted is to make her way to Emerald City to meet with the wizard.The remaining bad witch only wishes to send Dorothy to her doom for letting her house fall on the wicked witch’s sister.And how does one get to Emerald City? By following the yellow brick road, of course! Much like the fabled Oz crew, you only need to follow your yellow brick road through the UCAS admission process Image by skeeze from PixabayFor you, the student gazing into at least three more years of academia, your Wizard bears the acronymic name of UCAS.UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, is the gateway through which you must proclaim your intent to pursue higher learning.You may follow one of two ‘yellow brick roads’ to deliver your application to UCAS; either via the Internet, by registering for an account and applying directly, or through your school/college.If you are an international student, you too can direct yourself to the UCAS website, register for an ‘individual’ account and submit your application. An individual account means that you are not represented by any UK school.The third type of candidate, prospective university students who have already left college, should follow the same path as international students: register for an individual account on the UCAS website and then, submit your university application.Hopefully, you have already made the rounds of university open days at the schools you would like to attend. You should have already met with an academic advisor and discussed degree programs with your friends and family to decide what are the best options for you.If you are outside of the UK, you might consult the University League Tables and read up on the schools that pique your interest.You might also need to know how to choose a course of study…Before you apply, you should have worked out how you will finance your education. You may apply for financial aid: grants (money you don’t have to pay back), or student loans â€" either maintenance loans to pay for living expenses or tuition loans to pay for your classes.Naturally, you may apply for all three types of financial assistance.The Application ProcessOnce you have registered with UCAS, you should carefully read all the information regarding your opti ons for selecting courses and schools before actually filling out the online application.For UK students still in school, if you are applying through your college, you will fill out a paper application form that your school will forward to UCAS.Back to the online application, now…On the ‘application’ screen, you will be asked a lot of personal details: what qualifies you for the undergraduate degree program(s) you are applying for? Do you have a criminal record? Are you a ‘home’ student?Home students are not only students native to the UK. If you live in the British Virgin Islands, you too can use UCAS for your undergraduate admissions process Image by Anna Mustermann from PixabayIf you are not British but have lived in the UK for at least three years and are a permanent resident, or the European Economic Area or Switzerland for that amount of time, you also qualify as a home student.Furthermore, if you are a prospective UK university student who lives in a qualifying overseas territory, you too are considered a home student. Said territories include:AntiguaArubaBermudaThe British Virgin IslandsThe Cayman IslandsFaroe IslandsGreenlandNew CaledoniaMonserratThe Falkland Islands and othersThe advantage of being a home student is that you will pay the same amount for your higher education as a native British student would.As you surely know, costs for international students are much higher, so be sure to see if you qualify as a home student before declaring your status on your application.The application provides a space f or you to declare any special needs, for instance, if you have mobility challenges that require accommodation or you have been declared a special needs (SEN) student.Every student dreads writing it, yet it is a consistent part of virtually every university admissions process, no matter where in the world said school might be.Luckily, in the UK, those statements are not quite as demanding as elsewhere…Your personal statement, a vital component of your application, should be no longer than 4,000 characters; around 700 words â€" about half as long as this article is.That is a fairly limited number of words to express your interest in your chosen subject (or in higher education in general, if you’re applying for more than one field of study), why you should be selected for enrollment and list any special achievements or awards you’ve earned in school.Of all the supporting documents required for university application, the personal statement is as important as your A-Level scores; a badly-written one might keep you from being accepted in the best study programs and/or the best schools, even if your grades are sterling.For this reason, you might consider writing several drafts and asking friends, family or teachers to critique them and select the best one(s). Once you have revised your statement, making sure it is error-free, enter it into the space provided on the UCAS application page.Find out how you can write your best personal statement… Many schools will make their admissions decision largely on your personal statement so writing several drafts is a good idea Image by StartupStockPhotos from PixabayAlmost DoneNow that you have your application filled out, your course(s) selected and your personal statement hammered out, you only lack two components to complete and submit your application.The first is a letter of recommendation, preferably from someone who knows you academically; maybe a teacher or advisor. If you’ve been working, you might ask your employer for a reference letter.And then, you have to pay your application fee. If you have selected only one course of study, your fee will be £20; two or more courses will cost £25 to apply.All that’s left is to click ‘submit’ and wait for the offers to come rolling in!Deadlines and OffersIdeally, you should apply for university as soon as UCAS makes the application function available; usually mid-May â€" before you sit your A-Levels. That will give you the be st chance for admission to the course you most want.If you’re not an early starter, no worries; UCAS will accept your application for admission throughout the year â€" at least until the end of June.After that, your application will be considered ‘clearing’, meaning that schools, rather than viewing you as a competitive candidate, will consider your application in terms of filling empty spots in their classrooms.Still, some programs’ enrolment options close earlier than others so, if you were hoping for a spot in dance or musical theatre, you would be much better off applying quickly.Be sure to check your UCAS account frequently for your application status!A conditional offer means that the school accepts your application pending your A-Level scores while an unconditional offer means you have a spot â€" but you may have further admission requirements.A withdrawn offer means that either you or the school has eliminated a class. If the school has done so, you should see an exp lanation in your UCAS tracker page.The last possibility, an unsuccessful offer, means that the school has rejected your application. They may or may not notify you of the reason for their decision.Between studying to make good grades and the stress of competition for the best classes, scrambling for letters of recommendation and making sure your application materials are in order â€" to say nothing rushing to meet your application deadline…Applying for university is no easy task. Still, like Dorothy going to meet the wizard, all you have to do is follow the yellow brick road.

A Beginners Guide to the Steel Hang.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Steel Hang. Everything You Need to Know about the Steel Hang. ChaptersWhat is a Steel Hang?Where You Can Hear the Hang.Some Things to Know about Playing the Steel Hang.Where to Find a Steel Hang Teacher.In our series on different types of percussion instruments, we have looked at everything from playing the marimba to playing the triangle. However, now, we are going to be looking at an instrument whose history, technique, and use is completely different.That’s the steel hang, a percussion instrument characterised by its round, shell-like shape, its mesmerising, hypnotic sound, and the fact that it is made in its entirety out of only two pieces of metal.It is quite an incredible instrument â€" and one that has not yet gained the full attention it deserves. However, you’re most likely to hear it in the street, played by performers from around the world: there are still not a huge number of recording artists in the steel hang.So, if you want to learn an instrument still known, primarily, for its novelty, then you are in the right place. Becaus e we’ll show you not only what this instrument is, but how to get one yourself and then how to develop in the technique.As we said, it is a fascinating and gorgeous instrument. If you haven’t heard one already, get yourself on YouTube. If you are already intrigued, let’s read on. It's a beautiful instrument the hang. (Image from Didge Project) SerbanDrum Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyDrum Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RussellDrum Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StephenDrum Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeteDrum Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OllieDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is a Steel Hang?What, then, is a hang?Firstly, it is worth pointing out immediately that it doesn’t â€" in any sense at all â€" actually hang. Rather, it is an instrument that you play with it sat in your lap.The word ‘hang’, in the dialect of German spoken in Bern, Switzerland, means both ‘hand’ and ‘hill’ â€" a comb ination of senses that nicely describes both the use and shape of this instrument. So, no, it is not something that ‘hangs’ â€" and nor is it something that we can call a ‘hang drum’, because it is not really a drum in any strict sense either.Rather, the hang is an instrument in the family of idiophones, instruments that consist of blocks of material which vibrates in its entirety to produce the sound. Instruments such as the xylophone, the vibraphone, and the marimba sit in this family too. However, the hang takes this logic to a much more extreme length.The hang is constructed with two round bowl-shaped pieces of metal that are fastened together. The top piece â€" when the instrument is placed in your lap â€" has indentations of different sizes hammered into it.The instrument is played by striking those indentations with your hand and fingers â€" so that different notes are produced through the resonation of the whole instrument. Meanwhile, there is a hole in the lower par t that sits between your legs â€" allowing sound to resonate further and, essentially, to exit the instrument.A (Really Quite) Brief History of the Steel Hang.Whilst many of the musical instruments we know are ancient things â€" whose distant origins are shrouded in mystery â€" the steel hang is different.This instrument is, actually, far from ancient. Rather, it is very new indeed.The hang was created by two inventors, Felix Rohner and Sabina Scharer â€" in 2000. And since then, these two, under the company name of PANArt, have created every hang personally in their own workshop in Bern, Switzerland.As you can see, there is not much history to the object.However, what is important to know is that the instrument is built on similar principles to the more familiar steelpan. That, another idiophone, originates from Trinidad and Tobago, and it is one pan-shaped instrument that is struck with mallets. This gives the steelpan a much brighter tone than the hang â€" but the principles on w hich the two instruments are based are the same. And Rohner and Scharer did a lot of research on the steelpan before making their instrument.Find out how to play the xylophone! Why not learn to play the steel hang? (Image from Curious Sounds)Are there Different Types of Hang?Whilst the construction of these instruments is done by the two inventors, there is not just one type of the instrument to choose from â€" if you are interested in getting one yourself.Rather, the steel hangs come in lots of different sizes and ranges and in different ‘generations’, as PANArt calls them.Whilst the first hang ever made was twenty inches diameter, with a height of nine inches, there are now over fifty different versions of the instrument. They come in different keys, different sizes, and, in some later generations, the two hemispheres of the instrument are integrated into a whole.PANArt have even developed a hang that is strung: with a body in a familiar hang form, but with a guitar-like neck, the instrument combines strings with the percussive essence of the hang.How You Can Get Your Hands on a Hang.As we said, the hang is only produced by the Swiss company, PANArt. However, in recent years, they have moved onto different types of musical instruments â€" and have discontinued the production of the hang. This, obviously, makes a new hang quite difficult to come by.If you are determined to get yourself one of these exceptional instruments, get in touch with PANArt directly.Another option would be to search for a hang second-hand. Head to eBay or Craigslist or check out local listings. Be careful, however. As the instruments are not produced so much anymore â€" and as they are becoming increasingly famous day by day â€" the price continues to increase.You can expect these days to pay up to four thousand dollars for a second-hand hang â€" which might make you think twice about it. And given its price, plenty of scammers lurk around these parts of the internet.However, if you have the money, there is absolutely no shame in forking out for one.Check out our article on playing the tambourine!Where You Can Hear the Hang.We said above that one of the be st places to hear a steel hang is pretty much by chance, in the street.Hangs remain a favourite instrument of street performers â€" as there is not yet an established repertoire and audience for the instrument. If you have never had the luck to pass by a hang player in the street, head to YouTube, where you will find hundreds of videos of exactly these kinds of people.However, over recent years, there have been a growing number of recording artists who feature the hang in their performances. Let’s take a look at two of them.Hang Massive.Hang Massive are probably the most famous of the bands that play the hang. Their instrumental, ambient tracks often feature as many as four hangs (played by two people) that allow them to weave together wonderful melodic lines.If you are looking for the rockstars of hang, Hang Massive are the people you need.Manu Delago.Manu Delago is a percussionist and experimental musician who has started to incorporate the hang more and more into his music.Wher e Hang Massive take a more conventional approach to the instrument â€" playing it with their hands â€" Delago combines handwork with mallets, and with other instruments too.This guy shows you what can be achieved with the steel hang. Learn about the history of the hang! (Image from Deezer Blog)Some Things to Know about Playing the Steel Hang.When you are playing the hang, you need to remember that the instrument needs to resonate. And to do this, the opening on the bottom side of the instrument should ideally be unobstructed.Whilst with more sophisticated playing you will be introduced to techniques in which you can open and close this whole, it’s best to keep it open for now.Conventionally, the hang is played with the thumbs of each hand â€" although, if you are Delago, you will experiment with this â€" struck into the indentations of the instrument.Luckily enough, there is not strictly any ‘wrong’ note on the hang, as they are usually constructed diatonically.Where to Find a Steel Hang Teacher.With the instrument growing in popularity, there are plenty of places where someone can find a hang teacher.One of those places is Superprof, a community of students and tutors from around the world. With nearly ten million tutors teaching in over a thousand different subjects, of course we have hang tutors available.Depending on your location, we have tutors to help you in the hang both in person and online â€" to help you nail your technique, jam, and find inspiration for future performances.Just get in touch with a tutor to organise a lesson. The majority will give you your first lesson absolutely free!

Do Smartphones Make Stupid Parents English Listening Exercise

Do Smartphones Make Stupid Parents English Listening Exercise We often complain about teenagers that spend all of their time with family looking at the screens on their phones, but what about adults?What happens to children when the adults around them spend their time paying attention to their cellphones, rather than their children? This weeks English listening exercise is about a study that was done on this subject. The results are very interesting. And, just to make it clear that were not judging anyone, I often feel like I spend too much time on my phone when Im with my daughter. Im thinking about leaving it at home when I take her to the park from now on! 1. She started noticing how often parents _______ their kids in favor of a mobile device. 2. The baby kept making smiles and faces at the mom and she wasnt _______   __ any of it. link to pick up 3. How many of the parents used the mobile device? 4. These _____ to ______ interactions are the primary way children learn. 5. What did kids do when parents were absorbed in their mobile devices? 6. What part of your brain is engaged when you are texting and answering emails? 7. What did one child call his fathers phone? 8. Do we know how this disconnection will affect the children? What do you think will be the outcome?

14 Collocations with Cooking ?? - Learn English with Harry

14 Collocations with Cooking ?? - Learn English with Harry Here you will learn 14 English collocations with cooking.These English phrases will help you talk about food and food preparation in English. 14 Collocations with Cooking HOME COOKINGfood cooked at home, not in a restaurant or canteenExample:I love home cooking, Im not a big fan of fast food.COOKING TIMEtime required to cook somethingExample:The cooking time required depends on the cut and thickness of the cut. COOKING UTENSILSpots, spoons, knives, etc that you use when cookingExample:Good kitchen cooking utensils are made from durable materials. TRADITIONAL COOKINGdishes cooked in accordance with local traditionsExample:Little oil, and only vegetable oil at that, is used in traditional cooking in Japan.COOKING METHODa particular procedure for cooking somethingExample:This cooking method is fast, so its helpful to use a timer so you dont overcook or burn your food.SHARE COOKINGtwo or more people cook the foodExample:We share cooking on the weekends or go out to eat. 14 Collocations with Cooking VEGETARIAN COOKINGmeets vegetarian standards by not including meat and animal tissue productsExample:The basic recipe that follows can easily be adapted to vegetarian cooking.COOKING FACILITIESequipment necessary for cookingExample:All our rooms have tea and coffee making facilities, however, none of our rooms have full cooking facilities. SLOW COOKINGtaking a longer time to cookExample:Slow cooking gives this pot roast that fall-off-the-bone tenderness. Cooking Verbs in English DO THE COOKINGto prepare foodExample:Who does the cooking in your house?SUPERB COOKINGexcellent, extremely good  Example:He married me for my superb cooking and baking skills.COOKING TECHNIQUEa set of methods and procedures for preparing, cooking and presenting foodExample:The most popular cooking techniques in Western cuisine are baking, boiling, frying, and stewing.COOKING APPLIANCESappliances that are used for cooking foodsExample:New cooking appliances come with an energy label showing their energy efficiency class. COOKING INGREDIENTSthings that are used to prepare a specific dishExample:It is important to store the cooking ingredients correctly   in order to keep them fresh.