The Chemistry Tutor Needed in Fairfield County CT

The Chemistry Tutor Needed in Fairfield County CTThe Fairfield County Central School District has placed its hire of a chemistry tutor needed on hold until a new chemistry teacher is hired. This happens every year, and it would be good to get ahead of the curve. Many teachers say that they feel a big pressure to keep up with the times, and some can't seem to get by without it. This time, the district has put off its chemistry teacher hire until a new teacher can be found, and let's hope the wait will not be too long.Chemists and students are one in the same. The history of chemistry is the history of discoveries, experiments, and even theories that make scientists happy and make the laboratory owner happy. Chemistry teachers should be highly knowledgeable, but that doesn't mean they have to live on the go. Those who have been and have written about teaching chemistry to make the case that high-quality classroom instruction, along with hands-on labs, help instill scientific thinking a nd reasoning in young minds.Schools need the latest in technology, and teachers have to be at the forefront of that technology. That means computers, video conferencing, and a wealth of equipment available for use in the classroom. The chemistry tutor needed in Fairfield County, CT includes digital cameras and chemistry calculators, large projectors, microscopes, and lab glassware and supplies. Teachers need to have the skills to perform their jobs effectively in the face of technological advances, and chemistry teachers need to adapt.A good chemistry tutor needs to know how to work the available equipment to be able to demonstrate effective learning methods, and how to apply those methods to new materials in an engaging manner. They also need to have an eye for finding the nooks and crannies of a lecture or lab lesson to illuminate a particular concept, to show a different way of seeing an issue, or to combine different ideas to arrive at a final conclusion.Teachers who work well w ith students often don't feel like they have to adapt as quickly as they have to. For them, learning takes place when they are allowed to do so, in the moment. Chemistry tutors who have the ability to adapt and improve over time become great assets to a teacher.The curriculum of a good chemistry tutor is one that is flexible enough to bring both theory and application to the student. This doesn't mean they need to have an extended lab phase, though a chemistry tutor hired to teach chemistry needs to be aware of how the entire lab should proceed.This is where an applied chemistry tutor comes in. These students can build a database of lessons and be used as a lab assistant, pulling on the expertise of the teacher to give students not only hands-on experience but the important detail and organization that are so often lacking in the classroom.

20 English Idioms Related to Body Parts - Intermediate Level English

20 English Idioms Related to Body Parts - Intermediate Level English Today I thought we would learn some English idioms related to body parts and master those expressions that are used every day.Scroll down to watch a short video lesson about Break a Leg idiom meaning.Yesterday a student used an incorrect expression. I knew what he meant to say but it was not correct. He meant to say “she went on foot” (meaning she walked to a place) but instead he said “she went by her legs”. There is not much difference between your foot and your leg but it can make a big difference in whether people understand you or not. English Idioms Related to Body Parts Here are some other English idioms and expressions using parts of the body.SIT ON YOUR HANDSThis usually is used to describe how someone decides to do nothing or is not allowed to do anything.He wanted to contact the customer and explain what happened. His boss told him to sit on his hands  for a few days.TO LEND A HANDThe opposite meaning to sit on your hands! Here we use this when someone asks us for help or we offer help to others.The office was very busy and lots of people needed to be contacted. The manager offered to lend a hand  to get the work done more quickly.COST AN ARM AND A LEGWe use this phrase when we are surprises or staggered by the cost of something.He crashed his car on the way home. There was a lot of damage. It would cost him an arm and a leg  to get it repaired! English Idioms related to Body Parts - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: English Idioms Related to Body Parts UP TO ONE’S NECKThis is used to represent a time when we have a lot to do or we are in a lot of trouble.I am up to my neck  in work this week could we possibly meet next week instead? He is  up to his neck  in bank debt as he borrowed a lot of money to buy that house.PAIN IN THE NECKA nuisance; an irritating, annoying person.I hope Mary doesnt bring her brother this time, he was a real pain in the neck the last time he was here.TO BE ALL FINGERS AND THUMBSto be very clumsyHe tried to put something in his pocket but couldnt manage because he was all fingers and thumbs.TO BE DOWN IN THE MOUTHto be depressedYoure looking down in the mouth today, Peter. Come on, cheer up! SKIN AND BONESto be very thinShe is all skin and bones, she needs to eat more.TO TURN A BLIND EYEnot to notice something deliberatelyShe saw them taking sweets from the shop but turned a blind eye.TO BITE ONES TONGUEto try really hard not to say what you really feelHe was solely responsible for this disaster, but I had to bite my tongue.TO GIVE SOMEONE A COLD SHOULDERto deliberately ignore someoneWhat have I done to her? She’s been giving me the cold shoulder all afternoon.TO HAVE ONES BACK TO THE WALLto be in a bad or dangerous situation from which there is no escapeHe  had his back to the wall, down 4 games to 5 and serving in the deciding set to stay in the match.  TO MAKE ONES BLOOD BOILwhen something makes someone very angryLittering makes my blood boil.TO HAVE A LUMP IN ONES THROATto feel very sad; to be on the verge of tearsI had a lump in my throat when I heard the news. Body Parts Idioms - Infographic Help others to find this. Share! A KNEES UPThis is very informal/slang and has a pleasant meaning. We use it to describe a good party or a sing-a-long with some friends when everyone lets their hair down and relaxes.We had a great knee’s up  over Christmas. Everyone was there and were in great spirits.CHANCE ONES ARMTry to do something although the chance of success may be slim, to take a risk, to try ones luck. This phrase first recorded in 1880s and back in the days it was mostly used as  a soldier’s term.Immediately after University I  chanced my arm  and opened up my first boutique.YOU SCRATCH MY BACK AND ILL SCRATCH YOURSYou offer to help someone on condition that this person will help you in return.Thanks for lending me your car, here are your keys. You scratch my back and Ill scratch yours, remember?GO BELLY UPWe usually use this phrase when were talking about a business or some project that was unsuccessful or went bankrupt.Some thought it was only a matter of time before the company  went belly up, but it somehow survived.THROW SOMEONE A BONETo praise someone or to reward someone in some way in order to make them feel good.In secondary school I had many teachers who threw me bone and let me pass a test.ALL EARSIf someone says Im all ears it means that they are ready and are very eager to listen to what you have to say.Sam was all ears when I began to talk about my holidays in Australia last year.There are many many more sayings and expressions in the English language which we will cover in the future. So if you have enjoyed this post and it helps you to learn more about English idioms then share it with a friend and check out our Skype English lessons prices. Break a Leg Meaning - Video Lesson And here is my video lesson about probably one of the strangest English idioms related to body parts BREAK A LEG. It is one of many cases when the real meaning of the idiom BREAK A LEG  is totally different from the individual words this idiom consists of. Watch my short video lesson and learn the history of BREAK A LEG  idiom and its real meaning.

Your Questions Answered Cengage Holds Video Press Conference

Your Questions Answered Cengage Holds Video Press Conference via Pexels.com According to a recent press release, now might be your chance. The CEO of Cengage, Michael Hansen, and Executive Vice President Sharon Loeb are holding a video press conference for college student reporters across our nation on  Tuesday, September 11th at 1:00 p.m.   With 9 out of 10 college students reporting that the financial stress of buying textbooks comes second to the financial stress of tuition. There are ways to get around paying full price like renting your books or buying them off upperclassmen. But as you progress through college, whos to say you dont want to keep the books from your classes in case you need them in the future? This can be especially handy for those students who plan to attend graduate school. Its time someone has to answer to why textbook prices are so high, and its time someone came up with a reasonable solution. If youre interested in more information, register  here  by September 10th. Never heard of Cengage? Familiarize yourself with what they stand for, including their initiative to create the first-ever digital subscription service for students. Cengage is also the largest US-based publisher of textbooks in the US.

Self Development Tips that Will Change your Life

Self Development Tips that Will Change your Life Today, I want to reveal to you Self Development tips that really will help you to achieve more and generally live a more fulfilling and purposeful life! There are so many different ways of approaching self development. There is no right or wrong, there is only what works or does not work  for you as an individual. Read these  positive  self development tips and try to apply them in your life in order to achieve your goals. â€" Accept personal responsibility for your own life.  Nobody  will do  it for you. â€" Never compare your failures to other peoples feats. â€" Take time every day to do something for yourself.  You might go for a walk, read a good book, listen to music, or just stay in bed for a few extra minutes. â€" Never let  other people to control your emotions. Only you have right to manipulate them. â€" Instead of  regretting your mistakes, learn from them.  If you dont make  mistakes while you are young, you will have nothing to smile about when you are old. â€" Never say something can not be done. Keep searching  for ways to do it differently. â€" First think  of  changing yourself, then  changing the world. â€" Dont waste your time with having to try everything by  yourself. Learn from other peoples experience. â€" Keep in balance all  your life goals. It could be  family,  health, career, finance, or  recreation.  Your life goals are as individual as you are. â€" Fill your mind with positive thoughts, and  ideas. Your life will start to change leaving  no room for the negative. â€" Read a minimum of one book a month. It could  change your practice and your life. â€" Overcome personal, inefficient  habits, for instance: oversleeping,  overeating, smoking, or drinking. â€" Learn something new every day.  The person that you will spend most of time with is yourself, so try to make yourself  interesting and  fun to be with. â€" Attend conferences or take classes to stay abreast of the latest discoveries and developments. â€" Accept changes as a fact of life. Navigating successfully in the world that is changing rapidly can be tricky sometimes. But you  should be flexible, adjust to the situation and win! I personally believe that self development is about raising yourself awareness, self esteem and self confidence. It is something that everybody should be doing to succeed in life. If you need an  additional help or  information, feel free to ask one of   the Tutorzs tutors or life coaches.

5 Questions Every College Senior Asks Themselves

5 Questions Every College Senior Asks Themselves Photo Credit: en.hdyo.org Where has the time gone? Well, the funny thing about time is that it just keeps going. Theres no pause button on life, and whether or not youre ready, as a college senior (who has no plans at the moment to attend grad school), youre moving on to whatever the next chapter in your life will be. I suggest you get with the program, stay present, and make the most of each moment. (Easier said than done, I know). How can I be an adult already? For me, this question is usually accompanied by some expletives, followed by Im not ready and make it stop! Being an adult is scary, as is leaving the world of academics (for now, at least) when its all many of us have known for the last 15+ years. But part of being an adult is facing your fears not necessarily conquering them, but at least coming face-to-face with them and marching on. As graduating college seniors, we are now real adults who are about to head off into the real world, hopefully smarter than we were at our high school graduations. Why do I have to go into the real world? I recently told my mom while venting to her about some of the above questions that being responsible is no fun. Unfortunately, being a graduating college senior means its time to enter the real world, get a job, and start being a contributing member of society. (Ugh). And when youve got bills and loans to pay, youre not really in a place to be frivolous and not worry about money, but instead need to enter the real world as quickly and seamlessly as possible to start earning an income. But worrying about money is super tiresome, boring, and stressful, and ultimately wont do anything to help. And because Im not exactly rolling in the Benjamins and neither are most of my fellow college seniors we cant really afford not to enter the real world. So the short answer is that we have to enter the real world because thats where the money is, and strangely, Ive gotten quite attached to my habit of being able to buy food to eat when Im hungry. Photo Credit: agirlsessence.com What if everything Ive done until now has all been a huge mistake? This is one of my favorites to ask myself because it leads to my going back over every decision Ive ever made and wondering if I shouldve done things differently its great fun. But ultimately, whether or not everything weve done until now has been a huge mistake, we are where we are and we cant go back and have a do over. Marty McFly, were not. Hopefully, once the neurosis has stopped, youll look back proudly and nostalgically on the path that took you to where you are now, rather than looking back regretfully. But if you do have regrets and wish youd done things differently, use that as the fuel to propel you to where you want to go in the future and try not to make those same mistakes twice. YOLO people; and I say that un-ironically. What am I doing with my life? This is the big one and this is the one most college seniors ask themselves, promptly followed by an in-depth and lengthy freakout during which we question every single thing weve ever done until now. (Im not alone in this, right? Right?) I always thought that graduating college meant Id have all the answers, and my life would be going exactly how I thought it would. (Im sure Gods laughing so hard right now). But just because were leaving school doesnt mean we have to have our lives completely planned out. Whether youre going to be starting the job youve always dreamed of or are still filling out applications and keeping your fingers crossed, at least you are doing something with your life (or trying anyway). And by the time you retire, you probably will have done many things in your life and yet, still be asking yourself this very question. In fact, I hope I never fully answer this question for myself, because I think as long as we keep asking ourselves this, well continue trying new things, exploring new opportunities, and seizing every moment. So stay hungry, my fellow college seniors and I mean that metaphorically.

New Years Language Challengers- Make a Public Video Pledge and earn 50 ITC!

New Years Language Challengers- Make a Public Video Pledge and earn 50 ITC! So in the spirit of giving, were offering this bonus again to help you complete the Challenge! If youve signed up for the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge, were giving away even more  ITC to motivate you to succeed!  Do you really want to complete the challenge?  Use peer pressure (in a good way) to help yourself achieve your language learning goal! Life Hacks research has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching. Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done! BONUS 50ITC! Upload your Language Challenge Public Video Pledge Make a Public Video Pledge by uploading a video to YouTube or Youku before you begin your first session (or your first few sessions). What should you say in your Public Video Pledge? Youtube video: Youku video: Speak in your native language Tell us why you are taking The Challenge and what language you are learning Tell us what you will commit to (e.g. I promise to take at least 3 sessions a week) Tell us your Language Challenge Goal (e.g. Five minute conversation with a co-worker) Speak in the language you are learning Repeat the above in the language you are learning If you can’t say anything, or your language level is at a beginner level then try to say a few words you know in the language or just say you have no ability. Label the video: “(italki username)’s  italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge Public Pledge” The video should not be longer than 2 minutes in length. Write a Notebook Entry “I’ve made a Public Video Pledge for the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge” and paste the YouTube/Youku URL. We will immediately award you with 50ITC once you post your notebook entry and we verify the video! Just send us an email to support@italki.com and let us know your username so we can view the Notebook entry with the Public Video Pledge link! If youve signed up for The Challenge and you really want to finish, you should make the Public Video Pledge now!  Youll get paid for it and it will help you complete the Challenge! New Years Language Challengers- Make a Public Video Pledge and earn 50 ITC! So in the spirit of giving, were offering this bonus again to help you complete the Challenge! If youve signed up for the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge, were giving away even more  ITC to motivate you to succeed!  Do you really want to complete the challenge?  Use peer pressure (in a good way) to help yourself achieve your language learning goal! Life Hacks research has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching. Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done! BONUS 50ITC! Upload your Language Challenge Public Video Pledge Make a Public Video Pledge by uploading a video to YouTube or Youku before you begin your first session (or your first few sessions). What should you say in your Public Video Pledge? Youtube video: Youku video: Speak in your native language Tell us why you are taking The Challenge and what language you are learning Tell us what you will commit to (e.g. I promise to take at least 3 sessions a week) Tell us your Language Challenge Goal (e.g. Five minute conversation with a co-worker) Speak in the language you are learning Repeat the above in the language you are learning If you can’t say anything, or your language level is at a beginner level then try to say a few words you know in the language or just say you have no ability. Label the video: “(italki username)’s  italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge Public Pledge” The video should not be longer than 2 minutes in length. Write a Notebook Entry “I’ve made a Public Video Pledge for the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge” and paste the YouTube/Youku URL. We will immediately award you with 50ITC once you post your notebook entry and we verify the video! Just send us an email to support@italki.com and let us know your username so we can view the Notebook entry with the Public Video Pledge link! If youve signed up for The Challenge and you really want to finish, you should make the Public Video Pledge now!  Youll get paid for it and it will help you complete the Challenge! New Years Language Challengers- Make a Public Video Pledge and earn 50 ITC! So in the spirit of giving, were offering this bonus again to help you complete the Challenge! If youve signed up for the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge, were giving away even more  ITC to motivate you to succeed!  Do you really want to complete the challenge?  Use peer pressure (in a good way) to help yourself achieve your language learning goal! Life Hacks research has shown that if you put yourself up to something by doing it in public, you follow through because others are watching. Things that you put on the Web have a better chance of getting done! BONUS 50ITC! Upload your Language Challenge Public Video Pledge Make a Public Video Pledge by uploading a video to YouTube or Youku before you begin your first session (or your first few sessions). What should you say in your Public Video Pledge? Youtube video: Youku video: Speak in your native language Tell us why you are taking The Challenge and what language you are learning Tell us what you will commit to (e.g. I promise to take at least 3 sessions a week) Tell us your Language Challenge Goal (e.g. Five minute conversation with a co-worker) Speak in the language you are learning Repeat the above in the language you are learning If you can’t say anything, or your language level is at a beginner level then try to say a few words you know in the language or just say you have no ability. Label the video: “(italki username)’s  italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge Public Pledge” The video should not be longer than 2 minutes in length. Write a Notebook Entry “I’ve made a Public Video Pledge for the italki 2015 New Years Language Challenge” and paste the YouTube/Youku URL. We will immediately award you with 50ITC once you post your notebook entry and we verify the video! Just send us an email to support@italki.com and let us know your username so we can view the Notebook entry with the Public Video Pledge link! If youve signed up for The Challenge and you really want to finish, you should make the Public Video Pledge now!  Youll get paid for it and it will help you complete the Challenge!

Chemist Tutor At GCCA - Learn About the Various Subjects and Their Contents

Chemist Tutor At GCCA - Learn About the Various Subjects and Their ContentsA chemistry tutor at GCCA can help you learn chemistry as a means of improving your grades and your academic record. Chemistry is an important subject because it helps people understand how the elements that make up the different types of life exist. It also helps people to understand why some of the molecules that they see around them have a chemical similarity to each other.People tend to think that the course would take years to complete, but it doesn't take long to become an expert in the field. By enrolling in a tutor, you are not only helping yourself by being educated, but you are also helping others. If you get good grades, it will help you become more employable because employers will be more likely to look at you favorably. It will also help you to get scholarships and grants that will benefit your academic pursuits.You have to start by going through the required textbook that goes into teaching you about chemistry, and as you learn more, you will have to go back and read more to fully understand all of the terms and concepts that are taught. These books are really easy to understand, and they also come with wonderful illustrations.A lot of the time, your tutor at GCCA can come in handy to get you through the difficult parts of the course. It can also give you insights into how some of the laboratory activities are done. The chemistry instructor will guide you through the different procedures and will do his best to ensure that you understand how everything works. He may give you some tips on how to save money on purchasing some of the laboratory supplies.If you need some extra guidance during the entire course, you can call upon your tutor to come in and give you guidance on the things that you may need help with. He can also tell you which laboratories are the most challenging and which can be done in the easiest manner.In addition to being an instructor, your tutor at GCCA c an also be of help to you by giving you an aptitude test. This will determine whether you have the knowledge to be a good chemist, and if so, then your tutor will give you some advice on how to improve the skills that you need to have.The chemistry instructor at GCCA has complete confidence in their students, and they will teach you everything that you need to know about the subject. It can help you to gain some great degrees, and it can also give you an added advantage over the competition in college admissions.

A Free Online High School Chemistry Tutor Helps Students To Understand Chemistry

A Free Online High School Chemistry Tutor Helps Students To Understand ChemistryIf you want to have a better understanding of the things that are really happening in the world of chemistry, it is important to get a good education from free online high school chemistry tutor. You can even learn from online resources if you are on a budget. This is one of the best ways to get a handle on what is really happening in the life of chemistry. What's important is to learn from many sources.An online high school chemistry tutor offers many benefits. Not only does he teach you chemistry from online sources, but he also guides you through the various aspects of chemistry. You can even make use of his support if you have any questions about the subject. He can show you different methods of chemistry demonstrations so that you can see how things work. This way, you can be prepared for the examinations.There are many lessons available in such time period. However, it is important to choose the bes t. A good free online high school chemistry tutor will teach you all the necessary subjects from the viewpoint of his own point of view. He is going to add up everything that is needed to make it easy for you to understand the nature of chemistry. In addition, he is going to guide you through the different techniques involved in the subject.Every living thing requires basic components like carbohydrates, oxygen, and basic elements, etc. It is because of this reason that chemistry has been studied and researched since ancient times. All the materials that are available in the market today are based on the latest discoveries in this field. All these materials were created with the help of the latest technology in science. The Internet also plays a significant role in this field.The Internet is home to a huge amount of material that can be used in science. So, you must avail of all the facilities of the internet. After all, you cannot be expected to study for long without the use of th e computer. Through the Internet, you can easily get hold of all the available materials that are available in the market.It is because of the vast information provided by the internet that students get benefited with various topics in the field of chemistry. There are free online high school chemistry tutor. The most popular among them is the K-12.The free online high school chemistry tutor is going to be your guide in the online world. He is going to guide you through the curriculum and contents that you will be required to study in the future. The best part is that, he will help you identify whether you should continue with the lessons or not. By doing this, you will also be able to improve your understanding of the subject.

Drum Lessons for Beginners

Drum Lessons for Beginners Learn to Play the Drums ChaptersDo You Need Your Own Drum Kit to Learn to Play the Drums?Preparing for your Drum LessonsDo your feet always tap with the beats of a song? Do you groove with the rhythm whenever music is playing?If you’ve been thinking about learning to play a musical instrument, you might want to consider a percussion instrument.Some people think drums are nothing but loud, used to keep marching bands in synch. But there is so much more to playing drums than just banging a skin with sticks.So why not explore the fascinating world of percussion and learn to play the drums?learning the rudiments of drumming, wetting your feet and finding out if drum playing is really for you.However, you will need to practice at home, even as a beginner - and that means buying drums. Whether you are learning jazz drumming or practising your rock drum solo, you need the right feedback under your drumsticks to improve your drum play. And that means investing in a drum set.Here are some online drum lessons for y ou.You might get away with borrowing drums at the very beginning, but you should really buy your own drum set. Photo credit: screen-box.de on Visual HuntIf you are learning hand drumming or ethnic drum music - such as an African drum (Djembe or talking drums), conga, samba drums, or indeed anything portable, it’s more likely that your music teacher will have some that you can borrow to practice on at home. Once you reach the intermediate level, you will still need your own drum. The prices for hand drums vary greatly - bongos go for anywhere from £60 to £300, congas between £300 to £600, bodhrans average around £50.Find out how much drum lessons cost...Practising at home without a drum setBut can you practise without having a drum set at home? To a certain extent, yes.When learning to play the drums, you can take a series of buckets and cans about the right size and set them up like a drum kit. Dave Grohl from Nirvana is famous for using snare drumsticks to practice on pillow s. It is a way for a beginner drummer to practise the moves, the rhythm of switching from one drum to another.However, what it can’t teach you is proper stick control. The sound of the drums and cymbals will vary depending on where you hit (rim or skin), how hard you hit and what type of stick you use - regular drumsticks, padded mallets or brushes. You need to learn the difference in sound between your bass, snare and toms. And that is only possible with actual, physical drums.Also, it’s pretty difficult to simulate a pedal. Even if you can use an old sewing machine pedal to practise your timing, you won’t be getting the physical and auditory feedback you need to improve your bass drum playing.Electronic drums and practise pads are easier on the neighbours, but unless you want to specialise in electronic drums, an acoustic set is best. Photo on VisualHunt.comBeing nice to your neighboursDo you live in a flat with thin walls and floors? Nosy neighbours, who complain at the lea st little cough?It’s likely your drum teacher will nag you to use a practise pad in any case.A practice pad is just a little rubber pad that gives acoustic feedback when struck. In short, it’s a drum without the resonance body. It’s not as loud and it is actually very sensitive, so you actually have to be more accurate on a practice pad. However, there are a number of disadvantages.ProsConsIt’s portable.With only one pad, you can’t practice complex drum fills for your drum solo.It’s quiet compared with a physical drum.You can’t practice your kick drum.Its surface is made to imitate that of a snare drum.It only imitates snares and doesn’t give the feel of toms.It’s wonderful for practising rudiments such as a simple drum beat, drum rolls or a paradiddle.It doesn’t have rims.It’s very sensitive, forcing you to be accurate.While quite sensitive, you won’t be learning to listen to your drums - which have more reverb and overtones.It’s a good way to practice sho wmanship drumming.You can’t practice your cymbal work.If you can’t have an acoustic drum set at home when learning drums another option is to go for an electronic drum set. It will have the full set of drums set up like a traditional drum kit. The pads are designed to feel like a traditional drumhead when you hit them. You can play them with headphones and get a sound nearer to real drums.However, though the sound is close, it isn’t exactly the same. On the upside, you can program a whole array of interesting sounds (canon or foghorn, anyone?).Preparing for your Drum LessonsWhen learning how to play the drums, you will find that it’s not just about drum fills and jazz improvisation. You will need to know how to care for your instrument and how to read musical notation.Drum tuningDo you come back from your drumming lessons wondering why your snare and toms sound different from those used by Carmine Appice, John Blackwell or Buddy Rich? It might have to do with how your drums are tuned.Some drums are tuned to a certain pitch and left at that. Other drums are tunable during play (like tabors or African talking drums). In the latter case, your drum instructor will definitely teach you how to vary the pitch while playing.In the former, a good educator will demonstrate how tuning the top and bottom heads will affect the sound of your drums. At the latest when you need to change the drum head, you will need to learn to tune your drums.Pearl Drums has a handy set of instructions for tuning the common drums of a drum set. Exactly what pitch you tune them to and what drum heads you choose will depend on the musical style you are playing - rock, jazz, afro-cuban, Latin or Big Band, and of course your own personal preferences.Do you know how to find your ideal drum tutor?Learning to Read Drum NotationIf you want to progress beyond the beginner exercises set by your drum teacher, you will need to learn how to read drum notation.If you can already read music, it can be both helpful and a hindrance. In normal musical notation, the placement of the notes on the staff give you the note played and the type of note (eighth note, quarter note…) will give you the rhythm.With drum notation, it’s a little different.It doesn’t help that there is no truly standardised notation, though there are some that are more common than others. The one used in Norman Weinberg’s Guide to Standardized Drumset Notation is the most commonly used out there, but you might find yourself confronted with a completely different notation once you start getting gigs.The basic premise remains the same:The type of percussion instrument is indicated by the shape of the note. Drums are usually normal black notes, cymbals, whether hi-hats or crash are an “x”, additional percussion instruments can be a triangle or cross. Which specific instrument is meant is indicated by its place on the stave. For example, the kick drum is generally on the bottom space of the staff; if d ouble bass drums are used, the second bass will be on the lowest bar. The snare is on the “la” or “A” space (if it were in treble clef). Drum sheet music publishers always include a legend at the beginning of the piece.Additional symbols can indicate ghost notes, rolls (eighth or sixteenth note or triplets), flams, drags or ruffs.Rhythm is indicated as in traditional music notation with the types of note (full, quarter, eighth etc.) Note that every drum notation is four beats to the bar unless otherwise indicated (a rare and challenging event).Drum notation looks like normal musical notation but works on slightly diffreent premise. Photo credit: chi-ryu on Visualhunt.comAnother way of writing down drum beats and rhythms is using a drum tabulation, or drum tabs.A drum tab will have a line for each of the instruments, and each strike is indicated with an o for drums or an x for cymbals. A line “-” indicates that the instrument is silent. Drag, flam, ghost notes etc. each h ave a specific letter assigned to them.To advance in your craft, you will need to learn to read both drum music notation and drum tabs. A metronome is a useful tool to help you with that.Learning how to play drums can appear daunting at first, but as you progress in your lessons you will soon get into the groove and improvise your own drum fills. And why not try a personal instructor like one of Superprof’s many drum tutors near you?Ready, steady, go! It's time to learn how to play the drums!