Bridging the Gap From Amateur to Professional Musician

Bridging the Gap From Amateur to Professional Musician Suzy S. Dreaming big? Keep it up! The road to becoming a professional musician is usually full of ups, downs, victories and frustrations and its up to you to stay focused. Whats the key? Here, Oakland teacher Arrica R. shares her strategy for success I’ve often been asked how I transitioned into being a professional musician, how I was able to license songs as well as open doors that helped me begin to make a living off of music. Being a musician is not a straight and narrow path though and Ive struggled with the answer to that question that is, until I reflected upon the best advice I was given: be prepared, as you never know from where the opportunities will be. Most opportunities I’ve had came from friends, friends of friends, or someone who came to a show after finding my music or seeing a favorable review online. You may never know when to expect it, but what you can work toward is preparing yourself for when it does. First and foremost, being a professional musician involves working on your craft. Educating yourself, bettering yourself and practicing regularly are at the top of the list. You must be as good as you can possibly be at any given moment. Youll always be learning and growing as an artist, but you must put in the time and effort for this to occur. Second, explore new avenues and spread your wings. The more you understand about music the better. If you are a great bass player and an average singer, continue working on your bass skills but you might want to work towards becoming a better singer as well. A bass player who also sings harmonies is invaluable. If you are a phenomenal singer but understand little to nothing about songwriting or you don’t play an instrument, it might be a good idea to learn. Even if you dont think you’ll ever be a great songwriter or instrumentalist, a basic understanding will allow you to contribute when working with others and also make you a better performer. Lastly, always have a product. A businessman won’t leave home without a business card and an actor can’t get by without a headshot. If you don’t have a huge budget that affords you time in a professional studio with expensive gear, find a way to record yourself even if you’re only recording demos at home. One of the most important steps I took was learning how to record quality demos of my songs and then having a product to help me get to the next level. I grew as a performer, and my songwriting improved dramatically once I learned basic pro-tools and could experiment with songs. In short, the best advice I can offer is to prepare yourself for everything you’ve ever hoped for in regards to a music career. The more prepared you are, the more opportunities will be yours for the taking. Never forget that you play music because you love it, but also don’t forget it’s a craft that you must work at diligently if you hope to turn your love of music into a career path. Join the TakeLessons community and receive exclusive updates, expert advice, tips and more!  Sign up for email updates here! Arrica R. teaches singing, music performance, music recording, and songwriting lessons to students of all ages in Oakland, CA. She joined the TakeLessons team in July 2012, with over 25 years of experience studying music.   Her music has also been featured and licensed by Starbucks, NBC, the CW Network, NikeWomen.com and MTV. Sign up for lessons with Arrica, or search for a teacher near you today! Photo by rocketjim45.

Demand Curve Law Of Demand Microeconomics

Demand Curve Law Of Demand Microeconomics Demand Curve is the geometric tool of economics which helps in the exact illustration of inverse relationship between price and demand; i.e. the law of demand. When a demand schedule is plotted on a graph by joining the points, it is called a Demand Curve. In short Demand Curve is a graphical representation of inverse relationship between price and demand. There are two types of Demand Curves: Individual Demand Curve Total Demand Curve The demand curve of an individual buyer shows an individual demand curve where as the sum total of all the individual curves is a total demand curve. In the above diagram DD is Demand Curve, P is original Price, P1 is new price, M is quantity demanded, and M1 is new quantity demanded. The above diagram illustrates the inverse relationship between the price and demand. When the price is equal to OP, then the quantity demanded is equal to OM.As the price falls from OP to OP1, the quantity demanded increase from OM to OM1.Hence there is an increase in quantity demanded as the price falls and vice a versa.

Online Second Derivative Tutors

Online Second Derivative Tutors Derivatives play a very pivotal role in calculus which is an important branch in mathematics. Second derivative or the second order derivative is the derivative of the derivative of the function. Therefore the second derivative is the rate of change of the function which is changing itself. The second derivative of a function is also useful in graphing the given function. The second derivative of the function decides the concavity of the graph. If the value of the second derivative is positive then the graph is concave upwards and if the value of the second derivative is negative then the graph is concave downwards. Example 1: Find the second derivative of the function f(x) = x3 + 2x2 - 6? Solution: Given is the function f(x) = x3 + 2x2 - 6. Step1: Find the first derivative of the function using the power rule. The first derivative of the function f(x) = 3 x2 + 4x. The second derivative of the function is the derivative of f(x). This gives, f(x) = 6 x + 4. Hence the second derivative = 6 x + 4. Example 2: Find the second derivative of the function f(x) = 2x3 - 4x2 + 10? Solution: Given is the function f(x) = 2 x3 -4 x2 + 10. Step1: Find the first derivative of the function using the power rule. The first derivative of the function f(x) = 6 x2 8 x. The second derivative of the function is the derivative of f(x). This gives, f(x) = 12 x - 8. Hence the second derivative = 12 x - 8

Linguagem coloquial Você sabe falar em ambientes informais

Linguagem coloquial Você sabe falar em ambientes informais Image courtesy of Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.netÉ certo que quando estamos aprendendo um idioma enriquecer o vocabulário é de extrema importância. Para além disso, falar e escrever corretamente são outros pontos fundamentais. No entanto, nem sempre os nativos com que a gente planeja conversar vão usar palavras que a gente aprende em aulas de Inglês convencionais.Ao longo dos anos conheci muitas pessoas de diversos países que diziam querer aprender Português, tinham aulas e tentavam treinar. Até sabiam algumas coisas para além do básico. Porém, todos comentavam que ler era sempre mais fácil do que entender o que as pessoas diziam.Isso não acontece necessariamente por causa dos sotaques, mas porque nós usamos uma linguagem coloquial, com muitas gírias, quando estamos econversando com amigos. Como alguém vai entender, de cara, o que a maior parte das expressões quer dizer? Não tem como! Por isso que tal como quem quer aprender Português tem que se dedicar a aprend er vocabulário coloquial, nós temos que fazer o mesmo se queremos dominar o Inglês.Por isso é que eu acredito que focar também na construção de um vocabulário mais coloquial não é perda de tempo. No fundo, você está aumentando o seu conhecimento da língua, mas em um nicho que será mais útil quando você estiver em ambientes descontraídos e não necessariamente para o trabalho. Há quem comece a entender a necessidade de ter um vocabulário diversificado, que possibilite tanto uma conversa com um CEO, como uma conversa com a menina que trabalha no caixa do supermercado. Daí que estejam surgindo publicações como o Street Language, um livro que ensina gírias em Inglês, para que você entenda como as pessoas falam em ambientes informais.Várias pessoas têm procurado aprender Inglês por razões profissionais, isso é altamente louvável. Contudo, se o conhecimento da língua se restringir apenas ao ambiente e vocabulário empresarial, se você for viajar e quiser c onhecer alguém na praia ou em um bar, como você vai fazer para não parecer completamente deslocado?Aprender Inglês dá trabalho, é algo que deve ser contínuo e deve servir aos propósitos de cada um. Não há problema nenhum em focar mais em vocabulário adequado para uma reunião de negócios ou para a elaboração de investigação científica, desde que você também saiba como falar com pessoas fora desses círculos.Afinal de contas, se você apenas soubesse usar o Português formal, navegar na internet, ver filmes atuais, compreender letras de músicas ou apenas ver o noticiário seriam tarefas um pouco complicadas, não acha?

Thinking about the November and December 2013 SAT subject tests

Thinking about the November and December 2013 SAT subject tests Whether youre a senior looking to improve your college applications with another good test score, or a junior getting a head start on the testing process, you should consider taking an SAT subject test in November or December.   If youre thinking SAT subject test, what the heck is that and why should I bother?, heres the scoop:SAT subject tests are one-hour multiple choice exams offered by the College Board in a variety of academic subjects, including math, literature, US and world history, biology, chemistry, physics, and most foreign languages.Subject tests are not required by most colleges for admission, but a good score on a subject test can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your interest and skill in a subject.   Interested in studying physics in college?   You should try the physics subject test.Subject tests are scored from 200 to 800, just like individual sections on the SAT.You can take up to 3 subject tests in one day, but you cant take them the same day a s the SAT so plan ahead!Youll do best on subject tests for high-level courses that youve completed recently and did well in.   For instance, students who took AP US History and did well usually have an easy time with the US History subject test.The SAT subject tests will be offered two more times this year: November 2 and December 7, 2013.   You can register for them at the College Boards website.If you need help preparing for the SAT subject tests, AJ Tutoring offers comprehensive preparation for most subjects.   We generally meet with students for 3 or 4 90-minute sessions, during which we review content and cover test-taking strategies to get the most points on each subject test.   For more information, please email info@ajtutoring.com or give us a call at (650) 331-3251.   Were excited to work with you!

5 Treatments To Help With Your Senioritis

5 Treatments To Help With Your Senioritis Photo Credit: snagajob.com 1. Computer Control. If youre having trouble concentrating on your schoolwork while using your computer and instead find yourself relentlessly scrolling through BuzzFeed or visiting Facebook, you may want to look into downloading a lockdown browser program. If you have a Mac, you can download an app called SelfControl which allows you to easily block your own access to distracting websites for whatever period of time you designate. The app lets you put website URLs on a blacklist and then set a timer for how long you want to be locked out of those websites. Plus, it’s smart and won’t let you try to circumvent it by using another browser, like Firefox or Safari, even if you set it for Google Chrome. 2. Motivate Yourself. Senioritis is very easy to give in to, so youve really got to dig in your heels and fight it if you want the chance to finish your semester, and your undergraduate college career, strong. To combat senioritis, try motivating yourself to keep focused. Make a playlist of motivational songs, like Kanye Wests Stronger, Survivors Eye of the Tiger, and Remember the Name by Fort Minor. You can also write down a few motivational quotes on paper and hang them within eyesight around your room or write them down on sticky notes (either using a computer app or real paper ones), or change your background picture to a quote. The secret to getting ahead is getting started, Dreams dont work unless you do, and You dont want to look back and know you couldve done better, are some good ones to help inspire you to work hard. Photo Credit: internmatch.com 3. Create a Calendar.  Write down whatever date youre graduating on or the day youll be done with finals and the other events, tests, and due dates youve got standing between you and that day. Cross off each day as you get through it and keep yourself studying hard and focused on your goal of finally being done. Youve worked hard for the last four years to get to this point; dont screw it all up now by slacking off and giving in to senioritis. 4. Make a List. Each day, make yourself a list of things you need to get done for the next day; whether its reading a textbook chapter, studying lecture notes, or going grocery shopping, and then cross or check things off as you get things done. Maybe its the nerdy list-maker in me but personally, being able to check things off that I got done that day feels really good. 5. Set Up a Reward System. Make a deal with yourself, like for every hour of studying or homework you do, you get to watch one episode of some TV show, or you get a half hour to waste on the Internet. You can even go bigger and make rewards for yourself like getting to order takeout, buying that item youve been eyeing, or that youll let yourself book that trip you wanted to take this summer or go to a concert if you just get through the rest of the semester and fight your senioritis. Hopefully these treatments will help stave off your senioritis and allow you to stay focused and studying hard until graduation finally comes itll be here sooner than you think!

New York Academy

New York Academy New York Academy New York Academy is a progressive American school intent on instilling in our students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life. We strive to create leaders who are prepared for the global challenges of the 21st century; lauded for their skills, character and integrity; and driven to make a worthy impact on the world. We not only recognize the importance of academic excellence but also the value of developing essential life skills in childhood that can be carried into adulthood. Our core values below guide behavior and interactions for all the members of our school community. Respect Values all members of the school community Displays acceptance of others with different points of view and beliefs Shows respect for the school buildings, furnishings and surrounding environment Creativity Develops original ideas that have value Fosters imagination, bringing to mind things that arent present to our senses Innovates by putting new ideas into practice Open-mindedness Shows receptivity to new ideas Considers the merits of alternative points of view Appreciates diverse peoples and cultures Confidence Has a positive self-image and self esteem Takes risks to explore new ideas and try new skills Expresses thoughts and ideas Self Discipline Demonstrates positive, healthy social behavior Seeks to achieve his/her personal best Establishes goals and demonstrates perseverance to achieve the goals

5 Tips On How To Deal With College Roommates

5 Tips On How To Deal With College Roommates A roommate I love College roommates are one of the most unique, wild, and uncomfortable social experiments to ever exist. Were all trying to find ourselves in these pivotal years, and most of us are stressed/ cracked out on caffeine. These factors only heighten our emotional states. Paired with the fact we need to cohabitate with each other creates a boiling pot of emotions and boundaries being crossed. My freshman living situation was one hazy fever dream My roommate was the physical antithesis of me. He was a tall, built, football-player who dwarfed me which made my initial trepidation about meeting him only greater. I had never lived with another man before besides my father, who snores like a fog horn and burps just to annoy me. The idea of being forced to cohabit in laughably small room with a boy my age was both terrifying and fascinating to me. The reality of the situation, however, is that we were not the most compatible to live with each other. There’s a list of horrors that include (but ar e not limited to): ball pythons with homicidal eyes, dip spit cups, and the whole ‘he never ever did his laundry’ thing. If I hadn’t been so meek maybe I could have made some changes. I eventually found solace when he had to leave school and I had my entire room to myself for most of Spring Semester. Deep down, I had a strange fondness for the guy. He was kind at heart, albeit misguided, and helped me dunk my toes into the deep pool that is potential roommate conflicts. Here is my advice on how to deal with a roommate who might not be the most pleasant to live with: 1.    Be up-front and bold with the rules- Lay down all nit-picky rules you’re going to need to beforehand. Even things you think you may never need, such as “Please don’t use my toothpaste,” or “Please make sure your friends don’t write on our walls with chalk.” That way, nothing is a surprise for anyone. We’ve all had living situations in which we just wanted to be pals with our roommates and therefore we were meek about our needs. Then, a few months into the semester you’re pulling out your hair at the passive aggressive notes they leave on your white board. “Clean up the dishes, please  it’s starting to smell like a homeless shelter in here.” Oh, yea?   2.    On that note, just avoid leaving notes: I understand that it’s 2013 and the Internet has turned us all into huge babies who shy away from combative, in-person interaction, but passive aggressive notes are never the route to take. Don’t write them, don’t indulge in them. Every smiley face my roommates would use against felt like a bitch slap to the face. Every ‘love you!’ felt synonymous with “fuck you.” Just sit down face to face. You know, like the adults we’re all demanding to be treated like. 3.   Don’t talk behind their backs! Okay, who am I kidding, if a roommate eats all of my cereal, my first instinct is to call up my best friend and gossip like I’m at a French Salon. The #dark truth of the matter is that it almost always gets back to the roommate. If this happens, and it will, you can just take pleasure in reenacting a scene directly from The Hills; you know the one where Lauren screams at Heidi “YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!” Don’t lie; you know which one I’m talking about. loves it 4.      Aggressively walk around in your underwear / a cat onesie and whisper nonsensical things until they leave for the night and you’re free to use the living room to watch Game of Thrones and openly weep without judgment. Make sure your roommate knows you need your space and alone time. It’s not you being a jerk, it’s you loving yourself and making sure you have time to decompress. 5.     Get rid of them. If all else fails, take back your castle! Or studio apartment, or whatever. Put Nair in their conditioner, tell them you have mono and promise to infect the whole apartment unless they leave. Get a cat and tell them Mr. Whiskers is moving into their room. This may be tricky since there are legally binding leases involved with having roommates, but no matter! Go Lindsay-Lohan-Parent-Trap style on their ass and move all their furniture to the roof.  No, don’t do any of those things. If you and a roommate literally can’t see eye-to-eye, it’s best to try and figure out alternative arrangements for one of you. Living with someone you despise is completely toxic and so detrimental to both your mental and physical health. roommates / studz I’ve been lucky to make some wonderful friends through living with people (all the ones featured in these photos + ones who are not) It’s completely possible to cohabitate with another human being without the result being homicide. Roommate scuffles can be a battleground in which the worst version of you becomes a warrior. As long as your roommate isn’t a total sociopath, you should be able to sit down and discuss things thoroughly. We’re here in college to get an education, but we’re also here to gain the life skills necessary to be independent, experienced adults.