Sunday, March 22, 2020

The Secrets to Playing Guitar Chords.

The Secrets to Playing Guitar Chords. Play Guitar Chords Quickly, Smoothly, and Efficiently. ChaptersA Step by Step Guide to Learning ChordsA Few Things All Chords Have in Common.Changing between Chords.Tips and Tricks for Putting Chords TogetherIf you’re studying music, learning guitar is a great place to start. It’s the perfect instrument on which to learn how to play your favorite pieces of music.As soon as you know the basics of the instrument - guitar tablature, the odd chord, and a bit of the fretboard - you can begin composing and jamming straightaway.  Whilst the building blocks of music theory are the different notes, scales - from the major scale to the variations on the minor scale - and the ability to read music, for beginner guitar the methodology conventionally works a little differently. Particularly if you are playing rock guitar or folk guitar.Here, the most fundamental thing will be chords - power chords, open chords, barre chords, major chords, and minor chords - and chord progressions, the way that we string different chords together. These will provi de the basis of your favorite songs, and are an essential part of the repertoire of all guitar players.  If you want to learn how to play guitar, you need to get to grips with the guitar chord in all its variations. It’s impossible to avoid and it’s important to learn the proper finger positions for the chords so that you can learn how to play a whole series smoothly and quickly.Once you can do that, you can really say that you’re a guitar player.For most beginners, learning guitar can be a rocky journey - the strings hurt your fingers when you fret them, your right hand seems completely disconnected from your left, and there are tons of chords to learn which all seem impossible. The virtuosic flights of jazz guitar, or the guitar music of Hendrix, seem a long way off.For anyone who’s trying to learn guitar, we’d recommend starting with the basic chords. By these we mean the 'open chord', the chord shapes that really on notes from strings that you don't fret ('open' string s). In most pop songs you'll see and hear these being played - from the C major to the E major or D major chord. These are opposed to the 'barre chord', which requires all of the strings to be fretted.You will find that your index finger, middle finger, and ring finger will all hurt a little as you learn these shapes. You are pressing your fingers against metal wires after all.But, if you keep going, the next step is learning to play them in a series, hitting the right notes, and creating a bit of fluidity… and of course, for your fingers to stop hurting when you play.You can find tab sets in specialist magazines and on the internet - series of chords to play together and reproduce a piece of music. Many many many songs, you will find, follow the same chord progression - and these usually involve the open position chords. And, honestly, once you have nailed these basic guitar chords, you'll be able to play really a lot of guitar songs. If you don't believe us, check out this video here.But how do you put two chords together without losing your rhythm? How do you keep adding on chords until you’re actually playing a whole piece of music?Here are a few tips.A Few Things All Chords Have in Common.When you are first starting out and you have to stare at a different chord chart every time you search for different guitar tabs, chords can all look overwhelmingly different. However, they aren't.Because the secret of effective rhythm guitar is actually  efficiency  - by which we mean specifically the efficiency of your movements. From a major chord to a minor chord there is usually only the difference of one note - and the best guitar players around know how to make these movements incredibly efficiently.The secret here is knowing your fret board - and knowing where the notes are in a chord.Know Your Chords Well, and Know How to Recognize Them.To really achieve fluidity in your playing and begin putting chords together, you need to start by recognizing the common f actors.Two consecutive chords might have one or more finger positions in common, so you might be able to get to the next chord without moving all of your fingers. Efficiency here is the name of the game.If the shape of two chords is the same, but is up or down by one or two frets, don’t change the shape of your hand. Just pick up and move your whole hand along the frets.A chord chart is going to be one of the things most helpful to get you to learn to play chords.If   the finger position for the chords is the same, but just on different strings (say the E major chord and the A minor chord), there is no need to change your hand shape. Just practicing moving your fingers together as a group.Some notes are the same, but the finger positions change. Here you can have a play and try out new finger positions so that the chords have a few fingers in common. You might find it helpful to pivot around a particular finger (try this with your ring finger when moving from a D major chord to a G major)Sometimes there’s nothing in common between the chords, and you just need to learn the movements by heart to make the transition as fluid as possible. Learning to read tabs will help.Why do this?If you look closely at the different chords you’re trying to play, you can benefit from the points in common. Finding these points can help to reduce your movements and improve the fluidity of your playing.By finding the commonalities between easy guitar chords, you'll improve your fluidity in hand with your efficiency.Work on Your Fingers to Improve Your PlayingIf some of your fingers stay the same between chords, try to keep them perfectly still while you’re moving the rest of your hand.If you’re just picking up and moving your hand along without changing finger positions, make sure you aren’t moving your fingers as you move your hand. Even in the air your fingers should still stay in position.By practicing these tips your hand will begin to anticipate the movement of you r fingers and your playing will improve.With any new guitar technique, there will be exercises to help you to develop your dexterity. Practising moving your hand in different positions across the guitar neck will help you massively.Break a Movement DownIf two chords contain open notes, it’s an opportunity to play notes that are already there without actually having to put your fingers down. The open string is really a bit of a gift to guitar players to improve the efficiency of the movement.Learn how to dissect the positions. Check to see if you can play the note without having to add any extra fingers. Studying the chord diagrams and finding ways to play that are most comfortable for you will help.You’ll save time, and playing a series of chords together will become second nature.Changing between Chords.Putting two chords together is composed of up to six small steps that you can adjust based on your level.First, learn all of your chords by heart, and then work on changing from one chord to another.Be very clear where you need to place your fingers.It’s impossible to learn how to change chords and put them together all in one go, even in a guitar lesson.In summary, here's how to do it:Make the first chord with your left hand.Slowly change the position of your fingers to create the second chord - making sure that the chords you are making are the same positions as on the chord charts.Look at the positions of your fingers - are they the same? are your fingers crossing? are there any that don’t require moving at all?Go back and forth between the second and the first chord, slowly going forwards and backwards. Keep your fingers relaxed and as close to the guitar strings as possible to conserve your movements.It’s important to practice the transitions between the chords really slowly in order to gain muscle in your fingers, and to begin to build muscle memory.Then, you can begin to increase the speed and volume of your playing.Repeat this over and over u ntil it becomes comfortable. The goal is that the movements become second nature and instinctive, and that you stay relaxed.The last step is to repeat the whole exercise, but to strum the strings of the guitar with your right hand so that you can hear the chords.To check to see if you have the right notes, play each individual string and check its sound.This will help you get ready to play arpeggios!Tips and Tricks for Putting Chords TogetherPractice regularlyListen well - if you want to be able to play guitar like Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, or even Ben Harper, the most important thing that you can do is to practice regularly.What do we mean by that? How often do you need to practice guitar to begin playing well? Professional guitarists advise students to practice daily, or every other day, for 10 to 15 minutes so that the movements begin to become automatic and second nature. Then your muscle memory can take over when you’re moving your fingers between chords.Get Help from a Guitar TeacherIf you aren’t motivated to practice on your own, or you’re having trouble mastering the chords, ask a professional for help. They can guide you through the process in private lessons and give you advice on how to improve.They will show you if you’re sitting badly or picking up bad habits, and correct you where need be.Find a teacher who can help you improve your chords.Having a teacher will help generate immediate feedback on how you’re doing - they can mirror you, and your learning will be considerably enriched.So start looking for guitar lessons London to find the perfect teacher!Keep the BeatKeeping a consistent rhythm is a crucial part of playing guitar, and you need to keep the beat when you change chords.Don’t slow down to change chords and learn how to play with a metronome. This way, you won’t need to think too hard about the beat. Instead you’ll learn to keep a steady, even rhythm and play your chords.Once you’ve mastered the two chords and your move ments are smooth and easy, get a stopwatch to time yourself as you move up and down the neck of the guitar.Always give preference to quality over quantity - it’s always better to make five clean chord changes in one minute, than to try and get 15 chord changes in, but the sound is all wrong.Pay Attention to Your BreathingWe’re not talking about your physical breathing, but about the small pauses between chords when you let the strings vibrate and you move on to the next position.This pause should always happen between chord changes, and especially on the last note of a measure.If you want to get technical  when you’re using a pick and changing between two chords, instead of playing both with your pick, leave the last note of the measure empty and use the time to get your left hand ready.Visualize the Changing ChordsLearn to visualize changing chords.Close your eyes and picture your fingers in the correct position, and then picture them changing to the next chord.Focus on that mental image; it will help get your brain ready for the movement, and make the actual action smoother and easier.If possible, use the fingers that aren't holding strings as a ‘pivot’ to change positions between chords.And don’t forget to stay motivated and enjoy playing the guitar!

Friday, March 6, 2020

The Disadvantages of Online Tutoring

The Disadvantages of Online Tutoring Are Online Courses and Academic Coaching Compatible? ChaptersOnline Academic Coaching can Never Replace a Real Teacher!Don’t Leave Children Alone in front of a ComputerBeing Spoilt for ChoiceCan You Trust Free Online Learning Resources?When a student starts seeing their grades drop, online resources may seem tempting. In fact, the web has become one of the best tools when it comes to finding information. While in the past we had to go see a doctor when we weren’t feeling great, you can now get in touch with a doctor directly via the internet!The same is true for academic support!It’s never been easier to find plenty of resources for primary school, secondary school, or university students.Are they trustworthy?What are the pros and cons of online academic support?In this article, we’re going to answer these questions... 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!D iscover 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 tutorsOnline Academic Coaching can Never Replace a Real Teacher!Imagine that your child comes home from school every day and you ask them how their day went. They say “bad”. You ask them why and they’ll probably tell you that they don’t like their teacher. If the first thing you think is, “No problem! You can find lessons online”, you’re wrong.Why?Because you should be careful about immediately believing kids when they say they don’t like their teacher.Children need more than just the internet to learn. (Source: klimkin)However, if you see their grades slipping, it might be worthwhile organising a meeting with their teacher. Try to find out if it’s just your child struggling or if the whole class are.If it’s true that the teacher’s no good, then academic support might be a good answer.  If it isn’t, you’ll need to start asking questions about how your child likes to learn.  Don’t hinge their success on a few online resources.Is it down to their methodology?Maybe their motivation?Psychology?In any case, online resources mightn’t be the answer to this type of problem.  A child sitting in front of a screen will feel more alone and won’t be able to get advice from a professional. If they don’t understand something, there’ll be no-one there to help them.That’s why experts tend to say that certain online resources won’t save a child who’s struggling at school. Only a pupil who’s already an autonomous learner will be able to get the most out of online resources. Young students who struggle to concentrate will be quickly distracted by all the information in front of them.This is why you should only use the internet to nudge them in the right direction rather than a miracle solution for their educational struggles.It can be much easier to understand mathema tics topics like calculus, algebra, statistics, trigonometry, or geometry with the assistance of a qualified tutor online or in person.In some cases, your timetable may mean that a tutorial can't be scheduled despite the fact you need help in a given subject. Of course, online tutoring services are available anywhere there's an internet connection according to the tutor's availability.Don’t Leave Children Alone in front of a ComputerMaybe you’ve had to stay late at work.Despite the fact you promised to help the kids with their homework, you’re too tired to help them study for their geography test or explain certain mathematical concepts to them.Maybe some other parents told you that they let their children go online to study and complete online activities.This isn’t always a great idea, especially when it comes to very young students.Make sure that you teach your children how to correctly browse. (Source: alphalight1)Secondary school students start learning how to work on th eir own. By the time they get to sixth form, they should be pretty adept at it. However, primary school children tend to need accompanying.There are a few reasons for this:Not everything on the internet is true or trustworthy.Your children might come across content that isn’t suitable for them.You can easily get distracted when on the internet.We recommend that parents supervise young children on the internet by making sure the computer is in a shared room, for example. You might even consider setting up parental controls.Forums can be really useful tools for learning. Take your time to make sure that verify the information you get.You should also monitor what your child posts on forums. Speak to their teachers, too! They’ll be able to recommend suitable and trustworthy resources.  When your child is using the internet for their work, make sure that’s exactly what they’re doing.There are plenty of educational videos on sites like YouTube. Just make sure they haven’t starte d watching other videos.Find out more about online academic support tutorials, too!Being Spoilt for ChoiceThere are thousands of sites with learning resources for subjects like:MathsScience (chemistry, physics, biology)HumanitiesEnglish, French, Spanish, German, etc. (grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening)EconomicsPsychologyEtc.A lot of sites boast just how many resources their online courses have.Of course, it’s better finding a site with plenty of resources rather than one with very few.Isn’t it?It’s useful for students to get resources that match the national curriculum. However, you need to know where to find them.  Most students will struggle to find the right resources just because of how many there are.  They spend more time than they should be looking for resources that would actually help them learn.Furthermore, whether they want to study or are being forced to by their parents, they can carry on with the programme.  Specialists agree that working through the curriculum on your own isn’t the way to go. If they rush ahead, they won’t learn as effectively. The same is true when a student goes up a class: a once good student may become an average student.If teachers focus on one topic and quickly cover another, it’s probably because it’s necessary.  You need to choose the solution that works for your child. If your child is struggling with maths, you should get someone who focuses on maths. It’s that simple.Remember the tale of the tortoise and the hare...Slow and steady wins the race. (Source: Alexas_Fotos)This is true for academic support and private tutorials.  It’s not worthwhile paying for academic support for all subjects if there’s just one subject your child struggles with.Giving them too many choices will only serve to overwhelm them.  That’s what educational experts say, at least.Can You Trust Free Online Learning Resources?There are a lot of free online learning resources.  You can find some really interestin g ones.Some offer help with studying for exams like GCSEs and A Levels.Free resources need to be put to good use.  This means effectively incorporating them into your revision schedule:Giving the student the right approach in terms of organisation and methodologyThey need to be used regularlyThey can’t replace learning at schoolLet’s take an A Level student for example. They have plenty of resources to choose from but no one to give them any advice.Where should they start?How can they find resources?How can they pass their exams without help from a professional?The fact that the resources are free means that they’re not tailored to the needs of each student.  Thus, a student needs to think about how the tools and resources available can be integrated into their revision.Using only online resources might do more harm than good. (Source: Skitterphoto)If your child’s struggling at school but you don’t have the budget to hire a private tutor, you might think about getting in t ouch with organisations or charities that offer free tutoring services or going with an online tutor.Despite all the benefits of online academic support, they do come with several disadvantages.Sitting on your own in front of a computer isn’t always as effective as working with the best tutors.  Similarly, it can be difficult to catch up with your course by sitting in front of a screen.However, when used alongside your studies, online academic support resources can become a useful tool.  Of course, one on one tutoring is also a great way to help students with supplemental instruction. However, it can be more expensive than online tutoring or resources.When it comes to your child's academic success, you should find a tutor within your budget who specialised in the subjects your child's struggling with.  Whatever kind of one to one private tutoring you're looking for, you can find writing tutors, study skills tutors, and test prep tutors who'll employ a variety of learning strategie s to guarantee your child's academic success both inside and outside of the classroom.Those being tutored can get help with their studies, a certain assignment or essay, or preparation for an exam. Additionally, you can get them private tuition for as long as they need it.If you're on a budget, there are plenty of advantages to using MOOCs for online academic support. While these are mainly for undergraduate students, more and more of them are offering courses for secondary and primary school students.MOOCs can be very useful for those who've gained admission into a university or college.Once enrolled in a course, it can be a good idea to start an introductory course, especially if it's a subject you've never studied before.  Of course, private tutors aren't just for those in school. If you want to learn a new skill like painting, sewing, dancing, etc. or attend workshops, you can find yourself an instructor trained in the said skill.Whether you're looking for an English tutor, chem istry tutor, reading tutor, or a dancing tutor, painting tutor, or sewing tutor, consider having a look at those with profiles on Superprof!While you're at it, why not find a few online teaching jobs for yourself!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

How to Go Gluten-Free

How to Go Gluten-Free How to Remove Gluten from Your Diet ChaptersAvoid Ready To Eat or Frozen MealsLearn How to Decipher Basic LabelsCookDiscover New Grains Other Than WheatMake Gluten-Free BreadEating Gluten-Free in Restaurants“Cooking and baking is both physical and mental therapy.” -Mary BerryA love for food is a cultural aspect that is present in various societies worldwide. The taste of French croissants, the smell of freshly baked apple pie, and the joy of making Nonna's pasta are all sublime food experiences that transform us to a moment in time and are superbly delicious.However, after eating the previously mentioned food items such as pastries, wheat-based desserts, pasta and bread, do you get stomach cramps that prevent you from continuing on with your daily activities? If so, you're not alone! There are hundreds of thousands of citizens in the United Kingdom who are struggling with the negative effects of wheat-based delights.  Going gluten-free has never been so popular!If you've come to the realisation that gluten needs to be eliminated from your diet, you have made the same decision as more than 8.5 million Brits who are enjoying the benefits of a gluten-free diet either by choice or by necessity.However, going gluten-free isn’t an easy thing; that is why we recommend that those who do not feel any of the negative effects of gluten when consuming wheat-based products should continue eating wheat, barley, and rye. Nonetheless, for those who cannot handle the pains of gluten anymore and are almost coeliac, we suggest completely changing your eating habits, doing extensive research to discover which foods contain gluten, and learn to cook new dishes that are 100% gluten-free.  Nevertheless, since we are living in the digital age with so many online resources published by similar individuals who are combating gluten, there is much advice on how to remove gluten products entirely from your diet.  Although, adopting a gluten-free diet means changing a few things in your life there are ways to do it with out breaking the bank and without giving up unique flavours that you love. Therefore, without further ado, in this article, we'll be looking at gluten sensitivity, gluten-free food, gluten-free products, and how you can maintain a gluten-free diet. RebeccaNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FernNutrition Teacher £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JehanNutrition Teacher £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FazNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AsherNutrition Teacher £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DelNutrition Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YusefNutrition Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JoanneNutrition Teacher £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAvoid Ready To Eat or Frozen MealsFor those who do not know the basics of gluten intolerance, it is important to start at the roots. For example, gluten is a protein that’s present in whe at, barley, oats, and rye. A person with gluten intolerance cannot digest in their intestines the protein of wheat products which are known as prolamins and glutelins.Therefore, those with gluten intolerance need to quickly say goodbye to wheat flour, white bread, cereals, and other types of dough that are commonly found in many snacks and delicious treats. The first thing an individual with gluten intolerance must eliminate are ready to eat, processed, packaged, and frozen meals.Find and take nutrition courses UK. Forget about ready meals as most of them include gluten! (Source: igorovsyannykov)It may surprise people that ready meals and processed foods must be eliminated in a gluten-free diet but it must occur this way since food manufacturers tend to use gluten as thickeners in various commonplace snacks and treats. Also, it is extremely normal to find gluten-based thickeners in sauce and soup packages that are easy to make and perfect for people living on the go.In addition, many individuals do not know that wheat-based products containing gluten can even be found in frozen chips, chocolate, and certain dairy products.  Considering the fact that gluten is present in an overwhelming amount of food products, many consumers start to think that there are not any intriguing food options left on the market.What Can Be Done?While there are various distinct things that can rectify the situation, the easiest solution is to solely avoid ready to eat meals, instant soups, and sauce mixes. Instead of v iewing the process of going gluten-free as a disheartening chore, view it is an opportunity to get back to eating healthy and focusing on the basics.Which means that individuals considering a gluten-free diet will start to frequently include raw ingredients and develop the habit of making things from scratch. Making broths, your favourite snacks, and delicious homemade meals may take more time in the long run but your health with thank you since it is generally better for you considering the fact that there aren't harmful additives, preservatives, and/or gluten.Find out the reasons for going gluten-free.Learn How to Decipher Basic LabelsBecoming gluten-free means taking care of your gut and carefully selecting food items that will not cause harm to your overall health. Also, since there are so many gluten-free consumers in the world today, there are plenty of alternatives available on grocery store shelves that don't taste like sawdust!Therefore, if you really develop the urge to sn ack on some biscuits, pastries, and chips, there are various options available in the gluten-free aisle. However, it is important to state that even if it seems that a product is gluten-free, it may contain some traces or some ingredients that need to be checked out. That's when you become a master at deciphering labels to discover what’s really gluten-free.  The idea of learning which common ingredients contain gluten and checking labels may seem trivial to some; nevertheless, it is hugely important for those who have been diagnosed with  coeliac disease (gluten intolerance). Also, if you’re like many who are sensitive to gluten, you can probably deal with a few traces without too many problems; nevertheless, it's always better to be safe than sorry!Check for nutrition courses UK here. By staying away from wheat, coeliac and other gluten intolerants become healthier than ever before. (Source: pixabay)Did You Know?Gluten can practically be found hiding in everything even cold-cuts and some packaged cheeses!Consequently, we greatly suggest that all individuals with gluten intolerance carefully check the package to be assured that it doesn’t say “may contain traces of gluten”. A valid example of how gluten can sneak into anything is the case with beans. For instance, lentils, chickpeas, or kidney beans may have been processed and cleaned in a factory that uses gluten to make instant soups or other products that contain gluten; that's how traces of gluten are found!  In the UK and other parts of Europe, you can look for the icon with a head of corn and a line going through it to make sure. Remember to always check the ingredients; if they mention barley, wheat, or rye, you’re going to have to leave it on the shelf.All in all, the best way to avoid gluten is to stop eating anything that’s been preprepared and start cooking for yourself with raw ingredients that you can control. Make an evening of cooking gluten-free. (Source: 089photoshootings)Thanks to the internet, there are plenty of great gluten-free recipes that are enjoyed by the whole family. It is important to state that many gluten-free recipes online continue to allow individuals suffering with gluten intolerance the ability to enjoy a plethora of different cuisines.Those with gluten intolerance need to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables as well as vegetable oils in order to obtain the nutrients and minerals they need.The following sections will discuss some essential aspects of gluten-free cooking.  Use Gluten-Free Flour By playing around with different flours, the same baked goods you've always enjoyed can be gluten-free. (Source: pixabay)By far the easiest to use and most commonly found flour used by chefs is wheat flour; it can be found in plenty of dishes but unfortunately, it contains many traces of gluten. However, there is no need to fret since it's extremely possible to replace wheat flour by using other alternatives and by sticking to a few basic rules. It’s highly recommended to use different types of flours for each recipe to find a balanced and neutral taste that will suit all types of flavours. Each type of gluten-free flour has a distinctive taste and colour so blending them together is a way to neutralise them and create a hybrid flour that is more similar to wheat.The following is a list of the most commonly used gluten-free flours that can be readily used by all:Rice flour: with a neutral taste that is great for cakes, French-style sauces, and pie crust, rice flour is a favourite a mong gluten-free consumers.Almond flour:  albeit a bit more expensive than wheat flour, almond flour can quickly be made at home and is perfect for cookies and bread.Buckwheat flour: probably the strongest taste of gluten-free flours, buckwheat is either hated or loved by consumers yet it is great for savoury pancakes, pie crusts, biscuits, and cakes. Basically, if you like the taste, you should use it.Coconut flour:  made from dried coconut meat, coconut flour has a slight coconut taste to it and should be used for making desserts and bread.Sorghum flour:  very dense yet high in fibre, protein, and rich nutrients, sorghum flour is naturally gluten-free and is one of the most important grains on the planet.Millet flour: high in fibre, millet flour is great for mixing with rice flour to make bread, muffins, crepes, and tortillas. It is important to mention that it is much better to mix millet flour than use it alone.Cassava flour:  also known as yuca flour, cassava is native from Sou th America and is gluten, nut, and grain-free. Cassava flour is easy to digest and contains far fewer calories than more commonly used flours such as almond and coconut.To mix things up from the norm, you might also consider chestnut flour, chickpea flour, or cornflour. Also, some gluten-free consumers have mixed in starch from potatoes, corn, or rice to get lighter results.It is very important to systematically weigh your flour before cooking a new recipe since they all have different densities and that could affect the entire result.Replace Chemical Raising AgentsNecessary for cooking bread and other like pastries, chemical raising agents are commonly used in baking to make the mix lighter and more airy. However, it is important to state that chemical raising or leavening agents often contain gluten. Fortunately, there are other options that replace baking powder and help to establish airy cakes:Guar gum: used in soups, sauces, ice cream, pastries, and bread.Xanthan gum: you can c reate a mix of 75% guar gum and 25% xanthan gum to improve the texture.Baker’s yeast: despite what you may think, this doesn’t contain gluten; surprise, surprise!Baking Soda: be careful not to use too much as the taste isn’t great, 2 to 3g is enough to make a cake rise. Bakers can also mask the taste of sodium by adding a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice.Egg whites: when added one after another, egg whites are perfect to delicately aerate your dough.A final baking tip is to use unrefined sugars such as cane, coconut, sucanat, or date sugar to make the cake moist and fluffy; pure perfection!Gluten-Free MealsAre you about to host a dinner party with some gluten-loving friends? Are you panicking as to what you will serve them? Do you want to make your guests a delicious gluten-free meal that you can enjoy and have them indulge without noticing there isn't gluten?Don’t worry about a thing! There are so many distinct gluten-free meals that can be tried by following a recipe of a reputable site.The following is a slight example of what can be made and featured in a gluten-free meal:  Starter or Appetizer: some simple vegetable soup or some sliced vegetables with a dipping sauce.Main Meal: though you're gluten-free, you can still eat beef, chicken, lamb, or wish without any repercussions. Also, consider adding either some rice, potatoes, quinoa, or dried beans with the meat.Dessert: fruit salad, sorbets, mousse, or ice cream makes a simple yet satisfying dessert for gluten-free eaters.Find out which foods are gluten-free.Discover New Grains Other Than WheatBy cooking without gluten, home chefs develop the opportunity to discover other grains that can be used that are not only wheat; traditional wheat-based products can effectively be replaced!An example of this is as simple as using whole grain rice rather than white rice. Why? It’s far more filling, it can be used for a number of different dishes, and it contains many minerals and vitamins.Also, gluten-f ree newbies should consider consuming bean products such as lentils, peas, and chickpeas; they’re high in vegetable protein and are useful when you’re trying to reduce your meat consumption at the same time as going gluten-free.Make Gluten-Free BreadMany Europeans cannot go without their bread, jam, and cheese in the morning; therefore, when they learn that for health reasons they must go gluten-free, it is a complete travesty! However, as a result of the creative minds of gluten-free individuals, there are now many delicious bread recipes that are made without using any wheat flour. If you're gluten-free, consider making your own bread. (Source: fancycrave1)While some flours are far better than others when making bread without gluten, there are some basic steps that must be taken into account to create some bread that is actually edible.Nevertheless, it is important to state that flours such as millet, potato, almond, tapioca, and brown rice flour are by far the best when deciding to bake a fresh loaf of savoury yet wholesome bread.  Without further ado, the following are some essential tips to keep in mind when cooking bread as a gluten-free consumer:  The yeast needs to be activated in warm water, between 38 °C and 43 ° because if the water is too cold it won’t rise, and if it’s too warm, the yeast will die out.Add as much water as you do flour to help it rise.Don’t knead the dough and cook it in an oiled pan.You can add a bit of guar gum and xanthan gum to improve the aeration process.Discover some great gluten-free recipes.Eating Gluten-Free in Restaur ants Eating in restaurants can be tricky if you're gluten-free. (Source: Free-Photos)We shall start off by saying that it is much easier to cook gluten-free snacks and meals at home than it is to find savoury delights that are without gluten while hitting the town.At restaurants that do not offer any gluten-free options, which has become increasingly rare, it is best to opt for salads with a low-fat vinaigrette since they don’t tend to contain any traces of gluten; however, this is always a risk because it is impossible to know the source of all ingredients.If you’re gluten intolerant, you might want to visit gluten-free restaurants so that you don’t run the risk of your food being contaminated with gluten.For those who want to find 100% gluten-free restaurants, the following are the best options in and around major UK cities according to Stylist:Ceviche,  Pho,  Le Bistrot Pierre,  Indian Summer,  Nibsy's,  Dough,  Banana Tree, Wahaca.  The previously mentioned restaurant options ma ke worrying about gluten-free possibilities on the menu a thing of the past.Nonetheless, we recommend that if you’re going to a friend’s house, you might want to bring your own gluten-free cake or bread so that you’ll definitely have something to eat and won't be a burden on those who still do want to cook using wheat-based products. Also, you may want to have a little snack before you go in case they've only made food that contains gluten.Are You Ready To Go Gluten-Free?If you need any help with nutritional advice on how to remove gluten from your diet, consider getting in touch with one of the private tutors on Superprof. There are plenty of talented nutritionists, dietitians, and fitness instructors who can help you at affordable prices. It is important to state that there are three main types of tutorials available: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.Face-to-face private tutorials are more personable since they're just between you and the tutor. Through private classes, gluten-free pupils can effectively focus on their specific goals without interruption. Of course, this does come at a cost and face-to-face tutorials tend to be the most expensive type of tutorials available.Online tutorials are also just between you and the tutor but with the main difference being that the tutor isn't physically there in the room with you. Thanks to the internet, you can now learn online, communicating with your tutor via webcam using video conferencing software such as Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime. With fewer travel expenses and the ability to schedule more tutorials per week, online tutorials tend to be cheaper per hour than face-to-face ones.Finally, group tutorials are very common and involve one tutor with more than one student. Since there are various students, less of the tutor's time will be spent focusing on you. Nevertheless, the cost of the tutor's time and expertise will also be shared amongst all the students; which  means that gro up tutorials are usually the cheapest per student per hour.All in all, removing gluten from your diet is 100% possible thanks to all the tips and tricks from today's article; we hope that you will eat better and enjoy healthy alternatives!

Guitar Exercises Building Finger Strength

Guitar Exercises Building Finger Strength Suzy S. Forget bicep curls for guitarists, its all about finger strength! Improving your dexterity and finger strength is one of the top ways to really step up your playing. Here, guitar teacher Brian H. tackles the common question, How do I get a good sound, and build finger strength at the same time? Frustrated with your sound?   Youre not alone. You might know how to play your favorite song, but the sound is not as clean or clear as you hear on the recording. This is a common concern for beginner guitarists, and it can be corrected with a few simple exercises. In most cases, the problem stems from poor finger placement with your fretting hand, and let’s not forget one of the weaker fingers like the pinky (4th finger). Sometimes we favor the stronger fingers and make it a habit of not using the weaker ones. Fortunately, you can fix this problem by going back to the basics 1. Learn the basics right and you will go far. Let’s start by using the first string, the first fret, and the first finger (index). Place the first finger next to the first fret, so close that you are just about touching the fret. You will produce the best sound by staying very close to the fret. The further you go away from the fret; the note might give you that annoying buzz sound. This is because it is harder to press the string down when you are not right next to the fret. 2. A tip for the tip of your fingers. Now that you are next to the fret, you need to use the correct part of the finger. When you are playing open string chords (first position), riffs, licks, or soloing, using the tip of the finger will help you develop a quality sound. 3. Building those finger muscles is as easy as one, two, three, four! Using the first string, place the tip of your finger next to the first fret. Now pick that first string. Each finger will follow; second finger and second fret, third finger and third fret and the fourth finger and fourth fret. Make sure to pick each note slowly and with a steady beat. Now pause, and then go from the fourth finger and fret to the third, second, and end at the first finger and fret. You can use the same pattern with the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth strings. Keep a slow, steady beat so that each note will sound clear. When that feels comfortable, progress to a medium then fast tempo. Practice all of these steps and you will be on your way to getting a good sound and building finger strength! Join the TakeLessons community and receive exclusive updates, expert advice, tips and more!  Sign up for email updates here! Brian H. teaches bass guitar, guitar, music performance and music theory lessons to students of all ages in Glastonbury, CT. Brian has had 25 years experience playing in rock/pop bands, and currently performs classic rock to today’s rock with Enny Corner. He joined the TakeLessons team in July 2012. Sign up for lessons with Brian, or search for a teacher in   your area today! Photo by Jonesemyr.

Should I Retake the MCAT

Should I Retake the MCAT Youve devoted monthsand perhaps even quite a bit of moneyto preparing for the Medical College Admission Test, and now that youve received your score, all you can wonder is, Should I retake the MCAT? Ultimately, everyone has their own opinion about whether a retake is necessary. One way to approach this question is to review the data utilized by medical school admissions committees, as well as several applicable studies. Soshould I retake the MCAT? Consider this study, which was a meta-analysis of 23 other studies. It examined MCAT scores and their correlation to medical school GPAs and USMLE Step 1 scores. The highest predictive validity (or correlation) was seen between MCAT results and USMLE Step 1 scores (though this correlation was small to medium). This is important to note, as the Step 1 exam partially determines what field(s) of medicine you will be competitive for. Therefore, admissions committees may place significant weight on MCAT scores. [RELATED: What is an Average MCAT Score?] Next, what do studies say about retaking the MCAT? This study concluded that the average of the earlier and later score on two MCAT attempts had the highest predictive validity. The second highest predictive validity was awarded to the earlier MCAT score. Another study had similar findings. When multiple scores were present, the average score was the best indicator of USMLE Step 1 scores. If you believe that you can significantly improve your MCAT results, and your target programs average scores or consider the highest result, it may be worth retaking the MCAT. The AAMC (or Association of American Medical Colleges) maintains a chart of retesting data for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 exam years. Though this chart relates to the prior version of the MCAT, it suggests how much of a score difference you may see on a retake based on how you fared the first time. Very large increases are primarily common with lower scores. If you fall into this category, you should consider retaking the MCAT. If your target medical school takes the average of your MCAT scores, remember that an incremental improvement may not make much difference. By this point, you may be leery of taking the MCAT at all. That is not the intention. The MCAT is an important aspect of medical school admissions, but it is not the only factor in your application. With the appropriate deliberation and preparation, including taking MCAT practice tests or working with MCAT tutors, you can make the most of your MCAT test date (whether its your first or second!). 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.

Calculus Homework Help Want an Easy Fix

Calculus Homework Help Want an Easy Fix Worried about your calculus homework? Tutor Pace can help you. Our  calculus homework help  solves all your calculus problems smoothly. Wondering how? Find it out right now. Calculus homework help: Why have our calculus homework help? Bring a calculus problem to our calculus experts and they will solve it right away for you. Get step by step solutions and know the logic behind every solution. Our calculus homework help is meant for your all around help. We’ve got you covered 24/7 in our calculus homework help. Learn anytime from any place. Want to attend a party tonight? No problem. Come back to us in the morning and get started. Whether night or morning; be it your home or on the go, our tutors connect with you day in and day out. Got any assignments? Show them to our experts and they will help you finish the assignments on time. Tell us a specific area where you need help and we’ll give you our best calculus tutor right away. Tutor Pace’s calculus homework help is provided by a pack of certified calculus experts. Our tutors include the masters and PhDs in math. These teachers have taught at high school and college level for many years. Almost all our students have benefited hugely from our calculus homework help. 90 to 95 % of our total students have shown better grades, more confidence, and higher homework finishing rates in calculus. No wonder why Tutor Pace is the ideal choice for getting calculus homework help. Our calculus homework help cover all important calculus topics: Limits and continuityIntegration Differentiation Differential equations Applications of derivatives Logarithmic and exponential series Get to the core of these topics while getting personalized attention from our tutors. Just like the calculus homework help, we provide best precalculus homework help around your schedule. Precalculus homework help: A precalculus homework help that actually works Tutor Pace’s precalculus homework help lets you master the basics for reaching the advanced level in calculus. Not only that, we provide you easy and comfortable learning by means of: One on one tutoring:  Nothing is better than learning at your pace. Learn directly from our experts on one to one basis. The individual attention ensures that you learn as well as enjoy the subject. Interactive learning:  Solve your homework questions better using our highly interactive whiteboard. It gives you a real time problem solving experience. Interact with our precalculus tutors by using live chat. This way you can talk to them and take their valuable feedback. Moreover, our precalculus homework help lets you communicate more with the tutors by means of chats and instant messages. 24/7 homework help:  Connect with our tutors all day and all night, anytime when you need our help. Obtain complete solutions for your homework questions with the help of experts. Know the logic and reasoning behind every type of question at your ease. Other help:  Be it your assignment or your academic project, our tutors help you with everything. Follow schedules designed by our certified tutors to prepare for your exams and tests. Unlimited practice:  Utilize our math worksheets for getting broad practice on all pre-calculus topics. Our precalculus homework help include all topics like conic sections, limits, integration, differentiation, and derivatives etc. Tutor Pace covers both calculus homework help and pre-calculus homework help in the one package that is math help calculus. Math help calculus: 9 Great tips from our great math help calculus tutors Math can spin anyone’s head, especially the calculus part. Thus, our math help calculus tutors want to share some useful tips to help all levels of students in the subject. Revise the class notes:  A students should not jump on his homework directly. He should first give a through reading to his class notes. Since, homework is nothing but revision of what you learned in your class. You can do that only after refreshing the already learned concepts. Read the textbook:  After revising your class notes, go through the same topics in your textbook. Your class notes act as your quick revision material, while the textbook gives you a thorough understanding on the topic. Sit for doing homework regularly:  Don’t miss out on your homework at any point. This is for everybody. Even already good students leave doing homework because they always think they can do it later. Many don’t even feel the urge to do it because it is unimportant for them. Attend all your classes:  Be on time in your class. Always request the teacher to re-explain the things that you find confusing. Make notes especially taking down the important points mentioned by your teacher. Highlight and mark:  While taking notes, use different symbols and color pens to mark certain things in your notes. If the teacher stresses on a topic or question from exam point, then mark it as imp. Underline important terms while reading chapters. Listen to what others ask:  You’ll get extra information, if you pay attention to what other students are asking from the teacher. It adds more information to your existing knowledge database. Maybe, what you couldn’t ask gets asked by somebody else and that can clear your doubt. Focus on the method:  Many students cram the steps of solving specific questions, but fail to understand the method behind it. Ask yourself questions like why it has been solved this way? You’ll discover many new answers. Search for old exam papers:  Often, you can practice better using old question papers. They give you an idea of what can be asked in your upcoming exam and what all is important. You can get these papers from college library or stationery shops. Write math, don’t just read it:  Math is all a pen game. Practice by writing formulas, questions, and solutions. Don’t just skim through the questions and answers provided by the teacher. According to the math help calculus tutors; these tips can help you effectively in getting great calculus grades. Tutor Pace’s  calculus homework help  is helpful, complete, and affordable for you. Get our precalculus homework help right away!

Learn English Vocabulary connected to Losing a Job - Real Life English

Learn English Vocabulary connected to Losing a Job - Real Life English Here you will learn useful English vocabulary connected to losing a job. What other words can you use in English to say she has just lost her job or he lost his job last week? Learn English Vocabulary connected to Losing a Job SACKEDThe most common way to describe leaving your job. It usually suggests it was not your decision.He was late too many times for work so his boss  gave him the sack  (or he got the sack).FIREDMore formal way to describe losing your jobI got fired from work two days ago.RESIGNEDUsed when you are in control of the decision to leave.I had had enough of his orders I decided to try something different so resigned  yesterday.TO BE PUSHED OUT/PUSHED ASIDE  When you are no longer needed or you are over looked for promotion.He was unsettled when the company was taken over. The new bosses were different from the previous owners. They really wanted him to leave. He got the feeling that he was being pushed out. He was no longer needed and was pushed aside when it came to promotions and his assistant was promoted above him.SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTSThis refers to someone who is no longer seen as useful or important to a business.He was called in to his bosses office. They said that due to the lac k of new business they needed to reorganise my unit and unfortunately I  was now surplus to requirements and would be made redundant by the following month.A BIT LONG IN THE TOOTH FOR THAT WORK  When someone has been working for many years in the one place and is almost part of the furniture. The bosses want to make way for younger more energetic staff.They asked me if I  thought i was a little long in the tooth for this business, after all I  had been there for over 20 years. Other Words for Losing a Job - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do next: REDUNDANTCompanies reorganise all the time and in bad times or due now to improved efficiencies many people lose their jobs in this way. They are  made redundant. Their job no longer exists.DOWN SIZEDOne of these wonderful euphemisms (ways to say something bad in a softer way to ease the pain!!). The company had to reduce its workforce due to the economic situation.They down sized  and over 100 people lost their jobs.LET GOA more casual or informal way to refer to a job loss.Poor Michael lost his job last week that’s the second time this year he has been “let go”.JUMPED BEFORE HE WAS PUSHEDWhen someone decides it is best to leave a company on his own terms before they ask him to leave.He had been unsettled for a few months. He had the impression that there were going to be changes in his are. He handed in his resignation and thought it was best to jump before he was pushed out.LEFT OF HIS OWN RECORD  Sometimes when people leave companies the market place is never sure whether t he decided to leave or were they asked to leave. When someone decides themselves that it is time to move on,  then  we can say he/she left of their own accord. It was their decision.David had had enough.Late nights early mornings and no appreciation for his efforts. He handed in his notice and left of his own accord three weeks later.TOOK UP ANOTHER POSITIONPeople leave companies every day and for many different reasons. Without giving any great detail such announcements often simply state thatMichael has decided to leave the company to take up another position. We wish him the best of luck in his future career.PUT OUT TO PASTURETo be forced to retire. It’s what they do to old horses and donkeys. When a horse can no longer run it is put in a filed  (pasture)  where it can spend its remaining life eating grass.Mark was good at his job.Everybody acknowledged that. However, if they did not make room for the younger guys they would leave. “They dont need me any more,  I  am being pu t out to pasture” he told his wife.There are many others. To be re-engineered! Be wary when your boss tells you he is bringing in some consultants to look at some re-engineering  (changes) to the business.

Books Every Student Should Read Mindset The New Psychology of Success

Books Every Student Should Read â€" Mindset The New Psychology of Success Improving Academic Performance As many readers of this blog know, MyGuru tries to be much more than a place where parents and students can look for a private tutor. We are trying to build a community of parents, students, tutors, and other experts where ideas about how to be healthier, more productive, and academically successful are exchanged. With that in mind, in this article I’ll discuss a book which offers powerful ideas to help any student be more successful inside and outside of the classroom: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. She helped found a company on the back of her research called “Mindset Works.” This is part of a new series we are launching called “Books Every Student Should Read.” Each book we discuss will be reviewed in the context of a framework we’ve developed called the Academic Performance Pyramid, which says that for any given level of effort, your performance is determined by your: 1. overall health and wellness, 2. Mindset and character, 3. strategies for reaching goals, 4. techniques used when studying and learning new things, and 5. organizational skills. Dweck’s mindset is a cornerstone of the “Mindset” portion of our framework. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Dr. Dweck introduces the reader to a powerful concept called the “growth mindset.” Her research in psychology has revealed that people tend to think about their intelligence and personality in one of two ways. They either a) adopt a “fixed” mindset, and believe their intelligence, sense of humor, communication skills, etc. are “traits” that they inherited at birth and can’t be changed, or b) they adopt a “growth” mindset and believe that their intelligence and various dimensions of their personality can be adjusted with practice and focused effort. The fixed mindset, for example, treats your intelligence like a trait such as your height. You can’t change your height. The growth mindset views intelligence like a muscle that can be strengthened through training and practice. The Transforming Education blog has an excellent infographic on what a growth mindset is and why it matters. In study after study, Dweck has shown that when students either naturally tend to have a growth mindset or receive growth mindset training such that they are exposed to the differences between the two and are provided with ways in which they can cultivate a growth mindset instead of a fixed one, they perform better on tests and earn better grades. Why would this be? Why is a growth mindset so important for students to understand? There are a few reasons. First, most IQ researchers believe personality and intelligence have both some fixed and some “malleable” or “changeable” dimensions to them. For example, IQ tests try to measure your brain’s processing speed (to over simplify the matter quite a bit). These tests are supposed to be measuring your underlying, genetic ability to acquire knowledge, not the amount of knowledge you currently have from studying and learning. Some studies however, show that with focused practice and/or increased education, IQ scores can drift upwards. IQ scores can be improved, a little bit. So that’s one reason the growth mindset leads to better performance. Some things, like underlying IQ, which seem fixed and which the average person believes is truly fixed, really aren’t, so with practice, performance improves. But in fact, the real “secret” to understanding the power of the growth mindset, in my view, is that the concept of “intelligence” is a very complicated and complex one, and many students believe that performance in various subjects in school has a LOT to do with what you might call “genetically determined IQ” when in fact, it has just a little to do with “IQ” and a LOT to do with how much you practice and how much effort you put in. Students would be better served to ignore the concept of “IQ,” and instead focus on a more broadly defined notion of “intelligence” that perhaps acknowledges the existence of IQ scores on some level, but focuses FAR more on how focused practice and hard work help you acquire knowledge and build the skills that, in effect, grow your intelligence steadily over time. Let me try to be clearer and summarize the main theme of Dr. Dweck’s work in the context of a reasonably complex mathematics class like first semester calculus. This is the type of class that seems to many students like it might be very difficult. And yes, it’s a class you might not take until college, depending on your experience with math. But in fact, doing math is much more like a skill you can build through practice than some sort of IQ test. So sure, some percentage of students will just struggle with comprehending the concepts in calculus. But the successful student in first semester calculus is typically successful because they pay attention, work hard, and practice (i.e., do their homework). I would argue that almost all students who find themselves sitting in a first semester calculus course HAVE THE REQUIRED ABILITY to earn an A or a B, IF they put in the work. The student with a “fixed” mindset though, sort of flips that narrative. They believe their math skill is a fixed trait. They’ll either understand the material or they won’t. If you think this way, you really have very limited incentive to pay much attention and work hard. You may be forced to put in the work because the teacher grades homework or your parents have instilled in you a good work ethic, but in your mind, you feel a sense of futility because you just don’t think that you have much control over your performance. As soon as you start thinking this way, you of course are less likely to pay attention and put in the work. This naturally leads to poor performance, which reinforces the idea that you just aren’t very good at math. With a growth mindset, the whole story works in the opposite direction. You assume everyone, including you, has the intelligence to get an A in calculus, they just have to practice and build their math skills. Since you feel in control, you are MUCH more likely to decide to put in that work and get to a good outcome in the class. The implication is that you are in full control of your academic future, and you could probably pursue academic areas that seem almost impossible. This could mean that a person with an average or slightly above average IQ, if he or she decided to, could become a PhD in Physics with the right amount of focused practice and effort. Most people can become experts in almost any academic area if they decide that’s what they’d like to pursue. Now, can anyone win a Nobel prize in physics or earn a tenure position at Harvard teaching physics? IQ may play a role in allowing you to reach the absolute pinnacle of some professions. But most of the time, focused practice and hard work can get you much farther than many students realize. How do you build a growth mindset? Across the many articles that have been written about the growth mindset and within the Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, I see two basic strategies for cultivating growth mindsets instead of fixed ones. First, take the time to explain to yourself and others about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, and about the complexity behind the notion of “intelligence” or being “smart.” Imagine two people, Bill and Frank. They are both 30 years old. Bill dropped out of college and works in the family business, and has an IQ score that is 15% higher than Frank’s. But Frank has read 25 times more books, and holds a PhD in Political Science and an undergraduate degree in Economics. He’s written several of his own books. He’s spent thousands of hours in classrooms listening to lectures and writing papers about a variety of topics. Who is “smarter?” Second, when you are thinking about your own performance or that of your children, praise effort, not results. That A in the math class was a result of “how hard you worked and how much you practiced” and not “how smart you are at math.”