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Learn To Play A Musical Instrument For Free In 5 Ways

There is something extraordinary about being able to learn a new skill or achieve something new on your own, especially if you started from scratch. For instance, self-made millionaires are so admirable that we want to know their secret to success.

If you aspire to become a self-taught musician, look no further because this article will give five ways to achieve your dream. Start by finding the right instrument for you. The instrument that you shall choose must dictate the type of music you like or must resonate the type of music you visualize recreating.

1. EXPLORING THE WORLD OF MUSIC

If you want to explore the world of music, it is a good idea to start with the history first. Annenberg Learner’s Exploring the World of Music consists of a series of half-hour videos that examine topics such as sound, melody, harmony, music memory, music composers, and so on.

The featured artists perform music from Bosnia to India and Ireland to West Africa. Learn even more with the related printable materials that are available on the website for free.

2. ONLINE MUSIC THEORY GAME

With its simplistic lessons and user-friendly interface, a beginner can truly appreciate the “Online Music Theory Game”. Online Music Theory Game offers a myriad of lessons on multiple instruments such as keyboard and guitar. Its lessons include the discussion of the music fundamentals such as note duration, major and minor scales, and key signatures.

Try browsing through the lessons, here.

3. SELFTAUGHTGUITARLESSONS.COM

If you are eyeing on the sleek guitar as your instrument of choice, SelfTaughtGuitarLessons.com is a good place to start because it covers everything from the basics including how to purchase your first guitar and what its parts are. Little by little, you will be able to learn the chords and scales with the informative articles and videos. A glossary that includes the musicians’ lingo is just an added bonus of the site.

4. PLAYPERFECT MUSIC PRACTICE SOFTWARE

PlayPerfect Music Practice Software allows you to practice musical pieces by setting its speed, tempo, and visual cues. Notes display a change of color as you play and you can practice playing with or without the metronome. You can use it for any instruments such as violin, guitar, piano, cello, bass, flute, or saxophone. It is available to download for free on your Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and XP.

5. YOUTUBE

YouTube, a video-sharing website, is not limited to the cute cat or provocative music videos. It stores a lot of tutorials too! Simply type the musical instrument you want to play on the search tab and put the word “tutorial for beginners” beside it and click enter. Now, you will see a screen full of tutorial videos you can choose from.

Here are just some of them:

a. Flute Tutorials

b. Violin Tutorials

c. Piano Tutorials

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Have fun learning!

4 Futuristic Products That Are Worth Your Bucks

Maximize your life with these futuristic products and gadgets that are available now…

1. SILVERAIR SOCKS

Getting tired of those smelly socks? Well, Y Athletics is a game changer! Y Athletics pioneered the SilverAir Socks, which are high performance sports socks made with pure silver and merino wool. The same material is used by astronauts in their space suits! Isn’t that fantastic? It comes with various colors such as Jet Black, Graphite Grey, Electric Blue, Sedona Red, Ithaca Green, and Glacier White.

You may pre-order now at US$18 (about S$25) as the retail price will be US$22. Every three pairs of socks come with a beautiful travel case.

2. 3DOODLER PEN

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scribble something in the air and make it come to life? 3Doodler pen is making that happen! Simply trace or wave your fingers in the air with the 3Doodler 2.0. pen. With over 65 available colors, the possibilities are endless! Furthermore, you may check out the community page for free downloadable stencils and inspirations.

Order yours today at US$99 (about S$137) per piece.

https://www.facebook.com/3Doodler/videos/vb.464802356894648/932685013439711/?type=2&theater

3. PLAYBULB LITE

Wouldn’t it be nice to play your tunes at a well-lit room? Mipow had that in mind when they made the PLAYBULB Lite. PLAYBULB Lite is a LED lightbulb with Bluetooth speaker. It is ideal for dormitories, apartments, and condominiums. Its LED power is 3W while its voltage is 50-60Hz. Get yours at US$39.99 (about S$56) each!

Image Credits: store.mipow.com/ww/en/playbulb-lite-led-light-with-bluetooth-speaker.html

4. GLOW HEADPHONES

Gorgeous and brilliant, Glow uses state of the art technology and Corning Fibrance to make the brightest headphones in the world! Glow Headphones pulsates to the beat of your playlist by using its laser lights. Also, you may control the laser intensity by using the Glow App on your iOS or Android device. Take control of your rhythm by pre-ordering one at US$169 (about S$235).

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/GlowHeadphones

5 Affordable & Free Ways To Play Awesome Video Games

Video games are defined as any form of interactive games that utilizes a specialized electronic device, a computer, a mobile phone, a television, or other display screen. Committing to the gamer life can be expensive at times because a console can cost over S$399 while it can cost S$60 per game.

Thankfully, you do not have to spend too much to enjoy awesome video games, because there are several ways to play without emptying your wallet or breaking the law. Here are some of them:

1. GET FREEMIUM

Freemium are mobile phone or Smartphone gaming Apps that are free to download but require payment to unlock additional features. Most of the times, you do not need to spend a dollar if you are really patient in waiting. Besides, you get to play famed games such as Angry Birds Star Wars II, Real Racing 3, and Candy Crush Saga for free!

2. GO RETRO

Go retro by purchasing cheaper and older Nintendo models or game consoles online. For example, I found a red Nintendo DS for S$50 and Nintendo DS games for S$5. But, I am sure that you can still bargain for a better price.

3. PLAY ONLINE

As a teenager, I frequent online websites that offer wide collections of free video games. And, my favorite of those websites are: free80sarcade.com, y8.com, and girlsgogames.com.

If you like old school arcade games such as Donkey Kong, Star Trek, CosmoFighter, Dig Dug, Adventure Island, Super Mario Brothers & Duck Hunt, PacMan, and Tetris then, you would love free80sarcade.com! This website caters to your 80’s nostalgia as it brings you 100% safe and free arcade games online.

Next, y8.com boasts with over 50,000 free online video games that include shooting games, simulations, makeovers, and so much more. Lastly, girlsgogames.com caters to what every girl wants! It has a beautiful collection of dress up, cooking, simulation, and makeover games.

4. VISIT STEAM

Steam is an online video games store wherein you can access and purchase affordable Indie and mainstream games. Steam sales are ongoing all year round so, keep an eye to catch really great prices! Furthermore, Steam offers free to play games such as DOTA 2, adVenture Capitalist, Trove, and Clicker Heroes.

5. PLAY AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Entertainment Deck in Terminal 2 of Changi Airport is the place where the children and child at heart can go wild! Get caught in an action game while playing with the XBOX 360, Playstation 3 consoles, or LAN gaming. All this for free!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 &2

4 Stand-out Hobbies You Shall Put In Your C.V. To Elevate Your Employability

You may think that the “hobbies and interests” section in your Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) is rubbish but, it is not! Often underestimated by many, a good hobbies and interests section has several benefits.

First, this section gives you the opportunity to manifest your endearing personality and characteristics. Second, it allows you to support your working experience and claimed skill set. Third, it helps you create smooth conversations with the interviewer. And lastly, it helps the interviewer decide if you are culturally fit in the company you are applying for.

With all these in mind, here are the 4 Stand-out Hobbies You Shall Put In Your C.V. To Elevate Your Employability…

1. PARTICIPATING IN TEAM SPORTS

If you participate in any team sports then, do not hesitate to include it in your C.V. or resume. Team sports show your capacity to work with others in the pursuit of a goal. Furthermore, it shows that you are able to commit and learn from your mistakes. These qualities are particularly desirable in industries that need interpersonal relationships and great teamwork.

2. WRITING

An interest in writing (i.e., through making your own poetry website, writing a book, managing a blog, etc.) gives emphasis on your communication skills and creativity. These strengths are desirable in the application of editorial and public relations positions.

Aside from this, most often than not, your interviewer will be Google-ing you before your interview. And, having your own blog or website will give you an edge over others. In fact, based on personal experience, I had come to more than two interviews wherein they would compliment how interesting and how eloquent I am in my blog. From search engine optimization to social media management and language skills, having your own creative writing hobby boosts your image and offers a peek inside your beautiful mind.

3. GOING TO MUSEUMS OR READING BOOKS

You may think that putting “museum enthusiast” or “bookworm” in your C.V. is boring but, it is not! These interests allow you to showcase your thirst for knowledge and education. This quality is especially favorable if you are applying for a position as a researcher.

4. TRAVELING

Wanderlust can enjoy not only the perks of travel but also the perks of employability. Having a strong desire to explore the world gives the impression that you are brave enough to step out of your comfort zone.

While traveling, you are planning your finances and budgeting your expenses. Through this, you picked up organizational skills. While traveling, you are able to befriend a person from a different culture or even learn a local phrase or two. Through this, you picked up communication skills.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Moreover, writing that your hobbies include traveling will show that you are open to relocate. A quality that is sought after by many global companies today.

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Amazingly Affordable Toys That Can Make Your Child Happier And Smarter

I smiled when I saw the definition of the word “toy” at dictionary.com. According to it, toys are supposed to serve as a diversion rather than practicality. It is also an object that typically represents something familiar for children or others to play with. As a children’s teacher I can vouch for that meaning. Sometimes, we use toys to divert the kids’ attention while we prepare for the class. I am sure some moms use toys as a distraction for them to do chores too!

If toys are so helpful and pervasive, are there cheaper alternatives? Fortunately, there are. You can use your imagination and creativity to make handmade toys. Not only can you save more money but you can also increase the toys’ safety.

Two types of toys are mainly in the market today namely: educational toys and entertaining toys. Let us start with the latter…

FUN TOYS

1. MADE OF MILK CARTON

It is vital for kids to consume more milk in order for their bones to grow stronger. And, after they finished the whole carton, do not throw it just yet. You can transform an empty milk carton into a sailboat that can survive sizable splashes of water.

Full instructions – here.

2. MADE OF SPONGES

Have you ever played Jenga or Tumbling Towers? It is a fun game that you and your little ones can get addicted to. But, a new box can cost over S$19. Save more money while retaining its structure by making block pieces out of sponges.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/Toddler-Approved/179029702145360?fref=photo

Alternatively, you can practice making patterns or letters out of it. Full instructions – here.

3. MADE OF SHOEBOX

Have you saved up old newspapers, shoeboxes, and rubber bands? Well, you can turn those things into an old-fashioned toy guitar. Browse here for full instructions.

SMART TOYS

1. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S TOUCHING SENSATIONS

Various childcare and preschool centers include sensory tables to improve the fine motor skills and touching sensations of the young minds. Make your own by taking a simple wooden base out of a plastic bin. Then, you can fill it with colorful beads, dried beans, handful of rice, and so much more. This set toy will keep your child occupied for hours!

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/RingAroundtheRosies

Full instructions – here.

2. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S VISUO-SPATIAL AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS

Say the weather is not friendly enough to go to the nearby playground, what you can do is to round-up your kids, take a large sheet of paper, and several shaped blocks. Then, challenge them into a giant block puzzle. Let them figure it out on their own. Full instructions – here.

3. IMPROVE THE CHILD’S PHONETICS

A toy made out of inexpensive materials can go a long way in terms of improving your child’s language abilities. Repeat the letters and add sounds as you read along the alphabet board (full instructions – here).

Image Credits: nicandkate09.blogspot.com

Also, you can incorporate magnetic letters for your child to match it with the alphabet board accordingly. This activity is both educational and enjoyable!

Reminder: Although the ingredients and materials used are safe, it is still essential to look after your child from time to time to avoid any unforeseen events.

Sources: 1 & 2

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