Organic Chemistry Tutors Group

Organic Chemistry Tutors GroupA good solid chemistry tutor group can be a big help in making your work as a chemist much easier. If you're looking for one, consider the advantages of working with several other students who are interested in chemistry.A recent study on workplace safety and productivity at the University of Sheffield revealed that more than 50% of its employees failed to complete their whole-year work plans. This is an alarming figure when it comes to the safety of employees at work. Clearly the company needs to do something about this. In fact, it has been suggested that students may be more reliable when it comes to ensuring safety and productivity in a workplace environment.Achieving an A grade in a course such as organic chemistry for teachers can be difficult as most quality school pupils would have struggled with the material. Many teachers will simply not consider it worth putting up with their pupil's inability to perform, particularly if they know that the wor k is an achievable goal. Not all teachers have the same view, however, and in order to ensure that a teacher can reach the goals set for each pupil in the school, it is important to have a group of students to work with.If you decide to hire an organic chemistry tutor, there are a number of different factors that need to be considered when selecting a group. For starters, the tutor must understand that chemistry is not just an academic subject but rather a work of art and, just as importantly, a passion for science and a desire to be a specialist in a particular field. People who have good relationships with their colleagues are more likely to work well together.The chemistry tutor should have a strong leadership style and if they don't, then it is time to move on. Your organic chemistry tutor grouping should be a fun atmosphere and the majority of them will do their best to keep their students involved in group projects and tutorials. It is the hope of many provide the individual t eachers and their students with adequate social support in order to allow them to work successfully together and learn as a team.A good organic chemistry tutor will also be willing to undertake additional duties such as tutoring students outside of their group. If you want to give your pupils a healthy dose of creativity, try to include the school arts curriculum into the tutor's role. A chemistry tutor group should really encourage artistic and performance skills and this is the ideal way to get this out of your students. Often, teachers are really bad at getting pupils to think creatively and this is the only way to succeed.A good organic chemistry tutor will make sure that each student participates in a discussion about his or her group's project. This is important as well as encouraging students to think creatively and also have fun whilst learning. A good tutor will encourage their students to be outspoken with their opinions and the result is that the students will be better t hinkers and make better chemical bonds.If you are planning to hire an organic chemistry tutor, then there are a few things that you should look for. First, find a tutor that understands that chemistry is a work of art and that art is produced by chemistry and that everyone involved in chemistry has to have a sense of humour. If the teacher is shy, arrogant or moody, they will not be of much use to you.

Prepare Your Kid for Kindergarten With These Tips - TutorNerds

Prepare Your Kid for Kindergarten With These Tips - TutorNerds Tips from a private San Diego Tutor: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Kid for Kindergarten this Fall Many preschoolers are enjoying summer, sunshine, and time with family before they start their very first year of kindergarten this fall. Its a major step for kids to go to a full day educational program and being prepared can make the transition a lot easier for both student and parent. There are lots of things parents can do to help their young learner get ready for all that awaits them once they start kindergarten at the end of August. 1.   Get used to the idea of a classroom Many kids will have attended a preschool program for a year or two before they even go to kindergarten and may already be familiar with the classroom environment. On the other hand, lots of kids dont attend preschool or dont attend a traditional preschool program, and the idea of listening to a teacher, getting along with classmates, and sitting at a desk chair might be completely new. Its a good idea for young kids to get used to the idea of being in this environment so the adjustment is easier overall and they can cope with following directions and working on academics for an entire school day. 2.   Work on sharing Once the kids start kindergarten, they’ll need to share with several other students. At home, crayons, books, toys, etc… all belong to one kid and may be shared with siblings or friends, but it’s not quite the same as sharing every material used in a classroom. Kids who get used to the idea of sharing such items ahead of time have a better chance of getting along with their new classmates once they start school in the fall (READ: 5 Benefits of Developing Great Teamwork Skills). 3.   Visit the campus Some kids might be on the same campus as they were for preschool, but most students will have to make a change when they start kindergarten. Going to a new classroom in a new building at a new campus can be pretty scary for a kid who is just about to turn five. Visiting campus is a great way for kids to feel less anxious about their new environment. Most schools offer a back-to-school night where new students can visit their classroom, meet their teacher, see where their new desk will be, and even start to make some new friends. This takes a lot of stress out of this very important adjustment. 4.   Look at kindergarten benchmarks Educational benchmarks change from year to year and throughout different generations so its a really good idea for parents to take a look at the current kindergarten benchmarks and see if theres anything they might need to go over with their kid before they start school. There are lots of different professional opinions about what benchmarks are appropriate at what age but knowing the current information ahead of time will help students adjust to their new academic environment and get up to speed with the academic tasks they may or may not have mastered yet. 5.   Focus on exploration Starting school for the very first time is an excellent opportunity to explore all of the new information that’s out there in the world. Instilling curiosity in a young student can help them enjoy learning in general, ask pertinent questions during lessons or projects, and find creative ways of doing new things. Students who are encouraged by both parent and teacher to explore and discover are more likely to be excited about going to school each morning and view education as a positive thing. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

Beyond the NBA LeBron James wont leave Cleveland quietly

Beyond the NBA LeBron James won’t leave Cleveland quietly LeBron James is definitely making headlines this offseason. While the jury’s still out on his monumental move to the Los Angeles Lakers from the Cleveland Cavaliers, he definitely isn’t leaving his hometown behind. Earlier this week, James made waves off the court with the unveiling of the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Described simply by James as “the most important” project of his professional career, the school is a product of The LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. I Promise School is keeping the foundation’s philosophy “We Are Family” at the forefront with its aim of creating a supportive, stable and safe environment for local kids so education can truly be the focus for both students and teachers. The foundation, now in is in its sixth year, continues its work to positively affect the lives of children through educational initiatives with the opening of IPS. Opening in the fall of 2018, the inaugural academic year will enroll 240 students (120 third graders and 120 fourth graders), with the long-term goal of enrolling close to 1,000 students in grades one through eight by 2022. The school will equip students with free tuition and uniforms but beyond the classroom, James explained that the school will also provide some pretty impressive community support, including: Free bicycle and helmet for each student Free transportation within 2 miles Free breakfast, lunch and snacks Food pantry for families GEDs and job placement services for parents Guaranteed tuition to the University of Akron for every student who graduates The opening of IPS puts James alongside other NBA athletes like Bismack Biyombo, who opened a school in his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo last year. Here at Teach Away, one of our core missions is to create change through education, so nothing is more exciting than seeing initiatives like the I Promise School and organizations such as the LeBron James Family Foundation contributing to that end goal. Using our platforms, no matter how big or small they are, is truly one of the most powerful things we can do to close the education gap in the US and globally.

How to Tutor High School Chemistry - 3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Setting Up a Schedule

How to Tutor High School Chemistry - 3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Setting Up a ScheduleWhen you want to know how to tutor high school chemistry, this article will be helpful to you. In this article, I will tell you why you should consider making a tutor schedule for your child and how this can make your life much easier.To begin with, if you have a good tutor, then it makes sense that they would be willing to work with you in helping your child learn. This is because they realize the importance of the subject and they would like to help as much as they can. For this reason, it makes perfect sense that they would look to set up a schedule for you to be able to see them on a regular basis.Since they have set up their own personal timetable, you will now have the ability to see them when it makes sense for you to do so. This will help you be more productive and efficient with your day. Not only is this good for your child, but it also will help to create a closer bond between you a nd your child. So, let's take a look at some of the reasons that make scheduling this important.The first reason is that you will know exactly what your child needs and will therefore be able to tailor the tutoring to fit that specific need. For example, if you have a child who is very shy and who needs a lot of time alone with themselves, then it will be easy for you to find someone who works best for your needs. However, if you are not sure of your child's personality, then it might be a bit difficult to determine just what sort of teacher will be the most effective for your child.You will also be able to see how your child reacts to your teaching style. In the same way that we all learn in different ways, so too will your child. Therefore, it will be easy for you to see if a certain approach is right for your child and if so, if it is the right approach for them.Another reason that you will benefit from a tutor schedule is that you will know how to identify homework problems that need to be worked on. Now, I'm not saying that you should sit back and wait for your child to come to you and say that something needs to be worked on, but rather, that you should take the initiative to ensure that your child knows what they need to be working on. You will no longer need to worry about where your child will get the homework.By setting up a tutor schedule, you will be able to make sure that your child understands exactly what needs to be done and what you expect of them. Your child will be able to work with a tutor on a regular basis, which means that you will have the chance to stay at home and care for your family. For parents, this is the best decision that they can make.

Use The Green Chemistry Impact Factor To Boost Your GMAT Score

Use The Green Chemistry Impact Factor To Boost Your GMAT ScoreIf you are looking for a way to raise your GMAT score, then consider using the green chemistry impact factor. The GMAT is a grueling test and as such, the timing is not in your favor. Getting a good study schedule that includes a day of tests will improve your score significantly.The green chemistry impact factor is something you can use to improve your score. It includes the two fundamental components of math and verbal. I will give you a few examples so you can see what it is all about. These are useful tools to boost your score:The green chemistry impact factor combines math and verbal into one large section. This means you can get two solid days of study done in one sitting!The green chemistry impact factor is essentially just a good studying schedule that includes both math and verbal. It will give you a few very valuable tools to help improve your score:You need to understand that the math and verbal sections require a different learning style. You will have to do some studying over the course of many tests. You may even find that you need to take more tests than you initially planned. If you are not prepared, then you will be likely to underscore and get disappointed.This means that you need to get a schedule like the green chemistry impact factor. With this schedule, you will be able to study two days per week with a great study schedule that is easy to follow.A good studying schedule will work to boost your score while getting you to pass the GMAT in the shortest amount of time possible. This type of schedule will help you pass the GMAT and become an effective career candidate. It also helps you develop a stronger foundation for college and careers down the road.

What Is a Compound?

What Is a Compound?It can be really difficult to decide what the definition of a compound is, and is it just one of those words that you hear and it sounds cool? Do I need to understand the compound if I don't know what it is?The answer to these questions is yes and no. In chemistry we use the word compound as one of many synonyms for chemical elements and is used as one of the basic descriptions of a combination of chemical elements. A compound is a chemical element that has been combined with other chemical elements.So when we say that an element is a compound, we are using the same term as the periodic table of chemical elements. When we talk about a compound, we mean that the element is made up of more than one of the other chemical elements. These compounds may have chemical properties that are very different from the chemical properties of the elements. They are actually never simple combinations of two similar elements, they are always combinations of more than one.The only re asons why there are so many types of organic compounds are because organic molecules contain carbon and hydrogen, they are unable to contain oxygen. There are many complex organic compounds that are commonly found in nature such as proteins, DNA, and DNA fragments. Any organic compounds have a molecular structure and have these characteristics. If we look at some of the more common examples, we will see that compounds that are made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms have the same chemical structure as compounds that are made up of carbon and oxygen atoms.Therefore if we wanted to know if a chemical element is a compound or not, we would need to find out if it contains more than one of the other chemical elements. One way to find out is to break down the compound and test the compounds. This can only be done if we have been given the correct reagents, such as dichloromethane, that is a simple intermediate that is used to test compounds.When it comes to making decisions like this, it is a good idea to ask someone who is an expert in chemistry about it. Remember that a chemist isn't just some person in the chemistry department but a person who is known as an expert in the field of chemistry.These are all things to consider before deciding if a compound is indeed a compound or not. Hopefully this article has provided you with a better understanding of the definition of a compound and the concept of compounds.

Where Can You Find Ceramics Classes and Workshops

Where Can You Find Ceramics Classes and Workshops Are you Looking for Ceramics Workshops or Classes? ChaptersWhy Do You Want to Learn about Ceramics?Workshop or Class?How to Find the Ceramics Art and Design Programme You’re Looking forYouTube, Pinterest, Etsy, Instagram: scrolling through others’ feeds can give you some ideas for the upcoming holiday season.New themes for parties, new styles of decoration... even unique, unusual, handmade gifts and ornaments for your Christmas tree.You could take up origami or wood carving but, if you’re looking for a more elaborate craft to challenge to your artistic skills... if you want to try your hand at a millennia-old trade, ceramics might just be what the doctor ordered.Especially if you’re wild about art history, you’ll know that ceramic arts date back nearly 45,000 years!Of course, we’re presuming a lot with those assertions.It could be that you don’t have a lot of time on your hands to wait for a wood kiln to heat up or that you’re not interested at all in learning how to make ceramic art; it’s even quite likely that you don’t have a ceramic studio at your disposal.Maybe you want to find a fun-yet-educational pastime for your children.Guess what? Ceramics is the answer there, too! Kids of all ages love playing with ceramic materials...In this article, your Superprof looks at reasons to choose specific types of ceramics classes, who might be looking for ceramic workshops and where you might find them.You can take online art courses here! CalumDrama School Entrance Teacher 5.00 (15) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ToriSpanish Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OliviaSchool support Teacher 5.00 (2) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkESOL (English) Teacher 4.76 (17) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors YuweiChinese Teacher 4.33 (6) £19/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JenniferMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LouiseAutoCAD Teacher 5.00 (3) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyPercussion Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NicolasGuitar Teacher 5.00 (2) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MyriamOrganic chemistry Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JonathanEconomics Teacher 5.00 (9) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Oluwakemi imoleMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexPhysics Teacher 5.00 (1) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AdamSinging Teacher 5.00 (14) £48/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ValentiniMusic reading Teacher 5.00 (2) £50/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MilenaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RashmiEconomics Teacher 5.00 (1) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhy Do You Want to Learn about Ceramics? China's terracotta warriors are a prime example of clay sculpture Image by broquitos from PixabayThere is something so calming, so relaxing about working with clay.Making ceramic figurines and ornaments really doesn’t require a lot of talent or skill â€" at least at the outset; pretty much anyone can sit at a potter’s wheel and make vases or an earthenware pot.Becoming a ceramic artist doesn’t require a lot of strength and endurance as many outdoor pastimes do. It does not leave you exposed to the elements or extremes in temperatures... unless you are standing close to the kilns.However, working with ceramics does require a bit of discipline and restraint; one can’t go around flinging bits of clay or flicking dirty water at fellow clay artists. At least, one shouldn’t; doing so is quite contrary to the nature of working with clay.Art-making with ceramic material can be quite a social affair; what else are you going to do besides talk with others while the stoneware you just created is fired?Considering the social and physical aspects of ceramic art creation, working with ceramics is ideal for:children who are at least 5 years old â€" they should at least be able to understand safety instructionsafter-school programmes for primary and secondary school studentsGCSE and A-Level candidates preparing for their university entrance audition to the school of art and design of their choiceAnyone looking for a new hobby or a way to relaxretirees and senior citizensIn short, learning how to work with ceramics is suitable for just about anyone!Even if you’re more interested in mechanical or electronic applications that require ceramics â€" piezoelectric transducers and heat resistant tiles, just to name two, you could still learn a lot about earthen materials and how to use them by making pottery yourself.And who knows? You might enjoy the creative process so much that you will continue to work with ceramic and glass long after you’ve landed your job in mater ials science and engineering!How deeply you want to go into the art of ceramics is all up to you, of course. However, depending on what you want to learn, you may have to cast about a bit before finding the class that is right for you. Your local arts center or art institute may have kids' ceramic classes Image by Pexels from PixabayWorkshop or Class?In just about every learning adventure, there are different methods of imparting knowledge. Some are targeted to a specific aspect of a discipline while others delve deep into the subject matter, explaining every facet from its history to new concepts.And, just as there are many ways to learn about a topic you’re interested in, there are many reasons to pursue different avenues of learning.Let’s take, for instance, somebody who has been working with clay for a year; someone who can make tableware or maybe raku ornaments. Such a person may be ready to try something new or to broaden their knowledge base.If you are that ceramic artist, you might benefit from a workshop that addresses the particular skill you hope to cultivate; maybe applying glazes or trying different clays.Conversely, if you are a student aiming for a fine arts degree so you can design accent pieces for home décor, you are probably contemplating an art education... but you might be a bit worried about your audition.Should that be the case, you would probably seek out a more all-encompassing course, maybe something along the lines of contemporary art ceramics classes.Finally, if you are looking for a new, engaging hobby, one that will stimulate and fulfil your creative drive, you may benefit from both classes and workshops.What if you are already quite familiar with making pottery but would like to learn about painting and drawing on white ceramic? Maybe you’re ready for studio pottery?  Again, that depends on how deeply you plan on delving into the world of clay.For many people, what started out as a fun way to fill a weekend has turned into a passion.Discovering the exact amount of pressure to exert on a lump of clay to turn it into a beautiful, functional work of art, to feel one’s vision take form beneath their hands...There is something so therapeutic about the materi als and processes involved in producing art pottery that is so captivating, many artist program participants start out looking for a hobby and end up quite serious about ceramics.Is that you? If so, you’ll probably want to know what equipment you will need to outfit your studio space... Ceramic sculpture can be quite fun and doesn't necessarily require sitting at a pottery wheel! Image by Birgit Böllinger from PixabayHow to Find the Ceramics Art and Design Programme You’re Looking forIn a glitzy, multi-level shopping centre, tucked down a side aisle away from mainstream traffic is a small, glass-fronted space.Just behind the glass, bathed in glaring light from the LED fixtures above, four small pottery wheels wait, their orange basins a startling splash of colour in the blinding white environment.Keen parents and bemused children follow the instructor’s directions, first throwing a lump of clay onto the wheel, then wetting their hands and working it until it vaguely resembles a bowl.This three-hour course meant for small children is a fine introduction to clay art but by no means would it be satisfactory to anyone who hoped to learn mold making, slip casting, wedging or coiling â€" one of the oldest pottery-making techniques.If what you’re looking for is just something new to do on a rainy weekend, you might check to see if your local shopping mall occasionally sponsors such events.On the other hand, if you’re looking for a wheel throwing class, adult classes to learn how to work with mixed media or glazed ceramics and raku, you will certainly need a ceramics class that delves deeper into the subject.True, you could watch videos on YouTube â€" there are tutorials on everything from how to throw a pot to how to build a wood-fired kiln, a gas kiln or an electric kiln (no, you cannot use your cooking oven; it doesn’t get hot enough!).If you’re going to spend hours watching instructional videos, you want that time to be effectively spent, don’t you?That means that you would have to already have all of the clay tools, equipment and materials needed to start working right away... but you might not want to invest in all of that before knowing whether you even like working with clay.That is why it would be best to sign up for lessons or a weekend class at your local ceramics studio: they have all of the equipment you need and most such classes include the cost of materials in their lesson fees.If you’re really lucky, they’ll include a coffee and a spot of lunch, too!Finding such classes or workshops is really not hard. In fact, you might already know of a ceramics studio in your neighbourhood, having driven or ridden past it on your way to work or school. Why not ask them if they host such classes?Is your town having a fall festival this year? Maybe there is a crafts fair going on this very minute at your community centre... wouldn’t it be great if ceramic artists were promoting their studio... by offering lessons in contemporary ceramics?You may also check with you local potter’s association. For instance, the Scottish Potters often hold classes in the art of pottery; the UK is full of such organisations and associations.What if you really want to get serious about ceramics? Maybe enrol in your local scho ol of art for your Bachelor of Fine Arts â€" or even, as a returning student after a few years in the workforce, you need to refresh your memory before working toward your Master's degree?Whether you want to make your living as a ceramics artist or make unique Christmas ornaments for your friends and family this year, you can rest assured that there are many opportunities for you to learn how to work with clay.You could even find a Superprof tutor to teach you tricks of the trade!Now it’s time for a pop quiz: how much do you know about ceramics?

How to Make the Most of Your College Orientation

How to Make the Most of Your College Orientation This post is part of a week-long series to help new high school and college students prepare for their freshman year. Throughout this week, visit the Varsity Tutors blog for advice, tips, and tricks for this critical transition. College orientation is a simultaneously exciting and nerve-racking experience. While all schools differ, you should generally expect structured sessions geared toward helping you learn what your new school is all about. Make the most of your college orientation by networking with other students, meeting with advisers and professors, and exploring available academic and social opportunities. Make the most of your college orientation by networking with other students College orientation allows you to meet students from all academic interests and locations in a relaxed environment. Spend this time meeting your classmates and discovering shared interests. Ask questions such as: Why did you choose this school? What is your intended major? Are you living on or off campus? Discuss your personal interests as well, and note any similarities. This approach can foster conversations about diverse topics. Your classmates may also know things that you dont, like information on available clubs or tidbits about the surrounding town. Taking this opportunity to meet others in a low-pressure environment can make your transition a bit smoother. Make the most of your college orientation by meeting with advisers and professors During orientation, advisers and professors often host panels, meet-and-greets, or open office hours. Take advantage of these opportunities whenever possible. Come prepared with questions about classes, majors, study abroad programs, or on-campus jobs. If theres no scheduled time to meet with advisers or teachers, contact your college orientation coordinator to inquire about setting up a meeting time outside of your planned orientation schedule. [RELATED: 5 Reasons Students Should Meet with Professors During Office Hours] Make the most of your college orientation by exploring classes and academic opportunities If classes are in session during your college orientation, inquire about sitting in on a class in your intended focus area. If your orientation is during a downtime between semesters, read through the course catalog to get an idea of the classes offered in various departments. Ask a current student in your desired department (if available) or an academic adviser to walk you through course options, required and elective classes, and important dates. Depending on the schedule of your orientation, you might have the option to attend workshops based on your specific interests. Be sure to read about all offered workshops and meetings, and attend the ones that are most applicable to you. [RELATED: Know the Difference Between In-Person, Online, and Hybrid Courses] Make the most of your college orientation by learning about extracurricular activities Many orientations offer a campus activities fair where representatives from various clubs are available to discuss what their organizations are all about. This is a great opportunity to explore clubs, volunteer opportunities, and sports teams. Remember, though, that you dont have to commit to a club or organization right there; use this as a chance to see whats available and what really peaks your interest. Talk to the representatives about why this organization is important, why they joined, and why you should want to be a part of it too. Note that if theres no fair held during orientation, youll likely be able to learn more about extracurriculars through the schools website, brochures, and other students. [RELATED: 9 Things Every College Student Understands] College orientation is a great time to get to know your new school and classmates without the hustle and bustle of classes. Go into this experience with prepared questions about your school, major, available clubs, and opportunities for growth. 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.

A Beginners Guide to the Marimba.

A Beginner’s Guide to the Marimba. Everything You Need to Know about the Marimba. ChaptersWhat is a Marimba?Where You Might Have Heard the Marimba.Some Things to Know about Playing the Marimba.Where to Find a Marimba Teacher Near You.As part of our series on different types of percussion instruments, it’s now time to turn to the marimba.We’ll be looking at all aspects of this percussion instrument â€" from its history to its relationship with other musical instruments, from some of the most incredible marimba performances to ways that you can learn to play the marimba yourself.It’s a fascinating and gorgeous instrument â€" one that tends to get less attention than its more famous cousins, the xylophone and vibraphone, and one that deserves greater recognition than it currently gets. And now it’s time to make that happen.So, let’s take a long look at the marimba. And hopefully, by the end of it, you’ll be as enthusiastic about this instrument as we are.Here we go! You can also find out about learning the xylophone and playing the triangle too! This percussion instrument is wonderful! (Image from Photos . com) SerbanDrum Teacher 5.00 (11) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RickyDrum Teacher 5.00 (7) £35/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RussellDrum Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JamesDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StephenDrum Teacher 5.00 (3) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PeteDrum Teacher 5.00 (2) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors OllieDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlexDrum Teacher 5.00 (5) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat is a Marimba?First things first: what actually is the marimba?The marimba is a percussion instrument made of parallel wooden bars that a marimbist â€" or marimba player â€" would hit with mallets made of rubber and sometimes wrapped in yarn.Beneath each of the bars is hung a resonator or pipe that amplifies the sounds that the st ruck bars produce â€" something that gives the musical instrument a much more resonant sound than, say, the xylophone.But, mentioning the xylophone, many people may well confuse the two instruments: both have bars arranged like the keys on a keyboard or a piano, however, the xylophone does not have the same resonators that produce the marimba’s deeper, fuller sound.Indeed, the term ‘xylophone’ is sometimes used to refer to all tuned percussion instruments â€" even when they are technically classified differently. The larger family of marimbas, xylophones, and the glockenspiel are actually called idiophones.As we have said, and as you will notice when looking at a marimba, all of the notes and pitches are arranged as if on a keyboard, with the accidentals raised so as to be easier for the percussionist who is playing.Whilst the marimba can be performed by a soloist, it is also often found in the percussion section of an orchestra or in a percussion ensemble. Since the eighties, the instrument has been increasingly used in orchestral works â€" as we will see below.You can also learn the steel hang with us!A Brief History of the Marimba.Now we know a bit about what the marimba is, it is worth knowing where it came from â€" because musical instruments don’t just arrive out of history fully formed.However, the origins of musical instruments are not always entirely clear â€" and this is the case with the marimba. The picture is complicated by the fact that xylophones have been present for centuries in both east Africa and southeast Asia.Whilst some people suggest that the instrument was brought to Africa by people who had migrated from Polynesia, it is just as likely that they developed independently. In fact, the west African balafon is a fairly close relative of the marimba itself, suggesting that this instrument didn’t come out of nowhere on the African continent.The Marimba in Guatemala.From here, one of the most unexpected developments in the history of the marimba is that it actually became the national instrument of Guatemala.Whilst the earliest documentary evidence of the instrument comes from 1680 there, it is likely that it was being used earlier than this, with slaves who were taken from the west Africa to Central America attempting to recreate it in their new home.Since then, the marimba has become hugely popular in the Americas, with attempts made to ‘modernise’ the instrument for professional percussionists. This included replacing the wooden boxes that were used as resonators with more sophisticated metal tubes.Are there Different Types of Marimba?Marimbas are one of these instruments that are not so fiercely regulated as, say, a cello or a piano or guitar. Given their roots, and their continued use in different forms across the world, there is no rigorous ‘standard’ in terms of size and shape.Whilst you may expect to play a marimba of a fairly regular size if you are playing a percussion performance in orchest ras, the marimba per se comes in a variety of forms.Here we’ll look at two that are probably most familiar â€" yet understand that this list is not at all exhaustive.The Chromatic Marimba.The chromatic marimba is one of the most widespread types of marimba in the world. It is the one that you will see in percussion ensembles around the world and in philharmonic and symphonic orchestras.It is known as the chromatic marimba because it features all twelve notes of western musical notation â€" something that distinguishes it from the ‘simple’ marimba which can be tuned only into one key at a time.Most commonly, these range in size between four and five octaves. However, we repeat that there is no real standard for this.The Concert Marimba.Whilst the chromatic marimba is the domain of the single percussionist, the instrument that is known as the ‘concert marimba’ can be played by two or more percussionists simultaneously.Whilst these don’t tend to be used in western classical music, they have existed across the Americas since the seventies, as a result of the attempt to revive the ancient practices which featured them heavily.Learn about the tambourine whilst you are here!Where You Might Have Heard the Marimba.Honestly, unless you are into contemporary music or ‘world music’, it may well be that you have never heard a marimba being played. And whilst that is completely fair enough, it is time that you went and checked it out.From chamber music to orchestral percussion, from Afro-Cuban music to ABBA, the marimba pops up everywhere. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to hear it. Big fans of the marimba were ABBA!ABBA â€" Mamma Mia.We told you it pops up everywhere. The opening bars of probably ABBA’s most famous tune are led by a marimba â€" just before the electric guitar comes in.Rolling Stones â€" Under My Thumb.Ignoring the fairly distasteful lyrics, the Rolling Stones’s ‘Under My Thumb’ is a pretty wicked piece of music. And, if you listen carefully, the most interesting of the rhythmic lines is performed on the marimba.Steve Reich â€" Six Marimbas.We said above that lots of composers about half a century ago started to write music for marimba.One of the most interesting of these was Steve Reich’s Six Marimbas, a minimalist piece that combines repetitive rhythms with limited instrumentation and harmonic complexities.Some Things to Know about Playing the Marimba.Thinking about it, the percussion section of an orchestra does have quite a busy job â€" and does need quite a serious collection of skills.Because, sure, whilst they need to know how t o whack a drum or play cymbals correctly, they need a fairly excellent grasp of mallet percussion instruments too.Playing the marimba isn’t exactly easy â€" particularly when, as many performers do, you are required to play with four â€" or six, or even eight â€" mallets at a time.Different Grips.Depending on which part of the world or school of music you are learning in, and depending on how many mallets you are using at a given time, you will choose a different grip with which to hold the mallets.These tend to be known as the Burton grip, the cross grip, and the Musser-Stevens grip â€" and which one you will use will depend on whether you are intending to play lots of chords, lots of melodic lines, or whether your piece demands that you make lots of leaps between large intervals.Start on the Glock or the Xylophone.The marimba can be a little intimidating when you first approach it. So, instead of diving in headfirst, try out some different instruments so that you get the hang of its arrangement.The glockenspiel and the xylophone â€" as well, by the way, as the piano â€" are arranged in the same way as the marimba. And navigating these is that little bit more straightforward than the marimba. You'll need to learn to read music to play the marimbaWhere to Find a Marimba Teacher Near You.When the marimba is that intimidating, it is worth getting yourself someone who can talk you through the process of learning it.The best way to do that is to get a private tutor. And the best way to do that is through Superprof, the platform that connects budding students with enthusiastic tutors from around the world.At Superprof, we have thirty percussion tutors who are available to teach you â€" either online or, if you live nearby, at their teaching studio or in your home.It is worth every moment!