If you're teaching guitar there are a number of tools you must own to
be profitable and stay sane. The more things you can find to make your
life easier the better. You'll have more fun teaching guitar and have
more time to focus on becoming a better guitar player and instructor
when you use the right tools.
Here are a couple of things that over the years I have become totally dependent on.
Writing supplies
I
know this one is general sense, however I'm mentioning it since I used
to work with a guitar instructor who never had a pencil or manuscript
paper and always interrupted my guitar sessions to ask me for some.
Imagine how amateurish this must have appeared for his students.
A
few things I suggest always having on hand at all times are a pen or
pencil, a notebook for taking simple quick comments, an assorted variety
of chord chart paper for writing chord shapes, scales, and arpeggios
on, and some type of combination TAB/Manuscript paper for writing out
song and guitar solos.
Cell Phone
This has become a lot more
valuable with the current advancement of technology and smart phones.
Your phone is your best friend. You can use it to keep track of all your
student's phone numbers, to schedule lesson times and if you have
internet access you can even look up tabs and music videos or video
guitar lessons.
I recently upgraded to a smartphone with the
capability to install applications and found a 4 track music studio app,
and app for reading Guitar Pro Tabs and an app for writing songs. Talk
about a sweet little tool to have when you need it..
Business cards
Your
business cards should have the easiest way for students and parents to
get a hold of you, your email address, your web url and the physical
location of your music studio on it.
Receipt Book
If you are
planning on charging for guitar lessons you need a receipt booklet for
obvious reasons. One thing I'll bring up is the capability to take
credit card payments from your smartphone. I know, I'm all geek advocate
today, but it's a pretty cool idea
An app I use for this is
called "Square" and it's FREE! They even send you a little device that
plugs directly into your phone gives you the ability to swipe people's
credit card. The funds are then directly deposited into your bank
account of choice and both you and your customers are emailed a receipt.
Seriously, how sweet is that?
If you're not into technology you'll be taking mostly cash and
checks for your lessons. There are tons of paper receipt options out
there but I recommend creating your own template with your logo and
contact information if possible. It just looks more professional.
A Schedule
You'll
need an itinerary for tracking your students as well as some
promotional tasks associated with running a profitable teaching
business. As with most things we've discussed to this point there are
several options available for scheduling.
Any standard schedule
booklet will be sufficient but I favor the ones that break the days down
by the half hour so I can keep track my lessons better.
If
digital is your game go with Google calendar. It's cost nothing, has
more scheduling options than you'll need, plus you can sync it across
multiple devices.
Guitar Gear
Obviously you'll need a guitar
and amp unless you are planning on only giving acoustic guitar lessons.
From my experience, guitar effects pedals are a really enjoyable reward
for kids who have been practicing.
For students who maintain
regular practice, I like to set aside 5 to 10 minutes of jam time at the
end of a session to rock out with different effects.
A small
multitrack recorder can also be a cool way to spice up your instruction.
Record a student and let them hear what they sound like. I even started
doing monthly recordings and giving the students a CD as a way to track
their improvement.
A drum machine, or CD player with Jam Tracks
is also terrific for students who are eager to start playing with
accompaniment. I also use a Boss loop station for this since I can
record a chord progression and demonstrate licks to lay over it.
This
is a small list of things that have become common place in my studio.
There are plenty more tools you can add to this list, and feel free to
do that.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
5 HID Lighting Facts Every Car Enthusiast Should Know
More and more car enthusiasts have been installing HID lighting
systems in their cars these days, because they increase nighttime
visibility, last longer than factory installed halogen bulbs, and also
look pretty cool. If you've thought about getting an HID system
yourself, but are confused by the terminology and the use of the Kelvin
Temperature system (6000k, 8000k, etc) this article will give you the
facts.
So, what are the main things you need to know about HIDs? Read on to find out...
# 1 ) HID stands for high-intensity discharge
The high-intensity of the light in HIDs comes from metallic salts which are vaporized in the light's arc chamber. The light that results is much brighter than normal tungsten bulbs.
# 2 ) HID lights last longer than halogen bulbs because there is no filament in them to burn out
No matter what the Kelvin rating, ALL HID lighting systems produce a higher road visibility than common halogen bulbs for safer night driving. They also produce more light from less power and last longer. The average life of an HID lamp is 2000 hours, compared to the 450-1000 hours that a halogen lamp lasts. This is a definite advantage over halogen lights.
# 3 ) Kelvin Temperature determines brightness
Contrary to what most people think, the higher the Kelvin temperature number is, (i.e. 3000K, 6000K, 1000K) the lower the brightness level of the light is. On the other side of the token... the lower the number, the brighter it is.
# 4 ) HID lights use less energy than halogen lights
HIDs uses 35 watts, whereas most cars are typically made with a 55 watt system. Because of this, sometimes installing HIDs can cause a bulb out warning in your vehicle or a flickering effect. A set of Anti Flicker Capacitors can solve this problem.
# 5 ) Kelvin Temperature determines color
Also, the Kelvin temperature determines the color of the light. 4300K is yellow, 6000K is a bright white, 8000K is a bright blue, 10000K is a bright violet, and 12000k is a bright purple. Here is the low-down on some of the most popular colors:
- 6000K is a very popular color choice. Unlike factory HID headlights (which emit a 4300K, slightly yellowish light) a 6000K bulb emits a pure white light and an increased perception of clarity.
- 8000K produces a slightly blue tint. Ironically, even though the number is higher these lights are slightly less bright than the 6000K lights above! That being said, they do produce a more intense blue color that makes them more noticeable.
- 3000K produces a rich yellow light that many car enthusiasts use for a dramatic effect in their fog lights. This yellow light gives your car a cool two tone appearance that some people just love.
So Now You Know!
Now that you're armed with basic knowledge about the world of HIDs, navigating the process of putting them in your car should be a snap! So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get some HIDs!
So, what are the main things you need to know about HIDs? Read on to find out...
# 1 ) HID stands for high-intensity discharge
The high-intensity of the light in HIDs comes from metallic salts which are vaporized in the light's arc chamber. The light that results is much brighter than normal tungsten bulbs.
# 2 ) HID lights last longer than halogen bulbs because there is no filament in them to burn out
No matter what the Kelvin rating, ALL HID lighting systems produce a higher road visibility than common halogen bulbs for safer night driving. They also produce more light from less power and last longer. The average life of an HID lamp is 2000 hours, compared to the 450-1000 hours that a halogen lamp lasts. This is a definite advantage over halogen lights.
# 3 ) Kelvin Temperature determines brightness
Contrary to what most people think, the higher the Kelvin temperature number is, (i.e. 3000K, 6000K, 1000K) the lower the brightness level of the light is. On the other side of the token... the lower the number, the brighter it is.
# 4 ) HID lights use less energy than halogen lights
HIDs uses 35 watts, whereas most cars are typically made with a 55 watt system. Because of this, sometimes installing HIDs can cause a bulb out warning in your vehicle or a flickering effect. A set of Anti Flicker Capacitors can solve this problem.
# 5 ) Kelvin Temperature determines color
Also, the Kelvin temperature determines the color of the light. 4300K is yellow, 6000K is a bright white, 8000K is a bright blue, 10000K is a bright violet, and 12000k is a bright purple. Here is the low-down on some of the most popular colors:
- 6000K is a very popular color choice. Unlike factory HID headlights (which emit a 4300K, slightly yellowish light) a 6000K bulb emits a pure white light and an increased perception of clarity.
- 8000K produces a slightly blue tint. Ironically, even though the number is higher these lights are slightly less bright than the 6000K lights above! That being said, they do produce a more intense blue color that makes them more noticeable.
- 3000K produces a rich yellow light that many car enthusiasts use for a dramatic effect in their fog lights. This yellow light gives your car a cool two tone appearance that some people just love.
So Now You Know!
Now that you're armed with basic knowledge about the world of HIDs, navigating the process of putting them in your car should be a snap! So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get some HIDs!
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
35W VS 55W HID Conversion Kits: Which One Is Better?
HID conversion kits have been available for quite some time now
so there are many different types and styles available to choose from
and it may seem very confusing. A common question that gets asked is the
difference between a 35W and 55W HID conversion kit. Besides the
wattage, there are other differences such as brightness, heat,
reliability, and color. Choosing the correct one for your needs is very
important and there will be several factors that will play a role in
your decision. This article will summarize the differences and provide a
clear understanding of these two conversion kits.
The first difference is in the wattage and name itself. 35W HID lights is the standard output for most kits on the market as well as factory installed HID lights from manufacturers. 55w kits produce a significant increase in power output which results in a much brighter light. 35w HID kits are approximately three times brighter than the standard incandescent halogen bulb; 55w HID kits are even brighter and provide up to four to five times more output. These would be ideal for those looking for the best and brightest light available, but with the increased brightness does come with some downsides. The overly bright 55w HID bulbs may also cause excessive glare on many reflector based headlights, but to be fair, a 35w kit also causes some glare as these types of housings were not intended for HID usage. Having a projector housing will help with distributing the light to where you want it to.
One issue that a 55w HID conversion kit may face is overheating. Typically, HID lights run cooler than most incandescent halogen bulbs they replace, but a 55w kit creates excessive heat that can melt the housing or even the wiring that connects to the light. There are headlights that are made of metal which can withstand the heat better, but there are many headlights that are made from plastic that are susceptible to this kind of damage. The wiring can be upgrade to ceramic plugs instead of plastic to better handle the heat, but there will still be risks involved.
Next up is the reliability, 35w kits are designed with brightness and longevity in concern whereas 55w kits are not. 55w kits are intended for superior and maximum light output. The higher wattage allows the 55w kit to be brighter, but it does cause more evaporation of the electrodes and gasses that make up the HID bulb over time. 35w kits may outlive your vehicle when used properly, but a 55w kit may only last as long as a regular incandescent halogen bulb or shorter as the material evaporates every time the light turns on.
The last difference is the color for the HID bulbs. 6000K will look different on the two HID kits despite coming from the same manufacturer and this is due to the output. The colors in 55w HID conversion kits tend to be more "washed out" and stepped down so a 6000K will look similar to a 4500-5000K color. This difference in color is acceptable for most as white is the best color for the human eye to see in and would function very well in limited visibility conditions. While there are higher Kelvin temperature 55w HID kits available, it makes little sense to get it as the higher you go in HID Kelvin temperature, the output reduces; this would cause a 12000K 55w HID conversion kit to produce similar output compared to a 8000K 35W HID kit.
In concluding this article, there are obvious benefits of using a 55w HID conversion kit for your vehicle, but there are also downsides to it as well. In the end, the variables will have to be analyzed and studied as some may not apply to the application and some may. With this being all stated, there is a specific reason why factory HID systems are only rated at 35w. 55w kits are available for those who want the brightest light out there and like what basic economics state; when there is demand, there is always usually a supply.
The first difference is in the wattage and name itself. 35W HID lights is the standard output for most kits on the market as well as factory installed HID lights from manufacturers. 55w kits produce a significant increase in power output which results in a much brighter light. 35w HID kits are approximately three times brighter than the standard incandescent halogen bulb; 55w HID kits are even brighter and provide up to four to five times more output. These would be ideal for those looking for the best and brightest light available, but with the increased brightness does come with some downsides. The overly bright 55w HID bulbs may also cause excessive glare on many reflector based headlights, but to be fair, a 35w kit also causes some glare as these types of housings were not intended for HID usage. Having a projector housing will help with distributing the light to where you want it to.
One issue that a 55w HID conversion kit may face is overheating. Typically, HID lights run cooler than most incandescent halogen bulbs they replace, but a 55w kit creates excessive heat that can melt the housing or even the wiring that connects to the light. There are headlights that are made of metal which can withstand the heat better, but there are many headlights that are made from plastic that are susceptible to this kind of damage. The wiring can be upgrade to ceramic plugs instead of plastic to better handle the heat, but there will still be risks involved.
Next up is the reliability, 35w kits are designed with brightness and longevity in concern whereas 55w kits are not. 55w kits are intended for superior and maximum light output. The higher wattage allows the 55w kit to be brighter, but it does cause more evaporation of the electrodes and gasses that make up the HID bulb over time. 35w kits may outlive your vehicle when used properly, but a 55w kit may only last as long as a regular incandescent halogen bulb or shorter as the material evaporates every time the light turns on.
The last difference is the color for the HID bulbs. 6000K will look different on the two HID kits despite coming from the same manufacturer and this is due to the output. The colors in 55w HID conversion kits tend to be more "washed out" and stepped down so a 6000K will look similar to a 4500-5000K color. This difference in color is acceptable for most as white is the best color for the human eye to see in and would function very well in limited visibility conditions. While there are higher Kelvin temperature 55w HID kits available, it makes little sense to get it as the higher you go in HID Kelvin temperature, the output reduces; this would cause a 12000K 55w HID conversion kit to produce similar output compared to a 8000K 35W HID kit.
In concluding this article, there are obvious benefits of using a 55w HID conversion kit for your vehicle, but there are also downsides to it as well. In the end, the variables will have to be analyzed and studied as some may not apply to the application and some may. With this being all stated, there is a specific reason why factory HID systems are only rated at 35w. 55w kits are available for those who want the brightest light out there and like what basic economics state; when there is demand, there is always usually a supply.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Best Bluetooth Speakers - Top 5 Bluetooth Speakers for Every Need
Bluetooth speakers are the latest addition in wireless complete
technology. While this technology is still in its beginning stages, it
has already apparent a lot of promise. If you own a bluetooth enabled
phone, you've already apparent this technology in activity as it allows
wireless alteration of abstracts amid two phones remotely. The
aforementioned attempt plan with bluetooth speakers. In this article, I
will allocution about some of the best bluetooth speakers accessible and
their arresting features.
Bluetooth speakers are about acclimated as 'replacement' speakers. Currently, they do not accept the ability to alter a set of 5.1 beleaguer complete system, or abundant bass to activate up a big abode party. Nevertheless, what they abridgement in power, they added than accomplish up for in portability. Because they are wireless and about baby in size, you can backpack them about anywhere. In fact, a lot of manufacturers accomplish speakers advised accurately for use with laptops that you can just bung into your laptop bag.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers are fabricated by above electronics manufacturers, namely Sony, Samsung, Philips, etc. Bose, Altec Lansing and JBL - three important apostle manufacturers accept an all-encompassing calendar as well. Prices can ambit from beneath than $50 for a set of cheap, failing set to $400+ for a top superior Bose apostle system.
The aboriginal footfall to acrimonious the best bluetooth speakers is compassionate your own needs. If you just wish a set of cheap, failing speakers you can use with your laptop, again an access akin Samsung or Logitech set would serve you well. But if you wish something that you can lug about in your car, on picnics, and which can aswell serve as a desktop apostle replacement, you will accept to carapace out a few hundred dollars.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers accessible in the bazaar today are:
1. Tenqa SP-109
This is an access akin alms from Tenqa that delivers 5 watts of stereo sound. It is small, lightweight, and is abundant for use with iPods and adaptable phones. Just don't apprehend it to accompany down the abode with its volume. Prices alpha as low as $44.90
2. Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade Bluetooth A2DP Speaker
This alms from Altec Lansing delivers clear, top superior audio after compromising on portability. It connects automatically to your adaptable buzz or bluetooth enabled device. Baby and lightweight, this mid-range bluetooth apostle delivers a abundant performance. Prices alpha at $149.
3. Sony SRS-BTM30
An access akin alms from Sony, the SRS-BTM30 runs on 3 AA batteries and doesn't accommodation on quality. The two speakers plan on bluetooth, and counterbalance in at just 1.6lbs. Prices alpha as low as $69.
4. Creative D100
This Creative alms weighs in at just 2.2lbs and works on 4 AA batteries that can play ceaseless for 25 hours straight. It is accordant with all bluetooth enabled devices. The complete superior is analogously high. Prices alpha at $76.
5. Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System
This Bose arrangement is apparently the best set of bluetooth speakers that you can buy. It is accordant with not just your bluetooth enabled devices, but aswell earlier iPod models. Like the assorted added offerings from Bose, this apostle arrangement too offers about life-like sound. If you accept the added banknote and wish a top superior apostle set that will accomplish guests blooming with envy, the SoundDock 10 is the arrangement for you. The price, however, is a ample $599, admitting it is account anniversary and every cent.
Bluetooth speakers are about acclimated as 'replacement' speakers. Currently, they do not accept the ability to alter a set of 5.1 beleaguer complete system, or abundant bass to activate up a big abode party. Nevertheless, what they abridgement in power, they added than accomplish up for in portability. Because they are wireless and about baby in size, you can backpack them about anywhere. In fact, a lot of manufacturers accomplish speakers advised accurately for use with laptops that you can just bung into your laptop bag.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers are fabricated by above electronics manufacturers, namely Sony, Samsung, Philips, etc. Bose, Altec Lansing and JBL - three important apostle manufacturers accept an all-encompassing calendar as well. Prices can ambit from beneath than $50 for a set of cheap, failing set to $400+ for a top superior Bose apostle system.
The aboriginal footfall to acrimonious the best bluetooth speakers is compassionate your own needs. If you just wish a set of cheap, failing speakers you can use with your laptop, again an access akin Samsung or Logitech set would serve you well. But if you wish something that you can lug about in your car, on picnics, and which can aswell serve as a desktop apostle replacement, you will accept to carapace out a few hundred dollars.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers accessible in the bazaar today are:
1. Tenqa SP-109
This is an access akin alms from Tenqa that delivers 5 watts of stereo sound. It is small, lightweight, and is abundant for use with iPods and adaptable phones. Just don't apprehend it to accompany down the abode with its volume. Prices alpha as low as $44.90
2. Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade Bluetooth A2DP Speaker
This alms from Altec Lansing delivers clear, top superior audio after compromising on portability. It connects automatically to your adaptable buzz or bluetooth enabled device. Baby and lightweight, this mid-range bluetooth apostle delivers a abundant performance. Prices alpha at $149.
3. Sony SRS-BTM30
An access akin alms from Sony, the SRS-BTM30 runs on 3 AA batteries and doesn't accommodation on quality. The two speakers plan on bluetooth, and counterbalance in at just 1.6lbs. Prices alpha as low as $69.
4. Creative D100
This Creative alms weighs in at just 2.2lbs and works on 4 AA batteries that can play ceaseless for 25 hours straight. It is accordant with all bluetooth enabled devices. The complete superior is analogously high. Prices alpha at $76.
5. Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System
This Bose arrangement is apparently the best set of bluetooth speakers that you can buy. It is accordant with not just your bluetooth enabled devices, but aswell earlier iPod models. Like the assorted added offerings from Bose, this apostle arrangement too offers about life-like sound. If you accept the added banknote and wish a top superior apostle set that will accomplish guests blooming with envy, the SoundDock 10 is the arrangement for you. The price, however, is a ample $599, admitting it is account anniversary and every cent.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Bluetooth Headphones - A Quick Guide to Setting Up Your Headphones in Windows XP
Setting up your Bluetooth headphones to work with Windows XP is a
breeze. But, why do it in the first place? One very good reason is that
of wireless control. With Bluetooth headsets, you can discard your
wired speakers and wired microphones. This wireless mobility is very
handy when you use your headphone for many applications--both online and
offline--that make use of audio and video. For example, making VoIP (or
Voice over Internet Protocol) calls, audio-video chat sessions, video
games that allow you to interact with other players using audio and
video, speech recognition, audio recording, listening to music and other
audio, and a whole lot more.
If you want to set up your Bluetooth headset to work with Windows XP, just the very easy steps described below.
Open Control Panel. The Control Panel is the place where you can set many options related to your computer and the programs installed. On the Control Panel Window, look for the item named Bluetooth Devices. It is usually represented with an icon that looks like a letter "B" on top of a blue oval. Double-click on Bluetooth Devices.
Next, you are going to make sure that your computer automatically detects Bluetooth devices that come within its range. To be able to do that, you need to turn on the automatic discovery option. Here's how to accomplish that: When you double-click on Bluetooth Devices in Control Panel, a dialog window will open. Open the Options tab on that window, and make sure that the box beside the item "Turn discovery on" is checked. By default and as a security measure, this option is unchecked.
After that, you will give permission to any Bluetooth device within range to connect to your computer. To do that, make sure that there's a check mark on the box beside the label "Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer." If you also want to make sure that your computer notifies you of any attempt from a device to connect via Bluetooth, make sure that the item labeled "Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect" is also checked. Then, save your settings by pressing on the Apply button, then the OK button.
Your computer is now ready to accept Bluetooth connections. Now, it's time to connect your headset to your computer. Turn on your headset. Your computer will automatically detect it, but you will need to add the device. On the lower right corner of your screen, right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select "Add device." An interactive dialog (called the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard) will pop up. Tell the wizard that your device is set up and ready to be found. Follow the onscreen instructions, including the portion where you enter the pass code or pass key. At the end of the wizard, your headset will have been successfully added to the list of Bluetooth devices.
Lastly, connect your device to your computer. This last step is very easy. Go to My Bluetooth Places, right-click on your Bluetooth headset's name, and choose "Connect Headset" from the pop-up menu. That's it. This last step is crucial for Bluetooth headphones to be completely functional with Windows XP. So, make sure you don't skip it.
If you want to set up your Bluetooth headset to work with Windows XP, just the very easy steps described below.
Open Control Panel. The Control Panel is the place where you can set many options related to your computer and the programs installed. On the Control Panel Window, look for the item named Bluetooth Devices. It is usually represented with an icon that looks like a letter "B" on top of a blue oval. Double-click on Bluetooth Devices.
Next, you are going to make sure that your computer automatically detects Bluetooth devices that come within its range. To be able to do that, you need to turn on the automatic discovery option. Here's how to accomplish that: When you double-click on Bluetooth Devices in Control Panel, a dialog window will open. Open the Options tab on that window, and make sure that the box beside the item "Turn discovery on" is checked. By default and as a security measure, this option is unchecked.
After that, you will give permission to any Bluetooth device within range to connect to your computer. To do that, make sure that there's a check mark on the box beside the label "Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer." If you also want to make sure that your computer notifies you of any attempt from a device to connect via Bluetooth, make sure that the item labeled "Alert me when a new Bluetooth device wants to connect" is also checked. Then, save your settings by pressing on the Apply button, then the OK button.
Your computer is now ready to accept Bluetooth connections. Now, it's time to connect your headset to your computer. Turn on your headset. Your computer will automatically detect it, but you will need to add the device. On the lower right corner of your screen, right-click on the Bluetooth icon and select "Add device." An interactive dialog (called the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard) will pop up. Tell the wizard that your device is set up and ready to be found. Follow the onscreen instructions, including the portion where you enter the pass code or pass key. At the end of the wizard, your headset will have been successfully added to the list of Bluetooth devices.
Lastly, connect your device to your computer. This last step is very easy. Go to My Bluetooth Places, right-click on your Bluetooth headset's name, and choose "Connect Headset" from the pop-up menu. That's it. This last step is crucial for Bluetooth headphones to be completely functional with Windows XP. So, make sure you don't skip it.
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