Drew M. Hodis

Learning an Instrument for Busy Adults – How to Reach Your Goals

Learning an Instrument for Busy Adults: How to Reach Your Goals. Hodis Learning & Music.

Learning an Instrument for Busy Adults

 

Learning an Instrument for Busy Adults: How to Reach Your Goals. Hodis Learning & Music.

 

Let’s face it – it’s 2022 and we are all very busy. Learning a new instrument is challenging amid our chaotic schedules. But it isn’t impossible! If you are serious about learning a new instrument and you are willing to budget some time for learning, then it’s just a matter of managing time and expectations. Follow the tips below to make your music education rewarding and fruitful.


(1) Be Realistic and Manage Expectations

How much time and energy will you have to practice? If you’re serious about learning a new instrument, you will need to practice. I usually recommend that busy students budget three 30-minute blocks of time each week to practice. Don’t have that much time to dedicate to practicing? Then you will need to manage your expectations on your progress as the process will be slow.


(2) Dedicate a Space for Practicing

If you dedicate a space for your practice, then you won’t have to fuss with setting up your instrument each time you practice. Make it a distraction-free space in your home. If your instrument is smaller, like a guitar or ukulele, and you have a personal office at work, consider keeping your instrument in your office so that you can practice during your breaks. If you practice during two 15-minute breaks in one day, then you’ve already completed 30 out of 90 minutes for the week! If your instrument is loud like a trumpet, consider investing in a practice mute.


(3) Set Defined Goals

What is it that you want to accomplish with learning a new instrument? If you know what your goals are, it will be easier to manage your expectations. Do you just want to learn a simple 4-chord song? Do you want to learn how to write songs? No matter where you begin, you’re going to start in the same place as everyone else- at the very beginning. Once you’ve learned the basics of your instrument however, your goals will drastically change where you go from there.


(4) Block Out Times in Your Calendar

It isn’t enough to say that you will practice three times a week for 30 minutes at a time. Build the practice into your schedule and you will be more likely to achieve this goal.


(5) Hold Yourself Accountable

In the end, your progress depends solely on your discipline and motivation. Build that muscle of accountability to ensure that you’re making strides to reach your goals. This might require sacrifices, but remember your reasons for wanting to learn an instrument in the first place.


(6) Don’t Beat Yourself Up When You Don’t Practice

You’re a busy adult! There will be times when you just don’t have time to practice. Give yourself some grace when life gets in the way.


(7) Make Sure You’re Having Fun

If you’re not having fun, then you’re not going to get the most out of your learning experience. Ask yourself what is getting in the way of enjoying your practice and change the situation if you can.


(8) Celebrate Your Progress

It can be so easy to get caught up in what you haven’t accomplished in your practice. Try to stay focused on what you have accomplished and celebrate your little victories!


(9) Learn Alongside Your Child

Learning with your child can be a fun way to explore a new area together and keep each other accountable. Plus, learning an instrument is a great way to promote your child’s development. 


(10) Learn from an Expert, Patient Music Teacher

Hodis Learning & Music offers expert music education from experienced and patient educators. On top of teaching students the knowledge necessary to reach their goals, our music teachers can also help students manage expectations and create practice schedules that work in their busy lives. Having an excellent teacher can truly make all the difference. Schedule your first session or get more information with a simple phone call or email!

by
Rachel Hodis

The Do’s & Don’ts of Finding Research Paper Sources

The Do’s & Don’ts Of Finding Research Paper Sources

The Do’s & Don’ts of Finding Research Paper Sources

The Do’s & Don’ts Of Finding Research Paper Sources

The foundation of any good research paper is made up of high-quality, primary sources. This resource post serves as a quick guide for finding good sources and avoiding the bad ones.

DO make sure you know how many and what kinds of sources you need for your assignment. Can all your sources be from online, or do you need sources from academic journals and books as well? Meeting the minimum source requirements is an easy way to get points on your paper.

DO use reputable sources when you’re searching online. A tip for ensuring that you find good online sources is by using URL links that end in .gov or .edu.

DO take advantage of academic journal databases. You can usually get free access to paid articles in databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, OVID, or Google Scholar with a student email address.

DO rely on your local or school library. Librarians can be helpful in your source search as they are familiar with the library contents and can direct you on where to find relevant books. Many can also offer guidance with online database or archive searches. Libraries may also have scholarly journals that you can borrow for your research.

DON’T simply use Wikipedia summaries. You will likely need to have primary sources to support your research claims. Primary sources are first-hand accounts of an event or topic. Wikipedia articles are not first-hand accounts and can be changed by anyone, so you don’t want to rely on potentially false information. Wikipedia can be a starting point for gaining a basic understanding of a topic, but follow the citations at the bottom of the page to find where the information is coming from.

DON’T use the first source you find. Keep a list of each source you find, and make sure any piece of information you plan to use is verified by a high-quality, reputable, primary source. It’s better to have multiple sources to reference, than to have too few.

DON’T just copy and paste your source URLs at the end of your paper. Make sure you understand the formatting requirements for your paper as that will likely be part of the grading criteria on your assignment. Use sources like Purdue Online Writing Lab to learn about writing styles and proper citations. You can also find online citation builders like EasyBib that can help you organize your sources properly.

Additionally, Hodis Learning & Music has expert writing tutors who can help you throughout the process of writing your research paper. If you think you might need more assistance in planning and writing a paper, contact Hodis Learning & Music here to get started with a tutor today.

by
Drew M. Hodis
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Non-Musical Benefits to Learning a New Instrument

Non-Musical Benefits to Learning a New Instrument

Non-Musical Benefits to Learning a New Instrument

Non-Musical Benefits to Learning a New Instrument

If you’re wondering whether learning a new instrument is the right hobby for your child (or even for yourself), there’s a lot to consider. What are the benefits of their chosen instrument? What style of music will they learn? What musical concepts will they be studying? These are all great questions that I hear often from new music students.

However, music lessons offer so much more than a strict music education. And oftentimes, having the right music teacher makes all the difference. Students can gain invaluable life skills from learning a new instrument, some of which are covered in the following list:


Connecting Both Sides of the Brain

Research shows that learning a new instrument that involves both hands (or even three or four limbs) creates connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. These connections allow both sides of the brain to communicate. This increased communication affords students greater motor coordination and increased ability to focus. It also helps students learn new languages and even read more easily. Essentially, learning a new instrument expands a student’s brain power.


Perseverance and Patience

At some point in their musical education, every student will inevitably struggle with a concept, piece, or technique. Students can use these experiences to build resilience in challenging situations. The same experiences can also help students cultivate a greater capacity for patience.


Managing Disappointment and Failure

As with any learning experience, learning a new instrument offers ample opportunities for disappointment and failure. Some students naturally practice and study harder to overcome their failure, while others learn this skill from their teacher. With motivation and encouragement from a trustworthy music teacher, students also learn to reframe their failures as learning opportunities.


Commitment

Sometimes students come home from school feeling too tired to attend their lesson. Learning the skill of showing up to obligations and thereby demonstrating their commitment is invaluable. (Just make sure your student demonstrates self-care by resting after their session.)


Working with Others

Learning an instrument teaches students how to work with others. If your student joins a choir or ensemble, then they will have opportunities to learn how to work with peers, as well.


Set and Accomplish Goals

With guidance from an expert music teacher, students will learn to make actionable and attainable goals in their studies. Accomplishing their goals reinforces their goal-setting skills.


Humility

Students quickly learn that mastering an instrument does not happen overnight. In fact, mastering an instrument takes many years of intense practice. The journey of learning an instrument is a humbling experience.


Lifelong Friendships

Throughout a student’s time learning a new instrument, they are bound to make friendships through music. Whether they make new friends in band, choir, or music class, some of these friends may stick around for life.

Choosing the right music teacher is crucial to a student’s education. Hodis Learning & Music employs expert music educators who are experienced in helping students break down complex concepts and skills so that they may grow in their musical abilities. Our music teachers are also skilled motivators who encourage their students to improve musically and non-musically. Check out our music teachers and their offered instruments here.

by
Rachel Hodis

How to Prepare for Public Speaking

New blog post! How to prepare for public speaking. Read now!

How to Prepare for Public Speaking

New blog post! How to prepare for public speaking. Read now!

Many people experience fear and anxiety when they are faced with public speaking. Whether you have a class presentation or you are preparing a speech for student body elections, the tips below will help you prepare for public speaking in any scenario.


Get Familiar With Your Material

The first thing to do when you are preparing for public speaking is gain a thorough understanding of the material you’ll be presenting. Do your research, make notes, find multiple high-quality sources. You will feel more prepared and confident about speaking when you are knowledgeable about the topic.


Know the Parameters of Your Presentation

If you’re working on a presentation for class, make sure you understand the assignment requirements. Oftentimes, the presentation parameters will be part of your grade. Some things to make sure you know:

  • Is there a minimum time requirement you must speak for?
  • Are you supposed to create a slideshow to accompany your presentation?
  • Are you allowed to use props to help you while presenting? (i.e. notecards or an outline)
  • Will there be a question and answer section following your presentation?


Create an Outline of Important Talking Points

Almost like you would when starting an essay, create an outline of what you will talk about. For example, if your presentation is about a historical figure like Abraham Lincoln, you might want to start with a brief biography. Describe where and when he grew up, how he became president, then his notable accomplishments as president.


Rehearse What You Are Going to Say

Rehearsal is essential to presenting well. Create a script if you must. Practice your presentation aloud by yourself and in front of other people, like family members, friends, or a roommate. They can offer feedback and tell you if they notice areas for improvement. Rehearsal will also help you find out if your presentation is too long or too short.


Speak Slowly, Clearly, and Pause

When people are nervous, they have a tendency to speak quickly, so practice speaking slower, even if it feels a bit unnatural. Make sure you enunciate and project your voice. You don’t want to be yelling, but you also don’t want to mumble. Being mindful of slowing down and projecting can help you so that you don’t automatically speed through your presentation. Take moments for natural pauses within your presentation, like between slides. This will help with your pacing and allow you moments to breathe, which can help ease anxiety.

Schedule a session with one of our expert tutors to help brainstorm and rehearse your speech!

by
Rachel Hodis

Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options

Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options. Image shows a teacher holding a report and a pencil and paper displaying the following grades: A+, B+, and C+.

Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options

Poor Grades on a Progress Report? Consider Your Options. Image shows a teacher holding a report and a pencil and paper displaying the following grades: A+, B+, and C+.

Low grades can be disheartening when students and parents get their hands on a progress report. But it isn’t the end of the world; in fact, there are many options available to parents and students to improve poor grades. However, parents must be mindful that interventions need to be implemented immediately, which requires prompt assessment of the situation. The longer a student goes without support, the worse their performance will be.


Begin with Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses

Where is your student excelling? This is an important question. If you know what is going well, then you can dedicate more energy to the areas that need improvement. And, it’s important to celebrate the small victories. You want to make sure your student knows their successes will be noticed and acknowledged. .

Next assess the areas needing improvement. And keep in mind that reading the grade report won’t be enough. Say your student received a 20% (out of 100%) in their algebra homework grade. Did they fail to turn in their assignments? Did they do poorly on their assignments? Was it a combination? And more importantly – why was this the case? Ask your student in a calm and understanding way that doesn’t make them feel like they are “less than.”


Meet with Teachers

Your student’s teachers are great resources for understanding your student’s needs. Ask them where your student is struggling and how you can best support the student.


Be a Pillar of Support and Encouragement

It’s likely that your student does not truly want to receive poor grades. Sometimes, students just need a little more support, care, and encouragement to feel safe and confident in their abilities in order to work harder.


Visit a Psychologist, Doctor, or Pediatrician

If your student’s teachers have reported specific learning difficulties or if you have noticed them yourself, there may be more to your student’s low performance than you initially thought. A psychologist, doctor, or pediatrician can assess your student to determine if a learning disability may be present. If the professional suspects a learning disability, they can help your student take the next steps to getting extra support at school.


Help Your Student With Homework, If Possible

If your student is having trouble understanding the material, you feel confident helping your student understand the material, and your student feels comfortable receiving your help, then this can be a great learning and bonding experience! Or, if your student’s sibling or friend is able to help, then that may be a good option, too.


Try Free Online Resources

There are thousands of free online resources that your student can use to better understand their material. These resources are great options for families on a budget.


Try Different Learning Methods

Every student is unique and has different learning preferences. Help your student explore different methods of learning. Try including visual, tactile, and auditory learning methods. For example, watch a video on how to plot points on a graph, have your student build a pie chart with different colors of clay that represent fractions, or help them come up with a rhyme to remember how to solve the quadratic formula.


Develop a Schedule that Involves Studying and Fun Activities

If your student is having trouble with organizational and time-management skills, sit down with them and help them create a study schedule. Help them block out times for homework and studying. And study efficiently to maximize energy spent on schoolwork. On the same schedule, make sure to block out times for friends, fun activities, and rest. Having a structured and balanced schedule will help your student feel less stressed and more inclined to complete their studies.

Help them create a to-do list and due date list. Many schools offer binder reminders for free or for a minimal fee. Or help your student create their schedule on their phone’s calendar.


Create an Organized Environment and Process

Many students struggle with keeping an organized study space, binder, and backpack. If your student’s study environment is organized, they may be able to organize their inner workings a little more effectively. And, if their backpack and binders are organized and systematized, your student will be able to easily locate and turn in their assignments. Read more of our organization tips.


Hire an Expert Tutor

If you’ve exhausted all other resources and your student is still struggling, it may be time to hire a tutor. Hodis Learning & Music has a team of exceptional tutors with years of experience helping students from all backgrounds and skill levels. Contact us today to learn more!

by
Rachel Hodis
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Why Multitasking is Ineffective

New Blog Post! Why Multitasking Is Ineffective

Why Multitasking is Ineffective

New Blog Post! Why Multitasking Is Ineffective

Multitasking may seem like the ultimate super power, but in reality it slows you down, makes you less productive, and negatively impacts your ability to focus.


You’re Actually Not Multitasking

When you’re switching back and forth between reading articles, watching videos while working, or texting while talking to someone, you’re not actually multitasking. According to neuropsychologist Cynthia Kubu, PhD, we’re not doing multiple things at once in those instances. In reality, we’re doing one individual task and then quickly switching to another one, and then back again. This phenomenon is called, more appropriately, task-switching.


Multitasking Makes You Slower & Less Efficient

Each time you stop one activity and switch to another, no matter how quickly, that process is taking time and that time adds up. You’re completing each activity much slower than you would if you were focusing all your attention on one thing at a time. Additionally, you’re more likely to make mistakes.


Task-Switching Also Affects Your Ability to Focus

Task-switching makes it more challenging for you to give your full attention to one thing at a time. Some studies have even shown that people who frequently multitask are less able to focus when they’re only performing one task at a time. This, in turn, affects your ability to learn. Learning requires focus and the ability to tune out distractions and engage in deeper processing and critical thinking, says Dr. Kubu.


It Affects Your Performance in School

One research study indicated that college students who tried to multitask took longer to complete their homework and had lower grades, on average. The study specifically noted this trend with students who engaged in media multitasking (texting, watching videos, using social media) while in class, studying, or completing homework.

Check out our article on strategies for tackling homework if you find that you often multitask while studying. Many of the strategies in that article can be applied to any situation where you need to focus on a single task at a time. Additionally, notice when you aren’t fully engaged in one activity. This might even be if you’re scrolling online while watching a TV show. In that moment practice focusing your attention on just one thing– turn off the show or put your phone away. Over time, these moments of monotasking will help you regain your focus and ability to engage more deeply in one activity. Like building any good habit, it will take time and persistence.

Change Your Habits With an Expert Tutor

Consider hiring a dedicated tutor to help you improve your academic habits. Our team of expert tutors have years of experience helping students grow in their academic abilities and improve their grades. Call or email us to learn more or schedule a session now. 

by
Drew M. Hodis
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How to Prevent Academic Burnout: 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health

How to Prevent Academic Burnout - 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health. Image of a boy being overwhelmed by his homework on his computer.

How to Prevent Academic Burnout: 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health

How to Prevent Academic Burnout - 9 Actionable Tips to Maintain Good Mental Health. Image of a boy being overwhelmed by his homework on his computer.

Sometimes students find themselves working really hard in all of their classes, studying at all hours, and aiming for straight A’s and perfect test scores. But after a few months, students often find themselves feeling tired all the time, irritable, disinterested in school, and unmotivated to do anything related to classes. In fact, these situations may devolve to the point where students no longer meet important deadlines, lose confidence in their academic abilities, and fall into bad habits like overeating or nail biting. This process is called academic burnout.

It arises from devoting too much time and energy to school and neglecting other needs and desires. So how do you prevent academic burnout? It really all comes down to self-care. The following list offers actionable self-care items to prevent academic burnout or to shift out of a state of burnout.


(1.) Make Time for Activities That Bring You Joy

Taking a break from studying and doing something fun like going to the movies or taking a trip to the beach can help students reset before they get back into their studies. It is helpful to block out time in your schedule for leisure activities.


(2.) Make Time for Social Activities

Along the same lines as the first suggestion, social activities provide a mental break from studying. Hanging out with good friends not only helps students feel supported and accepted, but also relieves stress and anxiety.


(3.) Exercise Regularly

Sitting all day is not good for students’ minds or bodies. Experts recommend that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 90 minutes of intense aerobic exercise weekly to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost mental health. This may look like going on a run three times a week for 30 minutes at a time or going on a brisk walk five times a week for 30 minutes at a time.


(4.) Go Outside

Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress and boost mental health. Going on five or ten minute walks in the neighborhood during study breaks is an easy way to check this self-care activity off your list for the day.


(5.) Make Good Connections with Teachers and Peers

Feeling connected to your teacher and peers will make class feel more like a welcoming environment instead of a purely stressful one.


(6.) Set Reasonable Goals

You’re likely not going to get 100% on every single exam. Set goals that are reasonable within your time and energy constraints. Respecting your needs with reasonable goals will actually help you perform better by giving you more energy, motivation, and peace.


(7.) Work on Your Time-Management Skills

Managing time wisely is a skill that will reduce stress and create more peace throughout your entire life. Creating to-do lists and blocking out specific times for your activities in a calendar are two excellent yet simple ways to manage your time. Managing your time well will prevent procrastination.


(8.) Refine Your Study Skills

Many students who experience burnout tend to study hard, but may not be studying efficiently or effectively. Learn how to develop your study skills by reading our Building Strong Study Skills Series (see our study skills Roadmap) or by meeting with one of our expert tutors.


(9.) Ask for Help When You Need It

There’s nothing wrong with needing help. If you’re struggling with cultivating the above self-care skills, ask someone who you trust to help you. Or if you’re finding a concept or course to be challenging, ask someone who you know will be able to help and who won’t feel burdened by your request. You can always hire one of our expert tutors to guide you through any challenging course.

Self-care is an invaluable skill that will help any student succeed in academics and in all other aspects of their life. Begin utilizing these tools now to prevent yourself from burning out. And be patient with yourself – it may take time to learn these tools and successfully apply them to your life.

by
Drew M. Hodis
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Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

Strategies for Tackling Homework: Pt. 2 How Parents Can Help

Ah, homework. An inevitable, but often unenjoyable, part of school. While many students (and perhaps even parents) dread homework, it is an important part of your student’s education. Read on to learn strategies for tackling homework. If you’re a student, read this article instead.


What’s the Point of Homework, Anyways?

Homework should, ideally, reinforce concepts that students learn in class. In some cases, homework might prepare them for upcoming exams or test their knowledge in preparation for a reinforcement lesson or new, upcoming lessons.

Homework also serves as a tool for students to develop life skills. Some of these skills include managing time, following directions, completing assignments with a deadline, and applying knowledge. All of these skills will be necessary later on in their professional and personal lives.


Strategies for Helping Your Student Tackle Homework

1. Keep the above notes in mind; remember, homework is a tool to help your student learn concepts and gain valuable life skills. Gently remind them of these things when they are reluctant or resistant to working, and encourage positivity. A positive attitude even in the face of unenjoyable tasks will help with homework and beyond.


2. Provide a focused working environment for your student, when possible. Have a desk or table in a quiet room where they won’t be interrupted. If your student must do work in a communal room, encourage other family members to stay out or stay quiet. Consider even setting up quiet time for the whole family to do work for a couple of hours. If that isn’t possible, take your student to a library to focus and do work, or recommend they go on their own if they are old enough.

Keep TVs and music off, cell phones away, or remind them to turn those things off if you notice them. Limit time spent on a computer, or set up apps to limit distractions like Forest, Freedom, or RescueTime.


3. If your student routinely struggles with completing homework on time, consider a system where you can check their upcoming assignments and hold them accountable. Encourage them to use a planner, calendar, or checklist to track assignments, even if they are all available online. It’s important for your student to build new, more effective habits and keep track of all deadlines and assignments in one place. Writing things down physically is also helpful for retaining information.


4. Set a timer for your student to focus on one assignment, or encourage them to do so on their own. Depending on your student, this could be anywhere from 20-45 minutes. Make sure they are completely uninterrupted during that time. Offer to hold onto cell phones, tablets, headphones, and any other distractions during the set time frame. Have small breaks after each assignment time (about 5-10 minutes), then repeat the process for the next assignment.


5. Make sure you or your student notes the problems or questions they struggle with the most or are unable to complete. While it is important for your student to complete their homework, it doesn’t help them to guess or simply fill in answers if they don’t understand how to arrive at the solution. 

Once they have noted the problems or questions they struggled with, encourage them to ask their teacher for help or clarification. If the assignment is incomplete, and the student wants help before submitting it for grading, make sure they meet with their teacher prior to the submission time. They might need to schedule time to meet before school, or even a few days before the due date. 

If they are unable to meet before the assignment is due, encourage them to complete the assignment to the best of their ability, and make note of the challenging questions. When the assignment is returned, make sure they set up time to meet with their teacher outside of class to go over the assignment and get clarification. If the teacher doesn’t return a homework assignment and only submits a grade, it is even more important for your student to communicate with their teacher and set up a time to go over the challenging problems.

If your student is too young to do this, consider setting up a meeting with the teacher yourself. While teachers, particularly in lower grade levels, should be proactive about notifying parents when they see a student struggling, it is always helpful to be aware of your student’s challenges and work habits, and create a dialogue with their teacher.


Consider Hiring a Tutor

If your student is still struggling with homework, consider hiring a tutor. Tutors can help students understand concepts and even offer helpful tips and tricks for specific problems. They are experts in their field and are familiar with subject material, so you don’t have to rack your brain to remember Algebra 1 or middle school Biology. Tutors can also teach time management and organization skills that will help your student with homework and beyond. Some students might even be more disciplined and receptive to feedback when working with someone who isn’t family. 

Hodis Learning & Music tutors and expert educators are ready to help your student tackle homework this year! Give us a call or email us to get started.

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