The Art Of Joinery - Devil In The Details

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An expert joiner was once asked why bespoke joinery was important when creating elements of a home - why a joiner rather than a carpenter who could do the job for a lot less money. The answer to that question is quite telling - "would you ask a decorator to paint you a masterpiece?" Was the reply. It is the difference between getting a piece of work that might do the job, but wouldn't be anything you'd want to display. When it comes to certain structures throughout your home, joinery just makes sense if you want to add style and beauty.

A great example of the difference between carpentry and joinery is the construction of a roof. With a carpenter, you would get a practical and functional roof that you would then cover over with wallboard or sheetrock and paint. With a joiner, you would get a gorgeous worked-wood roof that would be displayed without any covering for the beauty of the work itself. The same concept holds true for bespoke staircases. Normal construction can put in a staircase, even a wood one, and it would definitely be something you could live with and use with impunity. A staircase built with joinery would be just as practical and functional, but it would end up a conversation piece for anyone who sees it. This is a definite and distinct difference in building philosophy.

Staircases, cabinetry, storage, furniture, windows and doors are all avenues of creativity for the use of joinery. An expert joiner can listen to the home owner, measure the area to be added to, understand the goal of the home owner and then work up a plan to craft the desired piece according to the owner's wishes. Once the piece is done, the home owner will have something that has added immeasurable value to their home while being practical and usable at the same time.

With joinery, windows can have custom casements, window seats and trim that can't be produced by other means. Staircases can be straight, curved or angled with customized rails that work in concert with the other design elements of the house. Doorways can become more than a way to get from room to room if joinery is used to frame and finish them. Kitchens are prime ground for joinery with custom cabinets and woodwork to highlight architectural details or add function. Built-in furniture such as a drop-leaf desk combined with a bookcase to create an instant and disguised office space or storage cabinets disguised as additional seating provide fertile ground for bespoke joinery. DB Specialist Joinery Ltd provides the custom and bespoke joinery Kent home owners appreciate and want in their homes.

When you consider a custom piece of work for your home, think about DB Specialist Joinery Ltd - they can provide you with the beauty and style you are looking for along with that practical functionality you need, all in one gorgeous piece of work because it is the details that make the difference between ordinary and extraordinary.

The Advantages to Using the APA format

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Writers often are required to use one out of several different formats when writing a paper. For the behavioral and social sciences as well as in education, the APA format is the preferred choice. This format was created by the American Psychological Association in 1929 to establish rules in structuring a paper that will enable ease of reading for both publishers and readers. There are several advantages to using this format in your paper.

The APA format is widely used in many fields of academia. By using the APA format in your paper, you are less likely to have to restructure your paper upon submittal to your professor, the journals editor, or a publisher. It also means that it is not necessary for you to learn many formats when writing about different topics. The APA format also gives structure and order in your paper, making it more professional and formal. It also lends credibility to the paper because many readers, particularly in the scientific fields, are accustomed to reading works in this format. And those that fail to comply are sometimes met with doubt and shock.

Another advantage to using the APA style is that it leaves you no room to wonder about how the contents should be structured. The rules set within this format detail the size of the margins, the spacing required, and even what font should be used. It also gives the writer instructions on how sources should be cited within the body paragraphs and in the references section. Page numbers, headings, and even abbreviations also are discussed in the APA Formats manual. Knowing how to structure your paper will enable you to focus more on your content.

Using the APA format also allows the writer to further develop his or her writing skills. While many are aware that the format has set rules for structuring a paper, it also discusses the ins and outs of grammar that will help any writer. In addition, it also helps develop a persons critical thinking skills. It promotes unbiased writing and asks writers to ensure that their paper has a neutral perspective. This includes avoiding the use of gender pronouns and making sure that there is no bias contained in any of the text.

Writers are also able to use images in their paper with the APA style. The guidelines include how writers can insert and use charts, tables, and graphs in their paper for ease of reading the data and in understanding it as well. While the written text can be a powerful thing, images enable readers to quickly grasp the concepts presented in the paper, particularly in the scientific fields where a huge amount of numbers may be required in presenting data.

The last, but certainly not the least, advantage that one has when using the APA format is the presence of numerous materials that will help writers in learning and using the format. The APA manual can easily be referenced through the APA website, which also has several tutorials and examples for writers. Because of its pervasive use, there are also numerous other sources of information that can be found online about how to use this format. While it can certainly be challenging to use at first, the popularity of the format helps writers find it easier to learn with so many guides to choose from.

The Advantages of Composite Doors over Wooden Doors.

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When you are designing your house, think of switching over to composite doors. These doors are the in thing in home designing and are very much in demand-the reason being that they are much stronger, cheaper and better than the old wooden doors. Composite doors look like wooden doors but are very easy to maintain and are long lasting. Eminent architects and interior designers today prefer composite doors over the wooden doors.

Let's run through the many advantages of composite doors. These doors are made from glass and aluminum in combination with other materials. Composite doors are more durable than their wooden counterparts. Even doors made from the best possible wood are not termite resistant and tend to wear off with every passing year. Their polish and gloss seems to loose any shine. Over exposure to water tends to rot wooden doors. Once they wear off the only option is to replace them, which is again a costly affair. On the other hand the composite doors are not only durable and strong buy also retain their beauty and strength.

Composite doors are much secured than the wooden doors. If you are serious about the safety of your house they are the best option. Burglars and thieves can easily break down wooden doors but it is indeed difficult to break through the invincible composite doors. The cost of maintenance and repair of a wooden door is much higher and over the years it becomes a recurring cost. Composite doors are known for hassle free maintenance as they are termite resistant, and can survive all types of weather. It is much easier and lighter for your pocket

Composite doors are available in a wide array of designs, styles and colors. If you love variety, you can always choose different designs for your front door or back door or even mix and match by trying different permutations and combinations of color, style and design. Unlike the old wooden doors these composite doors come with optional attachments like spy holes and door knockers.

The front door of the house serves as the first impression for anyone visiting your house. Are you fond of wooden doors and yet you want it to be termite resistant, strong and durable you can opt for a composite door with wooden finish. Composite doors with glass sections can lend a distinct style to your house. For the glass sections also, you have a wide variety to choose from like a plain glass, glazed glass or even a painted or stained glasses in myriad hues.

Last but not the least, the indirect benefit of using composite doors is to support the Go Green' movement. Deforestation is a serious concern in today's world and has been identified as a prime cause of global warming. Each year thousands of trees are cut down for firewood and furniture, of course including doors. By choosing a composite door for your home you will be saving more trees and contributing your bit in saving the environment.

Doors

Trade Doors

The ADHD Entrepreneurial Brain-style

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Starting your own business is like riding a roller coaster. There are highs and lows and every turn you take is another twist. The lows are really low, but the highs can be really high. You have to be strong, keep your stomach tight, and ride along with the roller coaster that you started. ~ Lindsay Manseau

Did you know that adults with ADHD are 300% more likely to be entrepreneurs? With the current economy, more and more people are deciding to create their own success by venturing into entrepreneurial business. Although its popularity has recently increased, the term entrepreneur was initially defined in the late 1600s by an Irish-French economist, Richard Cantillon. According to Cantillon, an entrepreneur refers to an owner or manager of a business enterprise who makes money through risk and initiative. Risk and initiative.hmmm.sounds ADHD-like to me! I think it is fair to say that ADHD and entrepreneurs have many brain-style qualities in common. Some of the more famous entrepreneuers that have been diagnosed with ADHD include:

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Airlines.
Ingvar Kamprad, Swedish founder and chairman of IKEA stores, states he adapted the inner workings of his business to compensate for his ADHD and dyslexia.
David Neeleman founder and CEO of Jet Blue Airways.
Charles Schwab the founder, chairperson, and CEO of the Charles Schwab Corporation, the largest brokerage firm in the U.S.

Although ADHD can create some undeniable obstacles, there are many positive qualities of ADHD that contribute to the success of countless entrepreneurial businesses.

1. Risk Taker
Overall, people with ADHD often do not think about the overall consequences of their actions. Instead, they focus more on whats happening right here in the moment. This is a benefit for the entrepreneur since it means they will act on an opportunity rather than miss it due to over analyzing their actions.

2. Creativity
Successful entrepreneurs and people with ADHD invented the saying thinking outside of the box. With an abundance of thoughts and ideas that come with their over active mind, people with ADHD seem to be constantly creating new concepts for products or service and using this creativity to come up with solutions and strategies otherwise not considered. This creativity is also key to entrepreneurial success and allows these unique brain-styles to notice more possibilities, information and resources that others miss.

3. Ability to Hyperfocus
Success as an entrepreneur means that you will spend hours, months or even years focusing on your business. This unique quality is similar to the hyperfocus people with ADHD experience. When people with ADHD are innately interested in something, they can literally concentrate on this one task while the rest of the world fades away. Gone is timethe outside world and they seem to enter an incredibly focused state of mind I call the zone. Some people with ADHD fondly refer to this as their ADD coma.

4. Multi-tasking
Entrepreneurs are often jack-of-all-trades and are required to wear several hats consecutively. The ADHD brain is at its best when doing several tasks at the same time, especially when these tasks include areas of inherent interests, strengths and passions. An ADHD entrepreneur may struggle with the overwhelm of singularly paying the bills, but combine this otherwise mundane task with entrepreneurial activities such as web browsing, listening to music, talking on the phone and answering emails, and this task is more likely to be completed.

5. High Energy Level
Being the owner of your own business requires a tremendous amount of brain and physical energy. People with ADHD can often tap into their own personal adrenaline source to put in those extra hours, pull those all-nighters, or meet those last minute deadlines.

6. Eats chaos for breakfast!
Running your own business and being an entrepreneur requires the ability to manage chaos, unpredictability and inconsistency. People with ADHD, with their high interest and tolerance for the new and stimulating, are often at their best in what would be a crisis situation for someone else. In fact, these are the exact situations where they tend to be most focused and clear headed.

As an ADHD entrepreneur myself I am often grateful for some of these unique qualities that have helped me to take risks, pursue possibilities others might not have noticed and fuel the determination that has helped my business grow. I would love to read your comments about your unique ADHD qualities and how they have added to the success of your entrepreneurial business!

The 9 obstacles that keep you from achieving your Goals

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While you may have spent a lot of time working on your goals for the next year, there are plenty of things that are going to get in your way to achieving them.

Before we go any further lets establish the use of language here. Goals can be substituted with objectives, targets, outcomes, achievements, resolutions, aims, ambitions and any others you can think of. For the purpose of this report, the writer will use Goal.

How often have you started off the year, or next phase of your development with good intentions, and some goals of what you want to achieve, only to find that somehow you never see to achieve them? What I will cover in this article is the 9 biggest obstacles that will get in your way. I will take each one in turn and explore what is behind it, why it is there, and more importantly the action you can take to put it to one side.

What I will also do is evidence this be using the responses of a survey conducted with Sole Traders, and owners of Small and medium Enterprises (SMEs), identifying the challenges they face in the coming year.

Although there are arguably hundreds of potential obstacles, 9 appear most commonly.

1. Lack of information
2. Lack of skill
3. Limiting beliefs
4. Well being
5. Other people
6. Own motivation
7. Time
8. Money
9. Fear

Why have a Goal?
If you needed more reason do set your own goals, in a study conducted on students in the 1979 Harvard MBA program , only three percent of the graduates had written goals and plans; 13 percent had goals, but they were not in writing; and 84 percent had set no goals at all.

Ten years later, the findings revealed that 13 percent of the class who had goals were earning up to 84 percent compared to those who had not set any. For the three percent who defined their goals and wrote them down, they were earning on average, ten times as much as the other 97 percent put together.

They don't know how to set goals. Some set goals that are too general. These are, in reality, fantasies common to everyone. Goals, on the other hand, are clear, written, specific, and measurable.

They fear failure. Failure hurts, but it is often necessary to experience failure in order to achieve the greatest success. Do not unconsciously sabotage yourself by not setting any goals in which you might fail.

They fear rejection. People are often afraid that if they are unsuccessful at achieving a goal, others will be critical of them. This is remedied by keeping your goals to yourself at the outset; let others see your results and achievements once you've accomplished your goals.

What is a Goal?
Other names that are used, explore others use of language. Why do we have them? Different types of goal towards/ away from.
Some goals are called away from goals. These are usually framed in the negative. Here are a few examples.

I dont want to smoke anymore
I dont want to be unfit
I dont want to be overweight
I dont want to be broke

Now lets reframe them in the positive
I am a non smoker
I am fit and healthy
I am at my ideal weight
I can cover my bills

Notice the difference. They are stated in the positive and take on the assumption that you have achieved it already. By assuming as if your behaviour changes so that you are acting like to have already achieved what you wanted to do. What a great feeling to have even before you have got there. It also bolsters your motivation.

So now we have determined if our goal is towards something, or away from something. We have now stated it in the positive. This however is still not a very well detailed goal. We will now look at how we can make it more specific.

An ideal goal should be expressed in the positive, be time bound and specific. You may also like to consider, how will you know when you have achieved it, what will it feel like, what will the people around you be like? What will you do to celebrate it?

A goal must be time bound. When do I want to have achieved it? If thats when I want to achieve it, then when must I start? What is the first step I need to take? Who should I tell? Should telling that person be the first step? What skills or knowledge do I need to acquire along the way?

Goal size, is the goal too big to achieve? If so then breaking it down into smaller bite sized pieces may be the right approach.

How serious are you about this goal. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being low and 10 being high), how committed are you to this goal? If your answer is less that 7 you are unlikely to follow it up completely. What would you need to do to this goal to move it from a 7 to an 8?

Now that you have really defined your goal you are ready to go. Arent you? So whats stopping you?

I will take each one of the potential obstacles in turn, and elaborate.

Lack of Information
Information can have one of two effects. With too much you can be overwhelmed, and can stop you from making a decision or taking the next steps. With too little information you are not able to put things into perspective, or look at the bigger picture. Identifying where you have gaps in your knowledge, and including this as part of your goal will move you closer to achieving it. There are several ways to obtain new information. Research, planned reading, listening to CDs, DVDs on a specific topic or networking with individuals who have the knowledge to share with you.

Lack of Skill
In order to move forwards you may have to pick up skills along the way. This need not be an enormous challenge. As part of your goal setting, understanding what skills you need to acquire, and how you will acquire them will form steps of your plan. This does not necessarily mean that you need to enrol on a course, although that is a great idea. Other alternatives such as on-line study, planned reading, shadowing a colleague in the workplace, or seeking advice from a friend can also help you obtain the skills you need.

Limiting beliefs
We all have a set of beliefs by which we live our lives. These are set in our subconscious at an early age. Sometimes these beliefs can hold you back and limit your ability to achieve you goals. Some common examples may be familiar to you. Indecision or Procrastination- should I do one thing or another? This often results in you doing nothing. The limiting belief manifests itself as I am not able to make decisions.

Unable to make progress or stuck when a way of working is no longer effective, you continue to use it and often forms a comfort zone, the limiting belief here could be I cant/ wont change. Often people will state that I dont deserve to be successful, or that shouldnt work for me. Here we are seeing self sabotage and not valuing themselves and their own ability. These are only a few examples, but listen out for them and notice how many times you hear yourself saying things like this.

Well being
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when you are simply not able to pursue your goals. A sudden illness or injury can put set you back. When this happens you need to be realistic.

Beating yourself up will not help, nor simply giving up. Take a little time to re assess your goal and consider what your options are now. How important is it that this goal is achieved within the original timeframe. Also consider how else you goal can be pursued, and who can help you during these times.

Other People
Quite often the people that are closest to us fear us achieving our goals. For them this means that you may change and that will also mean change for them. They may not be aware how important your goals are to you.

If the people you share your time with for example family, friends, colleagues to not understand and support your goals, there is a chance that you may be influenced by this. If these people are adverse to change then they may well sabotage you plans.

Own Motivation
Although you may see out with the best intentions, after a while the novelty may wear off or there are other distractions. This may be down to a number of factors. Perhaps the goals that you set were too large, and needed to be broken down into smaller manageable chunks.

Perhaps you are not getting the results, and need to consider what you doing that is are preventing you from moving forward. After continued effort you may feel that the goal is now actually something that do dont want, or at least the outcome.

In this case the goal needs to be reassessed. If it requires modification because circumstances have changed, then change it. If it no longer serves you, then dont waste your energy following up on something just because you started it.

Time
We all live in a world where we dont seem to have enough time. Many of us are time poor, which means that we do not manage our use of time to get the best results. Quite often I hear from the people around me I just dont have time to do x. How true is this statement really? Have we taken on too much, overcommitted ourselves and are embarrassed to say no? Perhaps, but I have another view.

If we approach our use of time without any structure we may just leap from one thing to another in no particular order. Without priority we will move from one thing to the next urgent thing.

There is also the aspect of distractions. This can be distraction from others who do not have the same aspirations as you. There is the distraction of telephone calls and emails. Quite often we busy ourselves with those things that are nice to do, but do not take us any further forward to achieving our goals.

Money
Money is a common reason for not pursuing your goal. Usually it is the lack of money that stops you. When you hear someone say I cant afford it or I just dont have the money. These statements are usually offered up without much hesitation.

While I agree that it may well be true to some extent, what alternatives have they really explored and how else could the money be found? If you are really serious about achieving this goal, what lengths would you go to in order to find the money (legally)!

Lets turn this around and look at it from another perspective. What is it costing you to not have that goal in your life right now? For example being in that bad relationship or enduring bad health. If in achieving this goal it was going to get you that next job, or mean that you would get that 10% performance bonus at work, what efforts would you go to?

Fear
What do I mean by fear? There are the more straightforward examples. If you need to do something that takes you right outside of your comfort zone for the first time, which may well install fear into you.

Then there is the fear of failure. What will those around you think if you dont achieve you goal. How will you face them and maintain your integrity. Better to quit now that to see it through right? That way no-one will be able to judge me.
Another type of fear is the fear of success. What if I actually do it, and people find out I am a fraud? Is this goal something that I really want anyway? Self doubt comes into play and you try to talk your self out of it.

What evidence supports this in a business context?
In a recent survey conducted with Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) and sole Traders they were asked what they viewed as the biggest challenges facing them in 2010. All of those surveyed reported that they were partially successful in achieving their goals and objectives in 2009. 33% of these goals were significant, and the reasons for not achieving them were down to ill health, not asking for help, and lack of confidence in the economy amongst others.

Many of these goals were being carried on into the following year, some people carrying forward all of their goals. When asked what they were going to do in order to achieve those, 66% reported that they would try something different, and 33% would look for assistance.

So what is stopping these business people from moving forwards? Well from the sample surveyed the leading factors were Lack of skills, lack of knowledge, Health, Fear (of success/ failure) and Limiting beliefs.

Those that responded that they would look for assistance; it was equally split between others in their trade or profession, approaching a business coach, or contacting specialist suppliers. From those three options, certainly looking at what your competitors are doing may give you some clues. After all if someone in our sector is being successful look at what they are doing. Likewise specialist suppliers may be useful if the understand you goals and aspirations. However they may have another agenda, after all they are in business too.

However neither of these two approaches are focussed on helping you achieve your goals, and neither of them hold you accountable in working towards them. This is where a Business coach can prove particularly valuable. They will assist you in defining and developing you goals, identify what is stopping you and develop strategies to help you deal with those obstacles when they come along.

The Business coach will also challenge you to check if you are working on goals that move you towards what you want, and keep you accountable to those goals. As a Sole Trader or SME often there is no one around with whom you can share your goals with, and discuss them.

One of the common objections to using a Business coach is the perceived cost, often saying I cant afford that or its too expensive. It is sometimes useful to look at this from another perspective. What is it costing you not to use a Business coach? If you can attach a value to achieving each goal then the services of an effective Business coach can be quickly calculated.

Lets go back to the survey respondents for a moment. Two of the challenges identified were lack of skills, and lack of knowledge. Suppose for a moment if a Business coach could help you identify what these gaps were, how to close them and then how to apply them to your Business what would that be worth? You may think that you can go it alone, but consider for a moment how would you clearly identify those gaps in skills or knowledge? How long would it take you? Which direction would you go? For example

Summary
In this report I have explained what a goal is and why it is important to have them. I have identified 9 obstacles that can potentially stop you from achieving those goals. These are:

1. Lack of information
2. Lack of skill
3. Limiting beliefs
4. Well being
5. Other people
6. Own motivation
7. Time
8. Money
9. Fear

I have evidenced how these manifest themselves, in a business context for Sole Traders and SMEs , and looked at what strategies can be can be applied . And finally I have discussed how a Business coach may support the achievement of those goals.

The 8 Best Ski Resorts in the World You Need to Try

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Skiing is one of the ultimate forms of getting an adrenaline rush.

The thrill of being in the middle of the great outdoors is priceless. Between shredding the slopes and taking in the scenery, theres no such thing as a bad day skiing.

However, there is such a thing as a top-notch ski resort and a mediocre one. If you are planning on chasing thrills in the near future, be sure to go all out.

Heres a list of the best ski resorts in the world to help you start your travel plans.

The Best Ski Resorts In The World

1. Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is Americas oldest ski resort.

For over 70 years, it has been welcoming skiers to this beautiful mountain. Yet, many Americans jump to well-known skiing towns without even realizing the beauty of Sun Valley in Idahos backyard.

This means more space to ski and enjoy the ride for the locals at this resort. It is easily one of the best-kept secrets in the skiing world.

2. Park City, Utah

If youre looking for ample space to play and different areas to ski, head to Park City.

This is the largest resort in the States, with big thrills for the whole family. At 7,300 acres, there is sure to be the perfect easy route for the beginner in the group to try.

For the more experienced skier, theres plenty of fresh powder and big bowls to enjoy.

3. Telluride, Colorado

Telluride offers everything a skier can ask for.

Enjoy tough terrain to test your skills or take the skids on a simple cruise through the mountain.

At the end of the day, enjoy a quick ride right into town on your skis. You can literally finish a slope and walk into the nearest coffee shop or pub in just a few minutes!

4. Vail and Whistler-Blackcomb, Colorado

This American destination is not just one of the best ski resorts in the world, but arguably one of the most popular.

Every year, Vail welcomes over 5 million locals and international ski enthusiasts alike. With the pristine beauty and perfect conditions of the back bowls and the excellent reporting standards, its no surprise Vail is a favorite.

Whistler-Blackcomb recently joined Vail resorts, meaning more space and chances to ride your favorite slopes with the Epic Pass. Click here for the best gear in town to ski in style and ultimate comfort.

5. Are, Sweden

This is the largest snow resort in all of Northern Europe.

Skiers can enjoy their favorite kinds of runs and try their hand at other snow sports, too. For those looking to really up their skills, this is an ideal opportunity to try heli-skiing.

6. Alpe dHuez, France

Alpe dHuez is a skiers paradise.

The peak of the mountain offers one of the best panoramas out there, with a view of one-fifth of French terrain. You can expect for the sun to shine for most of your visit and guide your path on the slopes.

The village is also known for cultural events and many other snow sports, meaning there is always something to do.

7. Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria

Austrias largest ski resort is waiting to welcome you on over 70 lifts to fun and adventure.

The mountain is equipped with everything from challenging runs to thrill-filled fun parks. To catch your breath, enjoy one of 50 huts on the mountain serving traditional Austrian treats.

8. Gstaad, Switzerland

For a little bit of everything and a whole lot of luxury, head straight to Gstaad.

This is a gem of the snow world, offering everything from skiing, hiking, ice skating, and tobogganing. No matter what sport you choose, make sure to stop and enjoy the views.

Discover One Of The Best Ski Resorts In The World

Ready to pack your skis and hit the slopes?

Some of the biggest thrills and most memorable moments are waiting, no matter your destination of choice.

Join our travel community for the ultimate adventure tips and tricks.

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The 7 Letters Of The Musical Alphabet

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Have you often wondered what it means when someone says they are playing the note "C"? Why is that sound called "C"? How do you know it's a "C" and not some other letter? Most likely, the person playing the note knows it's called "C" because they are familiar with the musical alphabet and its role in music.

Every pitch that you hear or note that you read in music has a name. That is what is used to identify that pitch. It's just like how you have a name that you go by and so do I. People are less likely to get us confused because our name identifies who we are and separates us from each other. The same is true for music notes.

A standardized system of seven letters was developed to help us name pitches and identify them. Now we know that "C" is different from "G" when we hear it and play it. The musical alphabet only uses seven letters: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Once the note "G" is played, the very next pitch is called "A" restarting the musical alphabet all over again. The entire musical alphabet can be cycled through many different times in a single piece of music.

When you look at the white keys on the piano, you will see a repeating pattern of the seven letters used in music. I tell my students that if they want to play a trick on someone, ask them to play or sing the note "H". You'll soon find out if that person really knows something about music or not.

I know it can be hard to believe that music only has seven notes, especially when you are listening to a very complex piece of music. Sometimes the pitches fly by so quickly, you have a hard time keeping up with what's going on. In whatever way music sounds to your ear, there are still no more than seven different notes that you are hearing.

Some of the notes may sound higher or lower than others. They also may be altered by a sharp or flat, giving it another very unique sound. Nonetheless, music is a simple language to learn because it only uses the first seven letters of the English language alphabet to name the notes.

Now that you know what letters are used in the musical alphabet, try memorizing all seven notes. Also, it's very worthwhile to memorize the pattern on the white keys of the piano as well. Remember to practice repeating the musical alphabet by restarting with the letter "A" after you reach "G". As you can see, music really isn't that hard to learn. The next step is to see how those seven notes are used when we read it on the music page.