Want to learn how to shred your guitar like a pro? Thinking of honing your hip-hop production skills? How about adding some tweaks to your violin technique? Well, now you can because the internet has got you covered.
If you are musician, staying at home shouldn’t be a total drag. Perfect your craft even further courtesy of these free online music classes delivered by some of the best artists and organisations in the business. Here are some of the key courses you can log on to today.
Learn to play your favourite David Bowie tunes with Fender
The esteemed guitar maker Fender, adored by the likes of David Gilmour and Eric Clapton, is offering online classes covering guitar, bass and even the ukulele. Hope on their Fender Play online platform and sign up for free courses for three months without giving up any payment information. The lessons, by certified instructors are as easy going as they are brisk, with many lasting only a few minutes. Also included are instructional videos on how to play certain rock classics by artists such as David Bowie, Lou Reed and The Police. Plug in and sign up on www.fender.com
Learn the beauty and complexity of classical music through Yale University
You don’t need to be a musical snob or spent decades in a conservatory to appreciate classical music. Through this course by the US Ivy League university, the novice listener will be provided with a firm and fun understanding on key pieces by the likes of Bach, Mozart and Puccini.
The course is eight weeks long and requires a commitment of three to five hours per week. Topics that will be covered include The Baroque Era and The Romantic Era and the course comes with its own series of videos and readings. You can sign up by clicking here.
Learn production techniques and the music business with Berklee College of Music
The online education platform EDX is home to a few courses by the respected US music institution Berklee College of Music, which recently opened an Abu Dhabi campus in Saadiyat Island. There are five courses available in English, and another five in Spanish, that offers a gold mine of information for producers and artists.
The Vocal Recording Technology class will provide you with tips on the best gear available to help your recording process. The Creativity & Entrepreneurship will teach you how to think both creatively and smart when it comes to navigating your music career, while Introduction to Music Theory is tailored for musicians who learnt by ear and with no formal training.
All courses are self-paced, however instructors recommend you spend between three to six hours per week on each course to get the most out of it. For details click here.
Learn some great violin technique with Nicola Benedetti
This is indeed a master class. Nicola Benedetti is a classical music superstar and she has been using her time home to drop some great nugget sized tutorials as part of her With Nicky series. Available on her YouTube channel, she offers tips and advice on how to improve your playing and how to maintain inspiration and motivation while practicing. Check out the series here.
Learn the art of the mix with Young Guru
If you are a hip-hop producer, then this course is for you. Learn how to create the perfect sound mix courtesy of Young Guru. Throughout his two decade career, he produced tracks for the likes of Jay Z, Beyonce and Kanye West. Through his seven videos (totaling 53 minutes) and associated notes, you will learn the best ways to organise your sound mix, adding effects and reverb and finding the right tone. Delivered through the online platform Skill Share, you can gain access to Young Guru's class through a free two-week trial period. For details click here.
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Read more:
The best concerts to watch online: From Beyonce and Taylor Swift to James Brown and Nina Simone
One World Together at Home: 10 must-watch performances from the Rolling Stones to Burna Boy
From Scrabble to Pictionary: virtual games you can play with friends and family while isolating
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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The Outsider
Stephen King, Penguin
Read more about the coronavirus
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Scores
Day 2
New Zealand 153 & 56-1
Pakistan 227
New Zealand trail by 18 runs with nine wickets remaining
more from Janine di Giovanni
Virtuzone GCC Sixes
Date and venue Friday and Saturday, ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City
Time Matches start at 9am
Groups
A Blighty Ducks, Darjeeling Colts, Darjeeling Social, Dubai Wombats; B Darjeeling Veterans, Kuwait Casuals, Loose Cannons, Savannah Lions; C Awali Taverners, Darjeeling, Dromedary, Darjeeling Good Eggs
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
The years Ramadan fell in May
RESULT
Manchester United 2 Tottenham Hotspur 1
Man United: Sanchez (24' ), Herrera (62')
Spurs: Alli (11')
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
WandaVision
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany
Directed by: Matt Shakman
Rating: Four stars
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
