Three Cheers for Ukulele!!!
During the 2012-2013 school year I implemented a pilot program for ukuleles at McClelland School. I will expand this fall to Gonic school with 18 more ukuleles!!! I am excited to see if retention this year was greater with this new exciting tool. Kids were definitely engaged in their learning.
Ten Reason to play Ukulele
1. It’s inexpensive
The need for music and art in our schools has never been greater. A ukulele program is a proven and inexpensive way to explore the world of music with your students.
2. It’s portable
The ukulele can go everywhere with your students. On camping trips, field trips, vacations and, most importantly, back-and-forth easily between home and school.
3. It has a pleasant, mellow sound
The ukulele has a pleasant, mellow sound that fits into any social situation. This means your students have literally every opportunity to practise and explore the instrument.
4. It’s a solo instrument
Your students will learn to play melody, harmony, and rhythm all at once on a single instrument! In other words, the ukulele is a self-sufficient musical tool.
5. It’s an ensemble instrument
A class full of ukulele students can be treated as an "orchestra" where many different parts work hand-in-hand toward a common musical goal.
6. It’s an ideal tool for ear training and gives students concrete strategies for figuring out songs even when they don't have printed music.
7. It’s a great way to learn music theory
The ukulele takes abstract concepts like harmony, voice-leading, and intervals and makes them tangible and “hands-on.”
8. It’s multicultural
The Ukulele includes music from over twenty world cultures from America to Asia to the Middle East. This reflects the cultural diversity in today’s classrooms.
9. You can sing and play at the same time
Learning to sing and strum simultaneously is a skill that your students will cherish long after they leave your class.
10. It’s fun!
The ukulele has a well-deserved reputation for making music fun. Students report that, years later, they're still playing ukulele and enjoying music.
The need for music and art in our schools has never been greater. A ukulele program is a proven and inexpensive way to explore the world of music with your students.
2. It’s portable
The ukulele can go everywhere with your students. On camping trips, field trips, vacations and, most importantly, back-and-forth easily between home and school.
3. It has a pleasant, mellow sound
The ukulele has a pleasant, mellow sound that fits into any social situation. This means your students have literally every opportunity to practise and explore the instrument.
4. It’s a solo instrument
Your students will learn to play melody, harmony, and rhythm all at once on a single instrument! In other words, the ukulele is a self-sufficient musical tool.
5. It’s an ensemble instrument
A class full of ukulele students can be treated as an "orchestra" where many different parts work hand-in-hand toward a common musical goal.
6. It’s an ideal tool for ear training and gives students concrete strategies for figuring out songs even when they don't have printed music.
7. It’s a great way to learn music theory
The ukulele takes abstract concepts like harmony, voice-leading, and intervals and makes them tangible and “hands-on.”
8. It’s multicultural
The Ukulele includes music from over twenty world cultures from America to Asia to the Middle East. This reflects the cultural diversity in today’s classrooms.
9. You can sing and play at the same time
Learning to sing and strum simultaneously is a skill that your students will cherish long after they leave your class.
10. It’s fun!
The ukulele has a well-deserved reputation for making music fun. Students report that, years later, they're still playing ukulele and enjoying music.
This a chart of chords to play on your ukulele
Great Website
Ukebuddy is a fun site with a lot of helpful interactive information. There is a tuner and chord charts as well as fingering chart, purchase information and other useful tips.