An Introduction to Ukulele

In this 4-week introductory course, students will learn how to identify names of ukulele strings, play songs by ear and using notation, and play games to strengthen their knowledge of the instrument.  Students will need their own instrument at home, which should be a soprano or concert ukulele of any brand.  Toy ukuleles are not recommended, as they often go quickly out of tune, which can be frustrating for the learner. No prior ukulele experience is expected or required.

I am a Kodaly-certified teacher with over 17 years of experience teaching private lessons, and I have designed my curriculum for this class, which I will provide in digital copy at no cost to you.  My philosophy is that learning is best when it’s fun, so in addition to skills, I also include interactive games in each class.

Over the course of four classes, students will learn:
•	The parts of the ukulele and how best to hold the instrument while playing
•	How to tune their ukulele, and how to tell when it's out of tune
•	How to identify string names and fret numbers and use them to play a variety of songs, including some “game songs” that I have adapted to use while playing games as a group
•	How to look at simplified TAB and/or chord notation, interpret it, and play familiar and new songs
•	If desired, how to sing while playing ukulele
•	How to have constructive discussion surrounding each other’s playing, using the “I noticed, I valued, I wondered” framework

The songs I have used in this curriculum are in the public domain and are either folk music or classical art music.  Tools learned in this class will translate well to any genre of music students prefer to learn!  I will offer ongoing private lessons, as well, for any student who wants to continue, and would be open to creating an ongoing ukulele group class if enough students from the group wish to continue together.