Ukulele Adventures for Beginners
In this ongoing class, students learn a new song each week to play on the ukelele while learning to change chords
Sandra Girouard
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(396)
Rising Star
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
Students are encouraged to practice new songs daily and review songs from previous class sessions.Class Experience
This course is for students who are new to learning to play the ukelele. In each class, we will practice playing, learn a song, and review topics related to instrument care and reading music.We will learn one new song each week in addition to reviewing songs from previous weeks.
Songs for this class come from the repertoire of world folk music. Here is a sample of the songs to be used in class:
Week of January 11:
song: F major March
chords: F
Week of January 18:
song: Alice the Camel
picking a melody
Week of January 25:
song: green Anaconda
chords: F and A minoir
Week of February 1:
song: Tiny Mouse
picking a melody
Week of February 8:
song: Mr. Rabbit
chords: G6 and D7
Week of February 15:
song: Hot Cross Buns
picking a melody
Week of February 22:
song: All Around the Kitchen
chords: A minor and A major
Week of February 29:
song: Snack Time
picking a melody
Week of March 7:
song: Marianne
chords: G6 and D7
Week of March 14:
song: Uncle Abner
picking a melody
Week of March 21:
song: Boil Them Cabbage
chords: G6 and D7
Week of March 28:
song: Little Sance
picking a melody
The class size is small to ensure that all students have ample opportunities to participate actively and interact with the teacher. Learning activities leverage young children's natural inclination to move and channel energy to support successful playing. Simple games, songs, and chants will be used to help the students learn naturally and enjoyably.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS: Because it is a stringed instrument, the ukelele will need to be tuned for your child to have a successful experience. While your ukelele may have been in tune when shipped, most instruments require regular tuning. Many ukuleles now come with a digital tuner. If you have one - great! Follow the directions and you are set. If you do not have a digital tuner, you can visit a website. I have included links in the learner supply materials. This is a very handy page on which you can play the pitch for each string and then gently and gradually move the pegs until the sound matches. **For learners in this age range, I recommend that parents handle tuning instruments.** Instruction on tuning is not provided as a part of this class. A child may inadvertently turn a peg too far in enthusiasm and potentially break a string. Until your child has some experience, it is best if the parent tunes the instrument.
The ukelele is such a fun and accessible instrument. I can't wait to work with your child as they grow in their playing ability and love for music.Learning Goals
Students who attend and actively participate in class will:
- review the names of the parts of the ukelele.
- practice properly holding and care of the ukelele.
- play multiple chords on the ukelele over the course of our meetings.
- accompany songs on the ukelele using two different chords, with chords constructed using one or two fingers.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PARENTS: Because it is a stringed instrument, the ukelele will need to be tuned for your child to have a successful experience. While your ukelele may have been in tune when shipped, most instruments require regular tuning. Many ukuleles now come with a digital tuner. If you have one - great! Follow the directions and you are set. If you do not have a digital tuner, you can visit a website. I have included links in the learner supply materials. This is a very handy page on which you can play the pitch for each string and then gently and gradually move the pegs until the sound matches. **For learners in this age range, I recommend that parents handle tuning instruments.** Instruction on tuning is not provided as a part of this class. A child may inadvertently turn a peg too far in enthusiasm and potentially break a string. Until your child has some experience, it is best if the parent tunes the instrument.
Supply List
a soprano or concert ukulele (23 inches or smaller) a digital tuner (preferable) or parental access to GuitarTuna. GuitarTuna is great because, like a digital tuner, it listens to your ukelele and tells you whether a string is in tune when you play it. In order to do so, it will need access to your microphone (in order to "hear" your ukelele). A digital tuner is preferable, but GuitarTuna is a good substitute. All ukelele tuning should be done by the parent. It is not advisable to have a young child turning tuning pegs (which tighten and loosen strings) until they have guided experience with a teacher.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Songs for this class come from the repertoire of world folk music.
Practice materials, including chord charts, song sheets, and any video or audio files, are generated by the instructor and provided after class.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
396reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Sandra Girouard has been a teacher for over 30 years. She first became curious about the ukulele in 1997, after attending an Orff-Schulwerk conference and meeting music teachers from Hawaii. She came home, bought a soprano, concert, and baritone ukulele and never looked back. Ms. Sandra is a Level 3 JHUI certified teacher through the James Hill Ukulele Initiative (https://www.uketropolis.com/jhui). In addition, Ms. Sandra holds both a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Arts in Education.Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
25 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-8
3-6 learners per class
