Ukulele for Beginners Introductory Music Class
In this three week course, we will learn the basics of playing the ukelele and how to play some fun songs
Michele C. Yake
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(500)
Star Educator
Popular
What's included
3 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. I will post song sheets in the classroom. It is best if each student tries to practice the songs and what we learned in the class. I recommend practicing for at least 15 minutes , three times a week.Assessment
Informal assessmentClass Experience
I welcome learners of all indentities and backgrounds into my classes. This is a Beginner level class, so we will start with the basics of how to hold and play the ukelele. This is an intentionally small class size, so that each student will get some individual attention. We will go over what to do with each hand, including how to press the strings to the fret, and how to pluck and strum with the right hand. The students will learn what the frets are and how to play a melody on one string. We will learn a few songs that they will be able to play on one string. They will also learn a couple of basic chords and practice strumming and changing chords on the beat. We will practice playing quarter notes to a steady beat with a moderate tempo, and keeping the tempo steady. Class Breakdown - Week 1 - String names, frets, and holding the instrument to play it. We will go over the note names of the strings and tune the instruments so they can see how to tune the strings. They will learn one or two basic songs on one string. Week 2 - Melody songs and introduction to chords . We will learn a couple of more songs on one string. We will look at some ukelele tablature and learn how to read it. I will show them how to play a chord and they will learn the difference between a melody and playing chords. Week 3 - Chord diagrams, Ukelele Tablature , steady beat and tempo. We will learn how to read a chord diagram and will practice switching between chords. We will continue with more ukelele tablature reading. They will practice playing chords and strumming to a steady beat. My teaching style is casual and each student will get individual help with their playing. This class is to prepare them for the Level 2 class. My goal is for the students to have fun and increase their interest in learning more about playing the ukelele. The ukelele is a great instrument in itself and it is also a stepping stone towards playing other string instruments like guitar, violin and cello. The musical concepts they learn in this class are a basis for studying music in the future.
Learning Goals
The students will be able to play a few simple songs on one string.
They will learn the basics of holding and playing the instrument.
The students will understand steady beat and tempo, and begin to be able to hold the steady beat while they play an instrument.
They will understand the difference between a melody and chords ( harmony).
The students will learn the note names of the ukelele strings.
They will see how to tune the strings and learn what the string names are.
They will practice playing chords and strumming to a steady beat.
My teaching style is casual and each student will get individual help with their playing.
This class is to prepare them for the Level 2 class.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I will occasionally use youtube to play a song for the class, so that they can hear what the song sounds like.
Uke Buddy is the online ukelele tuner that I recommend, so that you can have your instrument
tuned before each class. I will help out at the beginning of the first class with tuning, but
please do your best to have the student's instrument tuned, because it takes up a lot of class time for
me to tune each instrument over zoom by ear, individually.
Supply List
Ukelele
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2020
5.0
500reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Towson University
I have been an Outschool teacher since May 2020.
I have 20+ years experience, as a music teacher. I have taught piano, electric keyboard, guitar, and general music classes, in both the classroom and private settings.
I was head of the music department at a private high school in Maryland.
I taught private piano and guitar lessons at a guitar shop, for 5 years, in addition to my own private students in my studio.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$27
for 3 classes1x per week, 3 weeks
30 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-4 learners per class
