The Music of Hawaii for Ukulele

Description

We love our delightful little ukuleles, but do we really know where they come from? The ukulele has shaped the music of Hawaii, but there is so much about the Hawaiian people and culture that has made the ukulele what it is, as well…

Class Description

The Music of Hawaii for Ukulele is part of my ukulele theme study series. Classes in this series feature a different topic of study each term – genre, style, artist, etc. – as applied to the ukulele. The focus of this series is learning to play and sing a variety of songs, set within a meaningful historical and cultural context. In other words, while we spend most of our time playing music, participants also learn about the origins of these songs, and their significance to those who wrote them, performed them, heard them, sang along with them, etc.

This is a mixed-level ukulele class for players of various learning styles and experience. Using popular and accessible songs, we’ll expand our repertoire of musical skills and technique in the process. For example, we’ll learn some new chords, various strumming / fingerpicking patterns, and occasional riffs and fills to complement our playing.

I recommend The Music of Hawaii for Ukulele for players who are comfortable with:

• playing 4-chord songs in the keys of C, D, G and A
• a couple basic strum patterns (Standard, Swing, Calypso)
• taking risks to learn new techniques
• open to learning about a different musical tradition

Class Details

Live online classes meet on Zoom:

• Wednesdays 4:00-5:00pm PT *or* Thursdays 10:00-11:00am PT (check your time zone here)
• 8 weeks: October 4/5 – November 29/30 (no class November 22/23)
• Registered participants receive a meeting link to use for the entire term, as well as weekly recap emails and practice videos.

Live in person classes meet in Portland, OR:

• Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm
• 8 weeks: October 5 – November 30 (no class November 23)
• Lincoln St. Methodist Church: 5145 SE Lincoln St., SE Portland
• Registered participants receive weekly recap emails and practice videos.
• In person students are encouraged to play at an Ukulele Celebration Recital, tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, December 3.

Those unable to attend class times but still interested in taking the class may also take the class by EMAIL. Registered participants receive a weekly email with materials, instructions, and practice video links. Please use the drop-down menu above to select your desired “cohort”.

About the Instructor

Learn more about me here. 🙂