Ukulele Classes
Currently being offered for seniors but I would welcome the opportunity to teach other age groups!
For Assisted Living, Independent Living and Senior Centers
Experience the joy and magic of learning this wonderful instrument in a group setting!
I have taught this class in Assisted Living Communities and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had teaching. It’s exhilarating to see people (some of whom have never played an instrument before!) experience success as we learn the basics step by step using well known songs. We sing and have a lot of laughs along with the challenges of learning and everyone supports one another.
Class length is 1 hour
Purchasing ukuleles
I am unable to supply instruments but luckily ukuleles can be purchased for under $100. Often the facilities provide them and buy in bulk, making the instruments even less costly. Students may even be able to buy as a group and get a bulk rate. The student would need a soprano, concert, or tenor size ukulele. (There are also baritone ukuleles but they use a different tuning which I don’t teach in my classes). I recommend buying a ukulele that allow strap to be attached (they have what’s called ‘strap buttons’).
Note: A ukulele can be bought for as little as $50 but the quality may be less, making it more difficult to keep in tune. Also, they may be harder to play and not have as nice of a tone. The beautiful sounds you learn to make are part of the reward of learning this lovely instrument!
Accessories needed:
Ukulele strap (a smaller, shorter strap than one for guitar)
Tuner (I recommend Snark brand tuners- they are easy to use!)
Ukulele case (a soft case or ‘gig bag’ is fine)
Ukulele picks (made of leather)
How we start and progress on ukulele
We start with the basics:
Tuning, positioning (how to hold the instrument, finger positioning, etc), strumming (down) on each beat
then...
We learn some of the easier chords – chords that are played with only one or two fingers
then...
We begin learning 2 chord songs (songs that only use 2 different chords throughout)
Examples are The Banana Boat Song, Jambalaya, Amazing Grace
then...
We progress to 3 chord songs and begin playing along with a metronome to improve rhythm
Examples are You Are My Sunshine, This Land is Your Land
then...
We continue to learn songs containing 4 or more chords
Examples are Blue Hawaii, Over the Rainbow, Country Roads
and...
Along the way we start using alternate strumming (strumming down and up) and strum patterns
Adjustments for physical limitations
Where possible, chord substitutions and alternate fingerings of chords are given to help the student achieve success. Also, my Occupational Therapy background is very useful in helping me advise students on how to find the best hand and finger positions for playing when a physical limitation is a factor.
What seniors are saying about the classes
They are thrilled to be learning to make music!
They find that focusing in class is helping with their overall ability to focus in other activities.
Some report that they seem to have improved range of motion in their hands and fingers as they get better at forming chords.
They enjoy singing the songs together in class.
They enjoy the strumming exercises which are challenging but fun!
They love the social aspect of the classes (so do I!).
Performances!
We have performed in the facilities where classes take place. We rehearse the songs in class and come up with a set list of songs we will perform. We choose songs that will encourage audience participation. Depending on the type of performance, family members of students often attend shows. Also, when students perform as part of my shows, their friends show up to cheer them on!
I have found the students to be dedicated and giving their all in preparing for these performances and they have done a great job!
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