Why learning ukulele as a teacher makes all the difference
by V J Leith
A few years ago, one of my colleagues suggested I should start learning the ukulele. At first, I felt a bit resistant as I already played the piano and the guitar is my main instrument when leading assemblies or the choir.
However, she kept encouraging me, so I tried hers and started learning a chord or two. It is different to the guitar so it took me a while to adjust the muscle memory to where my fingers should go. I could already do strumming patterns and finger-picking so the main thing I needed to learn were the chord structures.
Then… I was hooked! Having a ukulele at hand made things so much easier and accessible. Sometimes, I didn’t want to carry my guitar around everywhere and also, I loved the light sound of the ukulele.
The more I played it, the more I loved it! I practised songs I had already written on the guitar and re-learned the chord progressions. I purchased my own ukulele and my children started to ask me if they could have a go so I started to get them sitting in a circle and they each had a turn at playing.
I was soon teaching my students as young as 5 to do strumming patterns and to play the chord of C. I went to my principal and asked if we could order a set of ukuleles. She agreed and then my lessons became about me being one step ahead, and allowing the children to explore this marvellous instrument!
Now, I write songs using the ukulele and use it every single day for singing songs. When I am sitting on the floor with my children, it’s easier to play and the small size of it is so appealing to especially the younger ones.
I currently have a TOM ukulele, which has served me well for a good 6 years or so. But I really recommend the Octopus brand, which for their basic model, you can pick up on Amazon for around £30 (GBP). It holds its tuning, is sturdy enough for adults and children alike and the chords sound great. There are also a variety of colours to choose from and it comes with a decent case. I chose this one for my daughter too and she loves it!
If you want to get started with the ukulele, I really recommend having one in the classroom - not just for the music teachers. We can all be musical in school and you don’t have to learn all the chords before you start playing.
I recommend watching the free tutorials on LittleSong Music-Makers to get you going and to make that worthwhile investment! Let me know how you get on!
If you want to learn more, become a member to have full access to the FUNkulele course, which will help you along your journey, and you can use it with your children. They are short, easily accessible lessons and we will cover rhythms, strumming, chords, finger-picking and songs!
Before you know it, you can be leading a few children, the choir, or even the whole singing assembly with the humble ukulele in your hands!
Extra ideas and tips!
Why not start a ukulele lunch-time club - run by the older students in your school! They can start to learn some of the songs on LittleSong Music-Makers and also start to write their own. I find with my students, that letting them have time to explore creatively, means they find out a lot independently and gives them a chance to practise leadership skills.
Challenge yourself to learn the chord of C - and to teach your children, whether you have one ukulele or a whole set of them.
If your school is stuck for a budget, you could do a fundraiser to get the funds to purchase a set for your school. How about a talent show or a ‘Dress How you Wish’ day to help raise the money?