The Chameleon Chord

from the vault Nov 23, 2021

Break through that beginner's plateau with this all-too-often-overlooked chord shape. Learn how one chord shape can function as three different chords!

A jump back to September 2010 in this month's From the Vault where James shares a cool concept that was the initial spark for Booster Uke and his most popular YouTube tutorial.

SOME CHORD SHAPES ARE MORE USEFUL...

Read full post▸

Do You Have Holiday Jamxiety? - Jam Session Nerves

pedagogy corner Nov 17, 2021

The holidays are approaching and with that (ideally) comes opportunities to make music together, lifting spirits and connecting our festive hearts. But who’s going to start the music-making once the big holiday dinner is done?

Being the first to kickstart a jam session can be intimidating and create nerves. You want to set things off on the right foot. Come out with a song that encourages...

Read full post▸

Ukulele Lowdown: Adding a bass to your uke group

from the vault Oct 27, 2021

It ain't a party 'til the bass shows up! Uke/bass player Steve Boisen walks you through the essentials of adding bass to your group/jam including pointers on instrument selection and finding the right person for the job in this month's From the Vault throwback post from June 2011.  

If you're keen to learn the ukulele, then you're in the right place! Uketropolis is the best...

Read full post▸

When Things Go Off the Rails: Rolling With It

pedagogy corner Oct 19, 2021

We all have moments in our teaching when something just doesn't go as planned. In fact, sometimes an entire online lesson can feel like it goes off the rails. How can we plan for when things go wrong in our online teaching?

I recently had an experience of an online class not going as planned. Most of the time, I can roll with an activity not working well or alter my approach when...

Read full post▸

Engaging Music Students In Class With Less Stress

pedagogy corner Sep 22, 2021

Feeling overwhelmed in the classroom? Give yourself a break with these time-tested teaching strategies to engage your music class and keep students motivated.


You're a busy teacher. So, let's get right to it with some ideas you can use in your classroom this week to encourage participation, motivate and engage your students!

Bring expert support into your class, virtually

The Teacher...

Read full post▸

Learn To Play Hawai'i Aloha: Arrangement and Lesson

Learn to play Hawai'i Aloha on the ukulele, that you can learn for yourself and teach others. Continuing on with our recognition of the 'ukulele's birthday this week, celebrating the arrival of the Ravenscrag in Hawai'i in 1879.

Hawai'i Aloha, written by Christian minister Lorenzo Lyons (d. 1886), is the much-adored "unofficial anthem" of Hawai'i. It is sung in the streets, at private...

Read full post▸

Machetes and Rajãos and Taropatches, Oh My!

from the vault Aug 24, 2021

In this month's From the Vault, we look back at John King's 2008 Ukulele Yes! article, shedding light on some of the early history of the 'ukulele and its predecessors in late-nineteenth century Hawaii.

If you enjoy learning about all things Ukulele, then you've come to the right place. Uketropolis is the best resource for online ukulele lessons!

In a 1922 article published...
Read full post▸

Not too fast, not too slow. Be the Goldilocks of your classroom with "just right" pacing

pedagogy corner Aug 17, 2021

Bored students? Frustrated students? Rhythm and pacing in our classes can help keep players engaged and learning.

Learn how to organize and structure your music lessons properly. With a bit of planning and observation, we can create music classes that keep everyone on track. Let’s take a look at some things to keep in mind as you prepare and lead your online ukulele lessons. 

...

Read full post▸

How to Lead a Great Ukulele Jam

from the vault Jul 19, 2021
Though this From the Vault post is from December 2011—nearly ten years ago—the basics of how to lead a ukulele jam still apply! As we slowly begin to see opportunities to get back together in person, or even if we continue with virtual jams, it's a good time to refresh our skills for leading and participating. Let's go!
 

As the popularity of the ukulele grows, so does the...

Read full post▸

Ukulele Summer Bingo!

pedagogy corner Jul 05, 2021

Looking for a summer activity for your students or ukulele group? Something fun that will keep them learning? Uketropolis Summer Bingo challenge to the rescue!

We thought it would be a whole lot of summer fun to create an activity for you to share with your students or ukulele group. Something that would give them a series of challenges to work through during vacation time or time...

Read full post▸
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Close

Stay in the Uke Loop!

Get monthly teaching tips, learning strategies and interesting interviews delivered right to your inbox.