The most engaging musical activities are those that add wind to our sails. Canons offer numerous pedagogical benefits but they’re not only useful classroom teaching tools, they can also be a whole lot of fun! Raise those sails and get ready! 

We’ve sung the praises of canons many times here at Uketropolis. Lorna MacPhee’s article Canons as Reading Weaponry post has long been a useful read on thes...

As ukulele teachers and leaders, we get asked a lot of questions, many of which are common across our classes and groups. This month we’ll offer some ideas for a few frequently asked questions you might hear in your classroom or group. 

1. How do you know what strumming pattern to use ukulele?

I’m sure you’ve heard this one about strumming patterns A LOT! We certainly have. There are a number of...

Despite the obvious challenges, there are some good things that have come from this push to online teaching during the pandemic, as well. Let’s kick off the new year acknowledging some of key advantages of online teaching as ukulele teachers during this time with our countdown of the Top Ten Reasons To Love Online Teaching!

10. Convenience. No more driving in nasty weather! ‘Nuff said.

9. Ac...

Looking for something to give your students during the final days of classes before the holiday break? Or perhaps a take-home project they can work on? The Uketropolis Team has a few ideas to help keep your students busy! Or if you're looking for online ukulele lessons, then head over to our homepage!

It's that time of year when you might be looking for some activities to keep your students en...

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 everyon...

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 something just ...

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 Toolkit of...

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 gatherings,...

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. 

Advance Planning Of...

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 away from lesso...