Why Improving Your Playing is the Most Enjoyable Way to Improve Your Teaching

from the vault Dec 20, 2021

This year-end From the Vault post harkens back to a holiday season article James crafted for a 2009 Ukulele Yes! issue. "After the rush and bustle and before school is back in session, take some time to play ukulele for your own enjoyment. Here's why it'll make you be a better teacher and here's a piece for you to sink your teeth into on your own time." 

(By the way, if you're interested...

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Holiday Helpers! Musical activities for in-class or at-home

pedagogy corner Dec 07, 2021

 

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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Machetes and RajĂŁos 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...
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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. 

...

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