Ukulele Love

Funded Jul 2, 2019

I am beyond excited the day has finally come where I can tell you all about the impact your wonderful gift has had on my students. Since school has started and the brand new ukuleles have been pulled out of their boxes, students ask me every time they come into class, when they get to play the ukuleles, or, as some affectionately call them, "tiny guitars."

Student's reactions to the ukuleles were a mixture of enthusiasm to learn something new and exciting, and amazement over an instrument many have never held, played, or really heard before. The most enjoyable part for me as a music educator was watching students figure out how to make sounds, (both pleasant and unpleasant) without much instruction. I explained how to hold and take care of the ukulele as well as gently strum. As they began to practice this, they noticed on their own how the pitch of the string changes when plucked: a higher pitch when their finger is pressed near the base of the instrument, and lower when it is further away from the base. They also noticed how the strumming sounded different when they used their fingernail instead of the pads of their thumbs. Many other sounds flooded each rotating class, paired with musical epiphanies that did this music teacher's heart so much good. I love knowing my students had the experience of simply exploring an instrument, knowing they can make music without a teacher telling them exactly what to do with their fingers. It is my hope that these independent musical discoveries lead to a life long pursuit of making creative music, and enjoyment of trying new things!

Classes that followed ukulele basics, included learning one chord songs. We began with folk songs "Ah Poor Bird" with the A minor chord, and then, good ol' "Row Row Row Your Boat" with the C chord. By their second class period with the ukuleles, students could already sing and play two songs on their own, and could sing and play both songs in a round. This helped to sharpen independent singing and rhythm skills as well as improved our familiarity with the instrument.

Singing while playing an instrument is an incredible skill that I am so grateful to practice with my students. Every child is so deserving of an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to play and sing music that gives them pure joy. Because of your generosity, there are lots of incredible kids, and at least one very proud music teacher, smiling, singing, and strumming their way through music class at Pershing Elementary! I cannot thank you enough!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Smith