I have been taking ukulele lessons for about two months. It has been quite an experience, since up until now I haven't had music lessons of any kind before. My lessons are taken in a group setting at the Senior Center. I may be one of the youngest players in this very enthusiastic group.
Here is a little history on the Uke. The ukulele originated in Portugal. It was brought to the Hawaiian islands by sailors, picked up by the islanders, and given the name ukulele, which means "jumping flea." Unlike a guitar it has only four strings.
Most of the folks in my group are also members of the Bellingham Ukulele Group, also known as the BUG group. They meet once a month and just jam. It is open to anyone, of any age. I have only been to two BUG meetings, mainly because I still don't know very many chords.
On Sunday, July 11, we had our recital, a potluck, and a BUG meeting all in one. We met at the little bandstand in Boulevard Park and played for about three hours.
We have been learning a method taught by James Hill. He teaches scales, strumming, intervals, open notes, and just a little bit of everything. It is very challenging, but rewarding. I know a lot more about music than I did before.
In August the Pickford Cinema will be showing the movie, "The Mighty Uke" if you are interested in some musical entertainment.
3 comments:
My grandmother was of Portuguese descent from Hawaii. They have become known as the local fisherman as they settled down there many decades ago.
Wow, thanks for sharing! I had no idea the ukulele was Portuguese!
Hahaha. I was just watching an episode of Scrubs about Ted the lawyer who falls in love with a ukulele player. What a coincidence
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