Ukulele Performance
Throughout the Autumn term, I have been delighted to teach the ‘ukulele’ to the year 1, 2, 5 and 6 children at Cliddesden Primary School.
The children’s progress in their learning has been incredible! We have covered the following areas, with years 1 and 2 completing the first 7 steps and the years 5 and 6 learning them all:
- learning where the ukulele originally comes from and what the word ‘ukulele’ actually means
- learning the names of the different parts of the ukulele
- learning the names of the strings
- learning how the create different sounds on the ukulele (strumming, plucking, tapping)
- learning how to strum using our thumb and first finger
- playing simple melodies using open strings and plucking skills
- playing ostinatos on open strings
- learning how to play chords by pressing strings in the right places
- playing and singing rounds using one or two chords
- playing and singing songs using two or three chords
- playing and singing along to the ‘Corn Song’, keeping time with the video as well as remembering when to change strings
- learning how to perform to a high standard as a whole class
Thank you to the parents who were able to attend the end of term ukulele concert. I’m sure you will agree that it showcased the learning and beautiful music of all the children involved.
Mark Halls
(Hampshire Music Service teacher)
