Starting a ukulele program in your classroom

Being a ukuleleist myself, I'm very happy to see the ukulele making a strong comeback. While it was once known as more of a novelty or 'kitsch' instrument, respect and popularity of the instrument continues to grow. In 2013, the National Association of Music Merchants reported a 54 percent jump in sales, and artists such as Jake Shimabukuro (check out his amazing rendition of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' below) are ensuring that the instrument is here to stay.

The ukulele is also becoming a mainstay in the music classroom.  Many factors contribute to this — affordability, size, and relative user-friendliness, to name a few.

In a recent post on the National Education for Music Education (NAfME), Philip Tamberino — music teacher and founder of the UKE Can Do It! network for school ukulele teachers  — shares eight tips for starting a school ukulele program:

1) Identify your goals. Plan your lesson/unit/year with the end in mind. 

2) Learn to speak ukulele! Grab yourself a ukulele and learn the basics. Teach yourself common uke songs that you can then teach to your students.

3) Become familiar with teaching and learning resources. Get to know some of the method books, and find one that is age-appropriate for the students you will be working with.

4) Obtain instruments and accessories. Look into acquiring cases to protect the ukes, and perhaps even electronic tuners.

5) Organize your space. Storing them using u-brackets on a wall or a freestanding rack will save classroom time, if you're not using cases.

6) Develop and teach your classroom management plan. Start teaching ukulele at a time of year when your students are accustomed to basic routines and expectations.

7) Invite parents into the fold. Send a letter home to let parents know about the ukulele and how great it is!

8) Plan for a performance. Your students will love an opportunity to show what they've learned!

The full article can be read at the NAfME website.