You can download a free copy of Finale NotePad to run on a PC or a Mac. This allows you to open up the ‘Finale File’ version of the sheet music I post. This allows you to hear the parts and practice along. You can even write your own pieces!
You can also get the Finale Songbook App for your iPad. This lets you listen to the different parts as well as letting you take your music with you anywhere you go!
I just found this great video on YouTube. It is a presentation about the features of different sizes and types of ukuleles. If any of you have ever wondered about this, check it out. Even if you haven’t it’s pretty cool!
The ukulele is a Hawaiian instrument with a really beautiful sound. One problem that ukulele players around the world encounter is that the ukulele is not an instrument that is taken seriously by a lot of people. I’m not sure how it got this reputation but is considered a novelty instrument. That means a lot of people think of it as more of a toy than an instrument.
Lately though, a lot of progress has been made in showing just how versatile and legitimate the ukulele is as an instrument.
One person who has done a lot of work to help the ukulele’s reputation is a person by the name of Jake Shimabukuro. Jake not only plays his ukulele beautifully, but also reaches out to schools that have ukulele programs. One of the most important things that Jake has done is that he understands how important it is to stick up for the ukulele as an instrument and he does everything that he can to show what a wonderful instrument it is.
Jake’s website is at jakeshimabukuro.com. Check it out for some samples of Jake’s music and some videos of him playing and teaching. I think you’ll enjoy it.
A new movie does a good job of illustrating the growing movement that is going on all over the world around the ukulele. It is called “Mighty Uke” and if it can’t convince you of the power of the ukulele, nothing will. Check out the website for this movie at mightyukemovie.com. It’s really a wonderful movie and I recommend it highly.
There was an interesting segment on ‘Morning Addition’ on National Public Radio this morning. It was about how music is used and played by astronauts up in orbit. An astronaut named Brewster Shaw was interviewed for the segment and had this to say about the one and only astronaut band: “You have people who are able to quickly pick up and accomplish tasks in areas totally outside their field of training,” he says. “Those kind of people are very likely to have enjoyed music, and been able to play something musical, so you just recruit them into the band.” He adds, “There’s not a lot of pressure — it’s pretty much you just have fun and do it.”
Give it a listen and see what you think about it. Why does music get the astronauts going in the morning? Does it have the same effect on you? Why did the astronauts decide to start a band? Can you relate to their experience?
Here’s a link to the article and the radio segment.
