Ukulele - Introduction
Instructor: Kathy Cook
Ukulele - Introduction
Instructor: Kathy Cook
Course Description:
Level: 1 – 2 (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)
This class is intended for those who have never played a `ukulele (or perhaps any stringed instrument) before and would love to learn how to hold, tune, and play the `ukulele for sing-alongs, and for those who already know a few chords and just want to gain more skill and confidence in playing. You won’t need any previous musical experience, and don’t need to know how to read music! By the end of the weekend students should be able to move fairly easily between chords in the keys of C, D, G, A and to play various strum styles, read ukulele chord charts tab and to have a repertoire of a few songs.
Kathy Cook
Kathy has loved being involved with music as long as she can remember, both as a performer and as an instructor. Over the years she has played regularly with various duos, trios and bands. Her musical endeavours, have won her praise as a mainstay on the Calgary Music scene. Kathy has taught music classes through the Calgary Board of Education adult evening classes for close to a decade.
Website: Magnolia Buckskin
Playing Experience Levels
These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).
Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.
LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.
LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.
LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.
LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.