Class Description

- Course description:

In First Steps to Learning the Ukulele, students will focus on 4 different areas of learning the ukulele: chords, strumming patterns, performance and core. We start by learning 5 simple chords that allow students to sing and play a variety of songs, then move into more complex shapes and chords so they are less limited in choosing the songs they would like to learn. Strumming patterns start simply and then move into more complex rhythms and syncopation. Performance is a time each week for students to show the progress they are making on the song THEY have chosen to learn. And finally, the core lesson is a short exercise to show how music is related to their other core subjects such as Math, English or Science. Students are expected to work a minimum of 15 minutes a day on their assignments, as daily repetition is very important in gaining proficiency on the instrument.

This class may be considered for elective credit for high school students. Please submit to your charter school for final approval.

        

        - Syllabus:

Week 1: Strings and tuning/One finger chords / introduce whole, half and quarter notes / history of the Ukulele

Week 2: Two finger chords / clap and count whole, half and quarter notes / rhythm as fractions

Week 3: Three finger chords/ introduce eighth notes / science and sound

Week 4: Major Chords / clap and count eighth notes / music and geography

Week 5: Minor Chords/ introduce sixteenth notes / rhythm as fractions 2

Week 6: 7th Chords/ clap and count 16th notes / English: Lyric report

        - Class structure:

This class is dived into 4 15 minute teaching sections: Strumming (Learning new rhythms and note values), Chords (Learning a new chord shape), Performance (Students show progress on the songs they are working on) and Core (Learning how music relates to other core subjects, such as Math, Art, English, Science and History). Classes are structured as such: The teacher introduces and explains a topic in one of the 4 sections, then the students are asked to demonstrate their understanding of the topic before working on it throughout the week as homework. Then we move onto the next section. During the last 15 minutes of class, the teacher will ask students to show their progress in the sections from last week.

        

        - Teaching techniques used:

The class will be taught through teacher demonstration, and then the students display the concepts of the demonstration, then teacher evaluation of the student’s performance and understanding of the topic.

                

        - Teaching style:

Dave is very patient, energetic and compassionate to the challenges of learning music. He stresses the importance of balancing discipline with fun and tackling a number of small tasks instead of one large task in order to learn music quicker and with much less stress.

        

        - Interaction:

Students get to show each other their progress each week as well as work on demonstrating new skills as a group.

- Learning goals:

Introductory: How to tune the ukulele, string names.

Rhythm: Whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth note rhythms.

Chords: One, two and 3-finger chords.

Performance: Be able to play one song of their choosing by the end of the class.

        

        - Homework / practice time

Students should practice the assignments a minimum of 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week, as daily repetition is essential in showing progress on the instrument. 1-2 hours a week will ensure they show progress weekly.

        

        - Assessment:

Students will be told their strengths and challenges weekly. Parents can request progress reports at any time via email

        

        - Next steps:

Second Steps in Learning the Ukulele

     

Additional Information

Class size: 3-5 students

Supplies: Students will need to purchase the following items

Students need to have a 3-ring binder with plastic pockets on the inside of the front and back covers. A great starter ukulele can be purchased at Sweetwater. Here is the link:  https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MKSUkePack--kala-makala-classic-ukulele-soprano-pack

Prerequisites

No music experience is required for this class.

Class tags:
A-G & HS Electives General General Guitar/Banjo/Ukulele Instruments