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Learn Ukulele in inner SE Portland
Topics Covered: Strumming patterns, songs, scales, music theory, sing-a-longs, and more.
Music Theory: Key signatures and sight-reading music notation for those whom wish to read; simplified and easy-to-use music theory for those who wish to rock. Playing in key. Scales, modes; chordal theory and rhythms. Intervals, and interval-related ear training. For vocalists of any sort and age, a capella interval vocalization and creative improvisational composition is encouraged – and possible.
Material and Application: You pick the music.
You Should Bring: Your ukulele, and your friends/parents. I don’t care if you bring your lesson papers back. I prefer that you know the material and leave the papers at home. When we are learning what we love, we memorize it better. That’s why students of all ages guide their own lessons.
About the Instrument: Ukulele is a fun instrument and comes in all varieties from $25 soprano ukes to beautiful koa solid wood baritone ukuleles.
-Amanda Machina
squirrel at whirling squirrel dot com
I am very interested in taking a few ukulele classes. Everyone keeps telling me its so easy, but ive have never played a string instrument before. What do you recommend?
Hi Samantha, I’d recommend stopping by for a 30 minute lesson with your ukulele. Email me at squirrel at whirlingsquirrel dot com, or give me a ring at 503 577 2311. You can also just book a lesson by going to whirlingsquirrel.com/schedule – sign up for the calendar and book something yourself. You’ll get a text message confirmation when you book a lesson, and, the day before your lesson.
Cheers,
-Amanda
Hi, My almost 8 year old daughter is interested in playing the ukulele. Any individual lessons or classes for kids? Theresa
Hi Theresa, thanks for the comment. All classes are individual classes, including those for kids! In fact, there’s no difference between a child’s lesson and an adult’s lesson, except for the method of delivering the material, conceptually, to the person. Kids study what adults study.
Amanda
Is one session a week adequate for a beginner?
Is it ok if I can’t read sheet music.. and don’t really want to learn that aspect? I’ve tried on several occasions and for some reason just can’t get the hang of it.
Great question Avery. Generally, my students come in every other week for an hour. You are welcome to come in once a week. I work best with beginners who play their instrument, and for those beginners who actually pick up their guitar and do stuff on it, then an hour lesson is great. Email me directly for details.
Amanda
And no, you do NOT have to read sheet music to understand theory.