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Ukupau
Aloha
USA
24 Posts |
 Posted - 04/18/2005 : 07:57:51 AM
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Greetings to the forum. I have just acquired the desire to learn the Uke after many years of listening to Slackkey and Uke's. So with that said I admit to being at the ground floor and hope to learn with this forum.
I live in the San Diego area and have searched for a good starting point. So far, I am attending a basic guitar course to gain knowlege of music basics. Being the only Uke in the class it has been an good experience so far. I have been looking for a follow on (i.e. an adult evening education class) but have not seen anything yet that will help me progress.
In event there is a laps in available classes, I was thinking of workshop DVD (i.e. Jakes "Play it Loud" or Bob Brozman's).
I did see a upcoming workshop here in San Diego May 7th but I must admit that I feel that I am to much of a beginner to appreciate the level being offered. Friends of mine did mention jam sessions up in Encinitas during evenings (Wed. I believe).
So, as a novice, I am looking forward into some constructive guidence along the way.
Thank you in advance, JohnF
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Tonya
Lokahi
USA
177 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2005 : 10:28:12 AM
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My advice is general, since I don't know the offerings/opportunities in your local area. I'm also not an accomplished musician--so my comments simply come from what I've learned and are not "official" in any way.
• Take advantage of any opportunities to go hear folks playing--and take your ukulele even if you think you're not good enough. You might find that there are opportunities to jam before or after the playing. Jamming is where I've learned more about playing than any workshops, classes or books.
• Second, before you dismiss the May 7 workshop as beyond your level, call and inquire as to what the level actually is. You certainly don't want to hold other participants back because you're in a class that's too advanced, but it might be possible to take the course sitting in the back of the room and just listening (maybe it would be called 'auditing' the class?). At the very least, you'll learn a lot that you can take home and work on for days to come. You also would probably meet others from your area who can guide you to more local activities.
• Definitely go to the jam session in Encinitas. You may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but I've only met two people in the last 2.5 years who play ukulele who were what I would consider jerks (that's a really, really small percentage in my book). Ukulele (and TaroPatch) people are friendly, willing to share and they seem to enjoy playing with those of us who aren't as gifted--and they encourage us to get better.
• You may be beyond the "beginner" nature of the many resources listed here, but this site has "reviews" of various ukulele method books, song books and instructional DVDs (look in the left column). You can discover details about the DVDs/books, etc. before you actually spend money on them. Go to:
http://www.ukeland.com/
Have fun! |
http://www.uketreasures.com
http://www.ukuleletonya.com |
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hapakid
Luna Ho`omalu
USA
1533 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2005 : 10:41:25 AM
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Hi John,
Playing the uke is pure portable fun. I carry one in my car for breaks and long drives (not that you can strum a soprano uke and drive at the same time on a long stretch of interstate, ever) so that I don't have to go too long without it.
My advice is to get a good guitar/uke tuner and always try to keep it in tune. Ukuleles get out of tune easily. It's hard to hear the music when it's out of tune.
I learned a lot by listening to simple uke music, mostly by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I play along with recordings and try and learn simple songs to strum and sing. Once you learn a handful of chords, download some simple chord/lyric pages and try some local songs.
You'll be amazed at how people will stop and listen to an ukulele because of its sweet sound. Have fun with it.
Jesse |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2005 : 12:01:04 PM
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John,
We play together on most Wednesday evenings starting at 6PM (1800) in Kealani's restaurant in Encinitas (just off PCH near the La Paloma and Moonlight Beach). Some Saturdays at 1PM (1300) we meet there as well. The Kealani's Uke Pickers group is very supportive and helps all abilities. There are several kumu's (elders) that can help you learn chords, strums, and how to play and sing - in general -- have a good time. You can be as involved or uninvolved as you like. Some members (Uncle George) can be hired to give individual lessons. Most members are willing to help. If you get to Kealani's early you can get some good grinds and satisfy that growling belly.
Contact the group organizer Frank Leong to join the Yahoo web site and to gain access to the music book and get emails when group events are scheduled. Frank's email is Frank Leong.
The Kealani's Uke Pickers Web Site is http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/KealanisUkePickers/ |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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Auntie Nancy
`Olu`olu
USA
593 Posts |
Posted - 04/18/2005 : 12:28:15 PM
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Aloha!
I second what Mike says...
I'm new to the slack key scene and I live just south of LAX, but I drive south for a couple hours to spend time with those folks and they are all kind and wonderful - lower percentage of jerks.... haven't found any yet. And they're way patient with me.
Make music, have fun...
auntie nancy |
nancy cook |
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Ukupau
Aloha
USA
24 Posts |
Posted - 04/25/2005 : 1:04:49 PM
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All of this is good informatation. I wish to say thank you for the encouragement. I did visit Kealani's resturant during the Encinitas street fair last saturday. Good food and environment. The street fair was awsome as well.
Yes, I do carry my Lanikai tenor in the car ;-) I enjoy spending time before and after a good surfing session. During the summer it may not be a good idea due the the amount of heat that builds up. I do have a Kamaka Lili'u that is currently at Cris Camp's (luthier)in Escondido being repaired and I doubt that I will leave it in the car at all!
Best wishes to all, John |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2165 Posts |
Posted - 04/26/2005 : 3:32:56 PM
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My friend Mike says of the ukulele: "It's all there!" Truly a good habit to develope. The guy that showed me chords said, "Only need 2 fingah most time." Turned out to be jazz chords--6ths 9ths etc.
Greatly underestimated instrument. |
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