7 Effective Ukulele Strategies: Insights from a Year 4 Classroom
by Anna Gower
Last week, I introduced a new ukulele medley to my Year 4 class. As I played through the songs, I observed their reactions closely. They were excited to find out what the next song was and some students immediately started moving to the rhythm, while others sang along with their confidence growing as more children joined in. Their engagement was clear, and it set the tone for a fun and productive lesson.
This session was part of our exploration of new content in the "Everyone Can Play Ukulele" resource. Musical Futures International recently added a new medley using C, F, Am & G (and a bit of Dm) in response to teachers requesting more song options. You can check out a preview of the new medley here - I'm sure you'll recognise some of the songs:
So, here are the 7 strategies that worked well for me:
I began by playing the entire medley. This allowed students to hear the 4 songs before we got the ukes out. I noted which songs got the most positive reactions , using this information to guide our focus later in the lesson towards just learning 2 of the 4 whilst getting familiar with what to look out for later as they played along (strum patterns, groove, pulse etc.).
Start with a Full-Class Listen
We used left-hand finger tapping exercises, following along with rhythm videos on YouTube. This helped strengthen their left hands and improve coordination. We also practiced holding their arms up without leaning, building stamina for holding the ukulele.
Incorporate Targeted Warm-Ups
We tuned the ukuleles using a YouTube play-along video (my favourite is my dog has fleas as they have multiple ways to engage with it). They are asked to either strum open strings, play each string in time with the melody, play any of the chord we know as they are displayed on the screen and to sing along as well. If any ukes ‘sound funny’ they raise their hands and I pop over to tune them as the rest of the class continue to play. This not only ensures our instruments are in tune but also helps establish a consistent classroom routine as we start this way each lesson.
Establish a Tuning Routine
We focused on specific chord changes, starting with two at a time before adding a third chord. We practiced Am - C, Am - F, and then Am, F, C using the "Bullfrog Blues" and "Funky Fish" from ECP Uke. We'll soon be adding C - G changes to our practice as well.
Practice Chord Changes Systematically
We analysed the medley, looking through the chords, identifying any of the above changes and then practicing the sequences slowly (I play, you play) so they could hear the chords change. Students chose how many chord changes they wanted to attempt, allowing for differentiation based on individual skill levels.
Break Down the Medley
Next we played along with the resource video. This provided visual and auditory cues, helping students stay on track with the chord changes and rhythm, but also providing a safety net to start and stop, reset and go again as needed.
Use Video Support
Finally, we attempted to play and sing without video support. This challenged students to rely on their own timing and memory of the chord progressions.
Encourage Independent Playing
Final thoughts
These strategies helped make our ukulele lesson engaging and productive. The new medley in the "Everyone Can Play Ukulele" resource has expanded our repertoire and given students more songs to explore.
For MFI subscribers, I encourage you to check out this new content. If you haven't used the resource recently, you might be surprised by the new material available. Go to your Everyone Can Play unit and head to the Songs & Playalongs section...it's right there!
Whether you're using our resources or developing your own, remember that variety, student choice, and gradual skill building are key to successful whole class ukulele teaching.
We're always interested in hearing about other teachers' experiences. What strategies have you found effective in your ukulele classes?
Interested in more ukulele resources? Explore our 'Everyone Can Play Ukulele' package for a wealth of ideas and materials to enhance your music lessons
Written by Anna Gower
One of the founding pilot teachers for the Musical Futures Informal Learning Project, Anna is currently Head of Primary Music at St Andrews International School, Bangkok and a Musical Futures International Guide. She supports the organisation with in-school pilot work for the new Roland Aspire Young Producers Program and delivers workshop sessions for teachers at Musical Futures PD events across the world.