Ukulele Lessons in Brinklow, MD

David enjoys teaching ukulele to beginner and intermediate students. Whether you are just starting out or you've been playing for a while, he is happy to teach you! Over all, he is fairly laid back, as long as you practice. He teaches chord formations and strum patterns, along with learning specific songs the student would like to learn.

David is also very pro music theory. He usually incorporates music theory into the curriculum in conjunction with the material already being discussed. He is also very knowledgeable about composition/songwriting, and if the student is interested in learning more about this area, he is happy to share what he knows!

This class is intended for those who have never played a `ukulele, a beginner or continuing student. Yao will learn how to hold, tune, and play the `ukulele for sing-alongs. Basic theory such as rhythmic values (whole, half, quarter, eighth notes), time signatures, etc. will be introduced. You should be able to play several different basic strumming styles, read and understand `ukulele chord charts, transpose songs into other keys, and play along to a large selection of songs, or play at least one song all the way through!

For intermediate students, you will work on more advanced arrangements of songs, strumming styles, increase your chord vocabulary and generally gain a greater knowledge of the `ukulele. You will also learn how to read tablature to play simple melody lines. It will help if you are familiar with the following music theory concepts: key signature (especially the keys of C, F, and G), time signature (3/4, 4/4 and 6/8), and rhythmic values including whole, half, ...

Have you always wanted to play those Rebecca Sugar songs? Don't know how Jake Shimabukuro does it? Well, I can teach you!

I have been teaching a variety of fretted stringed instruments, for over 25 years. Ukulele is a fun and easy instrument for beginners of any age to learn! I teach chords, strumming, finger-picking, and melody lines, and know lots of songs that are particularly good for the ukulele. Students may choose to learn to read music, or to read tablature, or just play by rote and from lesson videos. All of my lessons are customized to match each individual student's interests and preferred learning styles. (With very young children, I will have the child learn to play and sing popular children's songs.)

I especially enjoy introducing beginners of all ages to the ukulele, which was my first musical passion as a young child! These days, my passion is working with my students in ways that prepare them to pursue their musical interests armed with correct posture and hand position, foundational technique, music-reading capabilities, and what I call the "building blocks" of music: knowledge of functional music theory and how to use it.

"Functional music theory" can sound daunting, but in fact it is fascinating, at least the way I teach it, using analogies appropriate to the age of the student, from chords like different types of sandwiches (yum!) to chord progressions like the materials and equipment used to build a house.

I also encourage my students from the start to EXPRESS themselves musically, emotionally, playfully, in ways that keep their imaginations engaged in their musical studies, rather than private lessons becoming stressful or tedious.

Note that young beginners ...

Whether you want to strum along to your favorite songs or learn to read music let's have fun together