The Joy of Ode to Joy

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Anne Ku

A chord melody arrangement is an instrumental piece that includes both melody and harmony. The notes can be arranged for solo, duo, or any number of instrumentalists. Usually we refer to one person (a soloist) playing all parts.

One of the things I enjoy in playing Beethoven’s famous Ode to Joy as a chord melody arrangement is sliding my left hand fingers up and down the fret board of the ukulele. However, it’s a lot more fun to just play one part in an ensemble. That’s the joy of Ode to Joy.

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Learn Chinese through song

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Anne Ku

There are many ways to learn a language. Short of completely immersing yourself in the culture, among the people, in the country, you can take a language course. There is a short cut. Learn a language through song. Register for Chinese Mandarin with Song, Autumn 2022

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How to memorize music (part 1) an instrumental piece

Posted on April 10, 2022 by Anne Ku

I am probably the last person to tell you how to memorize music. I rarely ever memorize because I sight read. I have a voracious appetite to hear how those black notes (which we call “bean sprouts” in Chinese) sound. So why am I writing about how to memorize? Why would I want to memorize music?

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3 Chord Thursday: Weather

Posted on April 9, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 26th May 2022 let’s share songs to do with the weather. It’s the second time we are doing this theme as there are SO MANY songs to do with all kinds of weather. Can you think of songs we have not done before?

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3 Chord Thursday: 1920’s

Posted on April 9, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 19th May 2022, we turn back the clock a hundred years to that golden era of 1920’s songs. Just over a year ago, this theme attracted great songs and performers.

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3 Chord Thursday: Songs That Tell a Story

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 12th May 2022, we share songs that tell a story. Have you heard of Irish murder ballads? Country songs that tell tall tales? Folk songs? How do they keep you hooked until the end? As usual, our doors open at 3 pm EDT.

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3 Chord Thursday: Songs in Spanish

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Anne Ku

It just so happens that Cinco de Mayo falls on Thursday 5/5/2022. Let’s explore and share songs in the Spanish language. Perhaps this will inspire you: five songs in Spanish with the ukulele! If you play the piano, you can download the 6-page PDF of the Ketchup Song. There are so many “chord melody arrangements” or possibilities of well-known songs in Spanish linked below.

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3 Chord Thursday: 12 Bar Blues

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 28th April 2022, we revisit a theme from 2020, a common chord progression based on three chords, so named “twelve bar blues.”

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3 Chord Thursday: Earth Day

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Anne Ku

Earth Day falls on the 22nd day of the fourth month of every year. On Thursday 21st April 2022, we will celebrate Earth Day with songs to do with Mother Nature, saving the environment, conservation, sustainability, and more. Check out this compilation of songs and what we did last year.

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3 Chord Thursday: Not Your Usual Zoom Location

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 14th April 2022, join us from a place that’s not your usual Zoom location. You could move to your attic, basement, balcony, bathroom, bedroom, garage, garden, or elsewhere. Alternatively, you could walk to the nearest cemetery or park. You could visit a cafe, pub, restaurant, or library. There is no theme for the song but try to keep the chords to a minimum. Check out the UKULELE resource page.

Tell us where you usually Zoom and receive a FREE GIFT for your time and effort.

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