Tag Archives: harmony

Workshop: Auld Lang Syne

Posted on January 2, 2024 by Anne Ku

It’s THAT time of the year when everyone bursts out singing “Auld Lang Syne.” This popular tune is also sung on Burns’ Night. Here’s an opportunity to explore different ways to make this song interesting, a useful skill applicable to … Continue reading →

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White Christmas for easy piano

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Anne Ku

For the festive season, my piano students requested Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” along with “Silent Night.” Unlike the famous Christmas carol, “White Christmas” is not a three-chord song. The beauty is in its complex harmony. How does one simplify it … Continue reading →

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Write your own song

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Anne Ku

Have you ever dreamed of writing your own song? Not a re-make of someone else’s, but your original lyrics set to music, your idea. Or a tune that’s been going around your head that you want to put into words… … Continue reading →

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Songwriting Course

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Anne Ku

Whether you are already writing songs or you’re curious about the process, join us on an 8-week journey in Zoom. Engage with other music lovers and learn the craft of composition. It’s the first and newest course of its kind! … Continue reading →

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I Left My Heart in San Francisco for Ukulele Play Along

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Anne Ku

Tony Bennett’s 1962 recording of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” was a double whammy. It made him famous. It made the song famous. He sang it in the key of C major. But it’s not a three chord … Continue reading →

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America the Beautiful

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Anne Ku

A parishioner requested “America the Beautiful” to include in the programme on the weekend before Independence Day. For Catholic mass, I played it as a recessional hymn on the organ while the young cantor lead the congregation who sang more … Continue reading →

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Taster Workshop on song writing and composition

Posted on April 16, 2023 by Anne Ku

The ukulele culture of sharing songs and sightreading song sheets sometimes leads to writing your own songs. It may start with a famous poem with words that seem to suit a tune whose origins you’re not sure of. Convinced it’s … Continue reading →

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Piano Harmonisation (Harmonization)

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Anne Ku

By special request, I am offering a new 8-week piano course in Zoom to take beginners to the next level of playing. Read from lead sheets and play songs you’d like to play. It’s open to all levels though not … Continue reading →

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Music Theory: HARMONY

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Anne Ku

What’s the difference between melody and harmony? Both require notes to define and describe them. One is ordered sequentially through time. The other can also be stacked vertically. We associate melody with words and harmony with emotions. Is there more?

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0-1-2 finger chords in A

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Anne Ku

Do you remember when you first learned to play the ukulele? What was the first chord you ever learned? Second chord? Before long you are playing the 3-finger chord of G7. Why is that? To get you to quickly accompany … Continue reading →

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