Sometimes the first title that pops up sticks. No matter how you try to fix it, you can’t get a better title. “123 Ready Set Go” was what came up when I thought about the order of the left hand fingers needed to play this piece. When you say “123” the next thing that comes up is “Ready, Set, Go.” Because it sounds eerie, I have renamed it “Fretful Fingers.”
I’m beginning to believe that first takes are the best. Whatever comes to me that I write down immediately is usually the best thing.
The more I tweak and revise the first “take” or first “draft” the more I feel I’m just bandaging it. The original “first take” becomes less authentic, less holy.
It’s as if the “first take” is original. It’s meant to be. I own it. I feel the ownership.
The more I change it, the less I identify with it. The more detached.
Maybe it’s time to stop composing.
I’ve put everything else on the back burner. Everything else can wait, I tell myself.
Before I even get out of bed, I have a new idea. I rush to the desk to write it down before it escapes me. If I don’t, I fear I’d lose it.
And sometimes I do lose it.
While I’m on a roll, I can’t stop. I cannot afford to stop.
But it’s time to stop.
Three books already, not counting the ones before 2025 began.
It’s been a solid three months: 31 + 28 + 31 days. Ninety days of writing music.
My Daily Music Writing Project continues.
I wrote “123 Ready Set Go” a few weeks ago, before I got caught up in the JS Bach 340th Birthday concert-going frenzy. I had intended to slot it in “Pick! Pluck! Play!” but noticed it was a bit challenging for level 1. So I started a second book — level 2.
Every piece that has chords can be played as a duet. “123 Ready Set Go” is a prime example.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
The last page “Ukulele Chords” of the new book contains a table of ukulele chord diagrams ordered alphabetically for the chords used in the book.
I’m thrilled about releasing these two books as a precursors (prerequisite) to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Suite, which contains three skill levels.
I am recording all my new compositions in the 100 Days of Ukulele 2025 project. To me, this challenge means uploading a new video recording of a new piece each consecutive day from 1st March to 8th June 2025.
For other recent compositions and arrangements by Anne Ku, please visit the Daily Music Writing Project or scroll through the consecutive blog posts.
Update
Renamed to “Fretful Fingers,” this instrumental score will be given to all who register for the “Rehearsal with Anne Ku” in the new and inaugural ukulele festival “Coastal Uke Fest” in the lovely coastal town of Cohasset, Massachusetts. The earlier you register, the more time you have to study and practice this piece.
- Date: Sunday 5th October 2025 from 1 to 5:30 PM
- Location: Cohasset, Massachusetts
- Register via the website.
- Other information: FREE
