I wake up to a new tune in my head. I rush to the piano to find the notes. Afraid the tune will vanish, I record it on my iPhone. I scribble down the chords as it’s faster than writing down the notes. I go to my laptop and open the music program. It’s a new piece. That’s how it begins.
The problem arises when I try to save the music notation file.
I need a name for the file.
I need a title for the piece.
So far, I have chosen titles to do with the mechanics of playing the piece. Walk with Fingers. Step In and Out. Waltz Down the C (Scale). Inch with Index (Finger). Skip the Second (Fret).
This morning, I felt the humidity before I woke up. I then checked the forecast.
It’s cloudy. It’s been cloudy.
It’s raining. It’s been raining.
This could be the weather in London, except it’s still pretty cold.
The rain. Alliterate. The rain reigns. Rein in the Rain.
Google it.
“Rein in the Rain” has been associated with protecting the environment. With Earth Day coming up (it’s 22nd April every year), this piece is relevant.
Rein in the Rain. I like the sound of it.
Thus the title.
I start in the key of D minor. Shift it to E minor. Then F minor. And finally G minor. I end it with a Picardy third — its parallel major — G major chord.
Next Steps
Double check the harmonization. Can I be more adventurous?
Write a chord melody arrangement (solo instrumental).
Record it for 100 Days of Ukulele 2025 project.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“Rein in the Rain” will be included in the third book of “Pick! Pluck! Play! Fingerstyle Ukulele. 12 Progressive Pieces by Anne Ku.”
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 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.
