Author Archives: Anne Ku

About Anne Ku

Anne Ku is a composer who teaches the ukulele and piano.

Autumn Leaves in G minor with French

Autumn: leaves are falling and turning colour. The summer has ended, and soon my stay in London will, too. My research into the paradox of simplicity that commands the sound of 3,000 voices and instruments (Irish Hooley, Dun Laoghaire, August … Continue reading

Posted in review, ukulele | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Seated marathon of words

“Support my fundraiser! Come to my soiree on the 22nd!” He invited me to play the grand piano or bring my ukulele group for a singalong to fundraise for his half-marathon in Jordan. I can do neither. I am already … Continue reading

Posted in course, travel, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Visiting Vis, Croatia – the Mamma Mia effect

Barely two weeks after watching “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” – the sequel to “Mamma Mia!” I am now on the island where it was filmed, not quite a year ago in September 2017, not Greece but Croatia. The … Continue reading

Posted in language, personal development, photos, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mamma Mia II: here I go again!

Won’t it be great to sing ABBA songs and see the new Mamma Mia movie? That seed of intention was planted back in April when my ukulele group in Boston dedicated one of our weekly jam sessions to songs from … Continue reading

Posted in photos, self, travel, ukulele | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Set list: menu for music making

The way a musician prepares a programme for a solo concert has similarities with the way a chef puts together a menu for his guests, be it a private event or daily menu in a restaurant. Both are thinking about … Continue reading

Posted in sheet music, ukulele | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ukulele repertoire: song sheets for amateur music making

Ever since getting introduced to the ukulele on Maui, I have been curiously witnessing and participating the rituals of ukulele groups and clubs in Maui, Boston, London, and Amsterdam. The ukulele allows self-accompaniment for singing without a conductor or leader. … Continue reading

Posted in review, sheet music, ukulele | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

For the absolute, complete, total beginner in ukulele

The ukulele is the quickest and easiest way to make music and connect with others. The first step is getting a ukulele and learning how to play it. Then you can strum, sing, and socialise! Don’t miss the opportunity to … Continue reading

Posted in course, travel, ukulele | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Remembering dad on Father’s Day

Today may be the first time I’m joining everyone else in cyberspace, to remember my dad on Father’s Day. In Mandarin Chinese, the word for father is “ba ba” which sounds like “eight eight” — thus the eighth day of … Continue reading

Posted in Chinese, feedback, language, personal development, self, sheet music, travel, ukulele, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Remembering dad on Father’s Day

The Handy Man Can

When my friends posted a video of their business called “The Handy Man” on Facebook, I was suddenly reminded of a parody I wrote years ago on the song “The Candy Man” because I was so fascinated by what one … Continue reading

Posted in personal development, sheet music, ukulele | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on The Handy Man Can

Leavin’ on a Jetstream

It’s easy to get sidetracked when you’re in a bathroom store buying your first bath tub together. You just want a no frills tub for two for a small bathroom. Each tub you try not only gets bigger but comes … Continue reading

Posted in personal development, sheet music, ukulele | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment