Author Archives: Anne Ku

About Anne Ku

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

It’s so easy to fall in love but breaking up

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Anne Ku

During the four hour mash-up medley marathon, I conferred with six other ukulele players that mash-ups shouldn’t just be about songs that have similar chords or rhythms. There has to be a rhyme and reason to choosing songs for a … Continue reading →

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Songs I lead

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Anne Ku

I’m building a playlist of songs I can confidently and competently lead a ukulele group. The secret to successful song leading is to do it in a key with the entire melody falling within my most comfortable vocal range. In … Continue reading →

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Compromised and impersonated on Facebook

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Anne Ku

Yesterday, two friends from high school sent me private messages asking why I had contacted them to request friendship when we were already friends on Facebook. I was not hacked but “compromised” — that’s the word. Regardless, it was quite … Continue reading →

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Nontraditional students and their struggles: the pursuit of degrees

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Anne Ku

In the UK, older students are called “mature students.” In the US, anyone over 25 studying for their first degree falls into the category of “nontraditional students”. In the Netherlands, it is uncommon to see a mature, nontraditional student at … Continue reading →

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The last degree of separation

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Anne Ku

The last degree of separation is about writing my dissertation for my master’s degree in music. Continue reading →

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Autumn Leaves in G minor with French

Posted on September 28, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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Seated marathon of words

Posted on September 22, 2018 by Anne Ku

“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 →

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Visiting Vis, Croatia – the Mamma Mia effect

Posted on August 19, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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Mamma Mia II: here I go again!

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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Set list: menu for music making

Posted on July 29, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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