Author Archives: Anne Ku

About Anne Ku

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

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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Ukulele repertoire: song sheets for amateur music making

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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For the absolute, complete, total beginner in ukulele

Posted on June 25, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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Remembering dad on Father’s Day

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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The Handy Man Can

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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Leavin’ on a Jetstream

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Anne Ku

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 →

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Safely dance the safety dance: riffs and meaning in music

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Anne Ku

Still reeling from the high energy ukulele jam of the “Eighties Extravaganza,” I can’t stop exploring the songs we didn’t get to sing. One of these is the one hit wonder by the group “Men Without Hats.”

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Selecting songs for a select audience: eighties extravaganza

Posted on June 2, 2018 by Anne Ku

In music, the formal or official term for song selection is “repertoire development.” It sounds sophisticated and significant, and it should be, for it is not trivial at all. Repertoire development refers to creating a balanced portfolio for performers. In … Continue reading →

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Ukulele Crash Course for Complete Beginners

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Anne Ku

After giving different kinds of ukulele workshops in Massachusetts, I’ve decided to offer a crash course for those beginners eager to participate in the ukulele scene that’s spreading across the world like wild fire. For time-challenged adults, it’s about making … Continue reading →

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