Tag Archives: chords

3 Chord Thursday Preview Nutmeg Ukulele Festival

Posted on July 8, 2023 by Anne Ku

On the first Thursday, 7th September 2023, we give a preview of the 2nd Nutmeg Ukulele Festival, a one day event in Simsbury, Connecticut. In this one hour session in Zoom, 1) get a taste of ukulele bootcamp, 2) learn … Continue reading →

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My Country, ‘Tis of Thee or God Save the King

Posted on July 6, 2023 by Anne Ku

On an American air base in the island of Okinawa, I grew up singing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” before I learned that the same tune was known as “God Save the Queen” or “God Save the King” depending on … Continue reading →

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God Bless America

Posted on July 3, 2023 by Anne Ku

Irving Berlin initially penned the words to “God Bless America” while serving as a sergeant at an army camp in 1918. As typical of many of his songs which didn’t fit the occasion at the time, it was put away … Continue reading →

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Correct fingering for error-free execution with ease

Posted on June 20, 2023 by Anne Ku

“Pencil in your fingering for both hands. Use a pencil in case you want to erase later. Decide on the fingering. Practice with the fingering you wrote in the score.” Why? The students in piano and ukulele classes ask. Why … Continue reading →

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Pachelbel Progression

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Anne Ku

When I learn of a musician’s departure, I instantly hear his or her music in my head. Last week, I checked my phone and read “RIP George Winston” in my Facebook feed. His Pachelbel Canon Variations entered my sound space … Continue reading →

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Piano Harmonisation (Harmonization)

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Anne Ku

By special request, I am offering a new 8-week piano course in Zoom to take beginners to the next level of playing. Read from lead sheets and play songs you’d like to play. It’s open to all levels though not … Continue reading →

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Music Theory: HARMONY

Posted on January 11, 2023 by Anne Ku

What’s the difference between melody and harmony? Both require notes to define and describe them. One is ordered sequentially through time. The other can also be stacked vertically. We associate melody with words and harmony with emotions. Is there more?

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Chord Choreography

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Anne Ku

Fingering and switching chords on the ukulele (or the guitar) is akin to the way a pianist changes fingers to play different chords on the left hand. It’s easier to stay in the same position (that part of the keyboard) … Continue reading →

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The Moon Represents My Heart 月亮代表我的心

Posted on November 8, 2022 by Anne Ku

The moon will turn full tomorrow, so-named “Beaver Moon”, becoming a blood moon and a lunar eclipse. Called “beaver blood moon lunar eclipse”, it will be visible between 4:10 am and 7:49 am EST. An early night is in order … Continue reading →

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3 Chord Thursday Waltz

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 1st December 2022, we gather to play chords following a medley of famous waltzes. You can also request to perform a waltz via this Google Form. A waltz is a dance in 3/4 time. A waltz does not have … Continue reading →

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