What is a Ukulele?

The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian interpretation of the cavaquinho, a small guitar-like instrument brought to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants. It gained great popularity elsewhere in the United States during the early 20th century, and from there spread internationally.

The ukulele is commonly associated with music from Hawaii where the name roughly translates as "jumping flea", due to the action of one's fingers playing the ukulele resembling a "jumping flea". According to Queen Lili'uokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch, the name means “the gift that came here”, from the Hawaiian words uku (gift or reward) and lele (to come).

Tone and volume of the instrument vary with size and construction. Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone. The standard tuning for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles is C-tuning, g'c'e'a'. The g string is tuned an octave higher than might be expected. This is known as reentrant tuning. Some prefer "Low G" tuning, with the G in sequence an octave lower. The baritone is usually tuned to d g b e' (low to high).

Ukuleles are generally made of wood, although variants have been made composed partially or entirely of plastic. Cheaper ukuleles are generally made from ply or laminate woods, in some cases with a soundboard of an inexpensive but acoustically superior wood such as spruce. Other more expensive ukuleles are made of solid hardwoods such as mahogany. Some of the most valuable ukuleles, which may cost thousands of dollars, are made from koa (Acacia koa), a Hawaiian wood known for its fine tone and attractive color.

Typically ukuleles have a figure-eight body shape similar to that of a small acoustic guitar. They are also often seen in non-standard shapes, such as an oval, usually called a "pineapple" ukulele, invented by the Kamaka ukulele company, or a boat-paddle shape, and occasionally a square shape, often made out of an old wooden cigar box.

Information from Wikipedia (Aug, 2010)

Who plays the Ukulele?

Just about everyone plays the uke! At this moment, the ukulele is enjoying a huge resurgence in all types of settings, from schools to concert halls. Ukuleles are played by professional and recreational musicians alike. They are also becoming very popular in the field of Music Therapy and supportive music making. Many guitar and mandolin players play the uke because it is an easy jump from one string instrument to another, but even people who never played an instrument before are taking up the ukulele because it is accessible, user-friendly, and it's fun!. Ukulele clubs and organizations are abundant across the US and the world. People gather each week in schools, restaurants, churches, and homes to play and sing together (and often eat as well!). Children and the elderly, teachers and students, friends and family - everyone plays the ukulele.

People who play the ukulele include:

• performing musicians.
• teachers and students.
• recreational and supportive musicians.
• music therapists and music therapy clients.
• friends and family members.

There are many resources available for purchasing and learning to play the ukulele. Find out about a ukulele club near you by searching online or visiting a ukulele club. Most clubs have weekly meetings, often in the evenings.

Why is the Ukulele useful in Community Music Making?

The ukulele has a long and well-established history in community music making. Often played by one or more people in a group at a time, the ukulele is popular in homes, community centers, camps, retreats, schools, and outdoor venues. Because it is simple and accessible, the ukulele is the logical choice for people who wish to play an instrument to accompany songs. There is a large body of music that is associate with the ukulele and Hawaiian culture, as well as international cultures. There are clubs around the world that provide instruction, support, and socializing opportunities for people of all ages.

Both children and adults can hold and play the ukulele. Because it has four (nylon), rather than the six (metal) strings of the guitar, the ukulele is more beginner-friendly and helps people find pleasing results quickly, encouraging them to stick with it past the crucial initial learning period (when many people give up!). The ukulele often serves as a gateway instrument to the guitar (but not vice versa). The ukulele is easy to store and transport, making it ideal for road trips, flights, and intimate settings. Ukuleles are inexpensive (generally) and can be purchased from a wide variety of sources. Most of all, the ukulele is a friendly, fun instrument that is non-threatening and just sounds - happy.

The ukulele is useful in Community Music Making because it:

• is well established as a community music instrument.
• is accessible because it is easy to hold and play.
• helps connect people to a large body of music, both Hawaiian and other.
• is used in community music (ukulele) clubs across the world.
• is equally accessible by both children and adults.
• serves as a gateway to the guitar and other instruments.
• is easy to store and transport - and play in intimate settings.
• is inexpensive (in general) and you can get them just about everywhere.
• is a very friendly, non-threatening instrument that sounds happy.

What kind of Ukulele should I get?

Most people start off playing a soprano or "standard" size uke, the smallest member of the family. People with larger fingers or who need a little more wiggle room may wish to get a tenor uke, which is a bit larger. As with most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. We recommend buying an instrument that is of good quality, something that will play with ease and sound great. This will not only make it easier to learn (because the instrument will be responsive and be in tune), but it will make you want to practice more because the sound is pleasing.

Purchasing a quality instrument can save money in the long run because you won't be buying another instrument as an upgrade right away. You can get a decent uke for between $60 and $80, but if you can afford a little more, we recommend spending between $150 and $250 on a better instrument. You can get professional instruments in the $250 to $400 range and if you want something really special, there are instruments available from $800 to $3500 and above.

Some of the most popular, well-respected Hawaiian brands in the Ukulele market are: Kamaka, Kanile'a, Ko'olau, Koaloha, and Maui Music. Other popular brands include: Martin, Kiwaya, Applause, Kala, Oscar Schmidt, Lanikai, Riptide and Fluke. If you plan on playing for groups of singers or with other instruments, such as flutes, drums, and mallets (xylophone, bells, etc), you might consider purchasing an electric model that will allow you to use an amplifier. Electric models are generally more expensive than their acoustic counterparts. When purchasing your uke, consider getting a good quality case at the same time to protect your investment. Search online or in local shops for deals. check Craig's list and your local pawn shops. Visit your local music store and investigate some ukulele web sites before making your purchase. Ultimately, you will want to play (or have someone play) some ukes before you make your final decision.

What will I learn about the Ukulele at a DCM Course?

When you attend a DCM course, you will learn how to:

• identify the parts of the ukulele and tune all the strings.
• strum basic patterns and play a variety of common chords.
• play a variety of popular and useful songs for group singing, instrumental play and movement.
• apply what you learned in your profession (education, therapy, recreation).
  

DCM students are often playing songs within 30 minutes of picking up the uke for the first time. We make learning songs easy by focusing on simple chords and songs, then moving to more advanced material. You can play hundreds of songs with only three (3) chords. The basic DCM curriculum teaches 12 chords.