Middle School Music

Introduction to the ukulele

The ukulele is a Hawaiian instruments and a member of the guitar (string) family. It is usually made with four strings.

The ukulele was created in Hawaii during the 19th century. It became popular around the world in the early 20th century.

Types of Ukuleles

The tone and volume of the instrument varies with size.

Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone.

The soprano is the standard in Hawaii and is the smallest and original size.

History of the Ukulele

Ukulele roughly translates to "jumping flea”.

The ukulele was introduced to the Hawaii by three Portuguese cabinet makers.

History of the Ukulele continued…

King Kalakaua (the ruler of Hawaii at the time) helped to make the ukulele popular.

King Kalakaua was a supporter of the arts and used the ukulele in performances at royal events.

Construction Ukuleles are usually made of wood. Cheaper ukuleles are made from plywood and more expensive ones are made of hardwoods.

Ukuleles have a figure-eight shape, like an acoustic guitar. They can also be seen in shapes like oval (called a "pineapple“ ukulele), a boat-paddle shape or a square shape.

These instruments usually have four strings but can have up to six or eight strings.

Tuning

The most common tuning uses the notes G-C-E-A.

A simple melody that is used to tune the ukulele is "My Dog Has Fleas“.

http://www.get-tuned.com/online_ukulele_tuner.php

Ukulele Music

Train - Hey, Soul Sister – YouTube

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Breakdown

More Great Ukulele Videos

Royals – Walk Off the Earth

Ukulele Orchestra

You Belong to Me

Introduction Video

Ukulele For Dummies – YouTube “Ukulele for Dummies”

Questions

Where was the ukulele created? What family of instruments is the ukulele in? How many strings does the ukulele have? When was it created? (What century?)When did it become popular across the

world? What are the four types of ukuleles?

Questions Continued…What is the most common kind of ukulele? Who was it created by? What ruler helped to make the ukulele

popular? What shapes does the ukulele come in? What is a simple melody that helps people

tune their instrument? What notes are on the ukulele? What materials can the ukulele be made of?