Learning Ukulele: Musicianship Portfolio Project

One of the challenges in learning this song would be developing better strumming technique. Currently, strumming upward and having a consistent sound is something I struggle with in my stage of learning. In order to get the rhythm right in the strumming pattern for this song, that is a skill I will have to work on. The chords in this song are ones that we have learned in class C,G, and A minor. This will help me to focus more on right hand technique and not worry as much about the chords. 

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Check-in 1

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"Riptide" Cover

In learning this song, I initially tried to learn the chords on my own by looking at chord charts ad figuring out my own strumming pattern. I struggled by learning with this method so I watched youtube tutorials to help me with the chords, strumming pattern, and vocal line. It helped to isolate the chords and strumming pattern first before adding in the singing. Then I tried to take it at a slow tempo so I could figure out how the words fit in with the beats and strumming pattern. Repeated listening of the recording was also helpful. 

If I was to do a similar activity in a classroom, I think it would be helpful to break each technique and part of the song into manageable sections and isolate the chords and strumming pattern first. When watching youtube tutorials, it helped when the instructor broke down each concept and I could master each one before moving on. While individual exploration was engaging and fun at first, I eventually got frustrated and needed additional instruction. Making covers of songs is a way that a large majority of people engage with music. Youtube is a popular social media platform for tutorials and covers and a medium through which people engage in music in popular culture. By giving students the tools to be able to do this they can have these skills and a life long appreciation for musicking.