Activity 1: Service-Learning Project

Who 

This activity is for adult learners developing their music performance skills. This material was originally designed for college students but could be adapted to other age groups.

The need 

The learning need addressed in this lesson is retention of ukulele chord names and fingerings. The musical performance need addressed in this activity is transitioning between chords. Many individuals in this group wanted to become stronger moving between chords on their ukuleles. This activity includes music performance and creation to practice these skills.

What 

This 30-minute lesson is a part of a college music class for undergrads. These students are developing their music skills and learning how to incorporate music into their future elementary classroom. The activity includes a dexterity warm-up, full group and partner practice, and musical creation.

UDL and SEL 

UDL-Multiple means of representation. The students will be guided on identifying the new ukulele chords through colored dots on their ukulele, which coordinate to the ukulele chord chart. On the worksheet, students can write the ukulele names, drawn their shape, or fill in the boxes with the color codes for their selected chords.

SEL-Relationship skills. The students will practice communicating effectively through the decision-making process of creating their song. They will practice and develop positive relationships with peers by working with a partner.

How 

Part 1: Movement Warm-Up

·  Prior to getting out their ukuleles, students will participate in warm-up to relax their bodies for playing the ukulele.

·  Hand warm-up moves include:

o   Tapping fingers to thumb one at a time

o   Tapping fingers to thumb in patterns

o   Shaking out hands and wrists to loosen tension

·  Body warm-up moves include:

o   Arm stretches (above the head, to the side)

o   Toe touches (to relax tension in the back and shoulders)

o   Neck circles

o   Shoulder tense and release movements

Part 2: Ukulele (Full Group Work)

·  The students will tune their ukuleles independently, with a partner, and then as a full group with the instructor.

·  The students will receive a copy of the Ukulele Chord Chart & Composition Handout.

·  The students will review the C Major, F Major, and G Major chords in the full group setting. Students can place color coded stickers on their uke that coordinate to the chart if they like.

Part 3: Ukulele (Partner Work)

·  The students will work with a partner to create a song using the C Major, F Major, and G Major chords.

·  The partners will select their chord changes, practice them, and notate them in the boxes on the Ukulele Chord Chart & Composition Handout. The students can notate them using the chord names (C Major), chord members (C-E-G), or the chords color (C Major=Red).

·  The students will go to https://www.wikiloops.com/tracks/Drums-strict.php

and select a backing drum track to accompany their song.

Part 4: Ukulele Performance

·  The students will perform their compositions for each and provide constructive and positive feedback.

Materials 

·  Ukulele

·  Felt ukulele pick (if needed/wanted for ease in strumming)

·  Color coded stickers for ukulele chords

·  Ukulele Chord Chart & Composition Handout

Left-Handed Player Version Right-Handed Player Version