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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 full group instruction, partner practice, and performance.
UDL and SEL
UDL-Multiple means of action & expression. The students will demonstrate their chord changing abilities through student-selected music. Based on feedback, the students wanted a small variety of options from which to choose. For this assignment, I provided four songs from which they could choose.
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 in a small group.
How
Part 1: 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 ukulele that coordinate to the chart if they like.
Part 2: Ukulele (Partner Work)
· The teacher will present the four song options to the class, providing insight into specific elements of the song. The teacher will address concepts like chords present in the song and tempo. Clarification of these concepts may aide in the student selection of their song.
· The students will create small groups and select a ukulele play-along from one of the four songs on the “menu.”
o Circles by Post Malone
o Girls Like You by Maroon 5
o Stay with My by Sam Smith
o Riptide by Vance Joy
· The partners will move to small group work and practice their songs. Students may elect to work in a quieter space to facilitate a more conducive learning environment.
· The teacher will travel between groups to answer questions, provide guidance in student practice, and answer questions.
Part 3: Ukulele Performance
· The students will perform their ukulele play-along with their group in front of the class.
· Peers within in the class will provide positive and constructive feedback.
Materials
· Ukulele
· Felt ukulele pick (if needed/wanted for ease in strumming)
· Color coded stickers for ukulele chords
· Menu of Ukulele Play-alongs
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