Chandelier: Ukulele

Sia's melodic sensibility translates beautifully to ukulele, and this arrangement captures the song's infectious energy without relying on electronic production. Your students will recognize the track immediately, which motivates engagement while building genuine musicianship on an accessible instrument.

Energetic and understated at once; the song builds momentum through repetition and texture rather than dramatic chord changes. There's an infectious lightness here, paired with Sia's characteristically direct lyrical delivery that makes even a three-page arrangement feel substantial.

Ukulele students working at an intermediate level who want to explore contemporary pop repertoire beyond traditional Hawaiian or folk styles. This arrangement serves ensemble directors building ukulele programs or world music classes with current material that appeals to young musicians.

• Keep the strumming pattern crisp and articulate throughout; the ukulele cuts through best when each note lands cleanly rather than blurring into the next.
• Lean into the rhythmic drive of the verse. Sia's songwriting emphasizes groove over melodic showiness, so locking into the pulse matters more than embellishment.
• Balance the vocal melody's conversational phrasing with steady accompaniment. The song thrives on tension between rhythmic precision and natural speech rhythm.

Program this in a contemporary music concert or as part of a world music/global sounds unit that connects ukulele to modern songwriting. It works equally well as a solo feature or as a ensemble piece if you have multiple ukulele students working at this level.

• Strumming patterns with consistent rhythmic articulation
• Reading and maintaining steady accompaniment while supporting a vocal line
• Adapting to contemporary pop harmonic progressions
• Balancing precision with groove-oriented playing