Discovering the 'Ukulele: Ukulele Book

This book pairs the pedagogical voice of a Grammy-winning artist with the traditional expertise of Herb Ohta, Jr., creating an introduction that honors ukulele heritage while remaining accessible to beginners. The inclusion of 14 songs in both tablature and notation, paired with free MP3 files, gives students immediate context for what they're learning rather than abstract exercises alone.

Warm and inviting, with the spirit of Hawaiian music woven throughout. The book strikes a balance between respectful tradition and practical accessibility, making the ukulele feel like a genuinely approachable instrument rather than a novelty.

Beginning ukulele students who want grounding in both technique and cultural tradition. Teachers introducing ukulele to classroom or private students will find the dual-author perspective and song collection valuable for engagement and context.

• Use the provided MP3 files to hear how each song should sound before practicing it; this guides your phrasing and tempo choices from the start.
• Work through the technique and chord sections sequentially before moving to the songs; the instruction is designed to build toward the repertoire.
• Apply the practicing strategies the authors describe to one song at a time, rather than trying to learn all 14 pieces at once.
• Reference the Hawaiian music selections first to build comfort with the instrument's cultural context and characteristic sound.

Integrate this into an ensemble or classroom music unit on world instruments, using the historical section to frame ukulele within broader musical traditions. The 14 songs provide repertoire for student performances, recitals, or informal sharing sessions throughout the year.

• Reading tablature and standard notation on the ukulele staff
• Chord voicings and chord changes on fretted strings
• Major and minor scales on the ukulele fingerboard
• Right-hand and left-hand technique fundamentals
• Performance practice strategies and effective practice routines
• Hawaiian music repertoire and cultural context