I Have Confidence (from The Sound of Music): Ukulele

Maria's declaration of confidence carries genuine theatrical energy without requiring advanced technical skills from your ukulele players. The melodic contour is instantly recognizable, so students connect immediately to the material, and the two-page length makes it a practical choice for concert programs or classroom repertoire.

This is a moment of self-assurance before stepping into the unknown. The music embodies optimism without sentimentality, offering both a character moment from the show and a standalone affirmation that stands on its own.

Ukulele students at intermediate level or above will find a manageable yet satisfying arrangement here. It works equally well for classroom ensembles, solo preparation, or small group performance.

• Shape the melody with intentional dynamics. The song builds from uncertainty to conviction, so let the opening phrases sit a touch softer than the climactic moments.
• Treat the rhythmic pulse as conversational, not metronomic. Slight flexibility in timing makes the lyrics land more naturally than a rigid tempo would.
• Balance the accompaniment so the tune stays prominent. Fuller chord voicings can support the melody, but the voice (or lead instrument) must carry the emotional arc.

Include this in a Broadway or musical theater concert to give your ukulele players a moment in the spotlight. It also serves nicely as a building block in a unit exploring how songs reveal character, or as a morale booster during rehearsals when students need a reminder that confidence matters.

• Shaping melodic lines with expressive phrasing
• Singing or playing through a complete song arc
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in ensemble settings
• Connecting lyrics to musical interpretation