Miracles (Someone Special) (featuring Big Sean): Ukulele

A contemporary pop collaboration that translates beautifully to ukulele, bringing hip-hop flavored production into an acoustic texture that feels both current and accessible. Students get to work with a track that lives in their streaming playlists, which dramatically shifts engagement when they discover it's something they can actually play. The three-page arrangement respects both the original's groove and the ukulele's natural sonic character.

Uplifting and rhythmically grounded, with the kind of melodic lift that makes you want to play it repeatedly. The ukulele adaptation captures the song's warmth while letting that hip-hop pocket drive the musical narrative forward.

Intermediate ukulele students who want repertoire that feels contemporary and relevant to their own musical lives. Players comfortable with basic voicings and looking to expand into pop and hip-hop influenced material will find this both motivating and achievable.

• Keep the rhythm pocket tight and consistent; the hip-hop foundation means any wavering in the groove reads immediately as sloppy rather than expressive.
• Balance the vocal melody against the harmonic layers beneath it so the song doesn't flatten into pure strumming.
• Reference the original recording for dynamics and phrasing; Coldplay's arrangement choices reward close listening and imitation.

Include this in a student recital or informal performance series to showcase contemporary repertoire alongside more traditional selections. It also serves as a bridge for students who might be skeptical about ukulele's musical range, proving that the instrument belongs in pop and urban music contexts.

• Maintaining groove in hip-hop influenced pop arrangements
• Reading and executing syncopated rhythm figures
• Balancing melodic content with rhythmic accompaniment
• Working from original recordings as a practice reference