My Favorite Things (arr. Fred Sokolow): Ukulele

Fred Sokolow's arrangement captures the warmth and simplicity that makes this song resonate across generations while remaining entirely accessible on ukulele. The four-page format gives students a complete, singable rendition without overwhelming them, making it ideal for holiday programs or year-round performance opportunities where you need something that feels both sophisticated and achievable.

Despite its association with the holidays, this song breathes contentment and gentle joy rather than yuletide bustle. The melody unfolds with a conversational quality, moving through favorite things with the quiet satisfaction of someone lost in pleasant thought.

Ukulele students who are ready to tackle a complete, recognizable standard with multiple verses. This works equally well for independent learners building their repertoire and for teachers looking to introduce ensemble playing or performance opportunities to intermediate players.

• Establish the tempo early and keep it steady; "My Favorite Things" needs a gentle lilt without rushing through the melody
• Pay attention to dynamics even in simple passages; this song lives in its quieter moments and gentle crescendos rather than big peaks
• Let the ukulele's natural resonance ring between phrases instead of dampening immediately after each note
• If adding vocals, balance the instrumental texture so the voice remains the primary focus without the accompaniment getting lost

This pairs beautifully in holiday concerts where you want to move beyond traditional seasonal fare into something warm and contemplative. It also works as an ensemble opener early in a recital, establishing an accessible tone before moving into more demanding material.

• Reading and executing four-page arrangements with consistent form
• Sustaining melodic focus while maintaining chord accuracy
• Controlling tempo in moderate tempos without speeding or dragging
• Understanding the relationship between lyrical phrasing and musical line