Take The "A" Train: Ukulele
Take The "A" Train Sheet Music Preview

Take The "A" Train: Ukulele

As performed by Billy Strayhorn

Item: 35-DS00430877
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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 1
SKU: 35-DS00430877

More about this title

About the Artist: Billy Strayhorn

Billy Strayhorn

Billy Strayhorn emerged from Dayton, Ohio in 1915 to become one of the twentieth century's most prolific jazz composers, despite spending much of his career in relative obscurity. His partnership with Duke Ellington, which began in 1939, shaped the sound of American jazz for decades. Strayhorn's output includes some of the most recorded and performed standards in jazz history, from the instantly recognizable "Take the 'A' Train" to the harmonically complex "Lush Life," which he composed at just sixteen years old.

Strayhorn's decision to live openly as a Black gay man in an era of profound social constraint may have contributed to his lack of public recognition during his lifetime, even as his compositions became ubiquitous in concert halls and recordings. Historians now recognize him as among the most important American composers of his generation. A catalog of artists who have recorded his work reads as a roster of jazz immortals: Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Oscar Peterson, Sarah Vaughan, and countless others testify to the enduring brilliance of his melodic and harmonic vision.

Why we love this

"Take the 'A' Train" is simultaneously one of jazz's most accessible and most satisfying tunes. Ukulele students get to claim a piece of genuine jazz history while working with straightforward melody and harmony that builds real musicianship without requiring advanced technique. The tune's infectious energy and instant familiarity mean students stay engaged and motivated throughout.

What to expect

Bright, propulsive, and deeply cool. The melody unfolds with elegance and ease, like boarding a subway car bound for somewhere vibrant and alive. There's a timeless quality here: the tune hums with the energy of mid-century New York while remaining utterly fresh.

Who it's for

Ukulele students with foundational reading skills who are ready for repertoire beyond beginner method books. This is an ideal piece for ensemble performances, jazz history units, or anyone wanting to explore how the ukulele sits naturally within the jazz tradition.

How to get the most out of it

  • Emphasize the rhythmic drive of the head. This tune thrives on forward momentum; treat it less as a ballad and more as a conversation that moves with purpose.
  • Pay attention to the blues tonality beneath the surface. Even though the melody sits comfortably on the ukulele, Strayhorn's harmonic language creates subtle sophistication worth exploring.
  • Lock in a steady groove with any accompaniment or backing track. The swing feel is essential to capturing the piece's character.

How to use it

Pair this with other jazz standards to create a focused unit on American songwriting, or use it as a gateway piece to introduce students to Duke Ellington's orchestra history. The tune works equally well in a casual coffee house setting or a formal concert context, making it flexible for various programming moments throughout the year.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading swing rhythms and syncopation
  • Understanding blues tonality and voice leading
  • Interpreting jazz melody with phrasing and articulation
  • Playing with forward rhythmic momentum and groove
  • Connecting ukulele repertoire to jazz history and context

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