The Wind Beneath My Wings/He Hawai'i Au: Ukulele TAB

This transcription captures one of the most iconic ukulele performances in modern music history. The arrangement honors Iz's distinctive approach while remaining achievable for intermediate players, making it an excellent bridge between reverence for the original and realistic classroom or recital goals.

Warmth, sincerity, and a quiet joy that builds without artifice. These songs carry the gentle strength of someone singing from the heart, with ukulele voices that sound both intimate and expansive depending on how you voice and phrase the notes.

Intermediate to advanced ukulele players drawn to Hawaiian music, world music traditions, and singer-songwriter repertoire will find this collection invaluable. Music educators working with ukulele ensembles or independent students can use these transcriptions to teach arrangement, stylistic authenticity, and the cultural significance of contemporary Hawaiian music.

• Study Iz's recorded version to absorb the phrasing and rhythmic rubato; the TAB transcription captures the notes, but his touch and breath control define the song's soul.
• Pay attention to dynamics across the full 64-page collection; Iz's arrangements shift in intensity and texture, so practice transitions between pieces to maintain musical coherence.
• Let the natural resonance of the ukulele ring where indicated; resist the urge to mute strings unnecessarily, as sustain is essential to this music's character.
• Approach the medley of "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" with intentional pacing between sections; clarity in the transition shows respect for both songs.

Program one or two selections at a cultural celebration, world music festival, or memorial concert where their emotional resonance will land with full impact. This book also works beautifully as a capstone repertoire for advanced ukulele students, allowing them to engage with music of genuine historical and personal significance beyond typical beginner collections.

• Reading ukulele TAB notation with accuracy and fluency
• Interpreting phrasing and rubato in contemporary Hawaiian and acoustic music
• Managing dynamic range and tone quality across extended repertoire
• Understanding arrangement choices and how they shape a song's emotional arc
• Recognizing and respecting cultural context in music from Hawaii and the Pacific