These Days (feat. Jess Glynne, Macklemore & Dan Caplen): Ukulele

This arrangement captures the radio-friendly appeal of a modern pop track while keeping ukulele at the center rather than relegating it to texture. The three-page length is realistic for student performers who need material that doesn't demand months of preparation, and the featured artists make this a tune students already know and want to play.

Buoyant and rhythmically modern. The ukulele carries the infectious, upbeat character the track is known for, with enough harmonic and rhythmic interest to feel engaging without overwhelming the player. It has the lightness of pop paired with the warm familiarity of the instrument.

Students who gravitate toward pop and contemporary music but haven't yet engaged deeply with ukulele as a primary instrument. This works well in informal ensemble settings, casual concerts, or as a bridge piece for young players building confidence on the instrument.

• Get familiar with the original recording before diving into the arrangement. Knowing where the melody sits in the mix and how the production builds will inform your phrasing and dynamics.
• Pay attention to chord rhythm patterns, especially in sections where syncopation might differ from what you'd expect in a traditional ukulele piece. These rhythmic details are what make the arrangement sound current.
• Consider the texture you're creating if others are playing along. Even on a three-page chart, layering matters; decide whether you're comping lightly or carrying melodic weight based on what else is happening.

Drop this into a spring or summer informal concert where you're mixing student solos with ensemble pieces. Its accessible length makes it workable for students picking up ukulele mid-year, and the contemporary style creates a refreshing contrast to more traditional repertoire on the same program.

• Reading and playing syncopated pop rhythms
• Translating chord charts and vocal melodies to ukulele voicings
• Maintaining rhythmic consistency in contemporary arrangements
• Connecting instrumental music to student listening preferences