What'll I Do? (from The Daily Ukulele) (arr. Liz and Jim Beloff): Ukulele

The Beloffs' arrangement captures the elegance of this Irving Berlin standard while making it entirely accessible on ukulele. A single page means students can learn it quickly, yet the song's melodic richness rewards careful phrasing and attention to the harmonic changes that make the tune endure.

The piece carries the gentle sophistication of a 1920s ballad, reflective and intimate in character. Its unhurried tempo and warm harmonic language create space for meaningful musical expression without demanding virtuosic technique.

Ukulele students ready to explore the Great American Songbook will find this arrangement within reach. It works equally well for players building fluency with standard tunes or for ensemble settings where ukulele adds warmth to a mixed instrumentation.

• Shape the melody by letting longer notes breathe; resist the urge to rush through the phrases.
• Pay attention to the chord progression underneath your melody line, as understanding the harmony will deepen your interpretation.
• Record yourself and listen for clarity in the picked notes, especially in passages where the melody moves quickly.

Pair this with other standards from The Daily Ukulele collection to build a cohesive set highlighting the ukulele's lyrical capabilities. It also serves as a bridge between pop-focused ukulele repertoire and the deeper jazz and songwriting traditions students should encounter.

• Phrasing and breath control adapted for stringed instruments
• Reading and interpreting standard notation on ukulele
• Recognizing harmonic progressions common to American popular song
• Balancing melodic clarity with accompaniment awareness