by Alice Bulmer | Mar 5, 2021 | Community music, Ukulele groups
This is a post about bass instruments in ukulele groups. A good bass player is an asset in a ukulele group. It’s not essential to have a bass player, but it’s an x-factor in the overall sound and rhythmic drive of the group. My Saturday afternoon ukulele group, the...
by Alice Bulmer | Aug 22, 2020 | Community music, Ukulele groups
Now, more than ever, is a great time to play ukulele. Making music shifts emotions and gives us a happy high. Playing ukulele is the easiest happy high I’ve ever found. It’s an instrument full of good cheer. And no calories, and no hangover. What’s not to like about...
by Alice Bulmer | Feb 14, 2020 | Beginner ukulele, Community music, Ukulele teaching
Seven years ago I accidentally started a ukulele group. Here’s how it happened: One day my friends Jane and Paula said, “Let’s play ukulele!” And I said, “Why not!” That Friday evening we got together at Paula’s place. We had three chords, three ukuleles and a bottle...
by Alice Bulmer | Jan 24, 2020 | Community music, Ukulele songs, Ukulele teaching
I have a birthday coming up, and I’ve been dreaming up a list of songs for my ukulele group to play at my party. When we’re going to be playing and singing the songs, the song choices feel quite different from a Spotify party playlist. I think so, anyway. Some...
by Alice Bulmer | Dec 3, 2019 | Beginner ukulele, Community music, Music general
“How many chords are there?” asked one of the people in my beginner ukulele class. The answer is, lots and lots. If you put one, two, three or four fingers down anywhere on a ukulele, in any shape, that will be some kind of chord. Ukulele chord charts typically...
by Alice Bulmer | Jul 12, 2019 | Community music, Ukulele songs
My ukulele group, The Strumbles, is playing space-themed songs this week. Fifty years ago, some guys went for a walk on the moon. A couple of my friends were born around that time, and they’re having a combined birthday celebration. One of the many great things about...