“I Play Ukulele” has been written to teach children and adults alike, the fundamentals of reading music, whilst developing a good solid technique for playing the ukulele.
This is the first book produced in a 5 book series that plans to build upon these skills so that players become proficient on their instrument and are comfortable reading music. Many ukulele books are either at base level without regard to left and right hand technique, are just songs for strumming, or are technically complicated but don’t teach how to develop that level of proficiency required, in order to tackle the more advanced music.
This series has been designed so that good techniques are learnt for strumming, playing melody and developing finger picking- right from the very beginning.
ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts) recognises the value of ukulele as a valid instrument and have embraced this belief by putting ukulele into their exam syllabus. The “I Play Ukulele” series is designed to cover all aspects of playing and reading that meet that high standard at examination level.
Students will be taking their first ukulele exams this year in the November sitting. This is very exciting and a leading development in Australia, utilising Australian authors Lesley Gentilin and John Murray who have a passion for the instrument and are experienced music teachers. The style of technique means that it will be very easy for transference onto other instruments like guitar and bass guitar.
This book will also be invaluable in the classroom for teachers wanting to use sound techniques, to back up their favourite songs. It can be used alongside these to teach the fundamental skills of reading so that more complex arrangements can be made within the group. It is a valuable resource to help meet music curriculum standards and requirements. A group book looking at ensemble playing and education requirements will be released early next year to back up the I Play Ukulele series, and to help teachers maximise the learning potential for their students.
There is a backing CD, which includes all the pieces, with and without the part designated for them to play. Co -author John Murray has also put everything on the ANZCA you-tube channel so that a good look at the techniques can be seen.
Ukulele groups that that wish to go beyond just strumming and want to develop reading will find this book really useful as there are a whole new series of notated ensemble pieces which have been released onto the market but players need to be able to read music first in order to play them. This book will develop that skill and empower the player’s confidence and musical knowledge.
Lesley Gentilin (Rafayard) presents the exciting new ANZCA ukulele tutor book and syllabus, I Play Ukulele Saturday in the ANZCA room at 11:00am.
An overview of the syllabus will also be presented, including information on the upcoming Performance Group book and assessments which are being devised around current ACARA requirements.
Ticket $35.00, include an ANZCA gift bag with your own copy of I Play Ukulele, Bk.1 (valued at $24.95)
The launch of the ANZCA Ukulele Syllabus is a part of a program of workshops on Saturday Morning recommended for teacher, leaders of groups and parents of children learning the Ukulele. Preceding the launch Mark Jackson and Jane Jelbart facilitate UKESTRATION- a way of teaching skills to a group using appropriate and popular songs… More info
