Introducing students to music through the ukulele

Most adults probably remember being introduced to music in elementary school by using a recorder - a small woodwind instrument with a small whistle mouthpiece and seven finger holes. While recorders are still a great way to teach beginning music students about theory, some Lincoln Public Schools music teachers are finding that ukuleles are also a fantastic way to get students excited about music.

"Kids naturally gravitate towards the ukulele," said Lance Nielsen, LPS music curriculum specialist. "Our teachers are using it successfully as a vehicle for beginning music instruction and kids see it as a hip new instrument they can play and sing at the same time."

Presley, an 8th-grader at Scott Middle School and member of the ukulele club, loved finding an instrument that was singer friendly. "You can play it and sing along and I'm a singer so I enjoy having something I can play and sing."

She was also excited to sit in on an afterschool demonstration of the ukulele by Candian artist James Hill. Hill was invited to perform at several elementary school assemblies and at Scott Middle School ukulele club as well as be a featured speaker at a workshop for Nebraska music teachers.

Azalia, 4th-grade Hartley Elementary Student, said of the performance, "I'm in ukulele club at Hartley, and I want to play like that. I also play the piano and the cello."

And the trend is catching outside of school music classes, as well. Just walk into any local music store and you will see walls and display cases lined with a wide selection of ukuleles.

"The ukulele is the new recorder," added Nielsen. 

Donations through the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools Music Rocks Me fund helped sponsor the three day James Hill tour in Lincoln.