Uketropolis: Ukulele Q&A with James Hill

Latest Episodes:

Lightning Round Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

Lightning round: one question from every course on Uketropolis.com! 1) How do I print the sheet music? 2) What do the words "tonic" and "dominant" mean? 3) How do you play two notes at the same time if they're on the same string? 4) Any tips for changing from F7 to Bb7? 5) Any suggestions for amp settings (low, mid, high)?

Try This! Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

In this episode: TRY THIS! Five super-simple strategies for teaching ukulele. Even if you're not a teacher. 1) Start with C7. 2) Gulp. 3) Memory. 4) Word swap. 5) The power of percussion.

Extreme Ukulele Apr 01, 2021

Show notes

Extreme ukulele. 1) How to record your sound (mic vs. pickup). 2) How to protect your ukulele. 3) Why you should master the "monostrum." Buckle up!

The Game of Strumble! Mar 25, 2021

Show notes

Why is it so hard to sing and strum at the same time? What's the best way to practise this musical juggling act? The answer: Strumble!, a board game that makes practice fun. Download Strumble! for free at https://www.uketropolis.com/strumble

Mindful Musical Moments with Catherine Goykhman Mar 17, 2021

Show notes

Catherine Goykhman shares her thoughts on blending mindfulness with music education. Resources: Catherine's website (https://www.catplaysukulele.com), Daniel Ward's "Arpeggio Meditations" (https://danielward.net/book-store), Choan Gálvez’s "50 Miniature Studies for Ukulele" (https://www.choan.es/en/).

A B♭ chord an Irish jig walk into a bar... Mar 11, 2021

Show notes

Questions from Level 2 of the JHUI Teacher Certification Program: 1) How to simplify a part for a student who is struggling. 2) How to teach the B-flat chord using an Irish jig. 3) How to avoid unwanted sounds between notes.

Ukulele Funbook with Zsolt Schäfer Mar 03, 2021

Show notes

In Ukulele Funbook, author Zsolt Schäfer takes us into a world of imagination, creativity and, yes, silliness! Whether it's musical soup, ukulele sudoku, connect-the-dots or alternate tunings, every page of Ukulele Funbook is a chance to learn while you play and to play while you learn. A companion over the holidays, a reward at the end of class or a stress-free way to introduce musical concepts, Ukulele Funbook is the perfect complement to the Ukulele in the Classroom method. So grab your ukulele, sharpen your pencil and have fun! www.uketropolis.com/funbook

Perseverance Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

James answers questions from Booster Uke students: 1) Is D7 really D7 when there's no root note? 2) How does low-G tuning change the sound of chord twins? 3) How using a "guide finger" makes chord changes easier.

Demystifying the Diminished 7 Feb 18, 2021

Show notes

Step by step, James demystifies the most mystifying of chords: the Diminished 7.

Peace like an 'ukulele Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

James answers questions about the free course "Peace like an 'ukulele." 1) How to get better at ukulele without even playing it. 2) Why melody picking is for everyone. 3) How to navigate Uketropolis. 4) Low G vs. high G tuning. 5) How to avoid muting strings by accident. Take the course for free at https://www.uketropolis.com/peace