A Documentary Worth Watching

Well, maybe for some.

For me, this was a blast. I picked up the ukulele about a year ago after Josh took a class through our local parks and recreation services. I took the same class myself just awhile ago.

For a lot of people in America, of my age, we watched Tiny Tim play away on the ukulele – and that was, for me, a turn off. I didn’t think he was funny and altogether I sort of cringed when I watched him on the Smothers Brothers. It made me dislike the ukulele altogether because of its connections. Now, remember, this is me – and my own reaction from way back when. I wonder how I would feel about him today as a much older and less narrow minded. Anyway, I guess I will look up some YouTube videos to watch and re-think Tiny Tim.

Since I started playing the ukulele, I’ve gotten a few (GAS is bad in my family) and find that I like having soprano, alto or concert, and tenor with both regular and low G strings. I’ve watch oodles of how-to videos, and find my own preference is for finger picking tabs. I do single notes pretty well and am now moving into playing multiple strings at a time. My first exposure to learning music was piano, and I didn’t like it that much. The same with the flute – I could never get enough air and nearly fainted a few times! Because I am self-taught, I am not in competition with anyone – I make my own plans. At some point, perhaps lessons on an individual basis or joining a strumming group – there are several here in my area, just showing how popular the ukulele is!

In addition to learning to play, I’ve always liked music, all kinds. I never thought I would pick up an instrument. Lately, I picked up some software that let’s me input my own compositions or variations of a song. This is great as I can make up something I can work with at my current level or within my limitations.

Moving far beyond the common ideas of an ukulele, I am amazed by the music that is played by people all over the world on this instrument: Classical, jazz, folk. Finger-style, strumming, singing along with chords, strumming patterns, flamenco, etc. The fact I am enjoying myself and learning music and not taking it too seriously, but seriously enough to map out goals, is not a bad thing for an old bat of my unknown age . . .

I hope you enjoy this video – great history, old and new!