Student Spotlight

How long have you been playing the ukulele, and what got you started?

I have been playing the ukulele for two years now. A colleague who volunteers with me at my local library kindly suggested “why not try my spare uke for a few days, see how you get on”. Well “get on” I most certainly did and within a week I had bought his Fender Venice Soprano. It was the beginning of a musical adventure that has been both exciting and rewarding in so many ways, for at the time I had lost my motivation and desire to learn and both play classical guitar and piano. I was no virtuoso at the crossroads but in simple terms music had ceased to be fun. Mainly self-taught and lessons been so expensive, I set myself a high bar of expectations, so in a sense I had taken the enjoyment out of the whole learning process. I recollect though the first time I picked up the Fender and noodled away at a few chords. Fumbling my way through a C,F and G there was just this instant connection. Probably like many of us this magical little instrument had like love at first sight struck the right chord in my heart.


What drew you to Matt’s courses or the Learn Ukulele community?

Times have changed in terms of access to musical tuition. I just knew instantly that the ukulele did something musically to my outlook and motivation. At the same time I realised that to learn properly from the very beginning I now had access to online resources that quite simply did not exist thirty years ago when I started my classical guitar studies. But I still wanted and was determined to focus on both learning and importantly simply enjoying playing the ukulele. That priority was paramount. So I googled Ukulele Tutors and quickly found Matt’s site after seeing his advertisement in the American Ukulele Magazine. I knew immediately that Matt was a tutor with whom I could connect and that he was well loved and respected by his students. Matt has made learning the ukulele both exciting and rewarding, he simply infuses all his courses and on line lessons with his enthusiasm and love for his students and the community we all belong to. Over the last two years he has become the best of friends to me, a friendship I value most dearly.

Do you remember your very first song on the uke?

Although I noodled away for the first couple of months just finding my feet I would say “Yesterday” was my very first proper song on the ukulele. I play this song every day, it forms part of my practice session long or short. Memorising songs is hit and miss for me but I made a concentrated effort to memorise “Yesterday”. When I finally played it through I just thought “wow”. Music is the only discipline I know that gives you a positive sort of electric shock moment, like it runs from your head to your toes. Can’t explain it…don’t want to know how this magic works.

Which of Matt’s courses have you taken so far, and which one helped you the most?

I started with the Beginners Course and have studied this a number of times now. I return to Beginners often because laying the right foundations in place helps me to develop as a player. Likewise I then studied the Theory Course and also return to this. I know theory is not everyone’s cup of tea or coffee but I like to understand how the basic mechanics of music works. The ukulele has more than three frets and the dusty end deserves just as much attention. To me even a little theory can go a long way. Tabs are great don’t get me wrong but there is no great mystery to music theory. I find music theory is both fascinating and fun. I’m a slow learner though and I have spent a lot of time with the Intermediate Course along with the Beatles, and plan to study all of Matt’s courses.

What’s been your proudest ukulele moment so far?

Learning my very first song “Yesterday” is my highlight. I’m not the most natural of strummers more of a finger picker so finally been able to strum through a twelve bar blues in A was a good moment. I have now thrown that as well into the practice sessions. Honest I’m not weird but a definite highlight is working on and learning barre chords from first fret to the wastelands of the dusty end.


Have you faced any challenges in your playing journey — and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge has come within the last four months. I am in the early stages of arthritis on my right hand M finger in PIMA terminology. The top knuckle becomes sore and swollen so I am in the process of developing said style without the M finger. Some days it is not too bad but on others I have to rest my hand completely which is very frustrating. I can still use my thumb most of the time but keep my practice sessions short. Basically I don’t want my thumb to go the same way. Thanks though to Matt and the kindness of our ukulele community I have received both advice and support on how to cope with this situation.


Is there a particular technique, tip, or “lightbulb moment” that really made things click for you?

The most important lightbulb moment for me was Matt’s lesson on angles. Matt’s Beginners Course and all his courses are second to none. In fact the whole content of this particular course is full of lightbulb moments. These lessons made things tick and still continue to do so. Whenever I feel a bad habit slipping in I stop and return to the Beginners course. Biggest lightbulb moment was though first picking up a ukulele….”why on earth didn’t it occur to me to learn this magical instrument years ago?”

What does playing the ukulele mean to you personally?

Simply having the opportunity and setting aside the time to play ukulele every day is tonic for the soul. I love the community that exists across nations and brings people together. This joy and happiness knows no borders, and every time I pick the ukulele up it just feels good to know that when we all come together we share ideas and aspirations in communicating through the music of this magical instrument. 

Do you have a favourite song or style to play?

One of my favourite songs and one I would love to learn to play finger style is the “Java Jive” by the Ink Spots. Style wise Blues and Jazz songs are always top of my “to play list”

When and where do you usually practise — any special routines or habits?

I practise in the spare room where I can always leave my music stand in situ. Likewise there is always some sheet music ready to play whether it be scales or just chord shapes. I practice in small bursts, very rarely an hour as my concentration wavers and resting my hand due to the arthritis is now essential after half an hour. Special habits…none really, no particular routines. I have to admit I am not the most structured of people I try to set up a step by step practice session but then go on to something else. Matt’s site just has so many good courses and lessons to play through!

How has being part of the Learn Ukulele with Matt community helped or inspired you?

Being part of Matt’s Learn Ukulele Community is a pure inspiration in itself. I so look forward to the on line Kanikapila sessions on Mondays and fortnightly workshops on Wednesdays, they are an important part of my week and Matt’s enthusiasm makes me feel especially as though my iPad screen has dissolved and he is there in person with you. Everyone comes together and says “hi” there is instant connection. There is no other words except you feel as though you’re part of a wonderful world.

Do you have any advice for new players just starting out?

My advice for new players is most importantly just enjoy yourself and try not to stress out about developing what I often fall into, what I have come to call the dreaded “instant coffee syndrome”. Learning to play any musical instrument is just a sheer joy and as Matt has taught me everything will click into place eventually. I have days where nothing goes right and been too self critical I have sadly discovered is just soul destroying. So in simple terms get to know your ukulele, look after it, become it’s best friend and in time it will reward your friendship in heaps.

If you could play with any musician (past or present), who would it be and why?

Ahh the fantasy question! Well first and rightly so I would love to play something with Matt. Even if I accompanied him strumming just me playing a C chord over and over in 4/4 time! I marvel at members videos…me I go to pieces recording myself on the iPad. So getting up at a retreat and playing “Yesterday”….well maybe after a glass or two of wine. As for pure fantasy would have to be Bryan Ferry, think with all the cover versions he records he could find a spot for a ukulele player on some 30s or 40s revamped oldie.