Category Archives: course

Most commonly used chords for ʻukulele

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Anne Ku

The common chord progression assignment I gave to my beginning music theory class caused an uproar. It was the secret formula that explained the Pareto Rule of Pop Music: 80% of pop music used only 20% of the chords. “You mean, … Continue reading →

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Chord shape thinking from guitar to ukulele

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Anne Ku

In my forthcoming paper on teaching yourself to play the ʻukulele, I venture into similarities between guitar and ʻukulele chords. If you already play the guitar, thinking in intervals and chord shapes will give you a head start to playing the … Continue reading →

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How to remember music intervals and why

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Anne Ku

Anyone who wants to sing a song by reading music notes will need to be able to identify the intervals (i.e. distance between notes) and how they should sound. Unless you have perfect, a.k.a. absolute, pitch, you will need to reference … Continue reading →

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More than teaching piano

Posted on September 27, 2015 by Anne Ku

I specialize in teaching adults how to play piano. More and more adults are learning to play the piano as a way to relax, exercise their mind and body coordination, and play songs they like. Adults learn quickly, but they are … Continue reading →

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Teaching from the gut

Posted on August 3, 2015 by Anne Ku

Long ago I posted a blog on Bon Journal called “Teaching from the Gut.” By the title, I meant teaching a subject you know so intimately that it feels as though it’s coming out of your gut. You’re so confident … Continue reading →

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Classical guitar: intimate, personal, and vulnerable

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Anne Ku

There is something intimate, personal, and vulnerable about sharing a space with a musician — unplugged. Such is the case of experiencing the classical guitar, which is a rare thing on Maui. Once a year Ben Verdery draws students and … Continue reading →

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Jukebox Piano Class: Stand By Me for Easy Piano

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Anne Ku

I should call my piano classes “Jukebox Piano Class” because I take requests. Nothing motivates a new musician more than being able to play something he or she likes. Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” is one of these requests. … Continue reading →

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Learn Piano

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Anne Ku

You can learn to read music, play all 88 keys of the piano, and get started on a piece you’ve always wanted to learn in just three lessons. I’ve seen it happen. For just $99, you get 3 x 2 … Continue reading →

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Mandarin course on Maui 顧恩以教中文

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Anne Ku

I have been telling the same story for years. Chinese is much easier than English. Or rather, Chinese grammar is much easier than English. Or better, Chinese grammar is nearly non-existent.

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