Category Archives: sheet music

3 Chord Thursday Golden Oldies

On Thursday 3rd August 2023, let’s revisit the golden oldies — the most memorable songs of the 50’s and 60’s. We have previously celebrated three sessions of 60’s songs in 3 Chord Thursday but not yet 50’s songs. Elvis Presley … Continue reading

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My Country, ‘Tis of Thee or God Save the King

On an American air base in the island of Okinawa, I grew up singing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” before I learned that the same tune was known as “God Save the Queen” or “God Save the King” depending on … Continue reading

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America the Beautiful

A parishioner requested “America the Beautiful” to include in the programme on the weekend before Independence Day. For Catholic mass, I played it as a recessional hymn on the organ while the young cantor lead the congregation who sang more … Continue reading

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God Bless America

Irving Berlin initially penned the words to “God Bless America” while serving as a sergeant at an army camp in 1918. As typical of many of his songs which didn’t fit the occasion at the time, it was put away … Continue reading

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Correct fingering for error-free execution with ease

“Pencil in your fingering for both hands. Use a pencil in case you want to erase later. Decide on the fingering. Practice with the fingering you wrote in the score.” Why? The students in piano and ukulele classes ask. Why … Continue reading

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Taster Workshop on song writing and composition

The ukulele culture of sharing songs and sightreading song sheets sometimes leads to writing your own songs. It may start with a famous poem with words that seem to suit a tune whose origins you’re not sure of. Convinced it’s … Continue reading

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Music Theory MELODY

Of the essential elements of music, melody is the single most important ingredient in a song. You can think of melody as a series of notes, one after another, defined by the distance in pitch (interval) and duration. What makes … Continue reading

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3 Chord Thursday Waltz

On Thursday 1st December 2022, we gather to play chords following a medley of famous waltzes. You can also request to perform a waltz via this Google Form. A waltz is a dance in 3/4 time. A waltz does not have … Continue reading

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Fun with Uke Book

Hot off the cyberpress, “Fun with Uke” is a new compilation of illustrated, arrangements of 24 well-known, popular children’s songs based on nursery rhymes. Coloring book. To find out more, join 3 Chord Thursday Nursery Rhymes song session. The festive … Continue reading

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Playing music for church on piano and organ

One handwritten lead sheet triggered Anne Ku memories of playing the piano and organ for church services on Maui and Okinawa Continue reading

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