3 Chord Thursday Beach Boys near naked beach party

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 6/9/2022, we visit the beach with the songs of the Beach Boys or songs about the beach, surf, ocean, and watersports. As such, we will be “almost naked” in Zoom in our swimming costumes and other beach wear. To protect the privacy of our participants in Zoom, the session will NOT be publicly livestreamed. Register to participate.

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3 Chord Thursday: lullabies to put you to sleep

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday June 2, 2022, we lower the tempo to sing lullabies to put you to sleep. It may seem unusual that we choose this theme because we usually play upbeat songs on our ukuleles. During the pandemic, we discovered that the ukulele can sound beautiful when played softly and slowly. The gentle sound of a mother singing to her baby or a husband singing to his wife can rock you into a deep slumber.

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The power of zero expectations

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Anne Ku

Early in 2021, my sister Frances Ku self-published a new book called”The Power of Zero Expectations: Seven Steps to Freedom from Disappointment.” The title made me curious. In my line of work, it’s all about expectations. How can no expectations be possible?

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The Joy of Ode to Joy

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Anne Ku

A chord melody arrangement is an instrumental piece that includes both melody and harmony. The notes can be arranged for solo, duo, or any number of instrumentalists. Usually we refer to one person (a soloist) playing all parts.

One of the things I enjoy in playing Beethoven’s famous Ode to Joy as a chord melody arrangement is sliding my left hand fingers up and down the fret board of the ukulele. However, it’s a lot more fun to just play one part in an ensemble. That’s the joy of Ode to Joy.

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Learn Chinese through song

Posted on April 11, 2022 by Anne Ku

There are many ways to learn a language. Short of completely immersing yourself in the culture, among the people, in the country, you can take a language course. There is a short cut. Learn a language through song. Register for Chinese Mandarin with Song, Autumn 2022

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How to memorize music (part 1) an instrumental piece

Posted on April 10, 2022 by Anne Ku

I am probably the last person to tell you how to memorize music. I rarely ever memorize because I sight read. I have a voracious appetite to hear how those black notes (which we call “bean sprouts” in Chinese) sound. So why am I writing about how to memorize? Why would I want to memorize music?

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3 Chord Thursday: Weather

Posted on April 9, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 26th May 2022 let’s share songs to do with the weather. It’s the second time we are doing this theme as there are SO MANY songs to do with all kinds of weather. Can you think of songs we have not done before?

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3 Chord Thursday: 1920’s

Posted on April 9, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 19th May 2022, we turn back the clock a hundred years to that golden era of 1920’s songs. Just over a year ago, this theme attracted great songs and performers.

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3 Chord Thursday: Songs That Tell a Story

Posted on April 6, 2022 by Anne Ku

On Thursday 12th May 2022, we share songs that tell a story. Have you heard of Irish murder ballads? Country songs that tell tall tales? Folk songs? How do they keep you hooked until the end? As usual, our doors open at 3 pm EDT.

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3 Chord Thursday: Songs in Spanish

Posted on April 5, 2022 by Anne Ku

It just so happens that Cinco de Mayo falls on Thursday 5/5/2022. Let’s explore and share songs in the Spanish language. Perhaps this will inspire you: five songs in Spanish with the ukulele! If you play the piano, you can download the 6-page PDF of the Ketchup Song. There are so many “chord melody arrangements” or possibilities of well-known songs in Spanish linked below.

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