Ukulele Tonya

I really enjoy the variety and vitality of Hawaiian music, both traditional and contemporary. But for many folks, it’s tough to get their tongues in line with pronouncing the Hawaiian words—there are just so many vowels and the words seem to go on forever!

This Hawaiian Language Primer, compiled from a variety of sources (see footnote on first page of the document to access the weblinks), can go a long way in helping you to sound out Hawaiian words more accurately. It provides “just the basics” but I guarantee you’ll feel more comfortable next time you strum and play the line from “Little Grass Shack” where it talks about the humuhumunukunukuapua’a swimming by…

Also, if you’d like to learn some traditional or contemporary Hawaiian songs, it’s tough without knowing the melody. I have several CD/songbook combinations I could suggest if you’re interested.

While I was adding files, I’ve updated the article about “Buying an Ukulele” with more current information.

Whew—three of us from Ukuleles of Paradise (Jim, Cynthia and myself, with help from Jim’s sister-in-law, Susan) helped local kids play the ukulele for the first time this morning at the Paradise Library and I’m tired this afternoon! We were invited as part of the library’s “Get A Clue” summer reading program for kids; the librarian billed us on the promo flyers as: “Ukulele Bands: Join Tonya and her band for a rip-roaringly fun ukulele lesson.” (Please note I had nothing to do with the flyer and no, I do not have a band.) Anyway, we had the largest crowd they’ve had all summer—more than 30 kids, from two to 12 years; there’s nothing like a big age difference to make the teaching really challenging! A handful of parents showed up, too…thankfully. (Read on …)

Chico News and Review reporter Toni Scott visited Ukuleles of Paradise in June to try her hand at playing ukulele. Her article highlights her experiences as someone who’s never played an instrument before—and how much fun she discovered with four strings! Read the article here.