Above I have attached my video of myself playing the three desired songs that I chose. The three songs that I chose were “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol, “Somebody that I Used to Know” by Gotye and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. I chose these songs because they all had a limited number of chords used throughout, and also had simple strumming. Chasing Cars and Somebody that I Used to know are two of my favourite calming songs that I listen to at night before bed or sometimes while doing homework. I decided to learn these songs because I listen to them rather often and am familiar with the lyrics. I chose The Lion Sleeps Tonight because I grew up listening to this song and have heard it played in my past jobs while working with kids. Also, I believe that students will know this song, which will make it fun to play and sing along to in the classroom.

While I tried my best to learn the full song to each of my three chosen ones, I found that learning the choruses from each song sounded better. I had some complications with the tuning of my ukulele, which required me to take it to a friend of mine that plays the guitar. He was able to tune it correctly for me, but it was a minor setback in my progress. However, setbacks can happen and are inevitable and all that matters is how you adapt to them, improvise and overcome them! Because of this, I worked extra hard to master the choruses to these songs and will continue to learn more and more songs as this program continues and as I progress through my teaching career. I found the most challenging part of learning the ukulele was the concept of multitasking. Especially when first learning a song, it was difficult to try and visually watch the YouTube instructions of where to put my hands, while also singing and strumming at the same time. However, with practice, multitasking got easier as I got more familiar with the chord transitions and more comfortable with strumming. Over time, I was able to not look at the video on my screen as often and was able to sing accordingly. However, matching up the singing and doing quick finger movements to the different chords was the biggest learning curve for me.

Overall, this was my favourite activity of the semester! I enjoyed learning a new skill and a new hobby as an assignment. While being in six classes and working part time, it is difficult to find time to relax or learn new hobbies because of pressing due dates and homework deadlines. However, since learning the ukulele was a project it was enjoyable and interesting to learn as a school assignment. I will always cherish this class and project and will continue to keep up my ukulele practice to learn more songs for my future classroom.

Originally, as per my musical demonstration action plan, it was my goal to learn three songs by April when classes end. As I have aforementioned above, I have been practicing for two to three nights a week, depending on other classes homework assignments, for about an hour to an hour and a half. I find that spreading out my times to practice the ukulele is more beneficial than practicing for long periods of time. When I first began practicing, my fingers would get rather sore as they adjusted to the feeling of the strings and chords on the tips. I even find that sometimes when I began to play for too long, they can start feeling sore again, which is why I try to spread out my practices into short periods of time throughout the week.

Since my goal was to practice and learn three songs, I have been practicing the choruses for these songs rather frequently. However, I am only a beginner on the ukulele and to a musical instrument in general. I had not played a musical instrument since I was 14 (11 years ago) so learning the ukulele was a new concept for me. It took me some time (as I mentioned in my midterm blog posts) to learn how to hold the ukulele, learn the chords, and learn how to strum it. Because I am a beginner and had to learn the basic fundamentals of the ukulele prior to diving into learning music, it took away a lot of practicing sessions from learning actual songs. I would try to learn the songs that I chose out of excitement but felt rushed and felt that I was forcing it when I was still unclear on certain fundamentals of the ukulele itself. Because of this, I had to take my time and not rush when it came to learning various songs. I started just strumming and listening to the chords and what sounds they would make, while ensuring that my ukulele was always in tune. Although it took some time to develop my understanding of the basics of the ukulele, I did get around to learning the choruses of my three desired songs. It took me longer than anticipated because I wanted to ensure that I got the sounds down correctly, and I made sure that I put hard work and dedication into each one. Although I was very eager and excited to be able to play a song, I had to take my time. I would familiarize myself with one songs chorus rather well, and practice that for a few nights. Then once I felt familiar with the chords, I moved onto the next song, and so on. I found that this was a beneficial way of learning, because playing a song flawlessly each time was rather difficult, and I did not want it to hold me back. Therefore, I would practice each song’s chorus every so often so that I became familiar with each one. I took my time and would follow instructional YouTube videos of the songs, while listening to some verbally announce which chords. By taking my time and keeping my dedication high, I learnt the choruses to my three desired songs.

Since my previous midterm blog posts regarding my musical growth, I have been constantly practicing my three chosen songs on the ukulele. Between online zoom classes, homework and working at my job outside of school, I have had a busy semester. However, the homework portion of this music class regarding learning the ukulele has been my favourite homework assignment. I enjoyed learning the ukulele because it provided diversity to our assignments away from the standard assignments of reading and writing. We were able to physically learn a new skill and lesson from a hands-on experience and build our own memories through practicing. Although it has been a challenge learning the songs, getting the notes right and strumming properly, I can confidently say that I have progressed and come a long way.

Originally, when I first picked up the ukulele, I had to find comfort in learning how to hold it and strum it. After watching several different YouTube videos and looking at online resource for assistance, I feel confident in my abilities of strumming and playing. However, I have realized that when practicing, some days my performance would be better than others. I have been practicing for about two to three nights a week for around an hour to an hour and a half and realized that some days I can flawlessly perform certain songs while other days I seem to face challenges. Consequently, this is most likely due to over-tiredness and stress with school.  However, I would like to think that playing the ukulele has become a hobby of mine! Even when I am stressed and tired, I enjoy sitting down and learning a new verse or practicing a song. I believe that it allows me to sit down and relax, while also challenging my mind and physical abilities. The skill of learning the ukulele is now a skill that I can hold onto and continue to practice. It is a skill that I will be able to use in my future classroom one day and continue to get better at.