Should my kids learn the Ukulele?
I mean, its kind of just a little guitar, right? Well... yeah, basically. Its a great lead in to guitar or bass guitar. It will help with the basics of learning chords and strumming. As a stand alone instrument, it can be a little limiting for learning in my opinion. A little uninspiring, unless you're a singer. In which case, its a great backing for singing.
INSTRUMENTSKIDSUKULELE
Jace Snel
2/26/20231 min read
Ukuleles are pretty cool in my opinion. They're a great starting out option for younger kids that you want to get into music at an earlier age. Im talking probably 5+ years old. The Uke its great for kids that are still on the smaller side and can be pretty fun for the kids. Its very easy to get started but also difficult to master. Most people will move on to guitar as they get better and older. The Ukulele is just not really a one instrument to master kind of deal. Its more like a second instrument. Something you pick up for a bit of fun once in a while. Once you can play guitar, the Ukulele typically comes very easily.
Personally, I think its a great idea to learn Ukulele from 5-7 years old and then move to guitar or bass as they begin to understand how everything works. Most guitar teachers should be able to teach Ukulele even if it doesn't look like they offer it. The thing about this age group is that it is difficult to get them to practice consistently but honestly, kids are truly like sponges and if they're enjoying themselves and it gets them thinking about and listening to music even slightly more deeply, it its going to be a help to their timing and pitch later in life.
There are some brilliant songs to get you going with you Ukulele practice like the Aussie hit Riptide by Vance Joy and Somewhere over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.
I have a breakdown of what kinds of Ukuleles exist and how to pick one out for you or your kids available here.