The Ways We Play the Ukulele

Last week I mentioned an essay I wrote for my AP English Language class. The essay was for our classification and division unit. In this essay I wrote about the different categories of ukulele players and their defining characteristics. At the end of the essay, we had to explain what category we belonged in. Today I want to share that essay with y'all.

"Four years ago I began playing the ukulele. Throughout my course I realized each one of my classmates was a different type of ukulele player. We all enjoyed learning to play the instrument and came to class the majority of the time; but the learning process was individualized. I didn’t fully understand the different ukulele learners until I started teaching a class. I began assistant teaching alongside my former teacher my sophomore year, and teaching my own class my junior year. While teaching I have encountered six different ukulele learners.

1. The Natural

They may not be the first person that catches your eye when you enter the room, but when they play they capture an entire audience’s attention. They seem to know what to do before they are taught, and can make the teacher look like an amateur (unintentionally of course). While they are not boastful they crave to perform and love the idea of being heard, public displays of talent can be simultaneously paralyzing and liberating for The Natural.

2. The MVP

This student’s participation carries the class. Unlike The Natural, they are outspoken and do not hesitate to ask questions. It is clear they prioritize the ukulele above most other things, and practice daily. You can tell because every week they are either working on something new or perfecting something from the week prior. The MVP keeps conversation flowing and eases the student body by leading them through the battle of socialization.

3. The (Non) Excuse Maker

This musician insists on explaining why they have not done their homework (practicing), for a number of reasons. Don’t worry though, they will remind you multiple times they “know it’s not an excuse”, as they continue to justify the incompleteness of their weekly assignment. The (Non) Excuse Maker is extroverted like The MVP, but only in small to medium sized groups, and prefers negative feedback to positivity and constructive criticism.

4. The I’m Good

Among one of the most talented in the class, The I’m Good is very similar to The Natural. Skills come to them with ease and they are envied by other students. However, what separates The I’m Good from The Natural, is their lack of desire for ukulele performing. They hate the idea of playing for others and would rather keep their talents confined to their repertoire closet. So while they are good, they say “I’m good” to performance opportunities.

5. The On Again Off Again

This player likes to entertain the idea of learning to play the ukulele. They are present in one class then miss the next, there for three and then miss two. They can never figure out if they like the class or not. The On Again Off Agains have the ability to play with the class and by themselves when asked, but they just can’t figure out if they like the ukulele and want to stick with it or not. When teaching The On Again Off Again, it’s best to be prepared for the absence and presence.

6. The One Trick Pony

Similar to the ponies at the county fair that repeat the same act every hour, The One Trick Pony has one song they play every class and at every performance. The song is usually the first one they learnt by themselves and it becomes their safety net. Rather than perfecting another song to present, they go with the one they know will be good and already went through the daunting first critiquing process with. Don’t be fooled, while they will play the same song over and over, it will remain entertaining to listen to; which keeps The One Trick Pony from becoming a two trick pony.

Who am I among this list? I prefer to ask friends and family for their interpretation of me, rather than to decide myself; but I guess there is a type of player I relate to most. I love playing the ukulele and practice when avoiding alarming amounts of homework. I was terrified of performing, but the adrenaline rush I got from my first ever open mic was the most freeing feeling I’ve ever experienced. I have go-to songs, weeks where I don’t practice, and every time I have a publishing day in creative writing class, I hide my ukulele in a backpack so no one will know what it is and ask questions. Though I display qualities of each learner, I like to think that I am The Natural. I didn’t learn to play the ukulele any faster than I was taught, nor am I any better at playing it than other musicians, but nothing has ever felt more normal to me. Playing the ukulele is like breathing, I don’t have to think about it, I just strum to tune out the world around me with my music."

I hope you enjoyed learning about the different types of ukulele players.

Until next time,

Thanks for yielding!

Alexis