Uketropolis: Ukulele Q&A with James Hill
232 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -Every week Uketropolis.com founder James Hill answers student questions about playing ukulele and interviews innovative ukulele educators.
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Episodes
#7 - The Infinity Scale
November 04, 2021 14:02 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBThis episode gets a little technical! To view the handouts for this episode (highly recommended), go to: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vtjwo9kzymyjkkn/Uketropolis-S2-E7-The-Infinity-Scale.pdf?dl=0
S2 E6 - Are There Notes Between the Frets?
October 28, 2021 16:26 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBGet the sheet music, audio and backing track for James' composition Goodnight Moon: www.uketropolis.com/goodnightmoon.
#6 - Are There Notes Between the Frets?
October 28, 2021 16:26 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBGet the sheet music, audio and backing track for James' composition Goodnight Moon: www.uketropolis.com/goodnightmoon.
Are There Notes Between the Frets?
October 28, 2021 16:26 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBGet the sheet music, audio and backing track for James' composition Goodnight Moon: www.uketropolis.com/goodnightmoon.
S2 E5 - The Spice of Life... and Music
October 21, 2021 12:56 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBSimple ways to spice up common chords. Because variety is the spice of life and music is the food of love and love makes the world go 'round.
#5 - The Spice of Life... and Music.
October 21, 2021 12:56 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBSimple ways to spice up common chords. Because variety is the spice of life and music is the food of love and love makes the world go 'round.
The Spice of Life... and Music
October 21, 2021 12:56 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBSimple ways to spice up common chords. Because variety is the spice of life and music is the food of love and love makes the world go 'round.
S2 E4 - Do I really need to learn how to read music?
October 14, 2021 13:26 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBClick here for a printer-friendly PDF showing the most essential notes on the ukulele fretboard: https://www.dropbox.com/s/omk2y7we61wrzzm/The-Ukulele-Way-Beginner-Chords-and-Notes-C6.pdf?dl=0
#4 - Do I really need to learn how to read music?
October 14, 2021 13:26 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBClick here for a printer-friendly PDF showing the most essential notes on the ukulele fretboard: https://www.dropbox.com/s/omk2y7we61wrzzm/The-Ukulele-Way-Beginner-Chords-and-Notes-C6.pdf?dl=0
Do I really need to learn how to read music?
October 14, 2021 13:26 - 27 minutes - 25.6 MBClick here for a printer-friendly PDF showing the most essential notes on the ukulele fretboard: https://www.dropbox.com/s/omk2y7we61wrzzm/The-Ukulele-Way-Beginner-Chords-and-Notes-C6.pdf?dl=0
S2 E3 - How to Make a Sound Sculpture
October 07, 2021 12:36 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWhat is gesture? How can gesture be used to open new doors to music-making? In this episode, James explores the concept of musical gesture and shows you how to create unusual "sound sculptures" in your lessons and personal practice.
#3 - How to Make a Sound Sculpture
October 07, 2021 12:36 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWhat is gesture? How can gesture be used to open new doors to music-making? In this episode, James explores the concept of musical gesture and shows you how to create unusual "sound sculptures" in your lessons and personal practice.
How to Make a Sound Sculpture
October 07, 2021 12:36 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBWhat is gesture? How can gesture be used to open new doors to music-making? In this episode, James explores the concept of musical gesture and shows you how to create unusual "sound sculptures" in your lessons and personal practice.
#2 - The fear of whales
September 30, 2021 13:23 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBWhat do the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dire Straits and a traditional Bulgarian folk song have in common? And what does that have to do with my fear of whales? This week we explore the haunting, evocative world of two-note chords called "diads."
S2 E2 - The fear of whales
September 30, 2021 13:23 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBWhat do the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dire Straits and a traditional Bulgarian folk song have in common? And what does that have to do with my fear of whales? This week we explore the haunting, evocative world of two-note chords called "diads."
The fear of whales
September 30, 2021 13:23 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MBWhat do the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dire Straits and a traditional Bulgarian folk song have in common? And what does that have to do with my fear of whales? This week we explore the haunting, evocative world of two-note chords called "diads."
The Harmonized Blues Scale
September 22, 2021 15:48 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBUketropolis student Andrea asks the question: is it possible to harmonize the Blues scale? To find out, James demonstrates what a harmonized scale is, what a Blues scale is, and one possible answer to the question. Free play-along handout available in the Uketropolis Community. If you're not already a member, sign up for a course and join the fun at www.uketropolis.com/register! Download the free Harmonized Blues Scale handout: https://www.dropbox.com/s/diqjtj6v1yclq0l/The-Harmoniz...
S2 E1 - The Harmonized Blues Scale
September 22, 2021 15:48 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBUketropolis student Andrea asks the question: is it possible to harmonize the Blues scale? To find out, James demonstrates what a harmonized scale is, what a Blues scale is, and one possible answer to the question. Free play-along handout available in the Uketropolis Community. If you're not already a member, sign up for a course and join the fun at www.uketropolis.com/register! Download the free Harmonized Blues Scale handout: https://www.dropbox.com/s/diqjtj6v1yclq0l/The-Harmoniz...
#1 - The Harmonized Blues Scale
September 22, 2021 15:48 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBUketropolis student Andrea asks the question: is it possible to harmonize the Blues scale? To find out, James demonstrates what a harmonized scale is, what a Blues scale is, and one possible answer to the question. Free play-along handout available in the Uketropolis Community. If you're not already a member, sign up for a course and join the fun at www.uketropolis.com/register! Download the free Harmonized Blues Scale handout: https://www.dropbox.com/s/diqjtj6v1yclq0l/The-Harmoniz...
Welcome to Season 2!
September 15, 2021 09:09 - 2 minutes - 2.55 MBHere's some of what I've been up to in the break between Seasons 1 and 2: Happy Birthday to Uke 1879 Apparel Want to hear your question on the podcast? All of the questions on the podcast are real student questions from Uketropolis.com. So if you'd like to hear me answer your question, go to uketropolis.com, take a course and ask questions along the way! We have a library of unique online ukulele courses and supportive worldwide community of students who are finding their own pa...
S1 E35 - Meet my Mom
May 06, 2021 23:48 - 50 minutes - 115 MBIn this special final episode of Season 1, I interview my Mom. We share a few laughs as we talk about my childhood, her own musical journey, raising musical children and much more. I hope you enjoy the interview and I'll see you in a few weeks for the start of Season 2!
#35 - Meet my Mom
May 06, 2021 23:48 - 50 minutes - 115 MBIn this special final episode of Season 1, I interview my Mom. We share a few laughs as we talk about my childhood, her own musical journey, raising musical children and much more. I hope you enjoy the interview and I'll see you in a few weeks for the start of Season 2!
Meet my Mom
May 06, 2021 23:48 - 50 minutes - 115 MBIn this special final episode of Season 1, I interview my Mom. We share a few laughs as we talk about my childhood, her own musical journey, raising musical children and much more. I hope you enjoy the interview and I'll see you in a few weeks for the start of Season 2!
#34 - Classical ukulele: thrills, spills and trills!
April 29, 2021 18:51 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBJames answers student questions about classical ukulele: 1) Vivaldi's monster chord, 2) the thrill of the trill, 3) to mute or not to mute?
Classical ukulele: thrills, spills and trills!
April 29, 2021 18:51 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBJames answers student questions about classical ukulele: 1) Vivaldi's monster chord, 2) the thrill of the trill, 3) to mute or not to mute?
S1 E34 - Classical ukulele: thrills, spills and trills!
April 29, 2021 18:51 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MBJames answers student questions about classical ukulele: 1) Vivaldi's monster chord, 2) the thrill of the trill, 3) to mute or not to mute?
#33 - World Traveller
April 22, 2021 18:25 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBA special whirlwind tour of the planet to celebrate Earth Day! From Chile, it's "El Tortillero," from Italy, "Santa Lucia" and from Hawaii, "Hone A Ka Wai." James explores three of the most well-loved pieces from The Ukulele Way.
S1 E33 - World Traveller
April 22, 2021 18:25 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBA special whirlwind tour of the planet to celebrate Earth Day! From Chile, it's "El Tortillero," from Italy, "Santa Lucia" and from Hawaii, "Hone A Ka Wai." James explores three of the most well-loved pieces from The Ukulele Way.
World Traveller
April 22, 2021 18:25 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBA special whirlwind tour of the planet to celebrate Earth Day! From Chile, it's "El Tortillero," from Italy, "Santa Lucia" and from Hawaii, "Hone A Ka Wai." James explores three of the most well-loved pieces from The Ukulele Way.
#32 - Lightning Round
April 16, 2021 00:46 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBLightning round: one question from every course on Uketropolis.com! 1) How do I print the sheet music? 2) What do the words "tonic" and "dominant" mean? 3) How do you play two notes at the same time if they're on the same string? 4) Any tips for changing from F7 to Bb7? 5) Any suggestions for amp settings (low, mid, high)?
Lightning Round
April 16, 2021 00:46 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBLightning round: one question from every course on Uketropolis.com! 1) How do I print the sheet music? 2) What do the words "tonic" and "dominant" mean? 3) How do you play two notes at the same time if they're on the same string? 4) Any tips for changing from F7 to Bb7? 5) Any suggestions for amp settings (low, mid, high)?
S1 E32 - Lightning Round
April 16, 2021 00:46 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MBLightning round: one question from every course on Uketropolis.com! 1) How do I print the sheet music? 2) What do the words "tonic" and "dominant" mean? 3) How do you play two notes at the same time if they're on the same string? 4) Any tips for changing from F7 to Bb7? 5) Any suggestions for amp settings (low, mid, high)?
Try This!
April 08, 2021 15:41 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this episode: TRY THIS! Five super-simple strategies for teaching ukulele. Even if you're not a teacher. 1) Start with C7. 2) Gulp. 3) Memory. 4) Word swap. 5) The power of percussion.
S1 E31 - Try This!
April 08, 2021 15:41 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this episode: TRY THIS! Five super-simple strategies for teaching ukulele. Even if you're not a teacher. 1) Start with C7. 2) Gulp. 3) Memory. 4) Word swap. 5) The power of percussion.
#31 - Try This!
April 08, 2021 15:41 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBIn this episode: TRY THIS! Five super-simple strategies for teaching ukulele. Even if you're not a teacher. 1) Start with C7. 2) Gulp. 3) Memory. 4) Word swap. 5) The power of percussion.
Extreme Ukulele
April 01, 2021 13:53 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBExtreme ukulele. 1) How to record your sound (mic vs. pickup). 2) How to protect your ukulele. 3) Why you should master the "monostrum." Buckle up!
S1 E30 - Extreme Ukulele
April 01, 2021 13:53 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBExtreme ukulele. 1) How to record your sound (mic vs. pickup). 2) How to protect your ukulele. 3) Why you should master the "monostrum." Buckle up!
#30 - Extreme Ukulele
April 01, 2021 13:53 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBExtreme ukulele. 1) How to record your sound (mic vs. pickup). 2) How to protect your ukulele. 3) Why you should master the "monostrum." Buckle up!
S1 E29 - The Game of Strumble!
March 25, 2021 12:40 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWhy is it so hard to sing and strum at the same time? What's the best way to practise this musical juggling act? The answer: Strumble!, a board game that makes practice fun. Download Strumble! for free at https://www.uketropolis.com/strumble
The Game of Strumble!
March 25, 2021 12:40 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWhy is it so hard to sing and strum at the same time? What's the best way to practise this musical juggling act? The answer: Strumble!, a board game that makes practice fun. Download Strumble! for free at https://www.uketropolis.com/strumble
#29 - The Game of Strumble!
March 25, 2021 12:40 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWhy is it so hard to sing and strum at the same time? What's the best way to practise this musical juggling act? The answer: Strumble!, a board game that makes practice fun. Download Strumble! for free at https://www.uketropolis.com/strumble
Mindful Musical Moments with Catherine Goykhman
March 18, 2021 03:18 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBCatherine Goykhman shares her thoughts on blending mindfulness with music education. Resources: Catherine's website (https://www.catplaysukulele.com), Daniel Ward's "Arpeggio Meditations" (https://danielward.net/book-store), Choan Gálvez’s "50 Miniature Studies for Ukulele" (https://www.choan.es/en/).
#28 - Mindful Musical Moments with Catherine Goykhman
March 18, 2021 03:18 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBCatherine Goykhman shares her thoughts on blending mindfulness with music education. Resources: Catherine's website (https://www.catplaysukulele.com), Daniel Ward's "Arpeggio Meditations" (https://danielward.net/book-store), Choan Gálvez’s "50 Miniature Studies for Ukulele" (https://www.choan.es/en/).
S1 E28 - Mindful Musical Moments with Catherine Goykhman
March 18, 2021 03:18 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBCatherine Goykhman shares her thoughts on blending mindfulness with music education. Resources: Catherine's website (https://www.catplaysukulele.com), Daniel Ward's "Arpeggio Meditations" (https://danielward.net/book-store), Choan Gálvez’s "50 Miniature Studies for Ukulele" (https://www.choan.es/en/).
A B♭ chord an Irish jig walk into a bar...
March 11, 2021 12:22 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBQuestions from Level 2 of the JHUI Teacher Certification Program: 1) How to simplify a part for a student who is struggling. 2) How to teach the B-flat chord using an Irish jig. 3) How to avoid unwanted sounds between notes.
#27 - A B♭ chord an Irish jig walk into a bar...
March 11, 2021 12:22 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBQuestions from Level 2 of the JHUI Teacher Certification Program: 1) How to simplify a part for a student who is struggling. 2) How to teach the B-flat chord using an Irish jig. 3) How to avoid unwanted sounds between notes.
S1 E27 - A B♭ chord an Irish jig walk into a bar...
March 11, 2021 12:22 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBQuestions from Level 2 of the JHUI Teacher Certification Program: 1) How to simplify a part for a student who is struggling. 2) How to teach the B-flat chord using an Irish jig. 3) How to avoid unwanted sounds between notes.
S1 E26 - Ukulele Funbook (Zsolt Schäfer Interview)
March 03, 2021 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBIn Ukulele Funbook, author Zsolt Schäfer takes us into a world of imagination, creativity and, yes, silliness! Whether it's musical soup, ukulele sudoku, connect-the-dots or alternate tunings, every page of Ukulele Funbook is a chance to learn while you play and to play while you learn. A companion over the holidays, a reward at the end of class or a stress-free way to introduce musical concepts, Ukulele Funbook is the perfect complement to the Ukulele in the Classroom method. So gr...
Ukulele Funbook (Zsolt Schäfer Interview)
March 03, 2021 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBIn Ukulele Funbook, author Zsolt Schäfer takes us into a world of imagination, creativity and, yes, silliness! Whether it's musical soup, ukulele sudoku, connect-the-dots or alternate tunings, every page of Ukulele Funbook is a chance to learn while you play and to play while you learn. A companion over the holidays, a reward at the end of class or a stress-free way to introduce musical concepts, Ukulele Funbook is the perfect complement to the Ukulele in the Classroom method. So gr...
#26 - Ukulele Funbook (Zsolt Schäfer Interview)
March 03, 2021 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBIn Ukulele Funbook, author Zsolt Schäfer takes us into a world of imagination, creativity and, yes, silliness! Whether it's musical soup, ukulele sudoku, connect-the-dots or alternate tunings, every page of Ukulele Funbook is a chance to learn while you play and to play while you learn. A companion over the holidays, a reward at the end of class or a stress-free way to introduce musical concepts, Ukulele Funbook is the perfect complement to the Ukulele in the Classroom method. So gr...