THE POP UP UKESTRA – Frequently asked Questions
WHAT IS THE POP UP UKESTRA?
The Pop-up Ukestra is an intensive ukulele/singing experience designed to accelerate your uke and singing skills culminating in a conducted public performance around our bluegrass mic, Myrtle. Two – three popular songs are taught by ‘best practice’ learning, embedding chord structure, then memorisation of lyrics over 3 rehearsals with a conducted performance goal – (here’s the killer) without sheet music! Sounds scary right?
…. not at all because the music is taught “off the page” with ‘best practice learning techniques to facilitate, even stimulate recall. The music is also arranged in graded parts according to skill levels, and taught so you understand the overview and musical patterns. It enables basic to advanced participants to work on their learning edge, capitalising on the “don’t use it you lose it” adage. Memory is a muscle we can develop even as we get long in the tooth – even if we feel we might have already lost it!. Yes it’s a stretch but in a good way, with plenty of scaffolding, repetition and music sheets to take home.
WHO IS THE FACILITATOR?
Anu Grace is a fully accredited James Hill Ukulele teacher and has worked as both a professional musician for 27 years and community music teacher for over 15 years. Anu and bass uke player Laurie Bycroft are touring Australasia as UKE NOMAD and are currently recording their 4th album in Alice Springs 2019. The Pop Up Ukestra has successfully toured NZ the past 3 years, lifting the game and inspiration of countless ukulele groups. Recently The Pop Up Ukestra played in the Speigeltent at the Commonwealth Games Festival in Townsville.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING ?
Your own uke of course, water bottle, pen. Please leave your music stand at home. I teach off the page which is a key feature of the Ukestra in that we learn the music by heart, by pattern, by coding the lyrics into our brains. Saying that, I do pick songs with easily repeatable patterns to facilitate the process.
Please don’t let this put you off – the process is a kind one and understanding of the older brain – but we do want you to come away with the experience of “the flow state” of playing without music as it is so different. We also pick various soloists (who are able to sing from a lyric sheet), so only chorus’s have to be learned.
DO WE HAVE TO PERFORM?
Yes, I would encourage you too – even if you are in the back row! Performing in the safety of numbers around the one bluegrass mic takes the pressure off – you can still see each other and just have fun! I want people to experience the thrill of performing ‘Live’ all gathered around the bluegrass mic, enjoying each other, smiling and able to move freely without stands, leads or mics in the way….. this also alleviates the terror of getting up in front of your own mic too!
WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER PLAYED UKE ?
Best to contact your local contact person to first get the heads-up on a few basic chords as this is NOT an introductory course. It does cater to all levels of players – basic to advanced, but you will have to get up to speed a little before.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE?
8 is the youngest but they would have to have some chord knowledge as this is not a beginners class. Only basic chord knowledge is required such as C, F, G7, Am, Dm, Em, G, D, A. I will send a specific sheet of chord shapes and tracks when I know the songs we are going to play, as well as links to listen to prior to our booked date, on facebook or for your local teacher or contact person to share.
DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE LESSONS AS WELL?
Yes, I love to teach one on one and cater the lesson to where you want to go. Best to book through my contact page on my website or txt me on 04 5858 6648 to book a time.
I charge $50 per hour or $90 for a good 2 hour session.
We also offer Uke re- stringing with Worth brown or clear strings with a Low or High G.
And Singing and Performance coaching.
