Rainbow Ukulele classroom resources
I do hope you will feel like trying some of these out in the classroom! Do let me know how your class gets on …
They are listed in rough order of difficulty. Click on the titles to view/download.
London Bridge is Falling Down
A classroom activity for the very 1st lesson, accompanying the classic song with just two open strings. No knowledge of stave notation required.
Ukulele Tango
This enjoyable beginners’ piece can be played solo or by a whole class, using open strings only and a simple rhythm pattern. There is also an arrangement for four groups of players in harmony.
Lazy Afternoon
A beginner-class piece with a chilled Latin feel. Pupils learn a simple rhythm by ear and repeat it on each open string. No knowledge of stave notation required.
Ukulele Swing
This tune has a bouncy jazz feel with very simple rhythms using almost all open strings. No knowledge of stave notation required.
Ukulele Atmosphere
An unusual and funky setting for the famous “My Dog Has Fleas” sequence of open string notes on the ukulele. Can be taught by ear and mastered by a beginner class in a couple of sessions.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
A firm favourite arranged for 2 groups of ukulele players. Group 1 has the melody while Group 2 plays an open string part. For concert performance there is an optional intro and ending with layers of ostinatos. No knowledge of stave notation required.
Ukulele Fanfare
A rousing class performance piece for two groups of players. The melody uses notes CDEFGA, the 2nd part is open strings only. If you like, a 3rd group can strum along with C, F and G7 chords.
Where the waters flow
With a big nod to the traditional American song “Banks of the Ohio”, this is a very simple call-and-response piece which works well in a classroom setting. Plenty of open strings, and the chords are just C, Am, F, G7..
Soaring High
With a South American flavour and the deepest of bows to “El Condor Pasa”. Plenty of open strings and chords of C, Am, F. With a simple insistent rhythm, this is easy to teach and sounds great with half the class strumming and the other half taking the tune.
Island Song
A simple atmospheric strumming piece with a flexible arrangement which works well in the classroom. Uses simple chords of C, Am, F and G7 and slow chord changes throughout – no “sudden surprises” to floor the novice player!
Backing track Optional melody part Teacher Notes