How did you get started on the ukulele?

Since the 1960s, many schools across Canada have used the ukulele to teach music at the elementary level. Click here to read more about J. Chalmers Doane, the founder of the Canadian ukulele program.

I grew up in Langley, British Columbia where I attended Belmont Elementary School from kindergarten to grade 7. In grade 4, I started ukulele along with everyone else; the inimitable Jamie Thomas, a pupil of Mr. Doane's, was our teacher. Jamie still teaches ukulele at Belmont school.

Langley is a special place when it comes to ukulele. For over 25 years, the Langley Ukulele Association (LUA) has supported extra-curricular uke groups which allow interested students to continue with ukulele well beyond the requisite two years of classroom instruction. Click here to learn more about the LUA and it's top performing group, the Langley Ukulele Ensemble.
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I'm just starting out - can you recommend a good beginner ukulele?

For beginners, I recommend the Empire Music "Classic" ukuleles - they're inexpensive (around $50) but not "cheap" if you know what I mean. The Classics are very playable and have a nice, warm sound. There's a soprano model (also available with machine heads), and a concert model (also available with machine heads). Just tell them if you want a high 4th string or a low 4th string and they'll set it up for you. Nice folks.

Other suitable instruments for beginners include the Flea and Fluke ukuleles made in the USA by the Magic Fluke Company. These are popular ukes that come in many colours, sound good and are very durable.
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I've been playing for a little while and want to get a better uke. Any suggestions?

When you're ready to upgrade to a hand-made instrument, I highly recommend the Hawaii-based GString Ukulele Company. Their ukes sound as beautiful as they look.

Other fine uke makers to check out include: DaSilva Ukulele Co., Ko'olau Ukulele & Guitar Co., Kamaka Ukulele, KoAloha Ukulele, Talsma String Instruments, and Tony Graziano Ukuleles. Links here.

For solid-body electric ukes and affordably priced acoustic ukes from Europe, check out RISA Musical Instruments.
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I want more information about your signature model ukulele (the GString JH-SM1).

Click here for photos, specs, and ordering info. If your questions aren't answered, feel free to email me.
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Who are your favourite ukulele performers?

My earliest ukulele influences included Troy Fernandez, Ohta-San, John King and Kimo Hussey. Nowadays, the number of fine ukulele players on the scene is growing all the time. I'm always on the lookout for new and unique strummers and my links page is regularly updated with links to ukulele friends new and old.
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Probably. Your best bet is to try the Amazon.co.jp website and order through them. Here's a link to the Fantasy for Ukulele compilation CD/DVD that was released in 2005.

What tuning(s) do you use?

This used to be an easy question to answer. I grew up playing in D6 tuning (a, d, f#, b) with a low A string like all students of the Doane ukulele method. It wasn't until my late-teens that I started to fool around with other tunings. Nowadays I travel with four ukes: one with a high 4th string and another with a low 4th string, the Beltona slide which I tune either a, d, g, b or g, c, f, a depending on the song, and the beansprout banjo which I always have in high 4th tuning.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both low 4th string tuning (a.k.a. "linear" tuning) and high 4th string tuning (a.k.a. "re-entrant" tuning); otherwise I'd just travel with one ukulele and forget about it. Re-entrant tuning is great for vocal accompaniment, jazz chording, and campanella-style playing (à la John King). Linear tuning is better for ensemble melody picking, classroom instruction, lead picking and solo arrangements that involve moving bass lines. Different tools, same tool kit.
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What kind of strings do you use?

I use Hilo strings which are made in Hawaii by the Pegasus Guitar Company. I'm not sponsored by them or anything, I've just used them for years and I've never had a problem. The strings have a smooth feel and a mellow sound that I like. They're available here.

For my ukes that use the "linear" (i.e. low-4th) tuning, I use a D'Addario 0.040 gauge (or higher) nylon string for the 4th string.
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Do you give lessons?

I give private lessons in the Truro, Nova Scotia area where I live. A busy touring schedule means that I'm not always in town but I enjoy teaching and I like to meet with students whenever possible. If you're interested, email me.

Also, I often give workshops when I travel. Check my calendar to see if there's a workshop coming up in your area.
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Can you recommend any instructional books for beginning uke students?

Chalmers Doane and I recently co-authored the Ukulele in the Classroom series of method books. The idea is simple: music literacy via ukulele. Basically, it's fun and it works. If you're interested visit the website: www.ukuleleintheclassroom.com.

Also, the Doane Ukulele Method has been the cornerstone of the Canadian ukulele program for 40 years. It includes three books for students:

What about a book for teachers?

In my view, Doane's best book is his Teacher's Guide to Classroom Ukulele. First published in 1977, it's organized into two sections: 1) a lesson-by-lesson guide for teachers using Classroom Ukulele Method and 2) a priceless collection of practical tips for making your ukulele program a success.

Also, each volume of the the Ukulele in the Classroom series includes a Teacher Edition. In the Teacher Editions each lesson features key teaching strategies, suggested arrangements, answer keys, follow-up questions and activities, additional comments from the authors, suggestions for extension and enrichment, learning outcomes and more. Click here for more information.
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