Play First, Ask Questions Later

Ragalele is the newest resource at Uketropolis.com. It was released about six weeks ago and the response has been amazing! New questions and conversations are happening every day as students begin to explore the 6000-year-old tradition of Indian classical music. Today we tackle one of these questions: how best to use Ragalele in a group context?To learn more about Ragalele and to sample the music, go to: https://www.uketropolis.com/ragalele

My guest today is Sayali Tank, my co-author on Ragalele, a new resource that brings the magic of Indian classical music to the ukulele. Go to www.ragalele.com for a free download and follow Sayali on YouTube and Instagram.In this episode we talk about:How Ragalele came to beThe healing power of musicWestern classical music vs. Indian classical musicHow cultural values are embedded in musical traditionsWhat to expect from Ragalele as a studentand much more!

Arranging. It's the all-too-often-overlooked skill that brings music to life... or not. Over the years, there is one simple strategy I've relied on time and time again. It's so simple that it's easy to miss. Plus: why not singing is one of the most important techniques for us singers.Uke Heads new single "Hearts On Fire": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hGrTIBBjnYMy online ukulele courses (some free, some paid): https://www.uketropolis.com

Are you afraid of strings that go squeak in the night?My latest educational project, Ragalele, brings the magic of Indian Ragas to the ukulele: https://www.ragalele.comUke Heads new single "Hearts On Fire": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hGrTIBBjnYMy online ukulele courses (some free, some paid): https://www.uketropolis.com

Music theory is a form of understanding that comes after you play and experiment. A lot. At least that's my opinion. In this episode I make my case for playing first and asking questions later. Enjoy!I'm on tour in Ontario and Quebec! Join me for an in-person ukulele workshop: https://www.jameshillmusic.com/tourUke Heads new single "Hearts On Fire": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hGrTIBBjnYMy online ukulele courses (some free, some paid): https://www.uketropolis.com

Travis picking is named after Merle Travis, the Country-Music Hall-of-Famer who popularized the technique. If you're a bit bored with the same old strumming and picking techniques you've been using, well, it's Travis picking to the rescue! The thumb goes back-and-forth, the fingers dance on the melody. Simple, right? Not exactly. Like any physical skill, Travis picking takes time to acquire but it's well worth the effort!--Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com

My new album Uke Heads comes out tomorrow, February 16th, 2024! But it's not just my album, it's a project that has become a global community. How did an idea go from doodles on scrap paper to a full album with over 165 players from 15 countries? In this special episode, taped live at the Uke Heads Gathering in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Chris Parsons and I reflect on the two-year arc of the 10-song recording. You'll hear from a number of people who played and sang on the album and get a preview the finished tracks.Learn more about Uke Heads and join the band at www.ukeheads.comWatch our latest video single, "Lucky in Love" on YouTubeShop Uke Heads merch including apparel and CDs at www.ukeheads.com/shop

"Angeline the Baker" (also known as "Angelina Baker") is one of the most well-known songs in the Old-time repertoire. It's appeal is a bit of a mystery: it only has two chords and its melody is pentatonic, meaning it doesn't even use all the notes of the major scale. And yet it contains multitudes. I continually return to this melody for its simple beauty and flowing rhythms. In this episode we examine a very specific moment in "Angeline the Baker" and I hope it inspires you to learn the rest of the piece. You won't regret it!Watch Scott's arrangement of "Angeline the Baker": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t835kgnG3ULearn more about James' Americana Ukulele online course: https://www.uketropolis.com/americana--Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com

Is it legal to use a pick on the ukulele? Yes! Once and for all, YES! In fact, it's a gateway to some really interesting sounds. Specifically, it brings a level of agility to your melodies that is unlike anything else and it opens the door to tremolo flatpicking which can bring a new kind of lyricism to your playing. So, shine up your flatpicks and let's play!--Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com

Can't do the Vulcan salute? No problem! Stretching your fingers apart (think "live long and prosper") isn't the only way to play challenging chords. In this episode, we explore the difference between stretching for the notes in a chord and reaching for the notes in a chord. Although posture is a huge topic that we can't possibly cover in one episode, I'm going to share one simple thing that you can do to improve your chances with challenging chord shapes.--Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com