104 episodes

Every week Uketropolis.com founder James Hill answers student questions about playing ukulele and interviews innovative ukulele educators.

Uketropolis: Ukulele Q&A with James Hill James Hill

    • Education
    • 4.9 • 44 Ratings

Every week Uketropolis.com founder James Hill answers student questions about playing ukulele and interviews innovative ukulele educators.

    Raglele, Six Weeks Later

    Raglele, Six Weeks 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

    • 17 min
    Ragalele

    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!

    • 35 min
    Arranging Made Easy

    Arranging Made Easy

    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

    • 17 min
    BONUS: The Dreaded Squeak

    BONUS: The Dreaded Squeak

    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

    • 9 min
    Play First, Ask Questions Later

    Play First, Ask Questions Later

    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

    • 17 min
    Travis Picking to the Rescue

    Travis Picking to the Rescue

    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

    • 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
44 Ratings

44 Ratings

Mynicknameswastaken ,

First Rate teaching

I rarely write reviews for shows, much less one I’ve only heard 40 minutes of. But, this is a very enjoyable way for me to learn my ukulele better! I have an extensive musical background encompassing many instruments, but stringed instruments have always been elusive to me despite my half-hearted attempts at guitar over the years.
THIS PODCAST demystifies A LOT of things. Because he is teaching through an auditory technique, vs visual (like a video), it makes it possible to look at my own instrument while listening. It’s a smoother experience. Videos cause me to start and stop because they rely on visual aids (charts, showing a fingering, etc) and move faster with instruction because of that.
I’m enjoying using this podcast to experiment with unconventional ukulele sounds, like playing jazz. I loved that episode!

Great for that ,

One of the best podcasts out there!

This is such a great podcast! Inspiring and motivational! I can’t wait to pick up my ukulele and play after listening to these podcasts. Excellent instruction/communication in both detailed how tos and “big picture “ concepts. And I love the way he encourages ukulele players to find their own internal intuitive musician . The “Zen of ukulele strumming “ episode is brilliant (and very relaxing!) A whole meditative series could come from this :-). Thoroughly enjoying these episodes! Thanks so much James and keep up the great work!

pixpusher ,

Great inspiration

This is an essential podcast for any ukulele player looking for inspiration and insight into playing a musical instrument. Anyone who doesn’t play but wants to be inspired by this wonderful instrument would also benefit from listening.

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