102 episodes
Uketropolis: Ukulele Q&A with James Hill James Hill
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- Education
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4.9 • 44 Ratings
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Every week Uketropolis.com founder James Hill answers student questions about playing ukulele and interviews innovative ukulele educators.
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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 -
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 -
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 -
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!
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Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com -
165 Players, 10 Rehearsals, 1 Album: Uke Heads Has Landed!
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
"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
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Learn ukulele with James: www.uketropolis.com
Customer Reviews
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!
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!
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.