Kids from 9 to 12, teens and adults who want to learn to play the ukulele can do so by taking part in the Pasadena Public Library’s free virtual class that starts on Monday, November 9, 6 to 7 p.m.
This new hobby is not only fun to learn, but also a great way to spend your time while the country continues to struggle with the coronavirus.
Use your own ukulele, or if you don’t have one, you can call Marie Plug at the Library, (626) 744-4066, or email mplug@cityofpasadena.net. She may have one for you, although supply is limited.
Musician Authority, an online resource that offers tips on learning to play instruments, says playing the ukulele improves eye-hand coordination, lowers stress levels, and improves your brain function, focus, and mental clarity. Other benefits include social interaction, a sense of achievement, and improved reading comprehension. Playing a ukulele is also beneficial for people of all ages, from kids to seniors.
Aside from being one of the most portable musical instruments, the ukulele is also much less difficult to hold than guitars are, especially for children and smaller than average adults.
Musika, another online resource, says it may take weeks of lessons before guitar students can learn how to arrange their fingers to create chord shapes on the ukulele, but many young students are able to play chords on it after a 30-minute lesson.
For the Pasadena Public Library’s Practice and Play-Along workshops, students are grouped into ages 9 to 12, 13 to 19, adults 18 and up, and adults 50 and up.
To register for the free classes, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/
