This Is It: All The Pieces Come Together!
Congratulations! If you've made it this far in the curriculum, you now hold much more than just an instrument in your hands: you have a tool for telling stories. In this lesson, we will combine all the skills you've learned so far—chords, transitions, and rhythm—to tackle your first full song as a complete project. By the end, you'll feel the unique pride of performing a piece of music that's all your own.
Song Structure: Verse and Chorus
Most popular songs have a simple structure. Understanding it makes songs much easier to learn:
- Verse: These are the parts that tell the story of the song. The lyrics are usually different in each verse.
- Chorus: This is the repeating part of the song that contains the main idea and the most memorable melody.
Our Project: "The Journey"
I've written a special song for you called "The Journey," built on the 'magic four' chords (C-G-Am-F) and the Island Strum (D-DU-UDU). Each chord should be played for a full measure (one full Island Strum pattern), starting on the syllable written in the parenthesis.
Verse 1
(C) Took a small step, (G) down a new road
(Am) With my ukulele, (F) a new song bestowed
Chorus
(C) The notes fly away, (G) up to the blue
(Am) This is my own voice, (F) this story is new
Verse 2
(C) Sometimes it was hard, (G) my fingers felt the strain
(Am) But I did not give up, (F) the rhythm called my name
Performance Guide: Step-by-Step
- Practice the Sections Separately: First, repeat the Verse 1 chord progression (C-G-Am-F) with the Island Strum until it feels fluid. Then do the same for the Chorus (it's the same progression!).
- Combine Lyrics and Rhythm: When your chord changes feel comfortable, try to add the lyrics, even if you just hum them. Your focus should be on switching to the right chord on the right syllable. For example, start playing the C chord right as you sing "Took."
- Put the Song Together: When you feel ready, try playing the full structure:
Verse 1 → Chorus → Verse 2 → Chorus
Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. The goal is to gain the skill and confidence to get through a full song. You might pause, you might miss a strum, but the most important thing is to reach the finish line. Be proud of yourself, because you are no longer just someone who plays the ukulele; you are a musician who can perform a song and tell a story!
