You Rock NYC!

• 10 Great Reasons

You may’ve heard about ukuleles from a friend, or perhaps seen them in a cartoon or a magazine advertisement, but what do you really know about ukuleles? And why would someone benefit from learning to play the ukulele? Perhaps you have a 9 to 5 job and have never had any musical experience in your life, yet, there’s just something about these little “mini-guitars” that piques your interest. You’re not alone. Read on to learn a few good reason why you  might want to pick up a ukulele…

• 1. Playing the ukulele reduces stress

Doing anything that takes your mind off of the weight of the world and your personal troubles can reduce stress. Activities which include repetitive motion such as crocheting, drawing, exercise or playing an instrument relax the mind and offer a release of stress. Enter the ukulele…

• 2. Playing the ukulele keeps your brain and creative mind active

It’s easy to fall into a rut when you have a schedule to adhere to, and chores, family, school work and / or financial responsibilities hanging over your shoulder. Playing the ukulele busies the chatter of your mind, allowing your creative side and imagination to open, thrive and think of possibilities. 

• 3. Playing the ukulele encourages limberness in the fingers and increases motor skill coordination

As we age, our fingers may stiffen due to arthritis, cold weather or other health concerns. Playing the ukulele encourages limberness in stiff ligaments and increases motor skill activity in people of all ages in the way that playing video games does.

• 4. Playing the ukulele makes you a more interesting person

There are many people who - gasp - don’t really even know what a ukulele is! So, when you find yourself at a party or event, talking with a stranger, mentioning your connection to the ukulele automatically will spark up any conversation and increase your likability. It’s just common knowledge that most people have an appreciation of music. It’s one of the things that we as humans simply connect through. 

• 5. The ukulele is a perfect city instrument

How many times have you seen someone carting around a guitar on their back or lugging a giant upright bass around? Even if you haven’t ever seen someone doing this, you can imagine it’s not a fun task. However, a ukulele fits into a purse or bag and can easily be brought to a party or event with little preparation at a moment’s notice. Now that’s a city instrument!

• 6. The ukulele is a great travel instrument

Heading for the hills? On your way to backpack across Europe? Taking a trip to Hawaii? The ukulele fits into any getaway plans. Carrying a larger instrument requires checking an extra bag on a flight and that’s not cheap or convenient these days. But a ukulele can fit right into your carry on or purse, not to mention, brighten other passengers faces and bring a bit of happiness to your seat companion at the mere sight of it. We know this from experience!

• 7. Ukuleles are lightweight

Most ukuleles weigh about a pound or less, and can be carried by a child or a person with muscle related trauma with no problem. They are easy to haul and your back will thank you. 

• 8. Ukuleles are a great size for small and adult sized fingers alike

Unlike the guitar, with it’s wider neck and longer frets, children can easily form chords on the smaller ukulele. Adults who gave up playing the guitar because they found it too challenging to make chords will appreciate the ukulele for the same reason. Why not pick one up and see for yourself? 

• 9. You don’t have to be able to read music in order to play the ukulele

Not only do you not have to be able to read music or sheet music in order to play the ukulele, you don’t have to have any prior knowledge or experience playing any instrument at all. It really is that easy to play the ukulele. We read chords that are basically little pictures of where you will place your fingers on the ukulele’s neck. It’s so easy, even a child can do it, and many do!

• 10. Ukuleles are a great conversation starter

Take it from an experienced ukulele player, when walking out and about with the lovely little instrument, people will be sure to ask you all about it. What is it? Is it a mandolin? (No.) Is it a little guitar? (No.) Can I hold it? (I usually let people!) Is it hard to play? (No.) Where can I find out more about it? (YouRockNYC.Tumblr.com, of course!) 

• In closing: 

It seems there are only plus sides to playing the ukulele. Thankfully, this is one area of life that we can safely say that about!