MUSIC STRUMMER: FROM STRUGGLING TO STRUMMING

Welcome to Music Strummer: From Struggling to Strumming!

Join us for an engaging and educational workshop where you’ll master the art of strumming on the ukulele and guitar. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is designed to help you understand the fundamentals and advanced techniques of strumming.

Workshop Content:

1. Understanding Beats and Time Signatures

• Objective: Grasp the basics of musical timing to improve your rhythm and coordination.
• Activity:
  • Explanation of beats and measures.
  • Introduction to common time signatures (e.g., 4/4, 3/4).
  • Clapping exercises to internalize different beats and time signatures.

2. Quarter Note Strumming

• Objective: Learn the foundational strumming pattern using quarter notes.
• Activity:
  • Demonstrate the downstroke technique.
  • Practice strumming on the beat with simple chord progressions.
  • Group practice to reinforce timing and consistency.

3. Eighth Note Strumming

• Objective: Add more complexity to your strumming by incorporating eighth notes.
• Activity:
  • Demonstrate the downstroke and upstroke techniques.
  • Practice the D-U-D-U (Down-Up-Down-Up) strumming pattern.
  • Play along with popular songs that use eighth note strumming.

4. Offbeats and Syncopation

• Objective: Enhance your rhythm by learning to strum on offbeats.
• Activity:
  • Explain the concept of offbeats and syncopation.
  • Practice strumming on the “&” counts (1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &).
  • Exercises to integrate offbeat strumming into your playing.

5. 16th Note Strumming

• Objective: Develop advanced strumming techniques with 16th notes.
• Activity:
  • Demonstrate the D-D-U-U-D-U (Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up) strumming pattern.
  • Practice maintaining a steady rhythm while playing 16th notes.
  • Group practice with gradual tempo increases to build proficiency.

6. Combining Different Strumming Patterns

• Objective: Learn to transition between different strumming patterns smoothly.
• Activity:
  • Practice switching between quarter, eighth, and 16th note patterns.
  • Exercises to combine various patterns.
  • Create your own strumming patterns and share with the group.

7. Strum Along

• Objective: Apply your strumming skills to real songs and enjoy making music.
• Activity:
  • Choose easy songs with a mix of different strumming patterns.
  • Break down the strumming pattern and apply if for songs.
  • Sing and strum together, focusing on rhythm and musicality.

8. Strummer’s Showcase

• Objective: Perform what you’ve learned and celebrate your progress

What to Bring:

• Your ukulele or guitar if you have or we will provide it for the workshop
• An open mind and a positive attitude!

What You’ll Take Home:

• Improved understanding of beats and time signatures.
• Mastery of various strumming patterns.
• Enhanced rhythm and coordination.
• Practical tips for overcoming strumming struggles.
• New friends and a fun experience to remember.

Join us at Music Strummer: From Struggling to Strumming and let’s turn those strumming struggles into musical triumphs! 🎸🎶