Even the word ukulele is fun—it means "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, and it's pronounced oo-ku-lay-lay in that language or you-ka-LAY-lee by most English speakers. Plenty of musicians say this friendly four-string instrument is also a pleasure to play, and a growing number of people are getting in on the act. The ukulele was introduced in Hawaii way back in the 1800s, but in recent years its popularity has surged in countries around the world. Between 2009 and 2019, for example, ukulele sales in the U.S. more than tripled, and the little instrument is also big business in Australia, where its sales numbers outperform all other instruments in some music shops.
Why has the ukulele's popularity risen to a crescendo? Music business pros say there are several reasons for this classic's resurgence. For starters, some 21st century A-list artists are fans of its dulcet tones and low-tech simplicity. Billie Eilish and Grace VanderWaal sing its praises, and Taylor Swift, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, and Bruno Mars are among the stars who've strummed it on stage.
Hearing hit songs by these celebs has no doubt inspired some listeners to pick up the ukulele themselves…and, fortunately, that's not too hard to do. The uke is lightweight, compact, portable, and relatively inexpensive. With just four strings, it's also easy to play, attracting both beginners and people looking for an enjoyable, low-key hobby. Billie Eilish has described how the ukulele, which was the first instrument she learned to play, can empower aspiring musicians. "The rules of the ukulele are simple," she said, "and basically, if you know three chords you can play almost any song."
Because it's such an ideal starter instrument, the uke has landed a gig playing in a type of venue that might surprise some people…schools! Students are getting introduced to it in classrooms from Canada to Australia, and in some areas, it's upstaged the recorder, supplanting that old standby as the primary instrument used in music education. Some teachers say today's students relate better to the ukulele, but the switch might also benefit educators…and anybody else within earshot. Compared to the loud, sometimes strident recorder—or almost any other instrument, for that matter—the mellow uke sounds pleasant even in the hands of a novice.
Yet another reason the ukulele is trending? YouTube. The video sharing platform has so much content about the instrument that it might as well be called "UkeTube," and social media apps like TikTok and Instagram have also boosted its exposure. Neophytes and experts alike can view online tutorials to develop their skills and expand their repertoire, as well as get inspired watching musicians of all levels playing diverse styles of music.
For instance, YouTube fans can see beginners having fun as they pluck out a tune, or they can marvel at the musical mastery of Jake Shimabukuro, a virtuoso from Hawaii who performs in packed symphony halls. Though Shimabukuro is one of the world's most accomplished players, he revels in the uke's reputation for levity, saying its uplifting sound reminds him of the laughter of carefree kids at play.
Wherever you come across it—at school, online, or at a show or gathering—this Hawaiian export is likely to spread some sonic sunshine and lighten the mood. So, open your ears to its easygoing sound, or, better yet, get your hands on a uke, give its four strings a strum, and join the fun.
Video credit: Courtesy Jake Shimabukuro
QUESTION 3
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Which passage from the Article best supports the idea that the ukulele is an ideal instrument for beginning musicians?
Billie Eilish has described how the ukulele…can empower aspiring musicians. "The rules of the ukulele are simple," she said, "and basically, if you know three chords you can play almost any song."
YouTube fans can…marvel at the musical mastery of Jake Shimabukuro, a virtuoso from Hawaii who performs in packed symphony halls.
The ukulele was introduced in Hawaii way back in the 1800s, but in recent years its popularity has surged in countries around the world.
The video sharing platform has so much content about the instrument that it might as well be called "UkeTube," and social media apps like TikTok and Instagram have also boosted its exposure.
1 answer
The passage that best supports the idea that the ukulele is an ideal instrument for beginning musicians is:
"Billie Eilish has described how the ukulele…can empower aspiring musicians. 'The rules of the ukulele are simple,' she said, 'and basically, if you know three chords you can play almost any song.'"
This quote emphasizes the simplicity of learning the ukulele, which makes it accessible for beginners.
