Talk Story Topic
Buying A Ukulele & Learning To Play
(9 Messages)
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Poster: Steven Email: Mumuzilla@hotmail.com Subject: Buying a Ukulele & Learning to play |
Posted on 11/9/03 at 6:07am |
Aloha, I have been on vacation to Hawaii 3 times now. Once to Maui, Twice stoping over in Oahu, and all three times on the Big Island. I quess I must be Ohana(family) now because I have 2 nicknames that my new friends call me. The first one was "Who Dat?", now people just call me "U Pordagee?". I researched what Pordagee meant and found out it is a nickname for the Portchogeese(sp?) sailors that came over in the early 1800's. I also learned that they didn't have much room on their ships to bring over musical instruments. I learned they loved to play the guitar so they invented a small version of a guitar so they could bring it along on their long trips and they called it a Ukulele. When I came back to the Mainland (Los Angeles/Hollywood) I realized how much I missed and loved the local music. The Island bug bit me hard cause I'm still itching to hear the stroming of the Ukulele. I have deceided I want to learn how to play the Ukulele as my first musical instrument and don't know where to start. I am already out of high school so thats not an option. I have been looking online for a while and haven't found a place hear in the Los Angeles area that I could get some basic instructions on how to buy and play a Ukulele. Could you guide me to a website or location where I can learn? Mahalo Steven |
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Poster: Mike Bonnice Email: mike.bonnice@pobox.com Subject: Buying a Ukulele & Learning to play |
Posted on 1/19/04 at 8:00pm |
I don't know about LA, but the advice I wold give in Phoenix is to contact all the local hula shools and see if anyone associated with the school (halau) will give lessons. Maybe you can find "hula" on the phone book (maybe under dance schools), but I'd go to mele.com where there is a listing of halau around the country. I give lessons in Phoenix, but not associated with a halau. I'm with a local Hawaiian club, Lau Kanaka No Hawaii. Maybe there are Hawaiian clubs in your area (try the phone book or google). Go to all the local music stores, they'll have ukuleles or know where to send you. Also, go to http://members.cox.net/bonnice for music and FAQ. |
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Poster: Jesse Tinsley Email: jessehj@imbris.com Subject: Learning the uke |
Posted on 1/23/04 at 8:53pm |
I love playing island music, and the best way to learn is to listen to simple tunes on recordings. I suggest listening to players like the Ka'au Crater Boys, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Auntie Genoa Keawe and and even contemporary groups like Pure Heart and the Opihi Pickers. Then get a good basics book to learn basic chords. Then search the web for words/chords for the songs you want to learn. Places like www.ukulelestrummers.com and many others have simple sheets of popular songs with chords. There are lots of Hawaiians in SoCal, and there are lots of websites for Hawaiian cultural associations there, which usually list hula groups and entertainers, many of whom give lessons. Then go to Hawaiian events carrying your uke and you'll meet other players. Then you're set! Jesse Tinsley |
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Poster: Kona Jugoz Email: nanakuliguy@yahoo.com Subject: Ukele Classes in CA |
Posted on 5/8/05 at 9:41pm |
| My uncle Greg originally from Maui, now lives in LA. I beleive he still teaches Ukelele in California. Greg Librando, Jr. was born and raised in Hana, Maui and Kaupo. Graduated from Hana High School in 1951. He and his wife, Aunty Maebelle, now live in San Fernando Valley (Southern California). Greg enjoys music and fixing old cars. He teaches ukulele at the San Fernando Japanese/American Center every Friday, and takes part in the Ventura Ukulele Jam every month. He also helps out the ukulele group in San Gabriel. He tries to return home to Maui annually to visit with Ohana, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren. email address: imuamaui@aol.com |
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Poster: Stefanie Pollard Email: stefaniepollard@adelphia.net Subject: Ukelele Lessons |
Posted on 8/13/05 at 8:47am |
My son is taking Ukelele lessons at the Baxter Music Store in Sherman Oaks. The teacher comes to the store, but I know he lives in Pasadena. Call the store. Stefanie |
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Poster: Maebelle Librando Email: imuamaui@msn.com Subject: ukulele lessons |
Posted on 4/26/06 at 5:46am |
Aloha, My husband Greg teaches ukulele at the Japanese/American Center in Arleta, Ca, also at Ventura College and College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. His classes in Arleta (San Fernando Valley) are held every Friday, 10:00am to 11:30am. Email me for more information. Even if you don't play ukulele, come by and talk story.. A hui hou, Aunty Maebelle |
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Poster: Rana Email: ranaleehawaii26@aol.com Subject: "Portagee" |
Posted on 1/13/07 at 11:32pm |
Pordagee or Portagee is a racial slur in the northeastern US and some of us in Hawaii who are of Portuguese ancestry detest being called a "Portagee." There are many "Portagee" jokes in Hawaii---you just replace Polish or Polack with "Portagee." I find it disgustingly offensive, as do many of my friends. I especially dislike it when other Portuguese use it or newcomers to Hawaii use it, not knowing the meaning or origin. It is generally stated as "dumb" Portagee. I doubt that as a visitor to Hawaii in this day and age you would call an Asian person a Jap or Chink or Flip. Nor use the "n" word to refer to a black person. We feel the same way about "Portagee." By the way, your acquaintances in Hawaii may have been making fun of you and you just didn't pick up on it. Aloha, malama pono (goodbye, take care of yourself) |
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Poster: 'Olu Subject: Portagee |
Posted on 10/15/07 at 6:37am |
Just for the record, my great grandmother, grandmother and mom were all born in the Hawaiian islands- my great grandmother and grandmother on Maui and my mom on O'ahu. All Portagee girls to varying degrees. And none of them take offense at being called that. As a matter of fact, when my mom returns to HI, she senses a softening in the attitude of locals when they find out that she is Portagee from a kama 'aina family. That being said, it is always likely that locals might be teasing you! Whether or not it was mean spirited, I couldn't say. Good luck with the ukulele. I see that you posted in '03, so you've had some time to work on it! I have been playing since '04 maybe? I agree with what people said about listening to some of the greats like Iz and Aunty Genoa (you should go see her next time you're in O'ahu at the Waikiki Mariott!). Also Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom is a good contemporary artist whe does a fair amount of traditional (read: few and easy chords!) music mixed with some newer stuff. |
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Poster: Mika'ele McClellan Email: McClellans@sbcglobal.net Subject: 'ukulele lessons |
Posted on 3/16/08 at 10:14am |
Hey, I'm sorta Hawaiian time one this, but I oughta ad my 2 cents. I've taught 'ukulele at Pierce College, as well as Community Ed in Honolulu from 1969 to 1975. Also regular guitar, steel, & slack key. I'd recommend seeing Uncle Greg Librando--I've even performed with them! They call me "Haole Mike." Go google Mika'ele McClellan for find out more. Otherwise, I still teach in my home in Woodland Hills. I know lotta theory and 2 makahiki + o ka 'olelo Hawai'i (ke kula nui o Manoa). I've been known to jam manuahi. Aloha a hui hou, M B McC |
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