Practice makes perfect!

Okay, this is for all of my students out there: the only way to get better at the ukulele is to practice---there are no shortcuts! Natural musical talent is good, but without practice it will remain dormant. So many things in our push-button world are designed to deliver on command, but that's not how music works. Music is a natural process, so we must cultivate our ability slowly and surely. Relaxed, steady practice that is focused on one little trick, or one little song leads to good results. I just don't feel right if I can't play for a few hours every day! Remember to stretch out your wrists and hands before playing, and spend your practice time trying to smooth out your changes----this stuff takes time. Listen to versions of the song you're learning!!! Get to know the tune. At the end of practice, finish with something that is easy for you----and recall how far you've come, step by step. There is no end in the journey of music...so keep on uke-in'!