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Ukelele and SpreadMusicNow

SpreadMusicNow is committed to supporting music education because they know firsthand the benefits that children derive from learning and playing music. Multiple studies have shown the positive impact of learning an instrument on brain function and the parts of the brain that control hearing, memory, and motor control. And this is where ukelele comes in. Yes, ukelele.

How We Got Here

Ukulele is a growing movement, with US sales of ukes climbing from 500,000 in 2009 to 1.75 million in 2017. Meanwhile, electric guitar sales have plunged 23% in the same period, down to 1.23 Million – that’s 600,000 more ukuleles than electric guitars. And there are now ukulele music programs in hundreds of schools around the globe.

So why is ukulele the hot instrument of the decade? One reason is the huge pop songs on uke by Jason Mraz (“I’m Yours”) and Ingrid Michaelson (“You and I”), and Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s famous medly, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/ What a Wonderful World.” In 2016, 12-year-old Grace VanderWahl performed on America’s Got Talent and blew the judges' minds when she played ukulele and sang her original composition “I Don’t Know My Name.”

With ukulele gaining steam as the easiest way to become a self-accompanying musician and the benefits that come with being a musician, maybe you should give one a strum!

Join us at Connecticut Ukelele Festival

I’m an experienced marketer and guitarist -- and the husband of a music teacher. In 2017, we started playing ukulele in a weekly meetup. That simple decision has opened the door to a remarkable and growing subculture of ukulele lovers. In less than a year, our group was performing onstage at a 700 seat theater -- and then someone suggested we throw a ukulele festival.

So that’s what we are doing on Saturday, September 29 – throwing the first Connecticut Ukulele Festival in Westport, CT. We’ve got a great team and we are creating a phenomenal day of workshops and concerts for kids and adults. The whole day is focused on making and enjoying music on the Ukulele, and we can’t wait. So, join us won’t you? You’ll be experiencing the wonders of the ukulele, and doing your part to support music education.

- Peter Propp, Founder, Connecticut Ukulele Festival

Resources:  

http://www.ctukulelefestival.com/2018/09/12/the-rise-and-rise-of-the-ukulele/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/6447588/Playing-a-musical-instrument-makes-you-brainier.html

http://www.ukulelemag.com/stories/how-ukulele-teachers-are-cultivating-a-new-generation-of-players

 https://www.ukuleleintheclassroom.com/index.html

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