Ukulele Learning in Elementary Schools

- by Emily Nguyen, Renton Schools Foundation Student Intern

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In honor of a highly requested teacher grant, forty ukuleles have been purchased by RSF. These ukuleles will be rotating between the south hill elementary schools: Benson Hill, Renton Park, Cascade, and Tiffany Park. Teachers have expressed the benefits of early music introduction in schools, noting that ukuleles promote good posture and allow students to practice their dexterity and fine motor skills. By incorporating instruments into learning, students are given the opportunity to express themselves as they learn melody, music notation, rhythms, and chords.

The first school in the ukulele rotation is Cascade Elementary. Students have been practicing several beginner songs such as "Skip To My Lou" and "Count on Me" while singing along. Not only are they excelling at playing the ukulele, but they have also formed ensembles, with some students playing xylophones, Tubano drums, and claves, alongside the ukuleles.

Students in Ms. Alley’s fourth-grade music class were asked if they plan to play an instrument in middle or high school, and they responded with “Yes!” Their excitement shows how learning an instrument helps students pursue their musical interests, which is crucial for inspiring them to continue music education beyond elementary school.

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