When In Rome…

When traveling to a foreign country, a one-time visitor may wish to participate by “parroting” a few simple phrases and memorizing the route to the most popular museum or tourist destination. One mispronounced word, however, and you may be saying, “I want to fish your pants heavenly,” instead of “Where is the bathroom?” Taking one wrong turn to the “best bakery in the city” may lead to the back alley behind who knows what on a one way street to the fish cleaning facility.

For safety and comfort, some people will want to stay with the tour group – huddled together, speaking through an interpreter, and always close to the bus that will take them back to familiar surroundings.

But for someone who wishes to really learn about the culture, language, and lay of the land; someone who plans on returning again and again and exploring – a different approach is suggested.

A language lesson or two to learn how to pronounce the words is a good starter, along with some basic understanding of key words – that will get one started along the path to learning the language. And rather than learning “left-right-straight for two blocks- turn right” style directions – a look at a map can help to understand alternate routes to get to where one is going, in case one gets lost.

I believe the same ideas can be applied to learning to play music, which is what you are doing when “strumming” your uke. Mimicking an UDDUD pattern may get you through a particular song as long as you play it right and don’t get lost. One wrong strum however, and may find you playing the opposite of everyone else, moving to the next chord early or late – and unable to rectify your simple slip of the hand.

Saying things like, “A em” instead of “A minor” is alright if you’ve never seen a chord name before (Am), but after that you might as well hang a sign on your head that says “DON’T TAKE ME SERIOUSLY – I’M A MUSICAL TOURIST!”

Sure, your first few visits to “Music-land” may find you getting lost in the song, or mispronouncing a musical term, but if your goal is to continue to participate in the most amazing experience in the world (in my humble opinion) – playing music – then a simple change of intention will get you started.

Begin by embracing the notion that with some time and commitment, you can become fluent in the language of music. Comfort yourself by knowing it won’t happen immediately, and that there is no time limit, but head in that direction nonetheless. Imagine yourself stepping away from the tour group and trying out a few phrases with a native speaker. Try taking a few lessons from a professional musician – someone who knows the language and can instruct you on the proper pronunciation and use of terminology. Make a point of acquiring new information and adding it to your musical “toolbox.”

Again, there is no time limit or test to pass. The key is to keep moving forward, rather than being content to simply idle in place. This is what I teach. This is how I instruct. I want you to step on the path that is shared by the rest of the world’s musical travelers, rather than to isolate yourself with the notion that you are “only a uke player.” You still have, and always will have, the option of deciding how far from the tour bus you want to venture – but I want you to know you can go as far as you wish.