Ukulele Blog

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik for Classical Ukulele—Performance & Lesson Introduction Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s serenade Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525, is one of the most famous works in the classical repertoire. The title simply means “a little night music.” Mozart completed the piece in Vienna on 10 August 1787, during a time of personal and financial difficulty. He had been forced to move his … Read more

Pavana 2 by Milan for Classical Ukulele In this video Jeff Peterson plays his low-G arrangement of Pavana 2 by Milan for classical ukulele from El Maestro. This is the second of six pieces by Spanish Renaissance composer Luis Milan, utilizing the Pavane form. The Pavane was a majestic processional dance performed by the aristocracy … Read more

Folias by Sanz for Classical Ukulele In this video Jeff Peterson plays his low-G arrangement of Folias by Sanz for classical ukulele originally written for baroque guitar. The Folias was a popular waltz form in Renaissance Spain, often used as the basis for theme and variations, as seen in this composition by the celebrated composer … Read more

How Great Is the Pleasure for Classical Ukulele In this video Jeff Peterson plays his low-G arrangement of How Great Is the Pleasure for classical ukulele. Composed by Oxford student Henry Harington in the 18th century, this piece celebrates the love of music and the joy it brings. Performance Notes It begins with 8 bars … Read more

Etude 4 by Aguado for Classical Ukulele In this video Jeff Peterson plays his arrangement of Etude 4 by Aguado for classical ukulele in low-G tuning. Performance Notes This etude by Aguado involves rapid motion of eighth notes between melody and bass parts, making it an excellent exercise for balancing the left hand. The piece … Read more

Anitra’s Dance for Classical Ukulele In this video Jeff Peterson plays his low-G arrangement of Anitra’s Dance for classical ukulele by Edvard Grieg. “Anitra’s Dance” was composed for a scene in Act IV of Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite and is set in Morocco. The melody’s tonality vividly evokes this North African locale, with a minor … Read more

Moorish Dance for Classical Ukulele In this video Jeff plays his arrangement of the Spanish traditional Moorish Dance for classical ukulele. This variation on a traditional flamenco theme offers an excellent opportunity to refine your PIM technique. This is a technique where you alternate between bass notes played by the thumb and melody notes played … Read more