Ukulele Magazine | For ukulele players of all ages and skill levels

Lessons and Advice

Play Like Iz! What You Can Learn from the Unique Ukulele Stylings of Israel Kamakawiwo’le

Here we examine what it is that makes Iz’s sound so alluring by taking a close look at various aspects of his playing technique, equipment, upbringing, and his mindset toward playing music

Stories

Tracing the History of Early Black Ukulele Players from Vaudeville to Beale Street and Beyond

I’ve long been interested in learning to what degree the ukulele—a remarkably democratic instrument seemingly accessible to every strata of U.S. society—was popular among African American players and music fans from the end of World War I until the beginning of World War II

News

Andrew Hoyt singing and playing ukulele onstage

How Uker Andrew Hoyt Played a Sold-Out Arena—with Just 2 Hours’ Notice

Hoyt filled in as the last-minute opener for AJR and got the crowd singing along to his music

Stories

Uke Tales: A Musical Link with an Old Friend & Building with Aloha

Readers write in about an eternal connection made by a friend’s ukulele, and building a special instrument with aloha

Enter to Win this KLOS Full Carbon Acoustic-Electric Concert Uke!

GRAND PRIZE The KLOS Concert boasts maximum durability, while still offering incredible sound and playability. With a body and neck built from pure carbon fiber, you can take this compact ukulele with you on whatever adventure: from cresting mountains to…

News

teki book and author lorenzo vignando, aka ukulollo

‘Teki,’ a Sound-Illustrated Sci-Fi Book, Places Ukulele at the Center of the Story

This unique project combines a sci-fi story set in the future with music, like a musical theater production in book form

Lessons and Advice, Uke Basics

Fresh Jams! How to Keep the Same Old Songs from Getting Stale on Ukulele

Many of the concepts here may not be new to you, but this will give you a template to improve your playing and enhance the sound of your group at the same time

Stories

The Birdwatchers Ukulele Trio Combines Silky Harmonies with Positive Vibes

With singing as pleasant as a thrush nightingale and demeanor as fun and friendly as a black-capped chickadee, it’s no surprise the Birdwatchers are gaining popularity in the uke world

Stories

Roaring ‘20s Style: Lyon & Healy Ukuleles Rivaled the Top Makers of the Era

L&H introduced its first ukuleles in 1915, expanding their line in the 1920s to include more than a dozen models, including the well-known Bell and Shrine series

Stories

Steven Espaniola is Keeping Hawaiian Tradition Alive While Also Pushing Forward

The in-demand ukulele festival instructor discusses his original music and his somewhat unusual road to becoming one of the most respected Hawaiian musicians on the mainland