heidi swedberg

heidi swedberg with her ukulele

Born in Hawaii, Heidi Swedberg's first ukulele came in an Easter basket when she was 5. She kind-of has an Emmy for her contributions to Seinfeld, and kind-of has a Grammy for the children's compilation album All About Bullies... Big and Small, and has fantasies of working her way toward a kind-of Pulitzer for her work as contributing editor at Ukulele magazine.

Favorite Album: Jammy Smears by Ivor Cutler

Favorite Ukulele Song(s) to Play: "Arpeggio Meditation" (Daniel Ward, 2017) and "Whispering" (Schonberger, 1920)

Favorite Ukulele: A $5 unbranded vintage instrument from the '50's, rescued and resuscitated with astonishing success.

Discography:

Play (2009)
My Cup of Tea (2013)
'Tis the Season for 'Ukulele (2019)

Articles by Heidi Swedberg

how to install a ukulele strap

How to Install a Ukulele Strap

You can take your instrument to a respected shop and have strap buttons installed, but it’s not a difficult job to tackle at home if you have a few tools and some courage.... Read More...

your first ukulele lesson finger position, first finger, first fret

Your First Ukulele Lesson: A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Ukulele

So, you want to learn how to play a ukulele? Welcome! Here is your first ukulele lesson and a beginner's guide to playing the instrument.... Read More...

ukulele teachers with James Hill

How Ukulele Teachers are Cultivating a New Generation of Players

Teaching ukulele in the classroom began with J. Chalmers Doane in the early '70s, and has exploded in popularity now with new classroom-focused ukulele books and certification programs.... Read More...

Victor and Penny Ukulele

The Vintage Sounds and Stylings of Victor & Penny

Vintage sounds, sparkling energy, jazzy stylings, and irrepressible spirit burst are hallmarks of the ukulele-driven sound of the band Victor & Penny.... Read More...

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Ukulele fiction books

Suspense! Murder! Ukuleles! C.C. Harrison and Mary Amato are Writing Popular Uke-Centric Fiction

If you are missing your ukulele normal gatherings, here are a couple uke-centric stories that might help satisfy your cravings.... Read More...

Heidi Swedberg

Turning My Passion for Ukulele into a Profession

I started playing games and singing songs with my kids, returning to the simple tunes (and childhood) I had left behind. You have to sing to your children—there is no other option. ... Read More...

What’s in Your Ukulele Case?

BY HEIDI SWEDBERG | PHOTOS BY STEWART DEAN Besides the ukulele, what do you keep zipped away in your case? Your talismans and tools might say more abo... Read More...

The Story of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ and Its Lasting Impact

BY HEIDI SWEDBERG | FROM THE WINTER 2020 ISSUE OF UKULELE “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is a rousing patriotic anthem, perfect for the ukulele. A most America... Read More...

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The Ukulele World has Responded to the Global Pandemic with Creativity, Ingenuity, and Compassion

FROM THE FALL 2020 ISSUE OF UKULELE | BY HEIDI SWEDBERG There are moments in time when historic events frame and create a personal narrative. Usually th... Read More...

Ukulele Cocktails Tiki Trader Vics Hawaii Uke Santa Cruz

Cocktail Hour: Favorites from the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz and Mya-Moe (Bonus: Learn to Play ‘Rye Whiskey’)

Monterey Bay Breeze Cocktail Santa Cruz, California, is best known for its majestic redwood forests and world-class surfing spots. But since the Ukulele Club o... Read More...