In the News
March 22, 2012Musician Michael Burd teaching ukulele to adult ed students
The Sun Journal published article written by Ann Bryant on March 7th about Michael Burd teaching ukulele to adult ed classes at Mt. Blue Middle School in Farmington. Not only can you find the article by clicking here but also at the link is a video clip of Michael and the students in action.
The article starts like this:
Four strings, three chords and the agile fingers of 10 students in Ukulele 101 resounded in a rendition of “Happy Birthday” at Mt. Blue Middle School.
After showing students where to place their fingers for each chord, instructor Michael Burd asked the students if they knew the meaning of muscle memory. It’s doing it until it comes naturally, he said. He urged the students to “practice, practice, practice” the simple song before the next class.
Michael is a professional musician who plays bass with David Mallett, Noel Paul Stukey and others. He bought himself a ukulele last year at a yard sale for $2 and started playing. He is an instructor with the adult ed program in the Mt. Blue Regional District where he is teaching others to play the ukulele.
Burd attended the Maine Learning Technology Initiative workshop with Steve Garton in January. You might remember his picture from the blog post.
Anyone else teaching arts in an adult ed program? Please let me know!
me arts ed 
Gotta tell you……..I am on the ukulele “band”wagon!…..was introduced to my packable chord maker at the Worlds Largest Truckstop in Iowa (I80) this past summer.
Perrrrfect for strumming either while sitting on your couch, on the roof of the truck in a star swept broad Nevada valley or hiking high on the Continental Divide….it goes anywhere and is easy to learn.
Amazing how much is available on the internet for music, tutorials and fellowship……..
Over the Rainbow, Don’t Fence Me In, YMCA, I’m a Believer, ….and now the Rainbow Connection….
“the lovers, the dreamers and me”…….what a hoot!
I am still laughing at your comments and picturing you hiking all summer with your ukulele hanging out of your back pack Suzanne! I had no idea. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a revolution…..
Hey Mike! Please tell readers where they can purchase a ukulele to get started and any other tips to help their ukulele experience be successful! Thanks!
As Suzanne pointed out the web is rich in resources and fellowship, but you’d be amazed at how many local music shops are on-board not only with instruments, but with suggestions of other ukesters right nearby. Of course look to your local Adult Ed for classes..and if they do not currently offer one, suggest that it may be something to consider in the future.
Feel free to shoot me an email at msburd@gmail.com too.
Helpful information, thanks Mike! Sounds like Mike’s the person to contact with “uk” questions. Who else is out there is into the ukulele?