During these trying times when many people are angry and frustrated, we try to cope by learning creative ukulele in the time of COVID.
Humans Like Order
We like our routines and we like to think we are in control. In reality, we don’t know what the future holds, but we like to think that we do.
This Covid 19 pandemic has brought many changes to our lives and we do not like it. We do not like having to wear masks, shelter in place, get sick, or lose our jobs. The restrictions on our freedoms and the fear that is all around us makes us sad. We do not like the loss we see and feel.
That’s why you see so many people who are angry. Who are unkind. Who are acting out. It’s a way to express our deep frustration and lack of power.
But what if there is a better way? What if we learn and model resilience to help us in troubling times? What better way to do that, than to learn creative ukulele in the time of Covid?
That’s why Rebecca and I have developed our Ukulele Sisters materials. To help you to learn creativity, fun and resilience.
And when you’re involved in something creative, you are better able to pivot and try something new. Because music is creative, it prepares us to consider alternatives when things are tough. Below I give you the stories of five musicians I know who have been able to pivot in this time.
Case #1 – Rebecca
Rebecca Bogart, one half of the Ukulele Sisters, also teaches piano. When California shut down, she was out of income. She pivoted and built a studio for teaching lessons via Zoom. As a self-employed person, she needed the money. Necessity became the mother of invention. She now has a beautiful set-up for lessons and more people are coming her way.
Case #2 – Lil Rev
Lil Rev was looking at a banner year for traveling and teaching ukulele. On March 12, his planned year of income vanished. What has he done? He has taught and concertized on many online platforms. He is writing new ukulele books and he is building an online music school. Visit lilrev.com to learn more.
Case #3 – Matt Cantlon
Matt Cantlon, the owner of Aloha City Ukes, left the gig economy in time. He started his brick and mortar store about a year ago. Thank goodness he has an online component. His store is one of the few music stores in our area that is poised to do well through this pandemic. Visit Aloha City Ukes to learn more.
Case #4 – Alison Fujito
Alison Fujito is a violinist in the Pittsburgh Symphony. She and her colleagues performed at a concert in the park this summer. They wore masks and socially distanced as they performed. They played works for strings and percussion, the instruments that are safest now. Click on the link to enjoy the concert. Summer in the Parks Concert.
Case #5 – Jenny Peters
I have been teaching socially distanced ukulele on my patio all summer. It’s been great to connect with students in person but outside where it feels safer.
Focus on Something Happy
The musicians I talked to are aware of the difficulties around us. We know there are so many who have suffered during this time of the pandemic. We are thankful for the music that sustains us.
Many of the folks who have used our products are thankful for the focus, the fun and the creative outlet. They are thrilled to focus on something happy, rather than the doom and gloom we sell all around.
As our world changes, we need to use creative and new ways to deliver our ideas. So that we can build resilience in our children, ourselves, and our future. Humans need healthy distractions, community and creativity. Music nurtures these skills. And ukulele is one of the most fun ways to do this!
Are you struggling with strumming?
With our book and course, you’ll become a fluent 3-chord strummer.
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