in Los Angeles and Lenny 'Ukulenny' San Jose in the San Francisco Bay Area. A six-pack of introductory lessons includes 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,' and the jazz-influenced 'Brown Eyed Girl' of Van Morrison and Bobby McFerrin's 'Don't Worry Be Happy.' Jazz-specific tutorials use George Gershwin's 'Summertime' and syncopated chord changes in 'Fly Me to the Moon.' Lin's online lessons have exploded, more than two million views for some of the more foundational lessons, hundreds of thousands for many others, approaching forty million views total, amid a renewed interest in the instrument that sometimes has been perceived as a just a toy. Lin's singing at first seems only an accessory to the lesson, then it commands attention: ranging high and low in 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' a sweet 'Misty,' a bluesy growl to start the refrain of the pop 'Build Me Up, Buttercup.' Lin says these classic songs are popular for teaching because of the strength of their writing: 'when they're well-written they tell a story and people remember them.' Lin considers herself a singer-songwriter first, but it is through her online instruction that she has attained prominence.

Lin's beginner arrangements use just three or four chords, and apply them across ukulele's four strings to teach basic strum patterns. There are many other persons giving online ukulele instruction, with a variety of approaches to teaching and learning styles. Some are more chatty or loud, others more complicated or theoretical. Lin usually introduces all or part of a song, and then gets to work gently explaining, eyes focused on the student through the computer screen. She breaks each song down into its elements, as slow as one strum per chord, and then reassembles them, just as she does with more advanced pieces. On-screen chord diagrams illustrate finger placements. Video allows progress at whatever suitable pace, and as many replays infinitely available as needed.

She acknowledges the difficulties students encounter, and reminds that it will take more time and practice to connect the brain with muscle memory in newly-activated fingers. She mentions the stimulation is actually good for the brain as well as the soul moving so slowly, one can feel the synapses strummed into order.įinding A Path Lin's musical beginnings were with piano and violin.

Build me up buttercup ukulele