joeybug
Well-known member
Hey Everyone
Firstly, I don't have a video for the DU, so I won't post again until I have one of my own or from someone else!
I was talking with some UU members and they suggested I post this thread about Ukulele playing and having a disability (either a visible or invisible one).
As the majority of you know, I have a few conditions that limit my life and my Ukulele playing. I'm 29 and use a wheelchair 95% of the time, I have been playing Ukulele for about 10 1/2 months (started 31st August 2010) and have learnt many things, both about the Ukulele and what I need to overcome in order to be the best player I can be - not talking about becoming the next Jake, because I know that's not possibly, but basically just being the best I KNOW I can be
So, what have I learnt? Well, firstly that I'll always need a strap to play for a period of time, I can usually manage a few minutes without one and then the Ukulele becomes to heavy and my arms are tired and sore, so I use an Uke Leash (which I love, thanks Lori!) and that's enabled me to play and practise for my 30 + mins a day. I've also learnt that even though I can stand and walk a bit, I can't do that with an Ukulele, I have to focus too much on staying upright that I just can't do it while holding one of my prized possessions!
I've also learnt that joining an existing Ukulele club is damn near impossible, I looked into it and they told me they didn't always (or at all really) use disabled friendly venues and it would be hard to limit themselves to that when they had so many people happy with the venues anyway, I understood, so I looked into starting my own group and have four members (including myself) but am struggling to find a venue that is both disabled accessible and doesn't mind having some Ukulele players there one evening. As much as I want to succeed and play with a group, it's costing me $24 a month to run the site and we've not been able to have a meet up other than putting it at my own house (which is obviously accessible) and people aren't really that happy about doing that (for obvious reasons) so I'm thinking I'll have to let that dream die for now and maybe one day I'll get to "Jam"
I've also learnt that an Ukulele will brighten even the worst pain days, just being able to sturm some chords is enough to bring a smile to my face and I love it UU is a great place and I have made so many friends here that I wouldn't give up without a fight!
Anyway, I know there are other disabled Ukers on UU (we have a group too!) so if you want to chime in with what you've learnt while Uke'in feel free!
Have a great day!
Joey
P.S Keep :music:
Firstly, I don't have a video for the DU, so I won't post again until I have one of my own or from someone else!
I was talking with some UU members and they suggested I post this thread about Ukulele playing and having a disability (either a visible or invisible one).
As the majority of you know, I have a few conditions that limit my life and my Ukulele playing. I'm 29 and use a wheelchair 95% of the time, I have been playing Ukulele for about 10 1/2 months (started 31st August 2010) and have learnt many things, both about the Ukulele and what I need to overcome in order to be the best player I can be - not talking about becoming the next Jake, because I know that's not possibly, but basically just being the best I KNOW I can be
So, what have I learnt? Well, firstly that I'll always need a strap to play for a period of time, I can usually manage a few minutes without one and then the Ukulele becomes to heavy and my arms are tired and sore, so I use an Uke Leash (which I love, thanks Lori!) and that's enabled me to play and practise for my 30 + mins a day. I've also learnt that even though I can stand and walk a bit, I can't do that with an Ukulele, I have to focus too much on staying upright that I just can't do it while holding one of my prized possessions!
I've also learnt that joining an existing Ukulele club is damn near impossible, I looked into it and they told me they didn't always (or at all really) use disabled friendly venues and it would be hard to limit themselves to that when they had so many people happy with the venues anyway, I understood, so I looked into starting my own group and have four members (including myself) but am struggling to find a venue that is both disabled accessible and doesn't mind having some Ukulele players there one evening. As much as I want to succeed and play with a group, it's costing me $24 a month to run the site and we've not been able to have a meet up other than putting it at my own house (which is obviously accessible) and people aren't really that happy about doing that (for obvious reasons) so I'm thinking I'll have to let that dream die for now and maybe one day I'll get to "Jam"
I've also learnt that an Ukulele will brighten even the worst pain days, just being able to sturm some chords is enough to bring a smile to my face and I love it UU is a great place and I have made so many friends here that I wouldn't give up without a fight!
Anyway, I know there are other disabled Ukers on UU (we have a group too!) so if you want to chime in with what you've learnt while Uke'in feel free!
Have a great day!
Joey
P.S Keep :music: