The Art of Ukulele

EVERY MUSICIAN will benefit from knowing Ralph Shaw and reading his new book, The Art of Ukulele.
These specially selected pieces from Ralph Shaw's internationally popular Ukulele Entertainer newsletter will help you become a better player and develop a finer understanding of performance. Plus gain insights into what makes a performer tick. Learn the basics and "insider secrets," including how to

* Make your strumming more varied and interesting
* Improve your ability to play by ear
* Play a song in any key
* Sing in tune with resonance and strong breath control
* Develop practise techniques that work for you
* Banish your stage fright
* Perform with passion and energy
* Jam with others or lead a successful singalong

The Art of Ukulele is more than a simple how-to book. Ralph Shaw, one of the ukulele community's most respected players, shares his personal experience and provides a unique view into the development of playing styles, stagecraft and even inspiration. He includes wisdom gleaned from current and past musical stars such as Bill Tapia, the Beatles, J. Chalmers Doane, Tiny Tim and Paul Casper, a modern-day George Formby impersonator. All in one concise, handy-sized volume-ideal for quick reference.

Ralph Shaw is an uber-talented performer with the soul of a teacher who brings, along with his ukulele, the best of British Music Hall to the stage. The wit, charm and comic energy of his live performances are also evident in his writing. He is the creator of the widely acclaimed Complete Ukulele Course DVD series (Available from RalphShaw and from Amazon.) His DVDs include: The Complete Ukulele Course - Takes you from ukulele basics to teaching numerous cool strumming styles you ll use forever. Essential Strums for the Ukulele - Learn samba, reggae, syncopated, bossa nova, swing, Bo Diddley, waltz and frailing. Includes lots of song examples and comes with a free chord chart. Ukulele Play Along - Chord names are shown in the corner of your TV screen as you strum along with the twenty-six songs. The Complete Ukulele Course for Kids - Gets kids strumming, chording, singing and having fun with a variety of songs. His original songs have been featured regularly on CBC Radio and can also be heard in movies and TV shows. Ralph lives in Vancouver, Canada, and travels widely to perform and teach at ukulele festivals and other events.