Are music teachers replacing recorders with ukuleles?

In recent years, ukuleles have become an increasingly popular instrument in schools across the world. With their small size and easy-to-learn nature, they have been touted as the perfect instrument for young students just starting out in music.

But have they replaced the recorder as the most popular classroom instrument? The answer is yes and no. While recorders have a long history of use in music classrooms and are still commonly used, ukuleles have certainly gained ground in recent years. Part of this is due to the popularity of the instrument in popular music, with artists like Jake Shimabukuro and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole bringing the ukulele to the mainstream.

One company that has been at the forefront of bringing ukuleles to schools is Octopus Ukulele. Founded in 2013, the company quickly built a solid reputation by developing a ukulele range specifically for the education market. The Octopus Ukulele range has expanded considerably since, catering for a much wider gamut of players, yet they still remain a leader in providing quality ukuleles to schools across the UK and beyond.

So, what can Octopus ukuleles provide to help school music departments? First and foremost, they offer a range of affordable, high-quality ukuleles that are perfect for students. Their instruments are designed to be durable and easy to play, with features like geared tuners and low action that make them accessible to players of all skill levels.

In addition to their instruments, Octopus also offers a range of resources and support for ukulele players, students, and teachers. The Octopus Ukulele Academy is a series of videos, presented by ukulele virtuoso Andy Eastwood, with lessons from the basics such as strumming to learning new chords and more.

One of the great things about the ukulele is that it can be used to teach a variety of musical concepts. From basic rhythm and strumming patterns to more advanced techniques like fingerpicking and chord progressions, the ukulele is a versatile instrument that can help students develop a wide range of musical skills.

While recorders may still be a popular instrument in schools, the ukulele is certainly gaining ground as a popular choice for music education. With its small size, affordability, and easy-to-learn nature, the ukulele is a great choice for anyone looking to start their musical journey.