The Ukuleles Unanimous New Year Challenge
It's time to take on a challenge!
Time on your hands? These New Year ukulele challenges should keep all us uke enthusiasts busy for the year ahead. The clock strikes midnight, the champagne glasses clink, and a fresh start is upon us. Let’s welcome in the New Year together! If you’ve been searching for the perfect New Year’s resolution that’s fun, creative, and rewarding, look no further. This year, it’s time to embark on the New Year Ukulele Challenge! Whether you’re an advanced strummer or just unboxing your first uke, this challenge will have you plucking with joy all year long.
The Challenge - One Year, Endless Possibilities
The New Year Ukulele Challenge is all about progress and enjoyment. Here’s how it works:
1. Set Your Goals
Before getting started, think about what you want to achieve this year. Are you hoping to master basic chords, learn fingerpicking, or play your favorite pop songs? Setting clear goals will keep you motivated and give you something to celebrate along the way.
2. Learn a Song Every Month
Challenge yourself to learn one new song each month. Start simple with classics like ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ or ‘Riptide’ by Vance Joy. As your skills improve, tackle more complex tunes. By December, you’ll have a repertoire to impress at any holiday gathering.
3. Experiment with Techniques
From basic strumming to advanced fingerpicking, the ukulele offers a wealth of techniques to explore. Dedicate each month to mastering a new skill, such as chord transitions, barre chords, or percussive strumming.
4. Connect with the Ukulele Community
Join online forums, attend local ukulele meetups, or participate in virtual jam sessions. Sharing your progress and learning from others can inspire you to keep going. Plus, you’ll make some fantastic friends along the way!
5. Perform and Share
Push yourself out of your comfort zone by performing. Whether it’s at an open mic night, a family gathering, or on social media, sharing your music is a great way to boost confidence and celebrate your hard work.
Monthly Roadmap for Beginners
If you’re new to the ukulele, here’s a suggested roadmap to guide your journey:
January: Learn the basics (how to hold the ukulele, tune it, and play simple chords like C, G, Am, and F).
February: Strum your first song ( ‘You Are My Sunshine’ is a real crowd-pleaser ).
March: Experiment with different strumming patterns.
April: Tackle more chords and transitions.
May: Learn to play a duet or harmonize with a friend.
June: Master fingerpicking basics.
July: Explore ukulele riffs and solos.
August: Try writing your own song.
September: Learn a medley of your favorite tunes.
October: Dive into holiday songs.
November: Polish your repertoire.
December: Perform for friends and family to celebrate your progress.
Tips for Staying Motivated
Keep it fun: Choose songs and styles that excite you.
Track your progress: Record yourself playing each month to see how far you’ve come.
Reward yourself: Celebrate milestones with small rewards (like new strings or a fancy strap).
Find a buddy: A practice partner can keep you accountable and make the challenge more enjoyable.
More Advanced Challenges
Set yourself some goals for the year ahead!
Kickstart Your New Year With The Ukulele
The New Year Ukulele Challenge is more than just a resolution; it’s a year-long adventure filled with music, creativity, and personal growth. By this time next year, you’ll not only have new skills but also a heart full of joy and a head full of songs. So grab your uke, set your goals, and let’s strum our way into the New Year together.
Ready to take on the challenge? Share your goals and progress with us in the comments below or tag us on social media. Let’s make this year the year of the ukulele!
Try out our Ukulele Song List for some inspiration and, as always …..
Happy strumming 🙂
Find more expert tips and practice techniques with our useful guides.