Beginner Ukelele for Music Therapists (3 CMTEs)

presented by Kelly Howard, MT-BC

Music therapists…

Have you ever wanted to use ukulele in sessions… but felt unsure where to start?

Maybe your ukulele has been sitting in the corner unused. Maybe guitar feels overwhelming. Maybe you want a simpler, more approachable instrument for groups, bedside work, songwriting, or client engagement.

This class was created to help music therapists begin using ukulele in clinical practice with greater ease and confidence.

You do not need to be an advanced guitarist. You do not need to perform perfectly. You simply need practical skills you can begin applying in sessions.

What You'll Learn:

✔ Foundational ukulele skills for music therapists ✔ Chords and strumming patterns ✔ Ways to begin incorporating ukulele into sessions ✔Ukulele-based interventions for client engagement ✔ Practical strategies you can apply immediately ✔ Approachable techniques designed for real clinical settings

This beginner-friendly ukulele course includes a brief history of the instrument, how to tune the ukulele, basic strumming patterns, and five songs to learn and incorporate into your music therapy practice.

Participants will learn:

- two songs in the Key of C

- two songs in the Key of G

- one picking melody/duet

Designed specifically for music therapists, this course focuses on practical application, helping you build skills you can confidently bring into sessions.

Outline of Class:

Introduction - professional bio, ukulele personal journey, history of the uke (10 minutes)

The Basics - Parts of the instrument, tuning, sizes of ukes, string labels (10 minutes)

Key of C Songs - (50 min total)

Three Little Birds - presentation 15 min/10 min personal practice

Stand By Me - presentation 15 min/10 min personal practice

Key of G Songs - (50 min total)

Best Day - presentation 15 min/10 min personal practice

Shake It Off - presentation 15 min/10 min personal practice

Picking Fun

Heart and Soul - 10 min presentation

Music Therapy Applications - (mixed in throughout presentation)

Portability

Learner Friendly

Finger (strength) Friendly

Build confidence/self-esteem and lower emotional vulnerability

Homework - 20 minutes (practice and performance time)

Submit video demonstrating ability to play/sing one of the songs presented

Total time: 160 minutes (3 credits)

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate understanding of basic skills on ukulele in order to use the ukulele to achieve therapeutic & educational goals
Be able to play I IV V & vi chords in keys of C and G major
Demonstrate 4 strumming patterns
Play and sing 5 songs on ukulele

CBMT Domain Areas:

III.A.7 Music therapy methods used to support therapeutic outcomes (e.g., improvising, recreating, composing, listening, moving)

(III.A.8) Apply a variety of scales, modes, and harmonic progressions

(II.D.8) Select appropriate musical elements, repertoire, instruments, and equipment consistent with treatment needs

(II.D.8) Select appropriate musical elements, repertoire, instruments, and equipment consistent with treatment needs

Beginner Ukulele for Music Therapists is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 3 CMTEs-Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. The Spiegel Academy, CBMT Approved Provider #P-106, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.

Class Description