About This Project

The research trip to Hawaii will further the knowledge about ukulele playing technique in general and Hawaiian Ukulele Technique in particular. Playing technique of various expert ukulele players will be documented and analyzed, in order to define key components of Hawaiian Playing Technique.

Videos that illustrate Hawaiian Playing Techniques will be published online as a complimentary resource for anyone interested.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The ukulele is still hugely understudied in academic literature and while some research has been done on the historical, educational and psychosocial aspects of the ukulele, its playing technique has been widely disregarded until now. With my thesis I’m planning to shed light on a specific part of ukulele playing technique, namely plucking hand technique, hopefully providing a basis for further study and future discussion.

Being based locally on Oahu will facilitate connecting and making dates with interview partners, as well as allow me to do research at the Hawaiian State Archive and the Hawaiian Music Archive.

What is the significance of this project?

As the ukulele is on the brink of being perceived as a capable and mature instrument, establishing standardized didactics, and consequently instrumental standards in general, is an important next step. A comprehensive canon of ukulele plucking hand techniques across various stylistic traditions will serve as a resource for ukulele teachers and composers alike.

The research trip to Hawaii will provide crucial insight into Hawaiian Ukulele Playing Technique. Findings will be adapted in contemporary compositions for ukulele solo.

What are the goals of the project?

One immediate outcome of the research done on Oahu will be interviews and videos that illustrate Hawaiian Ukulele Playing Technique.

Videos will be published online as a resource for teachers, composers and ukulele players of all levels.

The videos will be accompanied by written data analysis and descriptions.