Performer: Bela Fleck

Song: Throw Down Your Heart;I’ve Been Working on the Railroad

Composer: Bela Fleck; Traditional

Genre: World; American Folk

Instrumentation:  Banjo

Comments: Bela Fleck usually plays the electric Banjo in the Band “Bela Fleck and the Flecktones” with cohorts Howard Levy (Harmonica), Victor Wooten (Bass), and Futureman (electronic percussion).  This is his journey to Africa to research the roots of the Banjo.

Performer: Martin Fröst

Song: Let’s Be Happy

Composer: Traditional

Genre: Klezmer

Instrumentation: Clarinet, Chamber Orchestra

Comments: Klezmer music originated in European Jewish communities many centuries ago, but the term “Klezmer,” which refers to the specific genre was coined in the United States in the late 1800’s.  The music is usually performed at celebrations, particularly weddings by musicians called Klezmorim.  Klezmer is mainly dance music.

Cadenza – An ornamental passage, usually improvised, performed near the end of a song by a soloist. 

Next, go to MusicTheory.net and complete the following lessons in preparation for Ukulele playing: 

1. The Staff, Clefs, and Ledger Lines

2. Steps and Accidentals

3. Now try a basic note reading quiz