The ukulele is a highly accessible instrument that almost anyone can learn to play.

Ukulele clubs exist in many locales; consult the internet to locate one near you.

Fun fact: “ukulele” is a Hawaiian word that means “jumping fleas.”

In my book, Music Between Your Ears, I talk about the importance of actively engaging with music to reap its greatest benefits. In that section, I discuss instruments that almost anyone can learn to play, no matter one’s age or prior experience. I mention drums and bells, and I am now happy to add the ukulele to that list.

Ukulele. What a curious word for a curious instrument. Until recently, my only experience with the ukulele was watching Tiny Tim play it while singing "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" on The Ed Sullivan Show (you can find this on YouTube if you’re not familiar with it). But I'm happy to report that, over the past few months, I’ve been educated. I’ve learned that the ukulele is a highly accessible instrument that is growing steadily in popularity.

My education began unexpectedly following a conversation about my book. After finishing an interview, the woman I was speaking with said that she appreciated my advocacy for active involvement with music. She specifically mentioned the example in my book that playing a musical instrument........

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