When learning to play the ukulele in an elementary music class, you might wonder whether you should use picks or stick to playing with your fingers. Both approaches have their own benefits and can impact the way you experience playing the instrument.
 
Using picks, especially those designed for ukuleles, can provide a crisper and more controlled sound, making it easier for beginners to produce a clear tone. Picks help to avoid finger fatigue and make it simple to achieve different strumming techniques. However, it's essential to stay away from normal guitar picks, as they're best suited for steel strings.
 
On the other hand, playing without picks enables you to develop a more intimate connection with the instrument and learn various fingerpicking techniques. Not using picks allows for greater versatility in terms of dynamics and personal expression, helping you to create a more authentic and nuanced sound.
 
Picks vs. No Picks

When it comes to playing the ukulele, picking between using a pick or relying on your fingers can be a matter of personal preference and the desired sound you want to achieve. Let's explore the benefits of both approaches.

Using Picks:
 

Not Using Picks:
 

As an elementary music class teacher, you may want to consider the benefits of both approaches and allow your students to experiment with different techniques when playing the ukulele.
 
Benefits of Using Picks

Using picks for playing the ukulele in an elementary music class can have its advantages. One of the main benefits is that it can make it easier for children to strum the instrument, especially for those who might have difficulties using their fingers for strumming. Picks create a consistent and uniform strumming experience, which can lead to faster progress for some students.

Furthermore, certain types of picks, such as felt picks, can produce a mellower sound that is well-suited for an elementary music class setting. There are a variety of felt picks available in different shapes, sizes, and degrees of hardness. The softer the felt, the mellower the sound produced. This can be desirable for group performances where a gentler sound is preferred.

Using picks can also help young students build fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as they learn to hold and manipulate the pick while strumming. Additionally, having a pick can encourage students to try different strumming patterns and techniques, further broadening their musical skills and repertoire.

Benefits of Not Using Picks

Playing the ukulele without a pick allows for a more traditional and natural fingerpicking technique. Fingerpicking provides more control and precision over individual strings, which can lead to a more nuanced and expressive playing style.

Not using a pick also allows you to easily switch between fingerpicking and strumming techniques without having to put down or pick up a separate tool. This can be advantageous when playing songs that require a combination of both techniques. Additionally, some players find that using their fingers instead of a pick enables them to develop a closer connection to their instrument and the music they are playing.

There is often a warmer and softer tone achieved when not using a pick on the ukulele. This is especially true for nylon stringed instruments, as the materials used for ukulele picks can sometimes produce a harsher sound. Playing without a pick can also help beginners develop better finger strength and dexterity over time, as well as improve their understanding of touch and dynamics in music.

Making an Informed Decision

When deciding whether to use picks or not for the ukulele in elementary music classes, it's essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks of both options.

Benefits of using picks:
 

Benefits of not using picks:
 

The choice of whether to use picks or not in elementary music classes depends on factors such as the students' comfort, playing style, and musical preference. Both options have their advantages, so it's essential to consider the individual needs and goals of the students when making a decision. And, hey, you might want students to learn both ways. Start with using the fingers, then add in the felt picks to develop how to hold and perform with a ukulele pick. 
 
Top Felt Ukulele Picks

This 20-pack of Ukulele Picks offers an assortment of colors and even an organizing case. Ukulele Felt Picks

Conclusion
 
When deciding whether to use picks for playing the ukulele in elementary music classes, it's important to consider the advantages and drawbacks of each approach. Using picks, particularly felt picks designed for ukuleles, can offer ergonomic benefits and may be easier on children's delicate fingers. 
 
On the other hand, playing without picks (fingerpicking) allows for more fluid and faster arpeggios, and creates a different sound that some may find more appealing. In addition, not using picks helps students build strength and callouses on their strumming hand, which is important for long-term playing abilities 
 
In summary, the decision to use picks or not in elementary music classes should be based on factors such as student comfort, sound preferences, and long-term skill development. Educators may wish to allow students to experiment with both methods and decide which works best for them individually.