As an elementary music teacher, one of the instruments you might introduce to your students is the ukulele. This small, four-stringed instrument is a popular choice among young learners because it's easy to play and fun to sing along with. But when it comes to tuning a ukulele, opinions can be divided. Some teachers prefer to have their students tune the instrument themselves, while others believe it's best to have the instrument pre-tuned. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of each method to help you make an informed decision for your classroom.

Pros of Having Students Tune Their Own Ukuleles

1. Develops Ear Training Skills: Tuning a ukulele requires a good ear, which means that students will develop their ear training skills by practicing. This will not only help them to tune their instruments but also to recognize when they're out of tune in the future. Make sure to continuously sing the pitches found on the ukulele so students become familiar with the order of notes needed for tuning. You could sing using the names of the letters ~ G, C, E, A, or the ever-so-popular "My Dog Has Fleas" tune. 

In an amazing interview with Jake Shimibakuro, ukulele prodigy, we talk more about tuning which can be used in your classroom to help students understand the process of tuning.
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2. Encourages Independence: Tuning an instrument can be a challenge, but when students are able to do it themselves, they feel a sense of accomplishment and independence. This can help to boost their confidence and motivate them to continue practicing.

3. Saves Time: Tuning each student's ukulele can take up a significant amount of class time. By having students tune their own instruments, you'll save time and be able to spend more time on other aspects of the lesson.

Cons of Having Students Tune Their Own Ukuleles

1. Can Be Frustrating: Tuning an instrument can be frustrating, especially for beginners. Students may become discouraged if they're unable to tune their instrument correctly, which can impact their motivation to continue practicing.

2. May Result in Inaccurate Tuning: Students who are new to tuning may not have the experience to know when their instrument is in tune. This can result in inaccurate tuning, which can affect the overall sound of the class.

3. May Require Additional Resources: If students are tuning their own instruments, they may require additional resources such as electronic tuners or tuning apps. While these resources can be helpful, they may also require additional time and expense.

4. Strings May Break: The risk of students accidentally tuning a string too high (tightly) could result in a broken string. 🥲

Pros of Pre-Tuning Ukuleles

1. Ensures Accurate Tuning: Pre-tuning ukuleles ensures that each instrument is accurately tuned. This can help to create a consistent sound throughout the class, which can be beneficial for group performances.

2. Reduces Frustration: Students who are new to tuning may become frustrated if they're unable to tune their instrument correctly. Pre-tuning the instruments can help to reduce frustration and allow students to focus on other aspects of the lesson.

3. Saves Time: Pre-tuning the instruments can save time in class, allowing you to spend more time on other aspects of the lesson.

Cons of Pre-Tuning Ukuleles

1. Limits Ear Training: If students don't have the opportunity to tune their own instruments, they may miss out on developing their ear training skills. This can make it more difficult for them to recognize when their instrument is out of tune in the future.

2. Reduces Independence: Pre-tuning the instruments can reduce students' independence and sense of accomplishment. Students may feel less invested in their instrument if they don't have the opportunity to tune it themselves.

3. Can Be Time-Consuming: Pre-tuning the ukuleles prior to class can take a large amount of valuable planning or prep time.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you choose to have students tune their own ukuleles or pre-tune them will depend on your teaching style and classroom needs. If you're focused on developing ear-training skills and promoting independence, having students tune their own instruments may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a consistent sound and reducing frustration, pre-tuning the instruments may be the way to go.

Teacher Tip: You could always have students who are within the school earlier in the morning pre-tune the Ukuleles! A tuner that is amazing is the Roadie 3 "Robot" Tuner. [Save 10% with Coupon Code BH_GETS10] Kids can easily use the Roadie 3 with teacher guidance & instruction. A Ukulele helper saves your planning and prep time while enhancing a student's musical skill and... students love helping! 

Here is a video review of the Roadie 3 Tuner.