The Art of Ukulele

LEARN ALL ABOUT THE ART OF UKULELE FROM A SEASONED MUSIC PRO "Not many performers have the unlimited generosity to share their secrets that Ralph has." -From the foreword by J. CHALMERS DOANE

EVERY MUSICIAN will benefit from knowing Ralph Shaw and reading his new book, The Art of Ukulele. These specially selected pieces from Ralph Shaw's internationally popular Ukulele Entertainer newsletter will help you become a better player and develop a finer understanding of performance. Plus gain insights into what makes a performer tick. Learn the basics and "insider secrets," including how to * Make your strumming more varied and interesting * Improve your ability to play by ear * Play a song in any key * Sing in tune with resonance and strong breath control * Develop practise techniques that work for you * Banish your stage fright * Perform with passion and energy * Jam with others or lead a successful singalong The Art of Ukulele is more than a simple how-to book. Ralph Shaw, one of the ukulele community's most respected players, shares his personal experience and provides a unique view into the development of playing styles, stagecraft and even inspiration. He includes wisdom gleaned from current and past musical stars such as Bill Tapia, the Beatles, J. Chalmers Doane, Tiny Tim and Paul Casper, a modern-day George Formby impersonator. All in one concise, handy-sized volume-ideal for quick reference.

Ralph Shaw’s reputation as a performer’s performer is well earned. He has demonstrated his ability to entertain everyone from young to old repeatedly over twenty-five years of live concerts. Ralph’s career highlights include solo appearances at major music festivals and collaborative projects with some of North America’s finest musicians. In addition, his professional wisdom and his insight into what it takes to be a successful musical performer have made him a sought-after teacher for ukulele and performance workshops. Ralph was born in Schefferville, Quebec, and grew up in Yorkshire, England. Since 1988 he has lived in Vancouver, Canada. His background includes an early life by the windswept moors of the Penistone district, an applied physics degree from Liverpool Polytechnic, and a decade-long career as a professional clown and children’s entertainer. Since 1997 he has been internationally known as Canada’s “King of the Ukulele.” Ralph’s first book, titled The Ukulele Entertainer, is available at www.RalphShaw.ca