To offer patients a variety of options to experience music
in a healthcare setting, the one who offers must have OPTIONS. When I shadowed
two Artist-In-Residence professionals at Shands Hospital last summer, I noted
that when they sang unaccompanied patients were less interested in the song.
When they accompanied themselves with another instrument, there was greater
interest. That being said, I wanted to look at other instruments to add to what
I could offer as a musician in the hospital/healthcare setting. Therefore, I
decided it was time to learn to play the Ukulele.
Having played the guitar as a younger person, the fretted
instrument was not new to me; however, the tiny fretted instrument, tuned in
its own fashion, was new. It will take some time just to get to know what might
be played on it. Just as with the guitar, I can twist the tuning pegs to tune
as directed, or tune it in other ways. The third string on this instrument is a
little dull no matter what I do with it.
As I listen to the combination of notes, I realize that it
takes a certain amount of strength to get a clean sound and clear pitch. I have
increased appreciation for those that play this instrument. The sound of the
Ukulele is soft and muted. It seems just right for the healthcare setting. The
instrument has a playful quality as well due to the sound of the strings when
it is plucked. Because of its size, I
can cradle it and make a really nice friend out of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment