Finding Joy in Tough Times with a Ukulele

This month I wanted to share another fun project I’ve had the honor to be a part of. I’ve partnered with Lucy’s Love Bus, a wonderful nonprofit that sponsors non-medical therapy services for children with cancer and their families, for a monthly ukulele club called Lucy’s Aloha Band for kids from all over New England.

We meet up virtually once a month for lessons and each child got a ukulele donated and shipped to them. Over the past few months, they've been learning chords, strumming techniques and songs to play. Later we’ll be doing some songwriting, too. 

This group isn't a traditional music therapy group since we didn't do intakes or evaluations of clients – it's more for fun and social/community-building, as well as expression. Generally, if kids are experiencing pain or anxiety, music will help reduce those, but that isn't a goal that we specifically talk about or address in the group. 

Ukulele is a great instrument for beginners, non-musicians, and especially for kids (because of its small size!). The chords are easier to form than on a guitar since ukuleles have just 4 strings, and often the strings each have a different color which makes teaching easier. 

We’ve been having a blast and will continue through the end of the year with seasonal and holiday-themed lessons. Lucy’s Aloha Band is a private group but if you know of a child who might benefit from joining the group you could reach out to Lucy’s Love Bus, or get in touch with Maine Music & Health for individual adaptive lessons. 

And, speaking of ukulele’s, check out my interview with the inpsiring Lee Urban of Ukuleles Heal the World on why he loves the uke and how he spreads joy with it to veterans, families in hospice, and children on our YouTube Channel.

Are you a ukulele player? What do you love about it? Drop us a comment below.