Q debate: Should music teachers swap recorders for ukuleles?
Should the small four-stringed ukulele replace the recorder, an classic classroom standby, as an introductory instrument for kids?
The rising popularity of the ukulele has sparked a heated debate among music educators: should it replace the recorder, a classic classroom standby, as the first musical instrument taught to young children?
Meet your debaters:
- James Hill, one of the world's premier ukulele players and author of books about the ukulele in the classroom, will challenge schools to switch to the strings.
- Denise Gagne, an author, editor and music educator with over 35 years experience, races to the defence of the recorder.
Listen to both teachers make their case in this debate from the Best of Q and tell us: if you could only hand one instrument to a classroom full of first time musicians, would you go with the tried and true recorder, or opt for the up-and-coming ukulele?