Toyland

I have a confession to make.

A few weeks ago, I drafted (but did not post) an entire blog entry extolling the virtues of the humble ukulele. And I admit, I took a rather self-righteous tone, looking down my nose at people who snicker at ukuleles (and ukulele players). I ascended my high-and-mighty soapbox and declared that the ukulele is a very serious instrument, and IS NOT A TOY!

Um. But what if it is a toy?

Why the change of mind-set? Well, it sort of starts with remembering my interactions with an Asheville-based creative writing coach named Nina Hart. I have known Nina for a number of years (she’s a dear friend), and she has been instrumental (yes, PUN INTENDED!) in helping me manage and tame my crippling perfectionism as a songwriter. 

One of Nina’s approaches in providing (in her words) “a sanctuary for the heartbroken artist” is espousing “play”. Letting your inner child have some fun. And for Nina’s creative writing workshops, that often involves toys - yup, big grown-up kids wielding puppets, clown noses, noise-makers, and anything else to make us laugh and open up to child-like wonder.

Well, the ukulele is like that for me. When I play it, I am not thinking of the technical aspects of my left hand position, the shape of the chord, or the rhythm of my strumming. I’m just having fun. Fun! The ukulele makes me smile inside, even when I’m playing a somber-ish song.

I have begun to appreciate that my ukuleles (I have three) - and each of my other instruments, really - are toys. And yes, there are reasons why it is important to learn the basics of forming guitar barre chords, of holding the violin bow properly, of getting that tremelo on the mandolin to sound just right. But there are equally important reasons to let go and have fun with the instrument, no matter what your level of technical expertise. Because seriously (ahem), why even play an instrument if it ain’t fun?

If you wanna see fun in action, check out this little ditty from one of my Swannanoa Gathering ukulele instructors, Mr. Gerald Ross (Watch his face - so in the moment, suppressing a smile until he beams at the end!)

So, once again, I will ascend the rickety steps to my splintered, rotten soapbox and declare that, indeed, the ukulele IS A TOY!

Have fun, ya’ll!