IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN CONTACTING BRYAN FOR LESSONS, AN INTERVIEW, A JAM SESSION, OR JUST TO CHAT, PLEASE EMAIL:
bryan.donald.laplante@gmail.com
I am an active ukulele instructor and ensemble director for kids and adults through a teacher certification program designed by the celebrated Canadian recording artist and teacher James Hill. His international ukulele teacher certification institute (JHUI) is the only one of its kind, and I have completed its third and highest level of certification. I currently serve the program as an alumni ‘mentor teacher’ for new students who join the program around the world. With James and his team, I have learned to develop full-group, small group, and individualized lessons for children and adults in both classroom and private settings, as well as how to arrange large-scale ensemble performances and teach students to read sheet music effectively from James’ curriculum, Ukulele in the Classroom.
I also love a good foot stompin’ casual jam session in bands, at kitchen parties, and just for plain old fun on the porch. James teaches several techniques to aid teachers and uke players of all sorts build and promote their own repertoire of fun and easy folk, rock, and pop songs for just about any musical occasion or community group.
For children, I developed and practiced a scaffolded rhythmic technique called “Tap, Tap, Flick” while teaching music in Mexico. Students met success tapping along or flicking the ukulele in between strumming chords. I’m currently teaching this and other skills with the Halifax Regional School Board in Nova Scotia, Canada.
ASFM Third Grade: “Safari” (James Hill) Rehearsal and “Tap, Tap, Flick” Method:
More information about The James Hill Ukulele Initiative:
