Student adds ukulele to instrument repertoire
By Evva Mayfield
May 06, 2010
People have many different talents and hobbies they enjoy. Some of these pertain to sports and others to types of art. One sophomore at Hiawatha High School, Talon Erdley, finds interest in playing the ukulele.
A ukulele, usually associated with Hawaii, is a small guitar. The Hawaiians came up with the name, which means “jumping flea,” because of the way fingers look as they play the four nylon strings.
It is not a very commonly used instrument, but it is used in some musical works of art. Tone and volume of the instrument vary with size and construction. Ukuleles commonly come in four sizes: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone.
“I took up playing the ukulele because I always want to learn a new instrument,” Erdley said. “Music is a large part of my life.”
He currently plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, ukulele and piano. On a typical day he spends about three hours practicing his instruments. Before he graduates from high school, Erdley plans to learn how to play the banjo, mandolin and violin.
Erdley’s experience with these other instruments has made it easier to pick up new choices.
“It makes it easier because I already know how to play some stringed instruments,” Erdley said.
Although most people would not choose this instrument due to its uncommon use, Erdley thought it was an interesting challenge
“It’s another instrument that I can learn,” Erdley said. “It’s also a very interesting one because it has its own unique sound.”
Erdley bought his Ukulele on eBay for $250. He then learned how to play from a book that came with the instrument, however he still does not play for a crowd.
“If I was going to play for a crowd, I would have to play guitar because that’s what I’m best at,” Erdley said.
“The more instruments you learn the better,” Erdley said.
