Respect is something that is valued among musicians. Nobody likes an obnoxious ‘ukulele player. If these suggestions are new to you, read up. If you already know all of these things, feel free to share your own ‘ukulele etiquette tips. Keep in mind these are suggestions, I have assembled this list from my past experiences.

Kani Ka Pila:

• Never play louder than the person who is singing.
• Never solo when someone is singing – fills are ok, but don’t get carried away.
• Give your chair to the person who just showed up. Especially if that person is older than you.
• Don’t hog the songbook – be glad that someone is sharing the chords with you.
• Don’t solo when someone else is soloing.
• Be aware of your ‘ukulele’s headstock – the last thing you want to do is pop somebody in the back of the head.
• Help pass out the stacked chairs.
• If you are just watching, don’t stand in the back and talk, listen!
• If you are asked to play a song, by all means play your favorite song, but be sure that you brief everyone else on the chords so that they can play along.
• If songs are being picked in a circle fashion, have your song in mind. You don’t want to be looking through a songbook trying to find a song you could suggest with everyone waiting on you.
• Don’t hog the spotlight.
• Help clean up after the jam.
• Don’t act like you are hot stuff. People will come to a conclusion on that subject by themselves.

Lesson:

• Know your limitations. If you have an opportunity to attend an advanced class, learn as much as you can, but be aware that your skills might interfere with the other students learning. I’ve seen highly respected artists very frustrated because they are trying to teach an advanced class, but some beginners are struggling with the materials and the teacher doesn’t want to leave anyone behind. If you are having trouble with the material, see if you can catch up to one of the advanced students after the class and ask for some help. Most would be happy to give some advice.
• Let someone else ask a question in a group lesson. Odds are, you will learn something from whatever they ask of the teacher.

General:

• Always listen to your elders – always.
• Take the hint, when someone looks like they want their ‘ukulele back, give it.
• If you are playing someone else’s ‘ukulele (or the store’s) be careful not to scratch it up. Playing over the fretboard can help avoid this.
• Spell ‘ukulele with the ‘okina (‘). Like this: ‘ukulele. Not like this: ukulele.
• Say oo-koo-ley-ley instead of you-ka-lay-lee. Nothing is more in-your-face than the new guy saying “wow, that’s a pretty YOU-KA-LAY-LEE!!!!”. Don’t be that guy.
• Just be respectful and you will be fine.

Those are some guidelines that will keep you on the good side of most. Remember that music is fun, you should try and make it fun for everyone else.

I think this is a pretty well rounded list, but if you have any gripes that have to do with kani ka pila etiquette let me know.

~Hippie Guy