Beginner ukulele reading method for kids
The Real Book for Beginning Ukulele Players
What Is This Book?
The Real Book for Beginning Ukulele Players is a step-by-step music reading book designed especially for young ukulele beginners. Using just six different notes and extra-large notation, it guides new players from reading with letter names inside the notes to reading standard notation independently. With 70 familiar tunes and clear layouts, it makes early music reading simple, motivating, and fun.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for elementary-age students and absolute beginners on ukulele.
It works well for school music programs and classroom ukulele units, private lessons and studio teaching, homeschool and at-home learning with parents, group ukulele classes and ensembles, any child or beginner who wants to learn to read music on ukulele step by step.
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
The Real Book for Beginning Ukulele Players is built around kid-friendly design. Extra-large music notation and clear fonts make the page easy to see and follow. In the first half of the book, letter names are printed inside the noteheads so children can instantly connect staff notes to pitch names. In the second half, those letters are removed to gently transition students to true music reading.
Each page contains only a small amount of material so learners are never overwhelmed. Simplified arrangements let beginners play real songs right away while they focus on basic notes and rhythms. Clear diagrams, charts, and straightforward instructions support independent practice at home and efficient use in lessons or classes.
What Music Does the Book Include?
This book includes a wide variety of classic and time-tested melodies chosen specifically for beginners. Students play well-known folk songs, popular traditional tunes, and other familiar melodies that are fun to recognize and perform. The diverse repertoire introduces different musical styles while staying within a comfortable six-note range, helping young players steadily build a strong reading foundation and growing song list.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book focuses on the music itself and does not include additional extras.
What’s Inside the Book?
Extra-large music notation
Letter names printed inside noteheads in the first half of the book
Same songs without letter names in the second half for true reading practice
Seventy famous and familiar beginner-friendly songs
Simplified, confidence-building arrangements using only six notes
Clear, uncomplicated diagrams and charts for quick reference
Limited material on each page for better focus and less overwhelm
Easy-to-read instructions written for young learners and their helpers
Engaging, kid-friendly layout designed for success in early lessons
A broad selection of classic, time-tested melodies for beginner ukuleleExtra-large music notation
Letter names printed inside noteheads in the first half of the book
Same songs without letter names in the second half for true reading practice
Seventy famous and familiar beginner-friendly songs
Simplified, confidence-building arrangements using only six notes
Clear, uncomplicated diagrams and charts for quick reference
Limited material on each page for better focus and less overwhelm
Easy-to-read instructions written for young learners and their helpers
Engaging, kid-friendly layout designed for success in early lessons
A broad selection of classic, time-tested melodies for beginner ukulele
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Music reading on the staff
Basic rhythmic understanding and steady beat
Proper ukulele playing technique
Melody and harmony awareness
Listening and playing with others in group settings
Core music theory fundamentals
Creativity, musical expression, and confidence
General music appreciation and enjoyment
How to Use This Book
Start beginners in the first half of the book, where letter names appear inside the notes, to introduce staff reading in a low-stress way. Once students are comfortable, move into the second half without letter names to reinforce true note recognition. Teachers can assign one or two short pieces per week, using the limited material per page to focus on a single concept at a time.
In private lessons, the book can be used as the primary reading method alongside basic chord and strumming work. In classrooms and group ukulele programs, it works well as a shared text for unison playing and simple ensemble arrangements, especially when editions for other instruments are used together. At home, parents can follow the clear instructions to support practice, helping children read, count, and play each new song with good posture and technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this book best for?
The Real Book for Beginning Ukulele Players is generally best for elementary-age students, roughly ages 6–12, but it can work for any true beginner who is ready to learn to read music.
Does my child need any prior music experience?
No prior experience is required. The book starts at the very beginning with only six notes, large notation, and letter names in the notes to support complete beginners.
Can this book be used in school music classes?
Yes. The structured progression, clear layout, and familiar songs make it ideal for classroom ukulele programs, group lessons, and ensemble use alongside editions for other instruments.
Is this book only for ukulele?
This edition is specifically for ukulele, but matching editions are available for a range of instruments. Teachers can mix and match different instrument books for full-class ensembles.
Who is the author?
The book is written by Larry Newman, founder of Children’s Music Workshop and Music Fun Books, a nationally recognized music educator and author of more than 300 books and arrangements for young musicians.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.