I already know what I’m going to do for my next contest… It doesn’t have anything to do with videos, but it does require creativity and artistic talent. Hmmmmmm Stay tuned…

The entries have been of a very high standard and I really have learnt a lot from many of the entries and had a lot fun making my own. Win or not, it’s been a really great competition, thanks Julie!

As a video novice, I am now motivated to improve the video presentations for my own lessons, and post more. Hopefully it will help everyone learn.

It may be an odd vote, but I used the tip in the strap button install video. Purchased one at my local shop and had it installed the next day.

I just wanted to add my two cents on the judging of the contest, I see there’s a lot of good discussion here already.

My first thought when I saw there would be three equal winners is that the videos may naturally fall into three categories, and then a winner from each category could be awarded. I haven’t had a chance to look at all the submissions, but from what I’ve seen I might divide it up into:

1) Mid-level/expert tutorials
These are tutorials for seasoned ukulele players that want to take their ability to the next level. Dominator’s excellent and advanced breakdown of how to play George Harrison’s Something, or Ed Whitehead’s Seven Steps of Ukulele Improvisation, as well as Ian’s help with chord practice and theory. Something that showcases a level of expertise and knowledge for players who already know their way around the uke.

2) Creative/Artistic ideas
These are tutorials or educational videos that show off a bit of flair. Ideally, they teach us something we never considered, or something we’re familiar with, but in a style of presentation that makes it unforgettable. I’m sure there are more out there, but Sebastian’s nails video and Mary-Anns Ukulele advice were prime examples.

3) Ukulele Inspiration, for everyone
These are tutorials aimed at people who may have never even seen a ukulele. They should be simple, clear, and make the ukulele accessible to everyone out there. Someone could watch it and say “I could do that!” and want to buy a uke, or pick up the one they have gathering dust. They might catch the bug in the same way I did, the same way we all have, by realizing the power of the ukulele to simply make beautiful music.

The last category is what I’ve been trying to get at (successful or not) with my videos at ukulala. I would also put Ken Middleton’s description of the music of Leonard Cohen, Jeremy’s video on the Lion Sleeps Tonight, and some of the other simple songs being taught in this category.

However it ends up being judged, good luck to everyone! There may be just three people getting new ukuleles, but with 50 new lessons out there, the REAL winners will be anyone out there who logs on to youtube and searches for the word “ukulele”!

haha corny

Chronos, I’ve been trying to figure out that stroke for some time. I just found a similar stroke in a video that predates the contest that seems to be a little easier for me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try to get both working.

One thing I’ve noticed so far is that even in videos where I know the subject or the technique already, I can usually find something that’s new or brought up with a different emphasis that I can use.

Julie: I’m sure picking 3 out of 51 is going to be quite difficult. I’ll refrain from giving suggestions on how to judge this since I have an entry in there, but some of the folks here seem to have already provided useful guidelines. Good luck judging!

- Philip Fernandez