LAS DOS PISADAS

Lesson 5

Teaching Artist: Juan Manuel Trujillo

SUMMARY

This is the fifth lesson from the Strumming Through The Americas ukulele course. Students will learn their second song on the ukulele, “Las Dos Pisadas.” They will use the chords and strumming pattern from the previous lesson, and learn to play the melody. Then students will participate in a recorded performance.

OBJECTIVE

  • Students will be able to transition musically between the C and G chords.

  • Students will be able to adapt their strumming pattern to a new song.

  • Students will be able to interpret the written chord cycle and progression in “Las Dos Pisadas.”

  • Students will be able to play the melody in “Las Dos Pisadas.”

MATERIALS

EXPLORE

  1. Tell students that they will revisit their second strumming pattern, and the C and G chords to learn a new piece called “Las Dos Pisadas.”

  2. Play the Las Dos Pisadas - Performance video. Ask: Can you see Mr. Juan strumming between the C and G chords? Do you notice what strings he uses to play the melody part?

LEARN

  1. Play the Las Dos Pisadas, Part 1 video. Students will learn to adapt the second strumming pattern to the chords of C and G. After watching the video, replay from 0:28 and invite students to practice with the video. 

  2. As they practice, encourage students to vocalize the down and up motions of the strumming pattern (and/or the chord names as they occur) as shown in the video. This will support their accuracy and consistency. 

  3. Play the Las Dos Pisadas, Part 2 video. Students will learn to use the 2nd and 3rd open strings in addition to one fretted note to play the melody of the song. Pause the video 0:45 to display the written music for the melody. This will allow students additional time to visualize the order of notes and the rhythm of the melody. 

PERFORM+SHARE

  1.  Create a class performance video of “Las Dos Pisadas.” Students may choose to play either the chord/accompaniment or melody part.

  2. Share your musical creations at S’Cool Sounds Padlet.

  3. Tell students that in the next lesson, they will travel to Cuba to learn their third song in the course.