Beyond "Somewhere Over the Rainbow": 5 Surprising Songs Your Child Can Learn on the Ukulele This Summer

Beyond "Somewhere Over the Rainbow": 5 Surprising Songs Your Child Can Learn on the Ukulele This Summer

Summer in Holland, Michigan, is unlike anywhere else! Between trips to Tunnel Park, grabbing a treat at Captain Sundae, and enjoying the sun, there is an unmistakable energy in the air. For many families in the Lakeshore area, summer is also the perfect time to pick up a new hobby. And if you are looking for the absolute best instrument to start with, look no further than the ukulele!
While everyone loves a bit of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," the ukulele is capable of so much more. At Avalon Music Academy of Holland, we see kids light up when they realize they can play the same songs they hear on the radio or in their favorite movies. As one of the premier music schools in Holland, we specialize in making lessons fun, modern, and engaging from day one!
If you’re ready to see your child trade screen time for song time, here are 5 surprising, modern songs they can start learning on the ukulele right now.

1. "Lava" from the Pixar Short LavaIf your child is a Disney or Pixar fan, they already know this tune! It’s the ultimate "aloha" vibe song. What makes "Lava" so great for beginners is that it uses a very simple chord progression (C, G7, and F) that mirrors the classic Hawaiian style but feels fresh and exciting.
Because the rhythm is steady and the lyrics are sweet, it’s a massive confidence booster. Our qualified teachers at Avalon love using this song to teach "muscle memory": helping small fingers find their way around the fretboard while singing along to a story about a lonely volcano.
2. "Riptide" by Vance JoyYou can’t walk into a modern ukulele circle without hearing "Riptide!" It has become the unofficial anthem for the modern ukulele movement. It’s upbeat, it’s catchy, and it sounds much more difficult than it actually is: which is a secret we love to share with our students!
"Riptide" is fantastic for working on strumming patterns. Once a student masters the "down-down-up-up-down-up" rhythm, they feel like a total pro. Plus, it’s a great song for kids in Zeeland or Saugatuck to show off to their friends at a backyard BBQ.

Our lesson rooms are the most technologically advanced in Holland, making it easy to pull up lyrics and play along with backing tracks!

3. "Shake It Off" by Taylor SwiftYes, you can play T-Swift on a uke! In fact, most pop songs are surprisingly easy to adapt. "Shake It Off" only requires three chords, making it perfect for the child who wants to play something high-energy.
At Avalon, we believe music should be about joy and expression. If your child wants to stand up and dance while they strum, we say go for it! Learning the ukulele isn’t about sitting perfectly still; it’s about finding your rhythm. This is one of those songs that gets everyone in our spacious parent lounge tapping their toes through the observation windows.
4. "How Far I’ll Go" from Disney’s MoanaThere is something magical about the way the ukulele captures the spirit of Moana. This song is a bit more of a challenge because it helps students learn about dynamics: knowing when to play softly and when to really belt it out!
It’s an inspiring song for kids who are finding their voice. Since we offer both ukulele lessons and voice lessons, many of our students love to combine the two. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student perform this at one of our free recitals!
5. "Count on Me" by Bruno MarsThis song is all about friendship, making it a favorite for our "large family-oriented community." The chords are standard beginner fare, but the message is timeless. It’s a great song for siblings to learn together!
We often have families with multiple children taking lessons at the same time. While one child is in piano lessons, another can be in the next room over on the ukulele. With our flexible scheduling 6 days a week, we make it easy for busy Holland families to get everyone’s lessons done in one trip.

Why Choose Avalon Music Academy of Holland?When you are looking at music schools in Holland, you want a place that understands the needs of modern families. We’ve been the Lakeshore's leader in music education since 2004, and we’ve helped over 1,000 students find their passion!
Here is why parents love us:

• Qualified Teachers: Our instructors have college training or professional performance experience. They don’t just teach notes; they share their passion for the arts!
• High-Tech Rooms: Our rooms are fully equipped with keyboards, computers, and top-of-the-line gear. You don't even have to bring your own amp or drum kit: we’ve got you covered!
• Flexible Scheduling: We know summer is busy. That’s why we offer morning, afternoon, and evening slots, plus daytime lessons for our local homeschoolers.
• No Long-Term Contracts: We offer month-to-month lessons because we are confident you’ll love it here!
• Convenience: Located right off 8th Street & US-31, we are just a short drive from Zeeland, Saugatuck, and Grand Haven.

You Have Nothing to Lose!Summer is flying by, and there is no better time to start a musical journey. Whether your child wants to master the ukulele, electric guitar, or even drums, we are here to help!
Sign up is easy and parent-friendly! Our helpful staff is ready to serve you and find the perfect time slot for your schedule. Don’t wait until the school year starts: get a head start on the fun this summer!
Ready to start? Contact us today or Register Online to secure your spot! We’ll do the work for you, from finding the right teacher to getting you scheduled.
Let’s make this the summer your child discovers their new favorite song!