Perform 'I'm Yours'
Learn to perform 'I'm Yours' by practicing singing and simple ukulele chords; rehearse timing, strumming, and perform the song for family or friends.
About this activity
Learn to perform 'I'm Yours' by practicing singing and simple ukulele chords; rehearse timing, strumming, and perform the song for family or friends.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather your ukulele your printed lyrics your chord diagram sheet your pencil and go to a comfy quiet spot.
- 2
Step 2
Tune your ukulele so each string sounds in tune using a tuner app or clip-on tuner.
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Step 3
Form the C chord by placing your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
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Step 4
Form the G chord by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the C string your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the E string.
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Step 5
Form the Am chord by placing your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
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Step 6
Form the F chord by placing your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string and your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string.
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Step 7
Play each chord once in turn to check they sound clear and adjust your fingers if any notes buzz.
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Step 8
Practice switching between C G Am and F slowly and smoothly for at least two minutes.
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Step 9
Learn the simple strumming pattern down down up up down up by practicing the motion with your strumming hand while muting the strings.
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Step 10
Combine the chords and the strumming pattern slowly while playing the chord progression for one verse.
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Step 11
Sing the lyrics softly while playing the chords and focus on changing chords exactly where the chord markings are.
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Step 12
Rehearse the whole song at a steady tempo and add timing and expression until you can play and sing through without stopping.
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Step 13
Perform "I'm Yours" for family or friends and enjoy sharing your music.
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Step 14
Share a photo or video of your finished performance on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How can my child learn to perform 'I'm Yours' on the ukulele?
Start by listening to the recording to learn the melody and timing. Break the song into short sections (verse, chorus). Learn each chord shape slowly, practicing smooth transitions before adding the lyrics. Use a simple down-up strumming pattern at a slow tempo, then gradually increase speed with a metronome or app. Sing along quietly at first, then rehearse the full song several times and perform for family or friends when comfortable.
What materials do I need to teach my child 'I'm Yours' on the ukulele?
You'll need a soprano, concert, or tenor ukulele in good condition, a tuner or tuning app, and a chord chart or beginner songbook showing simple chords. Optional but helpful: a metronome or rhythm app, printed lyrics, a music stand, and a soft pick or finger-plucking practice. Provide a quiet space and a recording device or phone for practice playback and to track progress.
What ages is learning 'I'm Yours' on the ukulele suitable for?
This activity suits children aged about 5 and up, with adjustments. Young beginners (5–7) benefit from short, guided sessions focusing on strumming and singing; older children (8–12) can learn chord changes and performance skills more quickly. Teens and adults can deepen technique and stage presence. Always supervise younger kids, shorten practice times to 10–20 minutes, and adapt goals to each child's attention span and hand size for comfort.
What are the benefits of learning and performing 'I'm Yours' for kids?
Learning and performing 'I'm Yours' builds musical skills—rhythm, pitch, chord recognition—and fine motor coordination. It boosts memory, confidence, and public-speaking skills through performance practice. Playing with family or friends encourages social bonding and teamwork. Regular practice improves discipline and listening skills, while recording and reviewing performances teaches constructive self-evaluation. These benefits transfer to school tasks, concentration, and emotional expression.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a printed lyrics sheet, chord diagram sheet, pencil, or clip-on tuner?
Open the lyrics and chord diagrams on a phone or tablet, use a tuner app or online tuner instead of a clip-on, and substitute a pen or stylus for the pencil.
Why do my chords buzz or why can't I switch smoothly between C, G, Am and F, and how can I fix it?
If notes buzz or chord changes are slow, press closer to the fret, curl fingertips more, check each chord by playing it once as instructed, and slow your switching practice into short repeated transitions for at least two minutes.
How should I change the activity for younger kids or for older kids who want more challenge?
For younger children use a child-size ukulele, simplify to two chords (for example C and G) and have them practice tapping the strumming pattern muted, while older kids should follow the full steps, master the down down up up down up pattern, and add singing and expression when combining chords and lyrics.
How can we extend or personalize the song after we can play and sing through without stopping?
Personalize the arrangement by adding a simple fingerpicking pattern or harmony, try a capo to change the key for your voice, work on timing and expression in the 'rehearse the whole song' step, and then record a photo or video to share on DIY.org.