As we transition seasons, I’m excited to announce a new term of weekly ukulele classes, monthly songwriting workshops, and regular jams – all offered online *and* in person here in Portland, Oregon! Read through some brief descriptions below, browse the Shop, and/or check out the Event Calendar to find the best options for you.
Weekly Classes
Ukulele Theme Study: The Music of Hawaii
I really enjoy the opportunity I have as a teacher to share my expertise and provide meaningful learning experiences for my students, as well as to learn right along with them! This term, we’ll be learning together about The Music of Hawaii. As I followed the news of August wildfires on Maui, and processed my own thoughts and feelings about it from a distance, I realized I hadn’t yet truly investigated the ukulele’s relationship to Hawaiian culture and history. It’s time! I hope you’ll join me. Ukulele Theme Study of The Music of Hawaii. We’ll study a mix of popular Hawaiian songs, as well as traditional music and lesser known writers from Hawaii. It’s mixed level, so advanced beginners through experienced players are welcome! Click here to learn more and register to attend on Zoom or live in person.
Ukestra (Ukulele Ensemble)
We had a really nice monthly group of ukulele instrumentalists meeting monthly earlier this year. This term, we’ll met every week! This class is best suited for those who are familiar with reading music notation and/or tablature on the ukulele, and are eager to play with others in different parts. In other words, as in an orchestra, we will play instrumental pieces of music with a melody, harmony, and bass part, and perhaps others. The music we play mostly includes traditional music from various traditions (e.g. Shenandoah), along with instrumental arrangements of popular songs (e.g. God Bless the Child). Click here to learn more and register to attend, in-person only.
Workshops
Beyond Beginner Ukulele Workshop Series (Weekly)
It’s fairly easy for some folks to pick up the ukulele and get themselves started. However, at some point, everyone needs a bit more guidance, perhaps some accountability, and the fun and support of a community to get them to the next level of their playing. This weekly Beyond Beginner Ukulele Workshop Series is designed to help players get beyond the feeling of being on a “beginner’s plateau”. Over the course of 8 weeks, we’ll cover rhythm, ear training, how to sing and play at the same time, and instrumental music for ukulele, including how to read music and/or tablature. Register for any and all of four workshop topics, or purchase the whole package. Click here to learn more and register to attend, in-person only.
Songwriting Basics & Beyond Workshop Series (Monthly)
The creative process can be an inspiring, fulfilling, yet lonely journey. This songwriting workshop series is designed to support your individual writing experience in meaningful community with other songwriters. This Songwriting Basics & Beyond: Workshop Series introduces participants to the fundamental elements of songwriting, and explore different approaches to engaging with them. Each songwriting workshop will feature one of three elements: lyrics, music, and arrangement. We’ll study existing songs that offer interesting examples of each element, but we’ll spend most of our time working with prompts and invitations to engage with these elements more consciously in our own writing. Click here to learn more and register to attend, in-person only.
Ukulele Jams
Monthly jams resume, both online and in person!
Online Ukulele Jams meet live on Zoom, 1:00-2:30pm on the following (mostly) 1st Saturdays: October 14, November 4, and December 2. Join my e-newsletter for full details, our 2023 Jam Songbook, and the Zoom link. Free and open to all, but donations are gratefully accepted here.
In-Person Ukulele Jams meet at Artichoke Music, 2:00-3:30pm on the following 3rd Saturdays: October 21, November 18, and December 16. Jam Songbook provided. $10 per person – registration link to come!
Whew!
So much musical fun coming our way. See you there! If you have any questions, please reach out to me any time.