UKELELE LESSONS ~ Madison, WI
Beginners, Advanced, Intermediate Players
UKULELE INSTRUCTION
My interest in ukulele began with a research project in grad school that explored the instrument’s history and role in Pacific island culture. What I found in the process is a unique and accessible instrument that is quite enjoyable to play. Ukulele is a wonderful instrument to learn for students of any age. It provides a useful foundation for both fretting and strumming technique, and has a wide variety of musical possibilities as an accompanying or solo instrument.
Music Lessons
GUITAR INSTRUCTION
My interest in ukulele began with a research project in grad school that explored the instrument’s history and role in Pacific island culture. What I found in the process is a unique and accessible instrument that is quite enjoyable to play. Ukulele is a wonderful instrument to learn for students of any age. It provides a useful foundation for both fretting and strumming technique, and has a wide variety of musical possibilities as an accompanying or solo instrument.
Explore Music Lessons
Small Instrument. Real Music.
Whatever you’re working toward, let’s build a realistic plan to get you there. Available primarily online. First lesson starts with where you are now.
Personalized Ukulele Instruction
With over 25 years of teaching, I’ve learned that every student is different. Some need structure. Others need freedom to explore. My job is to figure out what works for you. I don’t rush you through exercises that don’t make sense or push methods that aren’t landing. Instead, I watch how you approach the instrument, identify what clicks, and build on that.
What I Teach
- Proper holding position and strumming technique
- Essential chords and chord progressions
- Strumming patterns and rhythmic variety
- Reading chord charts and tablature
- Fingerpicking patterns
- Music theory fundamentals
- Transition skills to guitar (if desired)
Lesson Formats
- Weekly lessons
- 30 minute lessons
- In-person lessons
- Online lessons
- Beginner to intermediate
- Guided instruction on specific methods
- Genre specific lessons
Book Your Lesson
Your first lesson will be 30 minutes. We’ll assess your current skill level and find a regular day and time that works for your schedule. The time slot you book for this first session may differ from your ongoing lesson time.
Friendly Reminders: Text & Email
All new students must provide an email address and phone number. You’ll receive confirmation when you book, plus text and email reminders before your lesson.
Confirmation Policy
Please confirm your lesson at least 24 hours in advance. Unconfirmed lessons will be automatically canceled to make the time slot available for other students.
UKULELE FAQ
Do you work with younger students?
Do you teach people to play the ukulele with their fingers or a pick?
While you can play ukulele with a pick, it is traditionally played with the fingers and thumb. All students start by learning to pick and strum with their fingers.
Do you use a method book?
I like to start young students with the Hal Leonard Ukulele Method Book. The book uses a combination of standard notation and tablature.
Can I learn any style or is ukulele limited to certain genres?
Yes. I have a variety of music in many styles arranged for the ukulele.
Do you assign homework or practice exercises?
Yes, you will always have something to prepare or work on for the next lesson. This could be a song, a part of a song, exercises, or strumming and chord progressions.
Are there different types of ukuleles?
There are four main types: Soprano (smallest/standard), Concert (larger), Tenor (even larger, popular with professionals), and Baritone (largest, tuned differently).
I already play guitar — how different is ukulele really?
Other than the smaller size, 4 nylon strings, and being higher pitched, the biggest difference is the Reentrant tuning. This means that the highest positioned string (G) is higher pitched than the next string down (C). This is different than guitar, bass, or any orchestral string instrument where the strings get progressively higher in pitch.
Do you recommend any type of ukulele for beginners?
Not specifically, but I would encourage a minimum price point of $100 for quality and playability.
What should I bring to my first lesson?
Bring your ukulele and a spiral notebook for tips, notes and assignments.
How much time should I devote to practice if I already play the guitar or another instrument?
If you are strapped for time, 10-15 minutes is a nice parcel of time to spend with the ukulele.
“There’s no reason for a guitarist to have a big ego. You should love the instrument more than wanting to be a rock star””