Daniel Ho 

THE BEAUTY WITHIN: HOW TO GET THE BEST TONE OUT OF YOUR INSTRUMENT

As a composer and sound engineer, Daniel is always looking to sonically take things to the next level. In this workshop, he will go over nuances in technique, and all the aspects of the ‘ukulele that contribute to a rich and pristine tone. 

Topics covered will include: 

Rest strokes, free strokes, picks, fingernails, strings (wound/nylon/fluorocarbon, High G, Low G), wood types (tops, backs, sides, and fretboard), wood thicknesses, body size and shape (e.g., standard, pineapple, dreadnought), bracing, finishes (French polish, polyurethane), fret size, and anything you’d like to address. 

Level: All levels 

 

GET YOUR GROOVE ON! PERCUSSION BASICS ON BONGOLELE AND SHAKERLELE

Have you ever thought about contributing to a jam session with a different sound? Or maybe you have a partner who’s not yet ready to pick up the ʻukulele? Why not give percussion a try? Shakers and bongos are fun instruments you can play along with to any song. Learn styles and techniques using the Shakerlele and Bongolole percussion instruments Daniel co-designed with Ohana Ukuleles. He will teach examples of rock and Latin rhythms, back beats, accents, and playing in ¾ time. You can be the pulse that keeps the party going! 

Instruments will be available to borrow or purchase for this class. 

Level: Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary 

 

EASY AS ONE-TWO-THREE

Progressive, two-day class 

Just when you thought things couldn’t possibly get any easier than partying on four strings… In a happenstance recording studio blunder, Daniel recently discovered a way to simplify the ‘ukulele even more! Join this two-day progressive class to learn about this revelation. It takes a vast knowledge of music to break down something to this degree, and the result is a no-compromise demonstration on how to play any chord in any key. To further make sense of this concept, Daniel will be referring at times to his “Colorful Sounds” method book.

Level: Beginning to Intermediate 

 

Heidi Swedburg 

SING YOUR STRINGS: USING YOUR UKE TO FIND VOCAL HARMONIES 

Play and sing fun songs, including sea chanties, as you learn to use the strings of your instrument to guide your voice. Singing harmony is simpler than you may think. If you are a duo, in an ensemble or play with a group, this class will give you skills to explore and expand your musical experience. 

All levels 

 

LULLABIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Meditative and soothing, lullabies are amongst the oldest musical forms- they are truly an essential worker.  In this class we will learn songs from around the world in a variety of keys and time signatures, with lyrics in many languages (and sing-able English language versions too!) Simple rhythmic ukulele accompaniments are within the grasp of beginning students as well as interesting to more advanced players. 

All Levels 

 

RAINBOW CONNECTIONS

Why are there so many songs about rainbows? The Rainbow Connection is a song that connects emotionally- simple yet elegant, poignant lyrics, great chord changes and a sweet ¾ time signature. There is a lot to learn in learning this song. Make connections about chord progressions and music theory, picking patterns with the lovers, the dreamers and me. 

Level 2-3 

 

UKULELE FROM SCRATCH 

This recipe uses only two ingredients: you and your new uke!  We will start making music together right away, adding one skill at a time until you can play literally hundreds of songs. It seems too good to be true, but that is the magic of the ukulele. Heidi Swedberg loves working with absolute beginners, making the complicated simple and fun, and sharing their joy of musical discovery. Gestalts and laughs a plenty. Let's get cooking!  

Level 1 

 

SOMATICS   All levels/No Ukulele!!! 

Loosen up and be free!  This is a great opportunity to de-program habitual tension and discover the sound of your own voice. See how much easier it is to sing, play your uke and live your life when you train your body the way professional actors and musicians do. Somatics delves into mind-body awareness and include both familiar and esoteric techniques as Pilates, yoga, Alexander, Feldenkrais, Laban, and Linklater.  This class is suitable for all levels of physical and musical abilities. Comfortable attire and a desire to open your instrument to the flow of the creative energy inside of you are the only requirements.  

All Levels 

 

Daniel Ward 

THE ART AND RITUAL OF PRACTICE
Level 2 and up. three day class – drop-ins OK but the material builds with each class 

Using several methods and materials, we’ll focus on how to create and manage a great inner and outer space as you work on your music. By running through a daily ritual, we’ll build a way to practice that keeps working long after you’ve left the festival. 

 

FLAMENCO SEVILLANAS   

In this workshop, we’ll learn two short traditional songs in the flamenco style that is named after the town they came from…Sevilla. There are hundreds of these songs that all share the same form. They are easy to learn and combine a tasty right-hand strum with Spanish melodies. They can be played solo or as a duet or group as well, and will lead to hours of fun long after our class is over. 

Level 2-3 

  

CALYPSO SONG PARTY!

The calypso strum is a great rhythm to add to your repertoire. Learn some fun songs that will make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation, no matter where you are.  “Jump in the Line, Rock Your Body in Time!” 

Level 2-3 

 

Steven Espaniola 

HAWAI'IAN KANI KA PILA 101

Steven focuses on 3 traditional Hawaiian songs from the extremely popular He Mele Aloha book with emphasis on arrangement. Learn how to lead a kani ka pila or jam session and get familiar with some of the common "rules" and terminology of a good kani ka pila from intros to solos to outros!! These techniques were elaborated in an article that Steven wrote for Ukulele Magazine. (Beginner) 

Level 1 

 

HAWAI'IAN STRUMMING 

Steven teaches 3 of the most widely used strumming patterns in traditional Hawaiian music: Olapa, Classic, and Modern. Traditional Hawaiian songs will be used to show the strums in a real world context. These techniques were elaborated in an article that Steven wrote for Ukulele Magazine. Class will be taught in a fun, kani ka pila type of environment!  

Level 1-2 

 

BEYOND THE BASICS OF HAWAI'IAN MELE

Learn how to personalize a Hawaiian standard and make it your own. Steven dives into the process of arranging Hawaiian songs using various tools such as rhythm, intros, dynamics, tempo, kaona (hidden meaning) and melody play, so that you can make that classic song your very own! These valuable tools can be used for any genre of music.  

Level 2 

 

'UKULELE & LEO KI'E KI'E *HAWAI'IAN FALSETTO

Steven will teach a comprehensive ʻukulele and leo kiʻe kiʻe workshop in a fun, yet informative kani ka pila style format! Learn the history of these beautiful art forms while being immersed in traditional Hawaiian music. Students will learn a few of the more common Hawaiian strumming patterns and techniques as well as the fundamentals of singing Hawaiian falsetto and finding your personal vocal range. Be sure not to miss this rare opportunity! 

All Levels 

 

U-BASS BASS-ICS

Steven teaches the fundamentals of playing bass 'ukulele! Concepts covered can be applied to all bass guitar like instruments. Will cover various right hand techniques including palm muting (to emulate an upright bass sound) and traditional 2 finger style playing. Importance and knowledge of note range, timing, groove and feel will be covered including visiting some standard, popular bass rhythms and techniques.

 

Ukullolo  

AND YOUR UKE CAN SING!  

A regular chord - major or minor - is made of three sounds. These chords are often a good starting point for a musical piece. As the song unfolds, though, it's more interesting if the chords evolve, too, bringing the listener into new territories.  

In this workshop, we will discover how to build up interesting and beautiful musical movements without even thinking about the chord we are playing. We'll find out a way to create progressions, and we will discover how your ukulele can beautifully harmonize with your voice.  

Level 2  

 

ADVENTURES UP AND DOWN THE NECK

Playing up and down the neck can be frightening, but after this workshop, it'll be a piece of cake! Most of the time, music works very well when something stands still while something else moves. In this case, we're going to use our four strings like four different voices. Two strings will play a fixed chord while two other strings will sing harmonized melodies up and down the neck. This way, your ukulele will simultaneously create a chord and two different voices, sounding very rich and fancy.  

Level 1-2

Arthur 

A "STRUM-BELIEVABLE" 'UKULELE WORKSHOP PART 1!

Strum Styles Part 1 

Brand new player or tired of the ol’ up ’n’ down? 

A fun session of basic strum instruction. This workshop will examine the mechanics of strumming and explore how various strum styles can express many soundscapes. What fingers to use, different strum patterns, and tips and tricks to give your strum hand a voice! 

Level 1 

 

A "STRUM-BELIEVABLE" 'UKULELE WORKSHOP PART 2! 

Strum Styles Part 2 

Expand on what we learned in Part 1 with even more strum variations to add to your bag PLUS we will learn some awesome tips, tricks, and special effects to throw in your strumming to add that WOW factor! (Attending Part 1 not required; class is a stand alone workshop as well.) 

Level 1 

 

BEGINNER BLUES WORKSHOP 

Do you have the "I wish I could play the Blues" Blues?!? This Workshop is for you!: 

Sound like you? Fret no more, we got you covered in this beginner intro to the blues. Learn basic blues progressions then we will learn how to pick notes and create your own blues solos! NO PICKING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Guaranteed to smile those blues away! 

You will know how to create your own blues songs and solos by the end of this fun-filled interactive workshop especially for the beginner! 

Level 1