The Ukulele has undergone a revolution in recent years. Everyone wants to play it if they are not already doing so. It is fun, it is social and it’s not that hard to learn it. So if you always wanted to learn how to play the ukulele join us at SGSCC for this fun workshop. It is one of the most versatile stringed instruments around and is an excellent vehicle with which to become introduced to music, for the young and old alike. You do not need to be able to read music, but will become familiar with printed chord charts as well as learning a variety of strums and styles of playing.

The student will very quickly be able to hear the result of his efforts in commencing to play simple tunes. A by-product of learning the ukulele is a developing interest and understanding of music. The student will learn a brief history of the ukulele and see the variety available. Also, the ukulele is an inexpensive and easily managed, fun yet legitimate instrument for the beginner.

Course Outline:

• The workshop format begins with a simple introduction to the sounds of a ukulele, the types of musical genres, styles of playing, and strums. We show the several category types of ukulele and how they apply. We run through a brief history of the instrument starting at its beginnings in Hawaii right through its musical evolution to the present time.

• Simple chord and fingering techniques are demonstrated and these are introduced to a song which we aim to have the student being adequately able to play at the end of the workshop. Additional chords will be added and worked around some more songs enabling the student to take away material he can work upon and practice further at home. All printed musical material will be supplied.

• We follow a workshop agenda but allowance is given for flexibility according to the dynamic, areas of interest, and ability of the class.

• Information on how and where to access acceptable material of the internet will be given as well as listings of local and overseas ukulele clubs and identities. During the workshop, short video clips will be shown on well-known and excellent exponents of the ukulele around the world.

• The emphasis is on having fun and being given the knowledge of how to continue your learning experience by yourself. You will be playing your first tunes within minutes. Ideally, classes range between 5 and 12 students.

Learning Outcomes:

• To be able to play a variety of chords;
• Thus enabling the student to play in a few different keys;
• The student will be able to play a few different strum styles relevant to the song style and tempo;
• The ability to read song sheets written for the ukulele;
• The above outcomes will produce the capability to begin to play several different tunes by the end of the course;
• The student will be able to explore further ways to learn new songs and improve his playing ability;
• Knowledge obtained on the world of ukulele, ie artists, events, instrument availability, recorded material, film, websites, and club activity;
• The student will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of how the ukulele can provide fun and entertainment.

Workshop Subjects:

1. Sounds and songs;
2. Musical styles through the years;
3. Styles and techniques;
4. The 4 basics types of ukulele;
5. Examples of the many makes, brands, and structures;
6. The history;
7. The performers;
8. Tuning the ukulele;
9. Holding the ukulele;
10. Simple chord shapes and techniques;
11. Tunes in various keys and the chords needed;
12. An understanding of the various chord groupings;
13. The basic strum;
14. Alternative strums;
15. Your first song;
16. Extending to other songs/styles;
17. What to find on the internet;
18. Where to further develop your interest.

Subjects 8 to 14 are introduced from early in the workshop with the earlier subjects scattered throughout the session to maintain interest and variety, as well as some of the practical aspects being repeated.

What to bring:

• Students may bring their own Ukulele however a basic and pre-tuned and pre-settled-in uke can be purchased from the tutor for $40 or you may select from a choice of quality instruments offered by the Tutor at the first session with experienced advice from the Tutor as to the right Ukulele for you.
• Notes will be provided. You do not need to be able to read music to play Ukulele.

About the Tutor:

‘With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Lindy is a seasoned performer, an experienced tutor, and workshop facilitator. She is a high-profile member of the ukulele community in New South Wales and, as lead singer for rock-folk ukulele band, FOK ROK, she is a regular fixture at festivals all over the state. In 2020, for the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival, the biggest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, FOK ROK was one of the headline acts and the band was featured on ABC Radio 702. Lindy is also co-owner of Circle Music in Botany where she teaches ukulele and runs the monthly Ukulele Circle, a popular group play-along.’ Lindy

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled prior to the commencement and you will be informed.