1.) Pineapple Mango: Three-Chord Embellishments

Daniel will show you the many embellishments you can apply to just three chords (G, C, and D)-from the very simple to playing bass and percussion parts on the ‘ukulele all at once! You’ll never be able to approach jam sessions the same way after you gain a better understanding of these compositional elements and techniques.

We will go over:

• How to produce a rich and full tone with your right hand
• Efficient left hand technique
• Emphasizing melodies within strum patterns
• Techniques such as fingerstyle, hammer-ons, and harmonics
• Compositional elements that help accentuate music

1.) Don’t STRUM like a Bum! (Beginner)

Goal: To teach the basic aspects that carry through all strum patterns! Strumming can make or break any song, and you want to make sure all your friends think you are the kewlest Uker around. There are a few simple steps that should streamline your strumming to the next level, learn them here!

Pre-requisites: Be able to switch between some of the basic Major Chords (G, C, A, etc), as well as some barring. Not 100% necessary, but it will allow you to focus on the strumming instead of switching chords.

2.) Top 40 ain’t got nothin’ on my Uke. (Beginner)

Goal: To explain the musical simplicity in so many of Today’s Hits! Everyone has heard a Ukulele play somewhere over the rainbow! How about some Lil’ Wayne, or Drake, or Destiny’s Child? Break the mold, and learn some of the Top 40 on the Ukulele. Make the un-Ukeable, Ukeable!

Pre-requisites: Know some of the popular mainstream music that is played on the radio today! It is hard to learn songs that you aren’t familiar with.

1.) Chord Melody 101

Take the next step in your ukulele journey with this easy to follow introductory workshop to Chord Melody playing. This workshop will cover reading TAB, thumb techniques and fingerpicking techniques, different chord voicings, and other tools necessary for navigating through Chord Melody arrangments. Participants will focus on a variety of songs including “Happy Birthday,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “Something.” Beginners welcome, material will span across several levels.

2.) Chuck ’till you drop: Lessons in Left Hand and Right Hand Chucking

Add some pop in your ukulele playing with this workshop in left hand and right hand chucking. Ukulenny will cover different chucking techniques and apply them to rock, funk, pop, and reggae strum patterns. Songs include “Wipeout,” “Superstitious,” “Hotel California,” and “Three Little Birds.” This workshop is designed for participants who are comfortable with basic chords and strum patterns, and who have some familiarity with barre chords.

1.) Beyond the Basics of Rhythmic Strumming

This workshop taught by Alison Marae is for anyone who wants to learn beyond the basics of strumming with the combination of different strumming patterns and simple percussive strums.

2.) Intermediate Rhythmic Strumming

Alison Marae teaches the combination of different strumming patterns and percussive strums while moving up the fretboard.

1.) Calling all Uke beginners! Ukulele Intro

Calling all Uke beginners! Ukulele Intro: Learn how to hold, tune and strum your uke. Learn basic Major and minor chords and how the make them ring clearly as well as how to change quickly from chord to chord. Learn the parts and notes of your instrument and leave this class with enough understanding and confidence to continue on your own!

2.) Calling all singers!

This class will teach you how to connect your playing with your singing. We will get into chart reading, syncopated strumming patterns and review all Major, Minor and Dominant 7th chords.

3.) Calling all improvisors!

1.) Pick and Strum to chord melody

To learn simple picking patterns that can be used to play chord melodies along with strumming techniques. Printed materials are provided on how to apply this lesson to the song “With a little help from my friends.”

1.) Blues Ukulele

Brought to you by Ronnie Seno, founder/director of San Diego Chapter of the Ukulele Society of America. Join Ronnie in this class for techniquues on cord structors, strumming styles, blues performers styles, and blues lead playing (picking solo). At the conclusion of this workshop join Ronnie as you jam to the blues!