Ukulele Lessons in Chandler, AZ

Build a foundation of techniques to be able to play riffs, scales, chords and songs as quickly as possible. Build strength and dexterity through different patterns and have an overall understanding of how the instrument works and how to be creative with it.

Ukulele students start with five subjects.

1) Technique is concerned with the development of the physical mechanics involved in playing the instrument.

2) Scales are a part of basic music vocabulary and building blocks of the musical language.

3) Chords are also basic vocabulary of the musical language.

4) Note reading is not required for every student. It really depends on the students' goals. However, I strongly encourage everyone learn to read musical notation, (more than tablature). Literacy in reading music is analogous to literacy in reading in our English language. Can you imagine how much smaller our world would be if we couldn't read?

5) Songs utilize the skills and concepts of all the previously mentioned subjects and are the goal of studying music. The student chooses what songs they want to play, guided by my suggestions; Jazz, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, R &B - "How deep is the ocean, how high is the sky?"

A beginning student will practice ...

I have been teaching ukulele since 2014. I teach in a therapeutic style, using my music therapy training to be as observant, adaptive and flexible as I need to be for the student's benefit. I teach at the student's pace and to their interests, while building their musicality, music theory, and performance skills. I often incorporate singing into ukulele lessons as well. 1-2 times a year, we work towards building a repertoire of 1-4 pieces (depending on the student) to play at a local assisted living facility or skilled nursing facility.

Students will gain an understanding of the anatomy of the instrument, chording and strumming, and how to read charts and learn their favorite songs.

The goal I have for my students is that they will fall in love with music. From the beginning my students will develop skills in :

-Theory
-Improvisation
-Note reading
-Composition
-Ear training
-Musical Interpretation
-Confidence and poise
-Initiative
-Attention span and concentration
-Visual and aural memory
-Time management and organizational skills

I primarily focus on popular music styles, but I do offer a classical focus if the student has interests in that realm. I primarily teach via the discovery method; Which makes learning more active so that the students grasp concepts more effectively and develop the ability to learn independently.

I understand that every student's interests, goals and learning styles vary. As an instructor I teach accordingly with custom made lesson plans that cater to who you are as a student. Whether you are studying to pursue therapeutic/recreational goals or studying to pursue professional endeavors I will help you get there.

I teach all the way to the Intermediate level and have a good understanding of the primary chords and scales of the Ukulele.