Ukulele Lessons in Ellicott City, MD

This class is intended for those who have never played a `ukulele, a beginner or continuing student. Yao will learn how to hold, tune, and play the `ukulele for sing-alongs. Basic theory such as rhythmic values (whole, half, quarter, eighth notes), time signatures, etc. will be introduced. You should be able to play several different basic strumming styles, read and understand `ukulele chord charts, transpose songs into other keys, and play along to a large selection of songs, or play at least one song all the way through!

For intermediate students, you will work on more advanced arrangements of songs, strumming styles, increase your chord vocabulary and generally gain a greater knowledge of the `ukulele. You will also learn how to read tablature to play simple melody lines. It will help if you are familiar with the following music theory concepts: key signature (especially the keys of C, F, and G), time signature (3/4, 4/4 and 6/8), and rhythmic values including whole, half, ...

Experienced Ukulele instructor of over 8 years. All ages and skill levels welcome! I always cater the lessons to the goals of the students. Each lesson will be full of new material to help solidify great technique and musicality while encouraging creativity with the instrument. I've taken classes from Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute, as well as through private instruction over the last 11 years. As a writer and performer of over 5 years, I have expertise in songwriting and performance (I even got the opportunity to play for Slash of Guns n' Roses!). I strive to help students develop not only as a musician, but as an artist. Let's get started!

A great instrument to play! And LOTS of fun. You can be up and playing basic ukulele in a very short time, and as you progress, we will add all the rhythmic strums that make the ukulele come alive. The ukulele can cover almost every style of music there is...from traditional Hawaiian music to rock!... and everything in between. Let me show you how to express your inner musician with the ukulele. You will have a blast!

I teach beginners and intermediate students how to get around on the ukulele and have fun playing songs they want to learn.

I like to make learning an instrument fun and easy to fit into your schedule!

If you're an adult finally getting around to learning your dream instrument or a child following your passion of playing music I tailor your lessons specifically to you. We look at what you want to play, pick specific songs that you want to learn, and learn the techniques you need to play these songs. It sounds simple, but it's so effective and much more fun to learn this way!

Lessons with Michael begin with simple chord shapes and strumming to start a students journey quickly to learning songs. Ukulele is a less-physical instrument compared to other stringed instruments and heavily prevalent in modern popular music, thus making a great instrument for young students.