Ukulele with Chris S.

PHILOSOPHY I believe that playing the ukulele is an investment in your (and your family's and your friends') happiness. Though it is a fun, light, and approachable instrument, it can also -- with time and practice -- be played skillfully and technically. APPROACH Where other instructors may just teach songs, I like to explore the "why" of everything: why a G7 instead of just a G? Why a certain strumming pattern? Why does the bridge change the second time around? This way, students pick up a little more theory and technique, making them all-around better musicians, and making it easier to pick up songs on their own. GOAL I think the world would be a happier place if everyone played the uke. Playing it is an act of meditation and mindfulness, it relaxes and centers you when you play. And, yes, it's also great at parties. I want to empower and motivate students to continue learning on their own -- beyond what I'm able to teach -- so that the love of ukulele can spread beyond my reach. ABOUT ME I've been playing uke for a little over five years, but I've been a musician all my life. I played piano when I was younger, then guitar, and eventually bass. I have sung in a few bands and choruses, and I continue to play a variety of instruments today -- though primarily the uke. I picked up my first ukulele on a trip up the Pacific Coast Highway and fell instantly in love with it. I like to play (and sing!) everything from contemporary pop songs to classical. I'm motivated by learning, and as a former high school English teacher and tutor, I know from experience that there's much to learn from teaching.