Workshops 2009

For a printable version of the schedule, click here:

2009 Workshop Schedule

 Class Levels

Let’s start with a word or two about class “levels.” The reason for assigning levels to workshops is not to discourage you from taking a workshop because it may be too easy or too hard, but rather to make sure you go where you will be comfortable and and have the most opportunity to advance.  There is no test, so feel free to attend any workshop you like. Having said that, here are some general guidelines to help you figure out which workshops might be most appropriate for you.

All Levels  You don’t even need to own an ‘ukulele to come to one of these classes, which are designed to have a little something for everyone, from the “newbie” to those ready for Carnegie Hall.

Level 0  You may or may not own an ‘ukulele, have never played before, but it sure looks like fun.  (There’s no description for it here, but you probably want to pay a visit to Frank Novicki’s “Rapid-Uke 101″ booth at the festival for a 30-minute primer.)

Level 1  If you just got a ‘ukulele and maybe have a few chords under your belt, but still hesitate beween chord changes, this is where you belong.

Level 2  If you know a handful of chords and can move from one chord to another without having to think about it too much, but you still need chords written out over the words for each song, you’re at Level 2. As far as strumming goes, you may have one or two strumming patterns in your repertoire, but that’s about it.

Level 3  If you can hold a steady rhythm, are competent with a variety of basic chords such as A, Am, A7, Bb, C, C7, D, D7, Dm,  Em, E7, F, F7, G, and G7), can sing and strum at the same time, and learn new chords fairly quickly, this is where you belong.

Level 4  At this level you can hear I, IV, and V chords (and know what that means), you have mastered some chord inversions, and you know there is life above the fifth fret and have been there with barre or 4-fingered closed chords.

With that, here we go.

 

Moe Dixon

Tricks and Licks

You just can’t keep a good man down—especially if that man is Moe Dixon. After a lifetime of playing and mastering the guitar he made the jump (relatively recently) to the ‘ukulele and brought all the tricks and licks he learned on the guitar with him.  Now he’s ready to share them, with a passion, particularly to beginning students.  In this workshop Moe will teach the “finger-style” approach to blues and rag-time, an approach that will definitely get anyone to the next level with music we all adore.  Here’s what he says: “We forget first-year players are scared to death; they think you’re taking them skydiving. I want to show them it’s FUN.” Be prepared to be inspired. (Level 1-2)

 

Dominator

Taming Tunes with Technology 

It’s a great song—you saw it on YouTube or have it on a CD.  But how can you make yourself sound like that? In this workshop, Dominator will show you the techniques, computer tricks, and helpful tips that will help you learn to play your favorite songs like, well, James Hill!  Or Iz! Or Paul McCartney! Using currently available computer software, Dominator will show you how to hone in on those difficult, single-note passages or that one particular chord voicing that you just can’t quite nail down.  This is a rare opportunity to tap into Dominator’s wealth of knowledge and learn from the ‘ukulele master of computer transcriptions.  As a bonus, each registered workshop participant will be eligible to win one of two copies of “Transcribe!” the software by Seventh String that Dominator will be demonstrating during the workshop. (All levels)

 

Steven Espaniola

Hawaiian Strumming Patterns

Many beginning and intermediate players are so focused on what their left hand is doing that they completely forget there’s another set of fingers at the end of their right arm! In this workshop, Steven Espaniola will fix that by teaching the various strumming techniques and rhythmic patterns that emphasize the beauty of Hawaiian music while covering all of the strums used on his CD, “Ho’omaka,” and more. While the workshop is generally geared toward intermediate players, Steven can also tailor it towards any beginning players who want to learn this enchanting style. (Level 1 -3)

 

James Hill

Ukulele: Pass It On

Sooner or later, you’ll be playing your ‘ukulele and someone will say to you, “That looks like fun. Can you show me how to play?”  And just like that, you’ll find yourself in the role of a ‘ukulele teacher.  Indeed, teaching others how to play is part of what it means to be a ‘ukulele player.  But why take chances? In this class you will learn tried-and-true teaching strategies from one the masters of the craft. You’ll also walk away with lots of fun, gratifying songs to teach students of all ages and stages.  So whether you’re sitting at home teaching a grandchild, niece or nephew, or standing at the front of a classroom with 30 students, this workshop is for you. (Level 2-4)

Secret Strums That Could Change Your Life  

Here’s your chance to learn some of James’ signature techniques including finger-twisters like the “mono-strum,” the “stop triple,” and the “double-down”!  You’ll discover new twists on blues, calypso, traditional, and jazz tunes and might even be surprised at how simple some of these “advanced” strums can be. If you have ever seen James play in person, you know he has it down. Even so, teaching is his passion, his style is engaging, and you’ll come away from this workshop with plenty of material to work with.  (Level 2-4)

 

Kimo Hussey

Kani Ka Pila – Traditional Hawaiian Songs

Here is a rare opportunity, indeed, to kani ka pila with the legendary Kimo Hussey, co-author of the “big blue book,” He Mele Aloha.  Kimo will lead you through a number of traditional Hawaiian songs, helping you with chords, strumming patterns, melody, and pronunciation. And, when the kani ka pila is over, you will have an opportunity to hang-out with Kimo and get help with anything you need. You can even bring him any ‘ukuleles you’re thinking about buying for an honest evaluation.  (All levels)

 

Michelle Kiba

Tunes Uke Can Dance To

“Tall and tan and young and lovely, the girl from Ipanema goes uking…..” Who says you can’t play bossanova with a ‘ukulele? If any one can teach you how, it would be the Ukalady herself. So get ready to kick up your heels and strum your way through the cha cha, the rumba, and the fox trot, with favorite dance-time classics such as  “All of Me,” “ I’ll See You in My Dreams,  and “Something Stupid.”  While you’re at it you’ll learn a few twists that would make Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire take note……“so why not take all of me?” (Level 2-3)

Swing Repertoire

It’s “Swing Time in Honolulu.”  No doubt about it.  Swing is in! Here’s a chance to get a handle on a couple of swing-time tunes with your ‘ukulele and learn the rhythm and the beat (and a few key chords) that make this music so endearing and enduring.  How about a little “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” or “Honeysuckle Rose” on the ‘ukulele? How sweet is that?  And the good news is, it’s not as hard as it sounds. In no time at all, Michelle will have you swinging and singing like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. (Level 2-3)

Hapa Haole Hula

Ever wonder why all those folks doing hula are wearing such a great big smile? It’s because they’re having fun. After this workshop, you, too will be able to jump up and join in the next time someone starts playing “Princess Pupule,”  “The Hukilou Song,” or “Tiny Bubbles.” It’s great exercise, too–for your smile muscles and the rest of your body, as well. And, if you want, you can show your stuff later that night at the Flora Springs Lu’au. (All levels)

 

Gordon & Char Mayer

‘Ukulele Design and Acoustics

Whether or not you’re planning on buying (or building) an ‘ukulele in the near future, you owe it to yourself to know what makes them sing. In this workshop, Gordon & Char Mayer, who design and build Mya-Moe ‘ukuleles, will cover ‘ukulele construction, focusing on how design choices such as wood, bracing, and wall thickness affect the acoustics of the finished instrument. They will also discuss how the musician can vary acoustics and playability simply by which strings they put on their instrument.  Various tuning options, string tensions, and custom string sets will also be examined. At the end, you’ll know what you’re looking for and be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about ‘ukuleles with…just about anyone. (All levels)

 

Brittni Paiva

Music Theory & Improvisation 

If basic chords and a few simple strums come easily to you now, it’s time to move on to a little music theory. But don’t be afraid. Brittni Paiva will guide you gently through the maze of minors, sevenths, and diminisheds and will help you emerge as much better player. You’ll come away with a better understanding of how chords are created and named and why we use chords the way do. With a little theory under your belt, you’ll memorize less, understand more, and be able to play solos in any song and any style with less pain and more fun. (Level 2-3)

 

Liko Puha

Hawaiian Song & Pronunciation

“Sprinkle, sprinkle little jar, How I thunder hot you far.”  A little ridiculous, right?  Well, that’s the kind of nonsense many of us are singing as we bumble our way through the multitude of beautiful songs written in the Hawaiian language. In this workshop, Liko will take us through a couple of Hawaiian songs, help us understand the words and meaning and teach us the correct pronunciation, so our stars can stop sprinkling and start twinkling.  ‘Ukuleles welcome. (All levels)

 

Derick Sebastian

Pā’ani?  Yikes! What do I do?    

O.K.  So you’re sitting there in a song circle and suddenly it’s your turn to “take it away.” What do you do so that you don’t sound like a total Bozo? Actually, it’s not as difficult as it might seem.  In this workshop, Derick Sebastian, a master at improvisation, will teach a few simple (and perhaps some not-so-simple) tricks so that you can use to not  only preserve your self-esteem, but also impress those around you with your fabulous skills the next time it’s your turn to pā’ani with the big boys.  (Level 2-4)

 

Ralph Shaw

How to Build a ‘Ukulele Case

‘Ukulele Strum Shop

In this new workshop, Ralph will teach you how to strum with passion and purpose! Learn how to enhance the songs you play by working with rhythm and dynamics. You will come away not only with several ways to do triplets, rolls,  and vibrato, but you’ll also learn how to apply various techniques such as syncopation, latin rhythm, melody basics, and ornament notes that are appropriate for the song being being played, and you’ll get your left and right hands working together.  This workshop is for people who can already play some songs, but who wish to expand on the variety of their abilities.  The student will come away with not only new strums, but also a better feel for being able to arrange their own songs, from any era,  for the ‘ukulele. (Level 2-3)

Performer’s Workshop  

Don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of professional musicians sitting in this workshop with Ralph Shaw.  He is the consummate entertainer: ready at the drop of a hat, in any situation, to engage his audience, and wow them with whatever follows. In this workshop Ralph will give you the tools you need to make sure the odds are on your side during your next public performance. (What good is working on your music if your presentation falls flat?) He will cover show preparation, creating a set list, microphone technique, connecting to the audience, moving around on stage, stage fright, and (perhaps most important) what to do when things go wrong! You may even have an opportunity to perform in the class and receive some gentle criticism…better here than getting the hook during a live performance! (All levels)

 

Victoria Vox

The Amazing Mouth Trumpet

Did you ever wonder how Victoria Vox does that amazing mouth trumpet-thing?  Well, here’s your chance.  She claims she can teach us how to do it in just 20 to 30 minutes, so it’s something we might offer during the lunch break. Who knows, maybe afterwards we’ll create the only ‘ukulele orchestra in the world with a brass section.  This one is strictly for fun. (All levels)

Make it Yours

Let’s face it.  What we love about Jake Shimabukuro’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” James Hill’s “One Note Samba,” or Victoria Vox’s “Ukulele Lady,” is what they did with it. So, if you really want to play like they do, you need to play like you!  But how do you create your own signature and make a song truly “yours?” In this workshop, Victoria Vox (an original original) will show you how.  She will teach how to “arrange” a song–playing around with tempo, key, time signature, instrumental solos, intros and outros. You will emerge, not sounding like Jake, James, or Victoria, but like you….only better. (Level 2 – 4)

Contemporary ‘Ukulele

This is a new and immensely popular workshop currently being taught by Victoria.  In it, she takes apart some of her original songs and breaks down the syncopated rhythms so that everyone can understand and play them.   Tip #1: The chords are simple; it’s all in the strum. What fun! (Level 1-3)

 

Ukulele Bartt

Liverpool Luau — Beatles for Beginners

Learn the Fab Four on Four Strings! Bartt has put togther some easy-to-play arrangements of favorite Beatle tunes that include some familiar Beatle riffs and a few new strumming techniques that can be used on any song. How about ading those opening riffs from “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds?” to your repertoire? Or “Ticket to Ride” and “Michelle?” You’ll also learn George Harrison’s finger-picking technique from “And I Love Her” and more. It’ll be a very fun sing-and-strum-along, with lyrics and chords provided!  (Level 1-2)

 

Debbie Haumea Aynaga

Hula‘auana: “E Pili Mai” (Come to Me)

`Auhea wale ana `oe
Ku`u lei o ka pô
Pô anu ho`okahi nô au
Sweetheart mine
E pili mai….

Where are you
My sweetheart of the night
The night is cold and I am alone
Sweetheart mine
Come to me….

Debbie will be teaching a simple hula to this beautiful song, written by Larry Lindsey Kimura and Cyril Pahinui, recorded by Keali’i Reichel, and nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004. This is wonderful opportunity for beginning dancers especially to begin to understand and learn the beauty of hula (All levels)