June Finger-style Uke - Bass Line Fingerstyle Uke
Mondays 11 AM & 5 PM Pacific Time June 5, 19 & 26

Description: Using an original song Never Too Old for Love (Joy/Fitchett/Stauffer) you will learn how to be a full accompaniment using mainly 2 strings, sometimes 3. You’ll learn a distinctive “bass line” which adds a quirky personality to the music, and all of this using some simple chords (mostly in first position). The music was written by bass-player-turned-uke-player Perry Stauffer, who is a major advocate for playing more simply in order to sound more complex. You’re going to love this cute little song :)

Skills acquired: Greater understanding of harmonies Understanding of grouping intervals two strings at a time Right hand arpeggio practice Basic music theory reinforcement

Prerequisites: Able to read Tab Adventurous spirit

June Blues Uke - Kansas City Tuesdays 11 AM & 5 PM Pacific Time The evening class is a repeat of the morning. Students are welcome to attend either or both. June 6, 20 & 27

Description: Learn "Kansas City" finger-style. Perry has done a really cool arrangement of this one, and we're sure you're going to love it.

Skills and Concepts: Keeping it simple Three-finger pinch Flat tire rhythm Blues form Elements of Country Blues Nashville Number System Tablature The Major Pentatonic & Blues Scales Literally the song, "Kansas City"

Prerequisites: There are no hard requirements, but we strongly recommend basic TAB reading and basic understanding of Nashville Number System.

June Jazz Uke - Stardust Wednesdays 11 AM & 5 PM Pacific Time The evening class is a repeat of the morning. Students are welcome to attend either or both. June 7, 21 & 28

Description: I’ve wanted to teach Stardust for a long time, and this June it’s finally going to happen. Written by Hoagy Carmichael and performed by two of my favorites, Nat King Cole and Willie Nelson, this will be inspiring, challenging and fun. We’ll learn to sing and play it, and pick up some jazz harmony and chord melody skills along the way.

Areas of Focus: Chord Melody Jazz Harmony Laying back

Prerequisites: There are no hard requirements, but we strongly recommend basic TAB reading and basic understanding of Nashville Number System.

May Beginner - Easy Chord Melody Construction Thursdays 11 AM Pacific Time June 1, 8 & 22

Description: At times, we yearn to break away from the crowd and indulge in playing music solo. With Chord/Melody style, you can effortlessly play both the melody and chords simultaneously. I have conducted the introductory version of this class multiple times. However, in this month's session, we will briefly revisit the three essential "rules" before diving head first into Sting's mesmerizing track, "Fields of Gold”. We will begin from scratch by identifying the melody, compiling the chords, and then combining them using our “rules”.. My aim is to equip you with the skills and confidence to create your unique rendition of any song you desire.

As a bonus, when you enroll in this class, you will also receive the videos and materials from my previous "Building Your Own Chord Melody Solo" class. This will allow you to start practicing with the classic tune "Happy Birthday" and work on your skills for the upcoming class in the following weeks.

Skills acquired: Ear training Greater understanding of chord inversions Ability to recognize which notes to leave out

Prerequisites: Tab reading Basic 1st position chords Experience with my previous class “Build Your Own Chord Melody Solo” class (included with purchase).

June Bass - Walking Bass Line Vocabulary - Jazz Standards TBA Thursdays 5 PM PST June 1, 8 & 22

Description: Take your bass lines to the next level! In this class, you'll discover how to create mesmerizing walking bass lines using a variety of techniques including scales, arpeggios, approach notes and more! We’ll enhance our jazz walking bass repertoire with more jazz classics, which are to be announced. In the meantime, your requests are welcome!

Skills and Concepts: Walking in Place Walking the 1-6-2-5 The perfect circle of fifths Secondary Dominants Walking on a dominant Enclosures Swing Rhythm Nashville Number System Tablature

Prerequisites: There are no hard requirements, but we strongly recommend basic TAB reading and interest in exploring walking bass.

Single/Couple Full Academy One-Month Pass  With your Full Academy One-month Pass purchase (single or couple) you will receive:   * Access to every class we teach (Finger style, Roots, Modern, Beginner, Bass)  * Downloads of each class recording and material for class, including PDF’s, audio tracks and Guitar Pro files.  * Access to the Celebrity Guest Workshop of the month    * A $10 “Loyalty Layaway” credit toward the purchase of a new ukulele/bass  from our Reverb store * Access to the 2020, 2021 & 2022 class archives; a treasure trove of over 100 videos/PDFs/ audio tracks/ Guitar pro files    * An invitation to join Starlight Open Mic (usually 4th Wednesday of every month)

Single/Couple Full Academy One-Month Pass  With your Full Academy One-month Pass purchase (single or couple) you will receive:   * Access to every class we teach (Finger style, Roots, Contemporary, Beginner, Bass)  * Downloads of each class recording and material for class, including PDF’s, audio tracks and Guitar Pro files.  * Access to the Celebrity Guest Workshop of the month    * A $10 “Loyalty Layaway” credit toward the purchase of a new ukulele/bass  from our Reverb store * Access to the 2020, 2021 & 2022 class archives; a treasure trove of over 100 videos/PDFs/ audio tracks/ Guitar pro files    * An invitation to join Starlight Open Mic (usually 4th Wednesday of every month)