THE COURSE:

The ukulele has captured hearts and minds in Maine and around the world! Come join our beginners’ class and share in the joy. The ukulele is versatile and easy to play (if you regularly practice!). You will learn essentials including basic chord positions, strumming techniques and picking styles. This class will give you the tools to play with groups or solo and you don't have to know how to read music! You must have a playable ukulele and an electronic tuner or free ukulele tuning app. If you don't have a uke, let us know when you register and Duncan will be glad to  provide information about how and where to buy one to fit your budget. Learn to play the ukulele! Stimulate your mind and light up your world!

THE INSTRUCTOR:

Duncan Perry, a multi-instrumentalist, has been playing ukulele for 14 years and has so far taught ukulele to over 600 adults up and down the coast of Maine and inland too. He has regularly performed at benefits, elder care venues, in senior programs, and in schools and libraries. In addition to offering instruction through various adult education programs, he has worked with children in several communities. His mission is to spread the joy of the ukulele across Maine!

CLASS:

Classes will be taught live virtually through zoom for 4 consecutive THursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Duncan will log on each class early (around 5:15) to answer any questions, help you tune your ukulele or just to chat. We recommend either a laptop or tablet/iPad to stream the class on zoom. It is possible with a smart phone, but it has proven to be much more challenging for students. You have the option of coming to the SAD1 Adult & Community Education office located at 79 Blake Street, Suite 2 in Presque Isle if technology or internet connection is an issue. Please let us know if we can help!

Ukulele:

You must have access to a ukulele in order to paticipate in the class. Chris Morton at KMH Music Shop in Presque Isle has ukes in stock and ready to purchase! Here are Duncan's recommendation for purchasing a quality uke:

1. Buy from an established local dealer who services what the store sells if you can.     

2. Select a ukulele that you think sounds and feels good. *Most adults prefer a concert or tenor over the soprano uke.     

3. Make sure the dealer performs an inspection to insure that the uke is in top playing condition, with the strings set up properly for YOU (are you left or right handed?), and that the physical condition of the instrument is prefect (good finish -no cracks, dents, dings - straight neck, no jagged fret wires).      

4. Make sure the dealer stands behind the instruments sold in the store.     

5. Don’t forget to get a case or gig bag to protect the instrument.     

6. Buy an electronic tuner or add an app to your i-phone.     

7. Buy a humidifier and use it with distilled water.    

8. It is good, but not essential, to buy a music stand – inexpensive ones can be purchased online.

Please feel free to reach out to Duncan if you have questions. His email is uketime24@gmail.com or cell phone is 207-219-8055.

In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment. Learn to play piano the way professionals do-using chords.  Since this class is being held online with ZOOM you will be able to sit at your piano or keyboard at home and take this course with no pressure at all.  And since this course includes an online book and online follow up video lessons, you will be able to continue your practice and study on your own.  An optional periodic online question and answer session is also included.    A recording of the class is included as well.   The course is partly lecture/demonstration and partly hands on instruction. 

Topics include:

• How chords work in a song     
• How to get more out of sheet music by reading less of it     
• How to form the three main types of chords     
• How to handle different keys and time signatures     
• How to avoid “counting”     
• How to simplify over 12,000 complex chords

Have you ever wanted to learn the guitar but simply find it difficult to find the time?  In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won’t have to take private lessons to do it.  This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your favorite songs right away.  Since this class is being held online with ZOOM, you will be able to sit at home with your guitar and take this class without any pressure at all.   And since the class includes an online book and online follow-up video lessons, you will be able to continue your practice and study on your own.  An optional periodic online question and answer session is also included.   A recording of the class is included as well.  Class limited to 15 students.  For ages 13+. 

Topics include:

•       How chords work in a song
•       How to form the three main types of chords
•       How to tune your guitar
•       Basic strumming patterns
•       How to buy a good guitar (things to avoid)
•       How to play along with simple tunes