Intro to Uke workshop this Sunday (tomorrow)!

I'll be teaching an introduction to ukulele playing workshop at High Strung tomorrow, Sunday, April 26th, 1 - 3 p.m. The cost is $20 for two hours. Get to know your ukulele and discover its potential through melodies, basic chord strumming, rhythm, and ensemble playing. The workshop is aimed at adults and will be useful whether you're a first time player or have recently started playing and want to work on your basics. There will be lots of time for practice and questions.

Please sign up in advance, if possible, through the High Strung web site. Or you can register at the door, starting at 12:30 on Sunday.

Future workshop plans include an advanced beginner workshop for adults, and an introductory workshop for kids.

Ralph Shaw/Joel Eckhaus uke workshop this Thursday

The ukulele workshop with Ralph Shaw and Joel Eckhaus is on for this Thursday at High Strung. Sounds like this workshop will be a chance to learn and practice some great strums. Here's the description from Aaron at High Strung:

Techniques for the Advanced Beginner with Joel Eckhaus and Ralph Shaw. Joel and Ralph will be presenting a workshop for ukulele players of all abilities featuring the strumming techniques, songs, and instrumental solo styles of both Roy Smeck and George Formby. Come ready to push your playing to the next level.

$20
6-7:30pm Thursday, April 16, 2009
High Strung Violins and Guitars 1116 Broad Street, Durham, NC 27705
919-286-3801
email aaron @ highstrungdurham.com

Check the High Strung web site or call them to sign up.

Ralph Shaw is a well known ukulele entertainer who has produced a good series of uke instructional DVDs. For more info on Ralph Shaw:
Check out the bio on his web site (RalphShaw.ca)
And here he is playing Viva Las Vegas on YouTube.

As well as playing uke and teaching workshop, Joel Eckhaus makes great instruments. See them at his Earnest Instruments web site. And here's a little more information about Joel.

Joel Eckhaus has been playing the ukulele for over twenty years. He studied with Roy Smeck (the Wizard of the Strings) and has performed with the Arm & Hammer String Band, the Blue Sky Serenaders, the New York Banjo Ensemble, the Howitzer Mandolin Orchestra, the Neverly Brothers, the Blue Sky Serenaders, the New England New Vaudeville Review and the Pinetones. He currently plays with the Fore River Jazz Band; a ukulele/tap dance duo, Ham & Legs; and his own group, Ukulele Eck and the Fabulous Lacklusters. Joel was a featured performer in the Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum's Ukulele Masters Tour in 1998. Joel operates Earnest Instruments, building ukuleles, mandolins, tenor guitars and other uncommon musical instruments.