Q: what level should i sign up for?

A: i want you to learn solid fundamentals but i don't want you to be bored. sign up for the level you're most comfortable with, and we can move you after the first class to the most suitable level.

Q: do you teach private lessons?

A: no, i believe ukulele is best learned in a group environment, and i'd encourage you to join a group class. playing along with the rhythm of a group makes it easier to learn strum patterns, and it's much more fun to sing and play with a group.

Q: i'm shy - in the group class, do we have to play in front of other people?

A: in a group class, it's pretty hard to hear what each individual is doing, which is kind of by design. you can easily hide in the group if that's what you prefer!

Q: who do you recommend for private lessons?

A: my friend, bandmate, and co-leader of SF Uke Jam Ukulenny teaches private lessons in the Bay Area and via Skype. he also teaches classes in the East Bay. check him out!

Q: are your classes appropriate for children?

A: my classes are geared towards adult learners. young people can take the class if they sign up with an adult/parent - it's more fun to learn together! you can check with Aloha Warehouse in Japantown to see if they know of current keiki classes.

Q: do you teach left-handed? do you teach baritone uke?

A: i teach right-handed and for GCEA tuning. left-handers generally play uke right-handed - it's possible to learn the chord shapes upside down or flipped, but i can only accommodate right-handed teaching in my class. sorry! baritone ukes are tuned differently - baritone players have taken my class but needed to add a capo to match the tuning of the class.

Q: what is parking like at SHARED?

A:there is usually plenty of free street parking in front of SHARED during class times. there can be some extra traffic during baseball season.

Q: i have to miss a class - can you prorate the class fee?

A: as of July 2016, all classes are recorded, so you may catch up on any missed classes via video. i don't offer prorated class fees.

Q: i don't live in San Francisco - can i take the class virtually?

A: i ask that you join Patreon and participate in a Live Lesson or Live Jam before signing up for a virtual class. virtual classes are not for everyone, and Patreon gives you the opportunity to try out the Live Lesson experience before you sign up for the full class.

Q: i'm a beginner - can you recommend a good beginner ukulele?

A: i have found that a concert (medium) size is suitable for most adults. if you're taller/larger or have played guitar before, you might prefer a tenor. sopranos (the smallest size) can be harder to learn on, and most people find they want to upgrade soon anyway.

the best way to know is to visit an uke shop and try holding and strumming a variety of ukes. i recommend visiting a dedicated ukulele shop vs buying online or from a big box music store.

if you don't have an uke shop near you, here are some ukuleles that i like:
BUDGET STARTER UKES under $100: Makai concert, Luna concert, Makai tenor
NICER STARTER UKES over $100: Islander concert, Islander tenor, Makai tenor

everyone should have a clip-on tuner - they work by vibration so they're more accurate than phone apps. I like this one: Snark SN-2

if you're looking for a book of songs, the Daily Ukulele is a great resource for classic and traditional songs, including Beatles and jazz standards. Daily Ukulele
(these are affiliate links, i receive a referral fee if you buy using these links - thank you!)

Q: where can i get an ukulele in San Francisco?

A: in San Francisco, i recommend visiting Aloha Warehouse in Japantown. the owners are nice folks from the islands who will help you find the right fit for you, and they have a lovely selection of fancy handmade ukuleles as well as beginner level ukes. it's always nicer to hold and strum an uke before you buy one.

more questions? email SFUkuleleClasses @ gmail.com