Well folks, it’s almost 3 years since I’ve posted here….there have been many life changing events, Covid being a big one, and performance and ukulele teaching went through some major hibernation. Fast forward to 2024 ….my husband and I made the best decision ever to move to beautiful Prince Edward Island, where I previously spent numerous happy summers playing “Marilla” in the iconic stage musical “Anne of Green Gables”. We bought a sweet house in Stratford, survived Fiona, the worst hurricane in Maritime history, and are still so happy to be here! I’m finally preparing to start teaching again – Woohoo!! – workshops and private students, Island-style! So stay tuned!

Well…’it’s been a year’, hasn’t it? Here’s hoping that you and yours are faring well in these crazy times. I shocked myself today on discovering I hadn’t posted here since last Christmas! Gosh. I think I’m not alone in finding it difficult to keep track of time these days! Thankfully, I’ve been blessed to have had many private Skype students over these past 2 years to ease the blaring absence of smiling strummers crowded around my dining room table every week. I’ve missed that wholeheartedly, and look to the day when we can sing and play together again.

‘So now it is Christmas….’, sang Mr. Lennon, and again I’m going to say that if you’re hankering to learn a few Xmas tunes, I’m your gal! I’ve got a long illustrious list, from the obscure to the classic, from pop to jazz to corny cheese, as well as a few Hanukah songs. We can do Skype, Zoom or FaceTime, and you don’t even have to get out of your onesies!

AND, as always, if you’re stuck for a gift idea, a brand new ukulele [ooh, lucky, lucky!] and a gift certificate for one or more private Ukeology lessons would make even the Grinchiest loved one SMILE!
**[virtual lessons are for ages 12 and up]   

My Special Skype rates are still as follows:

$25 / One 30 min. lesson    
$115 / package of Five 30 min. lessons
$40 / One 60 min. lesson
$185 / package of Five 60 min. lessons

So as Charlie Brown said,” Christmas time is here…” , and normally I would be getting ready for my yearly festive workshop. Alas, Covid has said “NO groups, NO singing, NO fun!” Sheesh. So, how about learning a few Christmas songs on your ukulele solo! I’m happy to say I still offer private lessons via Skype, FT and Zoom, and can confidently boast that I have the most extensive list of great Xmas tunes anywhere…classic, cheesy, hip, jazzy…. I got ’em all!
AND if you’re racking your brain for Christmas gifts ideas, how about a brand new ukulele (oh boy, oh boy!) and a gift certificate for one or more lessons! I say anything that induces smiles these days is GOOD!! Music = Joy. Simple. 

Last Sunday, I taught 10 brand new players the basics, and they left here smiling and proud. If you’re a Newbie who is hankering to learn more, here’s your chance!

Are you having trouble finding just the right case for your precious wee uke? Behold this hip, handmade knitted case, made by my dear pal and Canada’s beloved ‘ToolGirl’, Mag Ruffman. She kindly provided the link to the pattern she used, so have a look. And if you don’t knit, may I suggest a ‘felted’ version. Felting works by taking a pure wool knitted object (like all those gorgeous sweaters you accidentally ruined over the years!) and purposely shrinking it! This is done by soaking in hot water and putting in the dryer. Once the wool has shrunk and matted, you can then cut it into shapes and sew it – into a ukulele case! There are thousands of articles on the internet about felting if this appeals. Meantime, be inspired by Mag’s gorgeous bag, I was.

http://knitty.com/ISSUEss11/PATThanahou.php

Hello Friends! Alas, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted here. Been a busy girl, busy actress and musician…making a living! The Ukulele Sessions continue to thrive every Tuesday in Newmarket from 7:30-8:30, an hour long weekly workshop, 2 new songs every week from every genre and era. If you play a little and would like to learn more in a casual group atmosphere, my house is the place! 

Please note that the web address for this site is no longer ukeology.ca or .com.
It has officially been changed to ukeology.net!

Meanwhile, got a ukulele and don’t know what to do with it? Need a brush up cuz your uke’s been in the closet for years?

In this fun, inspiring 2-Hour Crash Course for Total Beginners, we’ll cover basic tuning, strumming and chording, and learn 2 or 3 songs. I promise you’ll leave with the healthiest addiction you’ve ever had! 

This class only happens once a year – an awesome opportunity for ukulele players of various levels to learn some fabulous holiday tunes, get 2 hours of focused instruction, sing to their hearts content, and have some good ol’ Christmassy fun with fellow Uke Merry Makers.
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COST is $60 and includes holiday munchies, Hot Spiced Apple Cider, and a kick-ass, not-to-be-rivaled Complimentary Chorded Xmas Songbook with 20 of the Coolest Yule tunes ever…. a gift to enjoy for years of Christmases to come. HoHoHo!!
                     Space is limited, so register soon!

DATE:   Tuesday, December 19
TIME:   7:00 – 9:00
PLACE:   157 Queen St., Newmarket, L3Y2E9
COST:   $60

Have a listen and see how few chords it takes to play a sweet classic song! And if you like the oldies, tune in to “Your All Time Classic Hit Parade” Fridays at 8:30 on Vision TV.

THE ENLIGHTENED BEGINNNER – a player who has some basic experience, perhaps taken the Newbie class with me, or has learned a few chords and tunes on their own but still feel like they’ve just begun. Also good for the uke ‘dabbler’ who has left it for awhile and needs some refreshing.

IF THIS IS YOU, JOIN US IN NEWMARKET ON WEDNESDAY, OCT.11!

Hey Folks,
This fall, there are 3 chances to dive in and get happier with your ukulele, in both Toronto and Newmarket. If you’re unsure as to where you fit, check the CLASSES page for a description of the skill levels. Hope to see you in October!

2-HR. CRASH COURSE for TOTAL NEWBIES
This is for the Absolute Beginner. We’ll start from scratch, cover basic tuning, strumming and chording, and send you home with 2-3 songs under your belt and a certified addiction.  Life will never be the same!
DATE: Sunday, Oct.22
TIME: 2:00 – 4:00
LOCATION: 191 Albany Ave, TORONTO
COST:  $60
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3-HR. INTENSIVE for ADVANCED BEGINNERS
In this Workshop, we’ll taste a little jazz and blues from past decades, with more challenging chords and techniques. Here’s a chance to push your limits. Send me a wish list of dream tunes, and depending on class size and difficulty, I’ll try to include as many requests as possible.  
DATE: Sunday, Oct.15
TIME: 2:00 – 5:00
LOCATION: 148 Coldstream Ave., TORONTO
COST: $85
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ENLIGHTENED BEGINNERS WORKSHOP
You’ve taken my Newbie Crash Course or a few lessons elsewhere. . . or you’ve taught yourself on Youtube – uh oh. You’ve learned the basic chords: (C, Am, F, G, G7), simple strumming, and how to tune your ukulele. Almost. And you’re saying “Now what?” In this class, you’ll learn more chords, more tunes, and up your skills to the next level. 
I welcome your song requests!  
DATE: Wednesday, October 11
TIME: 7:00 – 9:00
LOCATION: 157 Queen St., NEWMARKET
COST: $50
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PAYMENT VIA CHEQUE, CASH, or eTRANSFER and must be received before class date to assure a spot.
No refunds within 2 days before class date.
TO MAIL CHEQUE: : 157 Queen St., Newmarket, ON, L3Y2E9