Hi, I’m Alice. I’m an online ukulele teacher from Hamilton, New Zealand.
Music making is sheer fun. It’s also exciting, empowering, connecting, celebratory and healing.
You know music is magic. You wish you could get some of this fun into your life.
But you think you can’t. You’ve tried learning instruments in the past but it was just too hard.
I’d love to help you become a musician.
Playing ukulele is the fastest, funnest way into music making that I’ve ever found.
Find out about working with me here.
Three ways to do everything
On the ukulele, there’s no one correct way to do anything. It’s one of the things I love about this amazing little instrument.
There are always at least three valid, popular options for everything.
Whether it’s fingering chord shapes, holding the ukulele, strumming, the key you play in, how to practice.
Left-handed ukulele tips
If you’re left-handed, you don’t need to buy a special left-handed ukulele. The music world is set up for right handers, but there are plenty of options for left-handed ukulele players.
Reading music and ukulele
A common question from beginner players is: “Do I have to read music?”
You don’t have to be able to read music to play the ukulele.
In this post I discuss the three most common forms of notation that I’ve seen in ukulele playing, and what they’re good for.
Do you need a pick to play ukulele?
Beginners often ask me if they need a pick to play their ukulele. And my answer is, no.
Most people don’t use a pick to play ukulele. But there are a few exceptions.
A pick, also called a plectrum, is a little tear-shaped piece of plastic. Many guitarists play with a pick, depending on the style of music. But most ukulele players don’t.
Ukulele holiday
When you’re travelling, make space for a ukulele in your luggage.
Whether you’re going on holiday, visiting family, or travelling for business, a ukulele will add opportunities for fun to your travels.
If you leave it behind, you’ll miss out on the chance to strum while you’re relaxed and out of your everyday routines.
Songs about rainbows
So many people want to play songs about rainbows!
When I ask adult beginner ukulele players what songs they’d love to play, rainbow songs are top of the list.
There’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. People want to play both the Hawaiian version and the Wizard of Oz version. And “Rainbow Connection”.
What is it with these rainbow songs? I think it’s because they are about optimism in adversity.