Explore American history through work songs, songs about work and labor protest anthems. This repertoire class will not only provide with some catchy new songs but will also help you understand the important history and culture behind each one. Expect some harmony singing, a little picking and lots of fun! (All levels)

A sing-along and jam-along finale.

Learn how to personalize a Hawaiian standard and make it your own. Steven dives into the process of arranging Hawaiian songs using various tools such as rhythm, intros, tempo, kaona (hidden meaning) and melody play, so that you can make that classic song your very own! These valuable tools can be used for any genre of music. (Confident Beginner - Intermediate)

Open Mic by sign up in advance.

Clawhammer style is a banjo playing technique that also sounds great on the ukulele. For this workshop, we will get the basic techniques and learn two short tunes. Students will also go home with a series of practice exercises and more tunes for enrichment. (Intermediate - Advanced Intermediate)

Learn techniques to help improve your performance, whether practicing at home, in front of your ukulele group or at a sold out show at Madison Square Garden. The class will learn ways to perform thoughtfully, develop a stage persona, and practice stepping in front of an audience during a mini open mic. This is a great chance for shy players to gain some experience in a fun and friendly environment. (You will not be forced to perform, but will be given an opportunity to try.) A great class to get ready for Saturday night's Camper Cabaret! (All levels)

Do you have a good handle on strumming, but would like to learn to play the melodies of songs on your ukulele? Ben will teach you how to read tablature, a way to read music for the ukulele without having to understand actual music notation. You’ll be playing everything from “You Are My Sunshine” to “Ode to Joy” by the end of class. (Confident Beginner)

Learn 3 of the most widely used strumming patterns in traditional Hawaiian music: Basic, Classic, and Modern. Traditional Hawaiian songs will be used to show the strums in a real world context. Technique will be taught in a fun, kani ka pila type of environment. (Confident Beginner - Intermediate)

The 'ukulele has found its home in the jazz world thanks to some of the greats including Herb Ohta, Benny Chong, and Lyle Ritz. Join us as we dive into the genre and learn some of the vocabulary and techniques that these great players use including comping techniques, how to construct chord solos, and harmony as viewed by an 'ukulele player. So whether you are a soloist or looking to join a jazz jam session on your 'ukulele this class is just for you! An understanding of how chords are constructed will help you get the most out of the class. (Intermediate)

Our great teaching staff will introduce themselves and share a sampling of what they’ll be teaching at camp.

Play & sing along!

This class is a great place for beginners without previous knowledge of music or the ukulele, who would like to keep it simple and focus on strumming and singing. We will learn musical terms and skills associated with the ukulele and work to accomplish small goals to improve your confidence and skill as new player! Learn how to look up songs, make sense of chords, and put it all together to play your first song. (Beginners)

What do songs like “Last Kiss”, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”, “With or Without You”, and “Say Something” have in common? They all use the same four chords. Learn to play every song ever written (well, most of them, anyway) with these “Fantastic Four” chords and find out how to switch keys easily by using the Nashville Numbering System. (Confident Beginner)

One of the defining elements of an ‘ukulele player is the use of the right hand. Many different techniques have been developed over the years that have often elevated ‘ukulele artists to a unique sound of their own. Join us as we explore some of these techniques and some practical uses for them as well. (Confident Beginner)

Sit back and enjoy!

You’ve been playing ukulele for a while and you’re ready to start sharing what you know. Or you’ve already got a group of students and you want to take things up a notch. This workshop will cover the basics of teaching a ukulele class, how to structure your lessons and set goals, and some practical tips for keeping your students engaged and making music. Whether it’s an after school children’s program or an adult community learning group, you’ll have some takeaways you can apply right away in your classes. (Confident Beginner +)

Could Roman numerals change your musical life? Can they help with things like transposition or jamming? Does the thought of something so “music theory-ish” leave you feeling like you’re stuck in a half nelson? In this workshop, we’ll attack the concept of chord identification using Roman numeral notation in music head on. We’ll discuss what they mean, how they’re used, why they’re an important musical concept to know, and test out your new knowledge in some songs and transposing. By the end of the session, you’ll be taking on vi’s and IV’s in a variety of keys like a true heavyweight. Spandex optional. (Confident Beginner +)