Welcome | Cali Rose

Welcome to my website and blog!

Singer, ukulele and piano player, teacher, songwriter, entertainer and recording artist. What fun!

New video! Cali Rose teaches UKC Academy workshop!

Join Cali Rose as we learn to play and sing her tune “OO-KOO-LAY-LAY” — with all kinds of ways to fancy things up! You can find the sheet music here. The Ukulele Kids Club is an international organization that has helped thousands of children around the world to overcome the stress and anxiety of serious physical and mental health conditions. Check out their website and their YouTube page for more tutorials—and register for an upcoming workshop! View more of Cali’s Tutorials here.

Cali Rose featured in OokTown’s Ukulele Podcast

Coming to you straight outta Culver City, Cali Rose comes to talk to us about the beginnings of The CC Strummers, affirms the power of the ukulele in music therapy, and takes us through her journey from studying nursing to full-time musician. Hosts: Stuart Yoshida, Doug Brown. Watch on YouTube or Listen on iTunes.

New ukulele tutorials posted!

Featured tutorial: Let’s waltz! Cali helps you add some waltz skills to your ukulele playing with strumming and fingerpicking patterns in 3/4 time. View all tutorials.

lots of people in squares using zoom to have ukulele classes

Zoom classes and lessons

Learn ukulele and have some fun! Donation-based Zoom classes for beginners and intermediates—open to the public! More info.

The CC Strummers… in the news!

A great video story by Kristopher Gee about Cali Rose and The CC Strummers – read it here!

“When describing Cali Rose, the words “wacky” and “zany” come to mind…unexpectedly good music backing up the jokes…”

— Dr. Davis

Thank you once again, Cali, for sharing your special magic and the magic of the ukulele!

—N.

“Hi young lady – I wear a size 10 shoe, and I have forever – big feet give us a good foundation and able to deal with life with all its good and bad surprises.”

— Janet F.

I owe my music to you, your charm, loan of a uke and endless enthusiasm gave me a new lease on life. Thank you thank you thank you!

— T.

And I love your wonderful classes that I join every Thursday! A real highlight of my week, whether I’m in Cambridge, Cape Cod, or more recently NYC.

—L on the East Coast

“I really liked your CD. My 2 favorites were by you; Set Your Tushie Down and Maui Nights.”

— Peggy K.

Loved the documentary, and You, Miss lovely singer, player, entertainer! I hope it inspires others to sing for those who think they’re forgotten. You’ve woken my inner musician, inspired my progress and are responsible for a lotta lonely folks letting music into their hearts and lives.

—T.O.

“I absolutely love it! The song selection, vocals and musicianship are nothing less than stellar.”

— Bruce B.

Thanks for your ongoing fabulousnous and loving leadership in our uke community. A community that continues to grow at your helm.

—N.

I was in your Boulevard Music ukulele class yesterday, and I just wanted to let you know how excited and happy it made me. I think you’re a terrific teacher, and I’m looking forward to the next three weeks, and beginning, in those weeks, to learn to play the ukulele. Thanks…

—Jane S. 1/14

Please know how much your spirit touches us and helps us to keep (or try) our own spirits up. You have a very important place in this world and I hope the Zoom classes help to keep your spirits up too!

—B.

Thanks for one of the few “bright spots” I look forward to every week!! Plus, I’m saving gas, wear and tear on my car and getting more sleep.

—L.

During this terrible year you and the ukulele have been my sunshine! Keep shining spreading joy and laughter.

—A.

Thanks, Cali, for all you do to keep us happy, playing our ukes, during the pandemic.

—L.B.

Brava! The documentary really touched me, especially, since I and my “girlfriends” are at the end of our 7th decade and will be moving into our 8th next year. We aren’t able to get together as we once did because of transportation and physical issues. But I know we…

—L.K.

Your song “Something Wonderful Happened Today” was SO GOOD. Seriously, I was stunned at how terrific you are on ukulele. After I watched and listened to you, I told my wife that you’re an amazing ukulele musician. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. Cheers.

—B., Ukulele Kids Club Academy Workshop

“I listened to “Are You Having Any Fun?” and I truly had fun listening. I laughed and nearly cried. Your music Cali gives so much, a whole philosophy, your personality, as well as pleasure. I so enjoyed.”

— Leslie W.

“We fully appreciate your lovely renditions, plus you really transfer your unique touch to the instrument as it sings along with your vocals!”

— Rick and Jill S.

Thank you for all your work and compassion for your students, who range from those with the price tags still on their instruments (metaphor stolen from a bluegrasser) to professionals. As for me, you took a woman with a desire to learn from playing to performing. Because of…

— Bluegrasser T

Thank you so much, Cali. Your classes are so enjoyable and it is a pleasure to be in your presence . I really look forward to your class.

—D.H.

I’m loving the CC Strummers more and more every day. Thanks for allowing me to be an honorary member!!

—N.

I SO enjoyed your workshops last weekend, as well as my colleagues from R. Cucamonga Senior Center. We shared with our teacher/facilitator (she had to cancel out). She’s now having me help teach the strums. Believe it or not, within 2 practice sessions at home, I had a break-through….

— Joyce P.

Thank you for your teaching and your music. I smile and laugh all the way through the lesson.

—L.

Wow, what an impressive list of songs that you have taught us starting last April when I joined you on Zoom. You’re such a highlight of the week. My husband has noticed a dramatic improvement in my playing and technique.

—T.

“Singing is like taking your voice on a joy ride to lift the blood and tears of life. Without music, I couldn’t bear the stress.” —Winston Churchill. Cali, thanks for bringing music to our lives. (more…)

—B.

“Well I said I L O V E your website and I do and I also applaud your one-woman-do-it-all approach, going to the care homes and connecting with your CDs and upbeat attitude, so very important, as you said, in these challenging of all times. Looking forward to your…

— L. S.

Your classes are so much fun and informative. I so look forward to every class and really missed them when I didn’t have my iPad.

—L.K.

“Had no idea you play the uke! Loved the Oo-Koo-Lay-Lay song!!! You have a wonderful touch – the intro on “The Fishing Hole” is just gorgeous!”

— Mahalo, Kelli G.

I’m thoroughly enjoying these classes! Thank you for all the time you put into these workshops, classes, gig’s (latest flash mob was the best!), music arrangements and everything else you do for us.

—Susan C. 5/16

I have come to greatly appreciate the time and effort you take to select songs, transpose to an easy voice range, chart for easy uke playing. and print out for the class. great fun!

—Val 11/13

Cali’s version of Chopsticks

Cali sings her own song “Smile, Smile, Smile

This Morning Something Wonderful Happened to Me (I Woke Up)

Cali Rose plays “The Way You Look Tonight” on piano

View more videos

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Video tutorials

Pick up new ukulele skills at your own pace. Chords, embellishments and more!

Cali’s schedule

Zoom classes, workshops, appearances and more!

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Donations

Suggested donation per Zoom class is $5. Read about the preparation that goes into each class.

e-Newsletter

The CC Strummers

Cali leads this ukulele group and teaches two weekly Zoom classes. Players local to the Culver City area are welcome to join our in-person jams.

Teaching

Cali teaches private lessons online and hosts fun group workshops and strum-alongs.

In the news

Cali was recently the featured instructor at a Ukulele Kids Club event. Read more!

Cali’s blog

Read the latest stories and musings from Cali Rose. Sign up and get them delivered to your inbox, too!

Cali’s Blog

A SMACK GOES VIRAL AND THE STORIES WE TELL

ByCali Rose April 2, 2022April 4, 2022

8 Comments

I’m watching the Academy Awards, answering emails and cleaning my desk. That’s when I see Jada Pinkett Smith, sitting in the swanky front row with her husband Will Smith. The next presenter, Chris Rock, lays into her with a lame joke about her hair. She’s rolling her eyes and looking very pissed-off. Hubby is laughing, kind of fakey-like. Until he isn’t. That’s when he bounds on stage, all huffy-puffy, and smacks Chris Rock in the noggin. My computer screen goes … Read More

ONE YEAR LATER

ByCali Rose March 12, 2022March 14, 2022

25 Comments

One year ago, Friday, March 12, 2021, I had big plans for the day — two Zoom gigs and a Covid surge take-out dinner with my sweetie, wrapped and ready to go from our favorite Mexican Restaurant, Paco’s Taco’s.

But…

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,” wrote John Lennon. Instead of enchiladas, I stared down a baby bowl of tepid vegetable soup that a guy from dietary delivered to my hospital room.

CARDIAC REHAB –THE GRAND FINALE OR HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE DUMBBELLS AND TRIGGER BALLS

ByCali Rose October 6, 2021March 1, 2022

20 Comments

The staff in Cardiac Rehab at UCLA offered me a cap and gown for this momentous occasion: Graduation. I thought they were kidding. They weren’t kidding nor were they laughing as hard as I was…

KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP

ByCali Rose September 12, 2021March 1, 2022

0 Comments

Big fun happenings are happening in my world and I want to keep YOU in the loop! This Thursday, September 16, 2021, from 5:00 to 6:00pm (PST), I am the guest teacher at The Ukulele Kids Club Academy. It’s FREE and online! So all you have to do is sit your butt down and play along. I remember the first class I taught with the UKC Academy because so many of you showed up and it just felt like home.

THIS MORNING SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENED TO ME

ByCali Rose July 18, 2021March 1, 2022

8 Comments

My relationship with time has always been a little wobbly but since the pandemic, wobbles have turned into free-falls and bumpy rides through the land of “what is time anyway?”

This is my way of saying I don’t remember when “that morning” happened. Was it spring, summer, fall, winter? I don’t know. But it’s easy to flash back to the moment.

PUT YOUR OWN HEART FIRST

ByCali Rose June 19, 2021March 1, 2022

2 Comments

My phone alarm goes off at 5:30am. I am jolted awake by Al Jarreau crooning his song Mornin’ because it sure is… I’ve been doing this “deliver-the-newspaper-kind-of-early” for the last couple of months so I can get to Cardiac Rehab on time every Monday and Wednesday.