I love to teach!

I’ve been a professional musician since I graduated from college and then dropped out of nursing school. Well you have to begin somewhere and I started in piano bars. From dingy dumps to top-of-the food chain and everything in-between. There is no better place to hone your craft, night after night. I sharpened my skills as a singer, musician and entertainer. I accompanied hundreds of singers and learned to whip up an arrangement, on the spot. I also learned how important it is to establish an atmosphere where the audience feels welcome and part of the show.

I bring the sum total of my experiences to the art of teaching. The piano is my primary instrument (with guitar and banjo added to the mix). I think like a keyboard player and translate that to the ukulele. Melody, the fingerprint of a song, harmony (chords) and rhythmic intensity are cornerstones of my approach. I especially want others to experience the joy of being a musician.

Learn more about all of my current ukulele class and workshop options:

Zoom Classes – Join us from the comfort of home!

One Day Ukulele Workshop & Jam (Confident Beginners to Intermediate)

The CC Strummers Ukulele Group Zoom Class and In-Person Jam

Individual lessons via Zoom or FaceTime

Read what Cali’s students say about her teaching

you are an inspiration. so lucky to be learnin’ from the best.

—Nik

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, Cali! You are a wonderful teacher !!

—L.K.

Terrific Embellishments class today with UKC. So fun. I learned some cool stuff. Thank you.

—B.H., Ukulele Kids Club Participant

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

—N.

THANK YOU Cali! For your irresistible enthusiasm, skills, caring and sharing the music with us. You mix things up and make us laugh and really listen to people, Cali, all of which makes you a very rare, special, wonderous teacher students love to follow. Thanks for all you…

—T.

Your class brings light into this period of despair.

—L.M.

Thanks, Cali for your dedicated service and for holding down the fort, during these especially challenging times. The drum machine is a great touch!

—B.D.

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

—L.

I just wanted to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for the fantastic class last night. I learned so much and have gotten multiple messages from people who attended who absolutely loved it. We would love to have you back at any time.

—S.E., Ukulele Kids Club

“It was an honor to have joined the CCSC Strummers. You have made everything fabulous. Without you it cannot be done…Indeed, my honor and my joy to be working with you. Cannot wait for the next performance……Love your enthusiasm and expertise in entertainment. You are an asset….an inspiration and a…

—Aleli N.

You make your students happy they’re in your classes. You are an inspirational teacher. I often describe you as challenging us and balancing the challenges with praise for strums well done. A good formula!

— Wena 1/2018

Wow Cali! thank you sooo much!! We are so grateful for you sharing your time and talent with our community. I am 100% sure that people loved the lesson and are at home right now plucking away as we speak. I hope that it was an enjoyable experience for…

— Ukulele Kids Club

Cali, your class has been one of the highlights of the pandemic for me. I enjoy learning new things in your classes and appreciate all the knowledge of music you have shared with us. I love how you are always cheerful and happy in class and how you let…

—L.

Thank you Thank you Thank you! Loved yesterday. You answered so many questions I had, and filled in a lot of blanks, that helped me understand way better what we’re covering… Did I say Thank You?

—Toni 12/16

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.

Great class. I love your fingering tips‼️

—L.

Thanks for keeping all of us seniors busy singing, playing the ukulele, and having a good time. Always looking forward to your classes. Thanks!

Love, Tom

“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.

Thank you for providing this special forum. Although I only see most of the folks in your classes virtually, I feel the sense of community and love that comes through – a large part because of you and the tone that you’ve set. Brava!

— L.

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

Cali, thank you for all your hard work in creating the music sheet for Aloha ‘Oe. I’ve been working on it, watching the YouTube videos and appreciate the creative challenge you had to get it into a playable format for us seniors. Beautiful song and arrangement. Thank you.

— M.

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 really enjoyed the Thursday class – your energy and spirit really add to the joy of the class…I so appreciate you and your work. Thanks for helping all of us!!

— E.