OnGoing Ukulele Workshop & Jam

What we’ll learn

In this intermediate level ensemble class we create song arrangements together.We add harmonic and rhythmic embellishments, fingerpicking, introductions and endings. We learn to improvise, pick out melodies, build chord melody solos, add licks, fills, change keys and change-up the groove. This is a go-with-the-flow forum where we share our musical ideas, challenges and triumphs. We also play a song by ear, experiencing music as an intuitive process rather than thinking and using our visual field.

Our players bring songs from pop music and jazz to standards and country.  We master the “C” scale and work with finger exercises to fine-tune our technique.  Because I made a living as a piano player, I translate my keyboard-centric aesthetic to the ukulele, creating solos and writing down notes in an intuitive, non-tablature way.  We explore different options so every player has something to work with and work towards.  I record several instructional videos each class for players to review during the week.

Playing with other people in a warm and supportive atmosphere is a cool way to get new stuff under your fingers. Confident players are welcome, 16 years old and above.

What you’ll need

• A ukulele with standard G-C-E-A tuning
• Songs and arrangements are provided for you
• A digital tuner, preferably one calibrated for ukulele tuning, such as the Kala KC02
• A great big smile!

Cost

Suggested Donation (on a sliding scale) — $14 to $20 per class

I understand that these times are difficult for many people who are just trying to pay the bills, the rent, the…everything. Meeting, playing together, learning new stuff, is vital for our well-being. I thank you for showing up and helping to make our ohana so special. We need you.

How to enroll

Email Cali for instructions on how to join and to receive class materials via email.

Time and Location

Our classes are on Zoom so players from all over the map can join us.  We take a three week break between sessions and start again.
We meet Saturday mornings, 10:30am to noon, Pacific Standard Time.

Cali, you are the best!! A woman after my own heart! Responsible, kind, patient, and conscientious! You are the reason I am able to stick to this challenge! Update: I have been tuning up everyday and now it’s a cinch to get to the green…

—T.

Can I mention that we all play in a group led by Cali Rose in Culver City and she is just amazing! She writes great ukulele charts and we adore her! Thanks Cali.

—V.

“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!  I have just added the Thursday class to my life and fingerpicking.  What a transition you and the uke have brought to my life.  Life with the ukulele is so much richer.

—A.

Thank you! Your extra advice during the class helps enormously, as does your encouragement.

— RK

 … I credit you with always encouraging us to try different things as there in no absolute right and wrong way to play a song. Only if it sounds good to us. Just wanted to share this with you, as you like fun “wacky “stuff.”  And mention the wonderful…

— M.

Thank you. It’s always a happy time when taking your class, and making music. 

— JS

Even though I am just a beginner, I am hooked!  You are a fabulous teacher!  I love the way you give us options and challenge us to try new strum patterns. Also, the alternate fingering for chords is very helpful.  Love, love, love your class.

— P.

 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.

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.

Dear Cali Class today was an epic event. Thank you for your inspiration always. There was so much love and heart in the zoom room. You look great and I am so grateful that you listened to your inner wisdom. You are a gift to all of us. Sending…

— E.

Cali, So glad you are back in the saddle! I’m looking forward to working out arrangements and becoming fluent with the ever increasing bag of tricks. You and the musical journey we are all on together makes a big difference in our lives and our world. Thank you.

— C.

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.

Thank you for your time and the love you put into your classes. You don’t know how much we appreciate it, especially during these trying times.

—K.

You really have created an amazing community/ohana with your excellent personality and teaching abilities, my Dear. So many of us have remained connected during this dreadful pandemic because of YOU! Thank you. 

— E.

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

—A.

“Your classes are a joy and I’m so thankful for Zoom so I can “attend.”

—C.

You have grown and nurtured the natural gifts that you were given, and in your sharing bring so much joy to so many others.

—A.

Your enthusiastic and supportive dedication to the CC Strummers and those of us here stands high in my mental list of things for which I continue to be grateful.

—C.

I can’t tell you how much I look forward to your classes. During this pandemic, it’s your bright smile and enthusiasm that has kept me sane. Thanks a zillion.

—D.

“I really like this new scale chart (movable). I remember when i first grokked the three fret, 1 octave C scale, and a whole new musical world was opened up to me. And then i went on holiday with my uke and didn’t need music in order to…

—S.

You are an amazing connector of people…..”The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King. I love the fact that you are encouraging members to introduce themselves.

—D.

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

—L.

The routine of my life during this pandemic has been so enriched by taking your classes. My mental, physical, emotional and spiritual are healthier, I’m sure.

—L.

I LOVE your Monday and Thursday sessions and have learned so much from you…if anything, I get so inspired to play with that amazing smile of yours and the positive energy you give off every second of every minute!! Thanks again.

—M.A.

Thanks for keeping us sane in 2020

—A.

Thanks you, Cali. You are terrific fun. Good teacher too.

—B.

It’s really because of who you are, the quality of your work, and of course your embracing persona. Gratitude back for making my life better for the last seven years.

—M.

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 so much for putting in hours of work so that we can enjoy and learn. Music therapy is the greatest for me.

—M.