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

Thanks Cali!! I’m really grateful for access to your music arrangements and for learning with the CC Strummers!! Be well!

—N.H.

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.

This is the first time I’m actually learning how to play the ukulele properly! It’s been quite challenging but fun! You’ve already answered some of my questions that I had about fingering. Your explanations about fingering are helpful and I like your flexibility about allowing us to find…

—C.L.

Thank you so much Cali for bringing the uke into my life – much better than Prozac. I wanted you to know I bought a Toys R Us uke for my 3 year old granddaughter. I’m hooked and practice every day. If Congress could take ukulele lessons from you,…

— Anita J.

Cali, your workshops are the highlight of my week. Thank you!

—S.

Love your Zoom classes with The CC Strummers. Thanks for all your good teaching and emphasis on rhythm. I wish to stay on Zoom—even when life returns to some “new” normal.

—C.J.

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

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.

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.

Just want to let you know you are an inspirational ukulele teacher! I love your teaching ways. They are so entertaining and enjoyable. I am learning much and feel the improvement in my playing thanks to you.

—C.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.

As I have always said since I met you, “I go to the class, because you are cheaper than a psychiatrist, and much more fun.

—V.

I want to thank you again for including my class in your holiday show and all the great pictures you have sent me. Each time we perform with you, I see my dancers relax more and begin to enjoy themselves. And you are the reason. Your joy in connecting with people is irresistible…

— Karen W. 1/2018

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

I had forgotten how much fun it is to turn people on to making music together. I am really excited by this and it was your YouTube video that gave me the courage to do this. In fact , one of your YouTube videos inspired me to start a…

— Peggy M.

I want to say “Thank You” for your “zoom” classes. Your instruction is perfect.. Even though the Monday class is supposed to be for the “beginner”, it contains information that everyone can use.

—W.M.

Thank you Cali for all your terrific teaching and your beautiful heart. I can’t wait to be in person again. I have to say you are doing a great job with zoom.

—E.

Cali, you are an excellent teacher!

—D.R.

You are our Den Mother! I’ve never met a teacher, coach, mentor or guide who took such pride in her charges, befriended all and supported all with that brilliant smile, sense of humor and empathy. Your spirit is the drive behind the success of CCS, Cali. We play our hearts…

Love, Toni 2/2017

Thanks for your commitment to excellence!

—J.L.

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.

There is no doubt, if we lived in Southern California, I would be attending your classes, once the virus is gone. The issue of the “D7” chord, all of a sudden I understood the reason for the variations of chords. Your explanations of the music is very easy…

—W.M.

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.

You two {Craig and Cali} are so sweet and approachable – the kindness in your hearts is evident in your eyes, and how you treat people. Bravo!

— Jill G.