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

It was a great class with lots of helpful tips on strumming and fingering and I have to tell you I appreciate the care you take in preparing the music sheets with all the information we need to play and sing as easily as possible. I really am…

—L.

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.

Thanks to you and your wonderful group again for your performance yesterday at the Culver City Woman’s club. You and your players have a lot of personality to go with your musical expertise. You have obviously brought a lot of joy into their lives and into ours yesterday. A special…

—Pat H. 5/2018

We just got finished with our lesson, and I must tell you that you have inspired a renewed vow to practice and break though to a new level on the uke! Thank you! Your explanations, your suggestions and recommendations, your ideas and your critical analysis of where and how…

— Porter G.

Finding your class was like winning the lottery. You make it so much fun and so very rewarding.

— Barbara K.

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

Cali, I enjoyed your class Wednesday for the children’s uke group. One eye-opener for me: I’d wondered how to remember embellishments, and you mentioned printing empty uke grids!! Brilliant, and just what I needed. Thanks so much for all your amazing efforts and expertise!

—D., Ukulele Kids Club Participant

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.

“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.

The class was very helpful to me because it forces me to stay in the pocket and not slow or rush the music. Thank You!

—D.B.

Always a pleasure to play with the CC Strummers!! Thank you for all you do!

—N.H.

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.

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.

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 am so enjoying your lessons and especially your SPARKLE! Thank you so much.

—D.N.

Thank you very much for making the trek to our oasis group yesterday…. i was very enthusiastic about you both being there and playing for us all…. so talented… and inspirational you both are with your own unique individual styles… and i loved that you remembered me from your…

— Kim

Thank you for your loving time and effort you put into our weekly lessons. You are greatly appreciated. Have a wonderful 2021 year.

—K.

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

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

…I really enjoyed the Beginning Ukulele class. You are such an amazing teacher! I so appreciated your talent, teaching style and patience. I also really liked the information filled notebooks and summary emails you sent after every class. You have inspired me to pick up my ukulele every day and play.

—Marlou 12/16