|
Great Session! A lot of practical tips and information to get us started on the road to Uke-dom! Judy V. |
|
Steve imparts the most valuable lesson: Respect the instrument. Practice, practice, practice and it will come to you. Play music, not just notes. Enjoy. Nancy K. |
|
I'm so glad I came to the workshop as an introduction to learning to play the ukulele. It's much better to start with correct ways of practicing, rather than teaching oneself and having to unlearn bad habits later. It was a great experience. Now all I have to do is practice properly! Thanks so much Steve! Wendy D. |
|
101 was a fantastic intro to basic ukulele, with enough musical knowledge and chord training to be satisfying but not overwhelming, topped off with practical 'care and feeding' tips for ukulele and new players. Mark O. |
|
Amazing... from nothing to "all the way" in just a couple of hours. Think I'm now in love with my uke whereas before I had a hard time touching its sensitive and highly responsive G string without a healthy dose of shy embarrassment. Bill L. |
|
After I completed the UKULELE HIGH workshop, I felt fully prepared to tackle the instrument on my own, knowing how to properly tune, finger, strum, and follow along with the gazillions of charts out there in the ukeiverse. Steve McNie is a local treasure on the music scene, and to get three hours of his expertise for such a fair price is an amazing value. Andy F. |
|
As someone that has been teaching most of my life, I can say that Steve if a gifted instructor. I left the 101 workshop very excited to learn more about the mighty uke. The workshop was a great start to what will be a rewarding musical adventure. Michael W. |
|
Uke 101 is without a doubt the most enjoyable and hilarious course I've ever taken! Everyone in the world should go out and buy a Uke, then get Steve McNie to teach them how to play. We would have world peace in no time flat! Can't wait to take Uke 201! Even my husband of 38 years, who has never had the slightest interest in learning a musical instrument, borrowed our daughter's uke and took the course with me. He's as sold on it as I am, yay!!!! Just to be clear, we both have tons of hobbies and interests, and we drive two hours to come to the uke jams. This has just simply become a priority! If you want to be happy, buy a uke! Marg B. |
|
Start off on the right foot. Take this course now to avoid the bad habits that you'd "learn" on your own. Plus, you'll have fun and meet other uke beginners. Chuck J. |
|
The 101 workshop gave me a good base to work from. Steve keeps the class going at a smooth pace. Chris D. |
|
Unplug your iPod and play. Ukes not Nukes Duncan A. |
|
This is one of the best ways to learn a new instrument. Steve is energetic and takes the time to instruct in a systematic but comprehensive style. He focusses on the student and makes corrections before they become habit. He is encouraging and positive and you leave feeling that you too will be successful with practice. Way to go Steve!!!!! Jeannette B. |
|
This workshop is highly recommended for anyone with little or no experience in playing the ukulele. You are shown how to hold the instrument properly as well as correct fingering technique so that you don't start off learning something you will eventually have to unlearn. Also included are ideas about musicality and the spirit of playing in a musical way on this wonderful little instrument. Zoltan H. |
|
Overall, it was an absolutely wonderful experience. Thank you, Steve for teaching us the fundamental discipline we need to progress in playing without bad habits. Can't wait for my next ukulele night! Robin C. |
|
Even though I already knew a few chords and could figure out a tune or two, this "absolute beginers workshop" was very helpful because I learned how to hold my uke properly, how to form chords more easily and how to strum better. I also learned the two ways to indicate a chord shape (pictures and numbers) this will be very handy in the jams. Steve is a very patient but firm teacher so no time is wasted in the class and I feel motivated to practice 15 minutes every day now. Thanks Steve. Julianne H. |
|
Steve is a strict, but delightful teacher. I was very impressed and energized throughout the workshop. I was kind of anxious when it came to the strumming part, but he was encouraging, yet firm in the work I have ahead of me. As a teacher myself, and someone who is easily distracted, I was so into it and I learned a lot that day. And I have been so motivated to practice since. Thank you! Claire M. |
|
The workshop was fabulous. As a beginner ukulele player, I had practiced a bit at home and had already picked up a bad strumming habit which was noticed and corrected within the first couple of strums! Sappho M. |
|
Terrific class - welcoming, inclusive and accessible even for those who are musically/dextrously challenged. Celia H. |
|
Steve performs magic at this course. He teaches the basics so even the least experienced leaves with a sense of accomplishment and a feeling that playing the Uke is in their future. He also made me feel like I was the only one in the room when it was a full class. A great testament to his enthusiasm and love of what he is doing. I highly recommend this course to anyone that wants to get the proper bases prior to learning those bad habits. Robert B. |
|
When we were at the Cottage Show in March, we saw a demonstration of ukuleles with the idea that it would be fun to play this instrument around a campfire at the cottage. I told my sister about this and she gave me the ukulele as a birthday gift in May. This summer the ukulele stayed in the bag but after taking Uke 101, I think we will be singing songs around the campfire next summer at the cottage. Many thanks for this great start with a fun musical instrument. Pauline B. |
|
UKE 101 is a beginners delight. Fun, relatively manageable, and a great learning experience. I would highly recommend it. Sherry B. |
|
Some things that I assumed about the ukelele were negated and I learned many others. Steve McNie is passionate about the uke and imparted a lot of knowledge. Adrienne D. |
|
Very clear presentation and helpful instructions about sound and music making with our ukes! This inspiring and encouraging workshop definitely makes me want to play more. Thanks very much! Tory R. |
|
I can't say enough about this workshop. It is perfect for anyone who wants to learn not only how to play the ukulele, but how to understand and create music in a fun way. I hope there will be a 102 workshop in the near future. We had the perfect teacher for this workshop. Steve encouraged our questions and gave us the knowledge to figure out out favourite songs. On a scale of 1-10, this class was a 12! Anon. |
|
I had a fabulous experience last night. It involved four strings on a wooden 'frame' and a room full of like-minded people. I learned soooooooooo much and had a fantastic teacher that made it all happen. I am so excited to be able to play the uke one day and UKE 101 is to be commended and thanked for making it all happen. Stephen McNie is a wonderful teacher. He is clear, concise and very sensitive to the needs of the beginner ukulele-ist (?) - and he has a great sense of humour to boot! Overall, what a great night it was. Thank you Stephen, for getting me started on the road to making uke music. Karyn L. |
|
My husband gave me my Ukulele last Christmas after I idly mentioned I head on the CBC that it was a great gift. It has sat alone and ignored in a corner since then because I was afraid of it. Yes, I had Uke-phobia! This course was just what I needed to kick start me. Thanks to Steve's and incredible knowledge, easy going style and reassurance that anybody can learn to play it if they put in the time, I am now strumming and practicing chords. Soon I hope to make music and participate in the weekly Uke nights and meet Uke friends. Susan S. |
|
If you know nothing it is an excellent experience. The only drawback is the difficulty rememebring where your fingers go when trying to play. However the taste of the insturment you get, the history, and the current scene, inspires you to practice. You will learn that you will be able to play a song with just a few chords. Then you can move on if you wish later. Chris D. |
|
When my friend Brenda told me that the song that they learned was "You Are My Sunshine", I had to try the Ukulele! It was daunting to say the least. I bought my beginner uke, attended UKE 101, AND behold when I got home last night I could play recognizable "You Are My Sunshine". Why you ask? All for my grandson's first birthday this coming Nivember...'cause he IS my sunshine AND I love playing the uke. I keep taking it out of its case to be sure I haven't forgotten the chords. Many more chords to learn and tunes to go! Genie R. |
|
I was a little skeptical about how much you could cover in a three hour "no experience required" workshop. And here's the answer: pretty much everything. In three hours we learned enough that we could actually play songs (and we did, and we sounded pretty good!), carry on the learning after the course had ended and hang out with some credibility with other uke fans. And all done in a way that only served to increase our excitement and enthusiasm for playing the instrument. Michael B.S. |
|
It was a very enjoyable workshop with an excellent instructor. I'd highly recommend it to any beginner. Carolyn D. |
|
I am amazed at how much ground we covered in at such a nice relaxed pace. I did not believe I would be able to play a song after only three hours. Steve is such an great instructor! He was so good a breaking things down for a beginner like myself. Also I love all the tips he gave like planning your next chord. I can't wait to go to my first Jam! Patsy G. |
|
Highly recommended! Steve is a great teacher full of knowledge and enthusiasm. It's kind of like a ukulele boot camp... Steve keeps you on your toes! Great fun. Jessie C. |
|
Steve delivers on the daunting task of teaching a new skill to neophytes. In three hours we were all singing and playing a three chord song with an amazing degree of clarity and musicality. Feel the thrill of making music in a group situation and at the end experience a renewed commitment to move onto a more complicated repertoire. Probably the best $38 spent on self improvement anywhere. Coral J. |
|
I have already recommended the course to two other people. What a great and productive way to spend a saturday afternoon! Quentin T. |
|
Steve's a natural teacher, and it was a very helpful afternoon. Stewart R. |
|
A great course, a wonderful teacher and an excellent introduction to the uke. I can now add "ukulele playing" to the growing list of life skills I have acquired in pubs! Sandy M. |
|
Excellent workshop - fun, challenging, inspiring. Steve is a great teacher, encouraging and very positive - and his enthusiasm is infectious! Miriam T. |
|
This workshop gave me the kickstart I needed. the pace and content were just right. Encouragement to practice regularly gave me the confidence I need to become an accomplished player. I'm looking forward to the next workshop to take me to the next level! Laurie C. |
|
I had a great time at the workshop! I can't wait for a Uke 102 :-) Uriel M. |
|
The workshop was wonderful! It really helps to be around other ukulele players that are going through the same obstacles and learning curves as I am. I found that this workshop had also increased my confidence to learn the ukulele, as many of the advice given were very practical and above all, very doable! I'll definately come back for the Uke Nite sessions :) Joyce H. |
|
I have never played any musical instrument. I can't read a note of music. This course was perfect for me. Steve made sure that I could contribute what I was comfortable with during the course. I felt confident about knowing exactly what to do to practice and move forward after the class. This class was perfect for a complete beginner like me to get started. I highly recommend it. Lynn B. |
|
As an 80 yr. old, I was stimulated by the whole thing. Now here's hoping practice makes perfect. John B. |
|
I found the workshop very helpful with a few chords and basic changes between chords to help me to develop my musical ukulele skills. It was a high energy class that was loads of fun! Abb B. |
|
Steve McNie really puts his heart into the Corktown Uke workshops and gets results! I played "Happy Birthday" for my housemate THE NEXT DAY after Uke 101 on my uke with only one hesitation (shifting from C to the tricky G7). Thanks Steve for all your hard work and dedication! Angela S. |
|
I really enjoyed the Uke 101 workshop. It was a great place to start for a complete beginner as it helped me build a solid foundation on the basics. Steve is obviously a skilled musician and was a wealth of information. The class was organized and loads of fun! Ernestine M. |
|
Steve's ukulele workshop is terrific - don't miss it! I have virtually no music background, but Steve provided an overview of theory, a whole bunch of skill-building exercises to practice, and a few songs to jazz things up both in the class and at home. His workshop gave me the confidence, competence and connections to continue playing my uke - see you at the Dominion! Chantal L. |
|
Absolutely loved it! Dr. Mike M. |
|
Steve is great. UKE 101 opened my eyes! Jade W. |
|
My wife is starting to teach ukulele to her school kids as an alternative to recorder. Having just retired I'm looking for new musical activities (I've been a choral singer for over 40 years) so I came along. After Steve's great introduction I might just take up the ukulele. Now to find the time to practice strumming those chords... The icing on the cake, so to speak, is having this course at a pub. Strumming is such thirsty work! Jim S. |
|
I am able to switch from one chord to another so much easier now. Thanks for the hints! Julie S. |
|
It really is a fun and relaxing way to spend three hours. Walking out with enough confidence and knowledge to continue playing and learning on your own is an added bonus. Christy C. |
|
As promised, we left the class knowing how to play a tune. Awesome! Peg G. |
|
I would highly recommend Ukulele High. The ukulele, compared to other instruments, is incredibly easy to learn: it's portable and you can be playing at an acceptable level in no time making it possible for you to amaze your family and friends and get them involved in a sing-along. Other family members might get the bug and you can have lots of family fun times. Stephen McNie has comfortable relaxed way about him and conveys the information in a concise way. The notes Steve provided are all you need to continue by yourself. Pam G. |
|
This was a great environment paced perfectly for my learning needs. Steve (the instructor) was excellent and taught respectfully to the adult students attending. I am new to the ukulele and stringed instruments in general, but was able to pick up a few key notes so that by the end of the class I could actually play a simple tune. Very inspiring! I am committed to practice and I look forward to the follow-up session. Thank you! Marilyn W. |
|
With no prior knowledge of the uke, this session really got me off to a good start. I'd tried some Youtube lessons on tuning, strumming and basic chords, but the workshop corrected several major misconceptions I had and ensured that I wouldn't be practicing incorrect techniques at home! Sarah H. |
|
This Ukulele Beginners' Workshop was not only a learning experience, but was fun. Even starters who had never touched a ukulele before, ended up playing several songs. Lack of previous musical training was no bar to attending and enjoying. No one was ever embarrassed. Without reservation, I would recommend the workshop to everyone. Doug C. |
|
I think it was a great class! Sal S. |
|
The best 3+ hours. I was able to walk away with the knowledge and ability to play a few tunes on the mighty ukulele. Instructor Steve is a brilliant musician bringing incredible knowledge and skill. His enthusiasm was infectious. His instruction clear and motivating. Everyone should take this course. I told all my friends!!! Brenda M. |
|
The instruction was fun! It was a simple yet enjoyable introduction to the ukulele that was easy to follow. I would highly recommend it and am excited to go back again for Ukulele 201. Erika W. |
|
I was amazed at Steve's ability to teach us without, at any point, cacophony! Jo-Anne F. |
|
We arrived for Uke 101 on a most beautiful spring day. It was the first time we had seen the sun and felt it's warmth in months- but we hit the ground running with Steve at the helm and never looked back. The information flowed, we all started to make beautiful sounds, and the time melted away all too quickly. I have entered into a beautiful new world and I like it... I like it a lot. Steve is a really smart and talented musician... but more importantly, he can teach. Nancy M. |
|
Steve's uke workshop made a great learning experience for me. The workshop was well-paced and clearly presented. He answered questions in a positive manner. There were lots of laughs as we worked through the afternoon. If you want to enjoy a quick (well, 3 to 4 hour), good value learning experience, get to a UKE 101 workshop presented by Steve McNie. Terri T. |
|
Excellent planning and preparation was evident. Lots of enthusiasm and support from instructor (Steve). Geared to beginners and individual attention was given to some participants. Excellent workshop! Linda W. |
|
This is a great workshop for absolute beginners. The instructor was patient and enthusiastic. He made the students feel confident from the start. Mary Ellen M. |
|
The instructor inspired with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the ukulele - definatley a fun introduction to the instrument. Jody W. |
|
This is a worthwhile introductory course that meets a broad range of entry level abilities, even those rusty after time away. The course notes on the internet site alone are worth the price of admission. Michael C. |
|
I thoroughly enjoyed my first ukulele group lesson with Steve. I was very impressed with Steve's vast knowledge of music in general and his playing skill on the ukulele. His teaching methodology kept us focused and interested. I will definitely take Ukulele 201 when it becomes available. Daria C. |
|
A very enjoyable and comfortable learning situation. The presentation was clear and easily absorbed. I came away with knowledge and ability that I hadn't had before. The tips for practice worked. I highly recommend Steve's workshops. Bonnie O. |
|
Quick to play Long to master How I do love thee Elizabeth M. |