MAUI 6-Week Classes

Scroll down to see current in-person class offerings or vote for future classes.

See our Events Page for classes taught by other teachers.

About The Classes:

All classes prioritize enjoyment and connection—not perfection. I believe learning and creating music are joyful, especially in a group setting. I rely on simple, easy-to-read chord and lyric sheets —not standard music notation. Learning is relaxed and incremental, with practical strategies to reduce stress, plenty of cheerleading, and hands-on practice using familiar songs.

  • Where: Andrew’s Home Studio

  • Address: 2419 Willard Ave, Madison, WI.

  • Accessibility: 6 Steps; driveway parking upon request.

  • Book: None; all info projected onto large screen and emailed.

  • Music Notation: None; simple text song sheets.

  • Cost: $120

  • Ukulele Rental: $20 for 6 weeks.

  • Refund Policy: Offered until one week prior to first meeting.

  • Make Up Sessions: Zoom, phone, or in-person.

  • Age: Adult.

  • Covid Policy: Click button below

Below are my four core classes. Whether you're just starting or looking to build confidence and skills, these classes are designed to meet you there and help you grow. Each class stands on its own, or can be taken as a natural progression to deepen your playing over time. Beginner classes are typically offered twice a year, while strumming and fingerpicking classes are offered once a year. Join the MAUI website mailing list to receive class announcements.

New-Beginner

  • Registration: This class is full. Email Andrew to be placed on waitlist

  • When: 6:30-8:00 PM Wednesdays, July 2 to Aug 6, 2025

  • Description: New to ukulele? You're in the right place. This class is for those who’ve never played ukulele—or any stringed instrument—and want to give it a try. I'll focus on very basic strumming and chording. The hardest skill for beginners is changing chords quickly. I offer many ways to make that easier and less stressful, helping you enjoy creating music with others. If you have a ukulele, bring it. If not, rentals are available. They allow you to learn about the instrument before buying your own after class, when you’ll have much more information. After six weeks, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about—and why the ukulele continues to charm so many people.

  • Prerequisites: None; no music experience required.

Continuing-Beginner

  • Registration: Opens July. Announced in future MAUI newsletter or email Andrew.

  • When: 6:30-8:00 PM Wednesdays, Aug 20 to Sep 24, 2025

  • Description: Want to join one of the local strum-alongs but not feeling quite ready? This class helps you build the confidence to navigate most of the chords you’ll encounter at strum-alongs. Ukulele players typically encounter four families of chords. The New-Beginner class covers the most important one; this class covers the other three chord families. But don’t let that scare you—there’s a lot of overlap, and I'll add even more strategies to those you already learned in the New-Beginner class. After six weeks, you’ll be ready to venture out into the wild and join one of Madison’s many strum clubs with confidence.

  • Prerequisites: New-Beginner class.

Essential Strumming Patterns

  • Registration: Opens August. Announced in future MAUI newsletter or email Andrew

  • When: Coming Fall 2025

  • Description: Love the rhythm of music but tired of strumming every song the same way? You're not alone. This class teaches a small set of essential strumming patterns—the ones you'll use most often. I'll provide plenty of practical tips for how to learn, not just what to learn, including how to strum patterns, change chords, and sing at the same time. After six weeks, you'll start to move beyond simply keeping time and begin feeling the rhythm in your playing.

  • Prerequisites: Comfortable changing basic chords.

Essential Fingerpicking Patterns

  • Registration: Announced in future MAUI newsletter or email Andrew

  • When: 2026 (Last Taught Spring 2025)

  • Description: Want more richness, dynamics, and emotional expression in your playing? Fingerpicking accompaniment can do that! This class focuses on a small set of essential fingerpicking patterns—simple, repeating sequences of strings you pluck. You'll get step-by-step guidance on how to fingerpick while changing chords and singing. I'll also teach you an easy version of tablature notation during class (you don’t need to know tablature before registering). After six weeks, you'll start to bring richness and expression into your playing, making your music feel more personal and alive.

  • Prerequisites: Comfortable changing basic chords.

Have questions about which class is right for you? Feel free to reach out.

I’m happy help you find the best place to start or continue :-)