MAUI 6-Week Classes
Andrew offers ukulele classes year round:
New Beginner - Winter & Summer
Continuing Beginner - Winter & Summer
Essential Strum Patterns - Fall
Essential Fingerpicking Patterns - Spring
About Our Classes:
All classes prioritize enjoyment and connection—not perfection. We believe learning and creating music are joyful, especially in a group setting. We 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
Scroll down for class descriptions. 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. Join the MAUI website mailing list to receive announcements when registration opens.
Essential Strum Patterns
Registration: This class is full; email Andrew to be added to waiting list
When: 6:30-8:00 PM Wednesdays, Oct 8 to Nov 19, 2025
Description: Love the rhythm of music but tired of strumming every song the same way? You're not alone. This class teaches a manageable set of essential strumming patterns—the ones you'll use most often. We'll provide plenty of practical tips on how to learn, not just what to learn. This includes multitasking - strumming, changing chords, and singing 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.
New-Beginner
Registration: Closed
When: Next New-Beginner class will be Jan 2026
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. We'll focus on very basic strumming and chording. The hardest skill for beginners is changing chords quickly. We 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: Closed
When: Next Continuing-Beginner class will be Feb 2026.
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 Continuing-Beginner class covers the other three chord families. But don’t let that scare you—there’s a lot of overlap, and many strategies to simplify chord changes. 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 Fingerpicking Patterns
Registration: Closed
When: Next Essential-Fingerpicking-Patterns class will be Spring 2026
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. We'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 to help you find the best place to start or continue :-)