How qualified are your ukulele instructors?

Our instructors have received their education from prestigious institutions such as Manhattan School of Music, Berklee College of Music, Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins, Northern Illinois University, Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, Howard University in Washington, University of Maryland, Komitas State Conservatory, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Hartford – Hartt School of Music Hartford, Towson University, College Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Liaoning Normal  University in Dalian China, Wheaton College and Boston University. Many have toured the US and Europe, and bring years of professional performance and teaching experience to your lessons.

Do I have to know how to read music?

No. Beginners are welcome!

Do I need to purchase a ukulele to learn the instrument?

Students can either buy a ukulele or rent one from rentinstrument.com or Chucklevins.com. Our knowledgeable teachers are happy to help with advice to choose the right instrument for you.

What styles of ukulele do you teach?

We teach all styles, including folk, country, reggae, and rock-n-roll.

What will I learn in ukulele lessons at the Academy?

In ukulele lessons, you will learn a variety of skills and techniques that will help you become a proficient ukulele player. Here are some key areas you can expect to learn in ukulele lessons:

Basic ukulele anatomy and tuning: You'll become familiar with the different parts of the ukulele and learn how to tune it accurately.

Proper technique: You'll learn how to hold and position the ukulele, use correct hand and finger placement, and develop strumming and picking techniques specific to the ukulele.

Chords and chord progressions: You'll learn how to play common ukulele chords and how to transition smoothly between them. You'll also learn popular chord progressions used in various songs and styles.

Strumming patterns: You'll practice different strumming patterns to create rhythm and enhance the musicality of your playing.

Fingerstyle techniques: You'll explore fingerpicking patterns and techniques to create melodies and play more complex arrangements on the ukulele.

Reading ukulele tabs and notation: You'll learn to read ukulele tablature (tabs) and standard music notation, allowing you to learn and play songs accurately.

Song repertoire: You'll work on learning and playing songs from different genres, such as pop, folk, Hawaiian, and more. This helps you apply your skills in a musical context and build your own ukulele repertoire.

Music theory: You'll gain a basic understanding of music theory concepts like scales, keys, and rhythm, which will help you better understand and interpret ukulele music.

Ukulele-specific techniques: You'll learn techniques like slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato that are commonly used on the ukulele to add flair and expression to your playing.

Performance skills: Ukulele lessons may include opportunities to perform in front of others, helping you build confidence, stage presence, and musical communication.

Remember, the specific focus and curriculum of ukulele lessons may vary depending on your goals, the teacher's approach, and your skill level. It's always a good idea to discuss your interests and objectives with your ukulele teacher to tailor the lessons to your needs.

Are There Recitals?

Absolutely! In December and June, our students get the chance to showcase their talent at an exiting venue with a Steinway Grand piano. We don't believe in charging our students any performance fees, and the admission is completely free. So you can invite as many guests as you’d like.

Hours

With Appointment

Monday - Friday {9:00am-8:30pm} | Saturday - Sunday {9:00am-4:30pm}

Here is how you take the next step: You can fill out our request info form and we will respond to you within 24 hours with information about our lessons, available weekly lesson times as well as a link to register. Or call 301-906-9283 to get a great lesson time as space is limited.

Pricing

$60.00 / 30 Minutes

Lessons are available seven days a week, and scheduled once a week. A one-time registration fee is $35.