2026 Festival Workshops

The C Major Scale is typically the first Full Diatonic major scale that most players learn. It’s the first scale to learn when stating to explore music theory - the principles of music.

Ultimately you should able to play any note using any finger. A great way to explore the fingerboard is to start on every note of a scale and play all available notes in that position (vertical) or along the strings (horizontal).

We’ll start our exploration using the C major scale and starting on each note of the scale along string three , playing all available notes in a four or five fret span.

Navigating the C Major Scale

There are two distinctly different Fingerpicking Styles. The Classical (pima) and "Alternating Thumb" styles. This workshop will give you and introduction to both styles with a focus on the Alternating Thumb style.

UW-UKEFP01v2-Week-1.pdf

Join the Aloha Boys, Glen, Issac, and Irv in a traditional Hawaiian Kanikapila.

PDF: No Handout for this Workshop. This is a traditional Hawaiian Kanikapila.

New or teaching beginners to ukulele, let Uncle Glen (Glen Hirabayashi) get you off on a good Ukulele foot and come along on a great voyage in the wonderful world of ukulele.

What is chucking? Chucking (also called chunking) is a way that ukulele players can add percussion while strumming. Using a technique of slapping the strings against the fretboard on the downstrum, you can incorporate a rhythmic beat and be your own drummer. In this chucking workshop, Cynthia breaks down the tricky coordination of achieving the perfect chuck sound, and walks through the "drumbeat" rhythm of different chucking strum patterns so you can really rock out on your ukulele. See Cynthia’s popular YouTube tutorial here to warm up for the workshop.

Have you ever wanted to play the lead tune and rhythmic chords at the exact same time on your uke? In this fun, accessible workshop, Cynthia Lin demystifies Chord Melody—an ukulele style where the lead melody is woven directly into your chord shapes. Together, we’ll break down the dreamy arrangement of The Cure’s classic "Just Like Heaven" (as featured on Cynthia's album, Ukulele Days). You’ll walk away with step-by-step techniques to bring out top-string melodies, express subtle dynamics, and make your single ukulele sound like a complete solo ensemble!

Steven teaches 3 of the most widely used strumming patterns in traditional Hawaiian music: Olapa, Classic, and Modern. Traditional Hawaiian songs will be used to show the strums in a real world context. These techniques were elaborated in an article that Steven wrote for Ukulele Magazine. Class will be taught in a fun, kani ka pila type of environment!

Steven teaches 3 of the most widely used strumming patterns in traditional Hawaiian music: Olapa, Classic, and Modern. Traditional Hawaiian songs will be used to show the strums in a real world context. These techniques were elaborated in an article that Steven wrote for Ukulele Magazine. Class will be taught in a fun, kani ka pila type of environment!

Come and learn the folk dance from our 50th state, the hula! Simple steps and lovely hand motions combine to tell a story. Comfortable clothes and no shoes suggested.

And, if would kike you get to perform at the evening concert with the backing of the Amazing Aloha Boys. Can't get any more authentic Hawai'ian than that.

PDF: No Handout for this Workshop

Come and make the perfect accessory to wear while playing your uke! We will make a wristlet with fresh flowers using the Wili method (winding).

PDF: No Handout for this Workshop

Loosen up your body! Free your spirit! Let your voice be heard! This workshop focuses on relaxing the muscles and approaching your playing with a loose and soulful attitude. When we find the rhythm in music, the movement in our bodies and the soul in our voices, we can concentrate on giving better performances and achieve a higher level of playing. All levels of experience are welcome, but we will use basic chords and play standing up and moving around.

Solo-Superstar-DAT-Workshop.pdf

How do we create impactful performances as solo singers and performers? We’ll take a section of a song and explore finding the best key for your vocal range and playing ability, learn easy techniques that add texture and dynamics, practice how to engage the audience during a song, and how to portray yourself as an artist to gain confidence and capture the audience’s attention.

Solo-Superstar-DAT-Workshop.pdf

Learn short instrumental parts for many 80’s classics. Baritone Friendly

Must know how to read ukulele tablature. Low G recommended but not required. Baritone Friendly

Learn easy bass lines from famous 80’s classics.Must have a bass.