FAQS
All you need to know for the Online Beginners & Intermediate Ukulele Courses
What will I need to take part in the course?
To take part in this course, you will need the following:
-A ukulele
-A tuner or tuning app on your phone.
-A capo (Intermediate course only)
-Access to a printer if possible (to print out the handouts)
-Access to a laptop or tablet with a built-in microphone and camera
-A stable internet connection
-A well-lit room in a quiet spot without distractions
-Time for at least 15 minutes ukulele practice, 5 times a week
-A spare set of strings is advised in case you break one
How much of a beginner do I need to be? (beginners course only)
The course is designed for beginners with little or no experience. It’s also ideal as a refresher course and to brush up on your skills before taking the intermediate course.
I will be covering the basics like how to correctly hold a ukulele, how to strum and how to play chords effectively. I will also teach you how to read strumming patterns and chord diagrams.
If you already know a few chords and strumming patterns, that’s great! You may just be a few steps ahead of the game for the first lesson or two. So long as you are happy to follow along and be patient, allowing others to catch up then you are still welcome to join. There will still be some helpful tips for you still during this time.
How do I know if I’m ready for the Intermediate ukulele course? (intermediate course only)
This course is best suited for those who already have some ukulele experience — ideally students who have completed the Beginners Ukulele Course or have an equivalent level of playing ability.
You should already:
-Feel comfortable tuning your ukulele
-Be able to play open chords (C, G, F, Am, D, Em, E7, Dm, G7 etc.)
-Be confident transitioning between open chords
-Know a few basic strumming patterns & techniques (e.g. island strum, how to chuck)
-Have played several songs from start to finish
-Understand how to read and play tabs
If you can do these things, even imperfectly, you’re ready! You’ll be guided through more complex material such as barre chords, integrated fingerpicking, and rhythmic transitions.
Can I still play the ukulele if I’m left-handed?
You certainly can! There are a few options for how to play if you are left-handed. Please let me know before the course starts so that we can discuss your options.
Which ukulele should I buy?
Check out this ukulele guide:
What type of tuner should I use?
Any clip-on tuner or a ukulele tuning app for your phone.
How many people will there be on the course?
There will be up to a total of 6 students on group course online.
Will I receive any 1-to-1 time with the tutor?
The content in each lesson will be broken down into sections. At intervals I will take a few minutes to check in with you and to offer additional support. I will also stay for a few extra minutes at the end of every lesson to answer questions and to offer additional 1-to-1 support. Alongside these lessons, I am offering course students private online lessons at a special rate of £10 per 30 mins for the duration of the course.
What happens if I miss a lesson?
Handouts for each lesson will be sent via email, with links to Youtube videos for how to play new chords and strumming patterns so that in the event that you can’t make a lesson, you will have the resources to study in your own time to catch up so that you are prepared for the following lesson. Audio recordings of each lessons content will also be sent alongside the handouts, making it much easier for you to catch up. I also offer course students private online 1-to-1 support at a special rate of £10 per 30 mins. So if you do miss a lesson then this might be a good option for you.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Course cancellations will be dealt with on a case by case basis. If a refund is possible then admin and late cancellation fees apply. If it is not possible to offer you a refund, I do apologise and hope that you sympathise with the limited time available to fill your slot and the time it takes to organise this.
Can I use my phone or a tablet for the lessons?
A laptop, i-Pad, tablet or Macbook are recommended for the course (bigger screens make learning easier).
Will headphones help?
Headphones are a great idea if you wish to use them. They may help to keep you focused and less distracted. They are definitely advised if you find yourself in a noisy or busy environment during a lesson.
Will other students be able to hear me?
Students will be muted whilst I am playing in order to eliminate background noise.
You will be offered 1-to-1 support during and/or after each lesson. These may take place in a ‘breakout room’ (a smaller group) and it is possible that 1 or 2 of your course mates will be able to hear you during this time.
Will I be able to hear other students playing?
Students will be muted whilst I am teaching. However, there will be 1-to-1 support offered at intervals and after the lesson so during this time you will be able to hear other students.
How much additional time do I need to dedicate to my ukulele practice?
At least 15 minutes practise 5 days a week is advised but the more you put in, the more you get out! You’ll be surprised how much your muscle memory kicks in. And it is more important to have a daily practise instead of just one long session once a week.
What if I don’t have access to a printer?
Access to a printer will make your learning much easier during the course. Handouts will be sent out for each lesson, including song sheets and you may want to make notes on some of these. If you do not have access to a printer it is possible to use a tablet or another device to access handouts during the lesson, however, it may not be as easy to make notes.
Will I have the opportunity to make friends with my course mates?
You will have the opportunity to join a Whatsapp group with your course mates so that you can help support each other and communicate outside of the lessons.
During each lesson there will be limited time for you to chat to each other, however, there may be some time at the beginning and end of each lesson and during intervals to chat to other course mates.
How can I book onto the next course?
Email: [email protected] to book or head to the link below.
Places are limited so book soon to avoid disappointment.
If your question wasn’t answered, please email me and I will aim to get back to you within 3 working days.