All 1-1 and group classes take place at our ramshackle farm 4km East of Silves and your playing will probably be accompanied by braying donkeys..

 
1-1 lessons either face to face or online are 25€ for a full hour lesson, 20€ for 45 minutes

or for younger learners up to 10 yrs 15€ for 30 minutes. 

At the end of every lesson I send a debrief email which summarises what was covered in the session and what needs to be practiced together with any audio mp3 files or useful web links.

Short Intensive Group Ukulele Courses consist of 8 hours tuition, as 4 x weekly 2 hour classes. Depending on the level they have a maximum size of between 4 and 6 students. They cost 60€ which includes pdfs and audio files of all learning materials, beverages and biscuits ! A non refundable deposit of 10€ is required before the class to reserve your place, with the balance of 50€ to be paid at the first class.

I offer group courses at four levels:

LEVEL 1    Absolute Beginner to Jam Player

If you’ve never played before and want to join simple jam sessions, this is just for you.

You will learn the basic strumming approaches applied to the most common chords. You will also learn important techniques such as ´the lift´ which helps you avoid problems changing chords quickly.

You will learn how to read chord charts and just enough music theory to make you feel at ease when someone asks

what the 1 / 4 / 5 / 6min chords are in a certain key !

The course consists of 4 x weekly 2 hour sessions with all materials provided, including ukuleles if you haven’t got yours sorted yet. Maximum of 6 students in a group so I can keep an eye on everyone to see they’re playing correctly ! Over the  years I have found 6 is an ideal number, large enough to be a fun social group and small enough to make sure everyone progresses as fast as they can. In a larger group it is harder to offer sufficient individual guidance.

This course assumes you have never held a uke before or know any music theory. All you need to bring is a sense of humour! If you do have any musical background that is fine as well.  Singing and/or laughing at my singing is optional.

I guarantee you will be strumming a song within the hour.

At the end of the course you get a certificate (yes really), a sense of achievement and can then move to the next level course or individual lessons if you wish (most do!).

LEVEL 2  Small Ensemble / Ukulele Orchestra Player

This is the next level up from Level 1 sing-along jams. Here you will learn how to read and play specific parts of a song from tablature. In an ensemble each group of two or more players plays a carefully planned part so four or more different sections can play together.

The role of bass ukulele / bass guitar is also introduced and you will extend your chord knowledge.

The short intensive course consists of 4 x weekly two hour sessions. Players learn to play all parts including bass lines for an ensemble piece.

Maximum of 6 students in a group. The course works best with a minimum of 4 players. All materials provided. This type of playing has become a very popular alternative to jam sessions in France where groups meet up to learn, practice and record a single piece in a day, each player mastering a separate section rather than the whole piece.

LEVEL 3  Performer level Player

Although jam sessions and small orchestral ensembles are great fun, most uke players enjoy the challenge of performing solo pieces. This will involve not only reading tablature and some simple sight reading, but learning how to make your single ukulele sound as if it is playing both the chords and the melody at the same time.

For this you need to study the ‘melody in chord’ technique which involves embedding the melody in passing colour chords. This will involve the understanding of 5, 11 and 9th chords, chord inversions and a little more music theory. You will also study a medieval 3 finger picked piece.

The short intensive course consists of 4 x weekly two hour sessions. Maximum of 4 students in a group as more time is needed for solo work in class. All materials provided.

LEVEL 4  Specialist Courses in Clawhammer and Formby styles also available on request.

General Information / FAQ

What dates and times are the classes?

Email me at info@algarve-ukulele-academy.com to confirm when the next group classes are planned.

If you have a group of friends I can set up a class to suit your availablility.

Depending on demand the group classes can be in the evening or in the daytime if that suits everyone. Daytime classes start at 10, with a tea and biscuit break at 11 for 15 minutes then another hour of playing finishing at 12.15 ish. Evening classes start at 7.30pm with a similar time span, ending at 9.45pm.

Do I need my own ukulele?

I have many instruments for use here during class, but you will probably wish to buy your own to practice between sessions. I can also lend out starter instruments for a fully returnable deposit of 25€ until you get sorted or decide to keep it ! 

Am I too old to start?

There is no age limit, my oldest student started at 92, but I can be flexible on that limit ! The classes are for adults.

Can we learn as a couple as part of a group?

Yes many do and I have not heard of a ukulele related divorce yet as a result !

What music can be played on the uke?

This instrument can play any style of music from old time traditional songs, pop, country, rock and punk through to classical.

Do I need to buy a book?

No, I have yet to find a book that I am happy to teach from and I supply pdfs and audio files of all my own teaching materials used in the class.

What happens if I miss a group class?

Sadly I cannot offer catch-up lessons, but you will have the pdf and audio learning materials to work on, so you should be able to keep up.