(To help folks know exactly what each class covers, I updated this page on Tuesday, November 4, to include detailed lesson plans. Scroll all the way down for the newly added demo video.)

If you’ve always wanted to play ukulele but didn’t know where to start, this 4-week class will get you strumming confidently right away. We’ll play familiar folk songs while learning easy chords, smooth changes, and clear rhythm approaches for the right hand. You’ll learn to hear the beat, keep steady time, and play chords to music people actually recognize.

Each session includes play-along practice, exercises, and step-by-step guidance. No pressure — just a comfortable pace and a supportive group of learners discovering how simple and joyful this little instrument can be.

These are online workshops via Zoom. You’ll get a meeting link and handouts by email shortly before the first session.

Notice the Roman numeral “I” in the title? I often offer the same class again—with all-new music. For example, Beginner Ukulele – Folk Songs & Strums I, II, or III. That way, you keep strengthening your core techniques without repeating the same tunes every time.

Bring: Ukulele tuned G–C–E–A (The G can be high or low.)

You’ll Get: Practice materials · Song sheets · Video recordings of each class.

What We’ll Do Each Week

Week 1 – Thursday, Nov 13 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• The anatomy of the ukulele.

• How to hold it.

• How to tune it.

• The basic strum.

• One-finger major chords.

• Two-finger major chords.

• Three-finger major chords.

• Strumming chords for “Camptown Races” in a few different keys.

• Strumming chords for “Bile Them Cabbage Down” in a few different keys.

Week 2 – Thursday, Nov 20 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• “Amazing Grace”

• “When the Saints Go Marching In”

• Introduction to minor chords.

• “Shady Grove” in two keys.

No Class – Thursday, Nov 27 — Happy Thanksgiving!

Week 3 – Thursday, Dec 4 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• Introduction to basic finger-picking.

• “Silent Night”

• “Joy to the World”

• Learn G major scale.

• Play the melody to “Joy to the World.”

Week 4 – Thursday, Dec 11 — 11:30–12:30 Central Time (USA) / 12:30–1:30 Eastern Time (USA)

• The major and minor chords you need in the main keys you need.

• “Whiskey Before Breakfast”

• “House of the Rising Sun”

• “Pachelbel's Canon”🌟 Multi-Course Bundle – 20% Off

Choose three or more courses. Perfect if you want to mix dulcimer with Tabledit, whistle, ukulele, or harmonica. You’ll save compared to single registration.

🌟 Important: If you want to take advantage of the 3-Class Bundle, do this exactly:

🌟 1) Visit https://www.stephenseifert.com/holiday-fourweek-course-registration and add at least three classes to your cart.

🌟 2) At checkout, use the coupon code COURSEBUNDLE to save 20%.

🌟 If, for any reason, you don’t get your 20% off, email me at stephen@stephenseifert.com. This usually happens when someone buys courses one at a time over multiple days and later wishes they had went with the bundle. Whatever you need, tell me your email address and full name, and I’ll straighten it out.