Classes & Workshops
w e l c o m e

Please Scroll Down for Descriptions on Workshops & Classes
ukalalien: n. a newly converted ukulele player prone to singing and strumming on the ukulele, spurred to spontaneous acts of music and song singing, both alone and with others, regardless of setting of circumstances, thereby creating a euphoric sense of wellbeing.
WALK-IN! INTRODUCTORY UKE & SING! at TRADITIONS
OLYMPIA WA in 2012
3rd MONDAYs
February 20, March 19, April 16, May 21
6:30 Doors, 7PM Uke&Sing!
Ukes-to-Lend for Beginnners & Beyond
$10 Suggested
TRADITIONS FAIR TRADE CAFE
300 5TH Ave SW, Olympia, WA
Call Traditions at (360) 705-2819
Ukalaliens® Uke&Sing!
Ukes-Without-Borders! Gathering at Traditions with ukes-to-lend to introduce beginners and uke-curious to playing uke and singing together for a group learning and singalong using the Ukalaliens method (fun & stress-free!,) an easy number system and familiar folk songs. All Welcome. No experience needed. 60 minutes. $10![]()
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WEEKLY ONGOING CLASSES / REGISTER BY THE MONTH / 4 CLASSES PER MONTH
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UKALALIENS UKE CLASSES
Please Register Online Below or Send Check to: Quality Folk, PO Box 1796, Olympia WA 98507
Weekly Classes by the Month at Yenney Music Recital Hall, 1404 Harrison NW in Olympia, WA 98502
Call for Info (503) 331-1994 or Email folks@qualityfolk.com
T U E S D A Y S
Ukalaliens I (Beginners) 5:30 - 6:15PM ($10 per Session/$40 per Month)
Ukalaliens® I
Level 1
Imagine, you are an alien from another planet; you've just landed on earth and you'd love to participate in the ukulele festivities, but you don't own a ukulele; and even if you did, you don't know which end is up or where to pluck........Throw away your fears and anxieties and attend the "Ukalaliens I" class. We loan you a beautiful sounding, pre tuned and easy to play uke, teach you a wee bit of history, what a fret is, the tuning, 3 or 4 simple chords, up and down strums, AND we sing and play 4-6 fun and easy (mostly familiar + 1 new one) songs. And in between all the learning spots, we laugh alot. So, this is a class for, "I don't know nuttin'" absolute beginners.
Learn to play ukulele and sing songs through an easy method that gets people playing and singing in minutes. Created to help people learn how to begin playing uke and to sing with others. Absolute beginners learn about the ukulele, tuning and how to strum, pick and sing along following song charts and fun, stress-free instruction by Steve & Kate. Handout included. Loaner ukes available for use in class (24). Level 1 - Absolute Beginners. 45 minutes.
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Ukalaliens II (Advanced Beginners) 6:30 - 8 ($25 per Session/$100 per Month)
Ukalaliens® II
Level 2
Imagine, you've just attended the "Ukalaliens I" class (or you've played a little and you're ready to expand your ukulele horizons..........) You're feeling a little more confident, you're thinking this is kind of fun, I love the sound of the uke, and I look so cool holding this cute little guitar like thing......I want to see what else these two uke nuts can show me. In "U II" we show you how to do some fingerpicking, a few more chords including at least 1 minor chord; we'll demonstrate and work on some embellishments like hammer on, pull off, slide, mute, and flexible rhythms. Depending on the level of proficiency and size of class, we will explore jug band (I,VI, II, V), waltz tempo, old rock, folk and African songs. Singing is a fun aspect of our class, so plan on opening your mouth and making some sweet sounds to accompany your uke playing. (we will also teach you some handy vocal warmups)
For advanced beginners who are comfortable with first position chords and feel ready to move beyond the first steps into more syncopated strums and picking patterns. This workshop uses the Ukalaliens method, the number system and friendly dynamics to bring students into the next level to enhance playing, transposing songs and to help grow the students' skills with both left and right hands. We include elements of arranging and cheap (fun) theatrics to optimize dynamics for maximum enjoyment. Level II - Advanced Beginners. 90 minutes.
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W E D N E S D A Y S
Ukalaliens III (Intermediate) 6:30-8PM ($25 per Session/$100 per Month)
Ukalaliens® III
Level 3
Imagine, you've just attended the "Ukalaliens II" class or you've been playing for awhile and want to expand your horizons and repertoire. This class will be give students plenty of opportunity to discover ways to make what you hear and favorite songs convertible to the ukulele and will create insights to tailor songs to your own style with various approaches to arrangements, keys, and finger techniques while exploring a broad range of songs, tunes, motifs and ideas. Level III - Intermediate. 90 minutes.
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...W E T E A C H...
Ukulele, Guitar, Guitar, DADGAD Guitar, Beginning Banjo (Old Time & Bluegrass), Bodhran Irish Drum, Songwriting, Voice, Coaching
...W E O F F E R...
Private & Skype Lessons, Group Classes & Monthly Workshops. All Inquiries Very Welcome.
Ukalaliens Classes TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS at YENNEY MUSIC, 1404 Harrison NW, Olympia,WA.
Tuesday > 5:30 - 6:15PM > Ukalaliens I (Beginners.) $10 Weekly starting Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012.
Tuesday > 6:30 - 8PM > Ukalaliens II (Advanced Beginners.) $25 Weekly on Tuesdays
Wednesday > 6:30 - 8PM > Ukalaliens III (Intermediate) $25 Weekly on Wednesdays
ukalalien: n. a newly converted ukulele player prone to singing and strumming on the ukulele, spurred to spontaneous acts of music and song singing, both alone and with others, regardless of setting or circumstances, thereby creating a euphoric sense of wellbeing.
... the Ukalaliens Songbook&CD FITS EASILY IN YOUR UKE CASE!
We recommend these easy to use instructional materials for those who would like to play the ukulele or join us in class. Ukalaliens Songbook & CD
Homespun DVDs 1 & 2 "You Can Play the Uke!" with the Ukalaliens
*****
Private workshops tailored to your special setting? .
If you are interesting in Hosting a Concert, please click our House Concerts page.
Ukalaliens® method, products and history are described on the Ukalaliens page of this website.
"I have learned more in the last three group lessons with you then I learned in the last three YEARS of private lessons!" - Fred Thurman, Aberdeen, WA
"Sometimes we don't know what we have until we've lost it: other times we don't know what we've been missing until it enters our lives. Such was the case when Kate Power and Steve Einhorn introduced me to my first ukulele. My son (a guitarist) and I have become addicted to this little musical powerhouse. Thank you, Quality Folk!" - Carter Brey, Principal Cellist, New York Philharmonic
ukalalien: n. a new converted ukulele player prone to singing and strumming on the ukulele, spurred to spontaneous acts of music and song singing, both alone and with others, regardless of setting or circumstances, thereby creating a euphoric sense of wellbeing.
See, hear & read about ukalaliens, the adventures of Kate & Steve and anecdotal americana.

DOWNLOAD & PRINT this POSTER for YOUR WORKSHOP! (8.5 x 11)
OTHER WORKSHOPS WE OFFER INCLUDE...
VoxBox!
How to Sing from Scratch
A singing class for all levels that teaches elements of singing with an introduction to vocal exercises and basic harmony in songs. This class is intended to build vocal ability, approaches to harmony and develop confidence in shy singers. You will learn some of the tricks and guidelines singers use to make beautiful music singing along or by yourself. Music dynamics, group etiquette and vocal guidelines will be shared for maximum enjoyment both inside and outside of the class.
Singing is one of the most sensitive areas of music making. Learning the body mechanics of singing through exercises takes the stress and tension out of learning while building stronger voices in a natural, healthy way. This singing class teaches the elements and dynamics of singing, harmony and light music theory through vocal exercises, songs and supportive coaching. Beneficial for solo and group singers alike. No experience needed.
The Number System: Level 1 & 2
When musicians need a way to communicate musically, the number system comes in handy whether they read music or not. This universal system is the bridge between all levels of musicians to define the music they are making. This knowledge is very handy in countless settings in a musical life from jam sessions and band practice to the recording studio, knowing the number system will help you get the right chords played on your songs.
3 Chords & A Capo
OR Good Tricks to Guitar Accompaniment: Level 2 & 3
Combining guitars to produce arrangements that work well together to deliver the song as a unit. Using multiple styles to describe the capo and right hand technique, this class teaches fun ways to approach music from two guitars in different tunings using distinctly different voices to create one good sound.
DADGAD Guitar: Level 1, 2 & 3
Kate teaches this class replicates her introduction to DADGAD by Irish musician, Micheal O’Domhnaill over twenty-five years ago, setting the course for her own guitar work over time and across genres. The class outlines the neck, chords, chordal scales and basics of getting around the neck in DADGAD in major and minor keys in any music setting. Handouts provided.
Simple Songs - The Good Jam Class - How to Make Beautiful Music with Everybody (90 minutes)
Ensemble Instruments and Voices of All Levels
This class teaches the nuances of singing with others, the elements of music and how to approach a song to bring out its best as part of a group. The many ingredients of making beautiful music are touched on in a way that allows each individual to play and sing with sensitivity for greater satisfaction.
Offstage/Onstage ~ Open Mic Class for Music ~ Comedy ~ Storytelling ~ Dramatic Reading
This class provides the participant with four performances onstage structured for interactive guidance for beginning or seasoned performers wishing to practice performance skills & technique on stage with their material in a supportive, mentored setting. Learn to approach the stage by practicing performance before an audience that allows you to try ideas and overcome fears. Learn how professionals keep their wits (and use them) in public performance. Practice your material in a live setting on stage. Under the guidance of two lifetime performers, your confidence will increase and the ability to deliver your material will grow in this positive and supportive class. Experienced or not, whether it's a family event or Carnegie Hall, your performance will benefit from practicing live onstage in the Open Mic Class . Enjoy the journey of rehearsal AND the destination of performance. Participants bring their own material for coaching and performance. Seats Limited. Individual consultation included. All Levels. All Mediums.
Songwriting: The Musical Theatre of Everyday Life - All Levels
Harvesting the elements of music and imagination to capture songs that reflect life your way, this workshop leads the new songwriter into the process from the beginning, coached by awardwinning songwriters with all the ingredients for success. All styles, genres, ages and backgrounds encouraged. No experience needed.
Short Workshop (1 hour)
Write a song as a group. Learn how to write a song, start to finish, as a group with the class. No experience needed - just participation!
Longer Workshops (2-4 hours)
Participants write individual songs through exercises and guidance geared toward good writing in any style that reflects the writer's topic, language and musical taste. Workshop can be tailored to themes set by the host, or remain open to individual growth through songwriting with personal topic choices.
Retreat Workshops (up to 4 hours x 5 days)
All aspects of songwriting are covered from conception to copyright and publishing songs. Song coaching to mentor students to write, arrange and perform their songs. Students produce multiple songs in this class. Concert of original material on the last day with music support by house band on request.
We also teach...
How to Play Guitar (Level 1 & 2) by Steve
DADGAD Guitar (Level 1, 2 & 3) by Kate
The Complete Banjo Player (Level 1 & 2) by Kate
Coaching Stagecraft & Performance: Solo, Duo & Band (Level 1, 2 & 3) by Steve & Kate
Private Lessons by Kate and/or Steve
All Inquiries Welcome








