Ukulele and Tenor Guitar (DGBE tuning)
A late-blooming musician, jean discovered guitar at the age of thirty-five. Instantly smitten with the feel of playing music, she taught herself basic guitar chords, eventually writing and performing songs at cafes and songwriter showcases around Seattle. Later came touring, adding ukulele and harmonica to her cache of beloved instruments.
“I teach each to the best of their individualized learning method for the best success. Above all else, my goal for students playing the ukulele should be to have fun with this engaging instrument. Bonus is the brain support offered by multi-tasking and learning/employing a combination of strum patterns.”
“ My love for this versatile instrument blooms on.”
When were you first introduced to music and what got you “hooked”?
In 2009, I was in flux with music. I took on a songwriting challenge and when I couldn’t find the “voice” in my guitars, I grabbed a friend’s ukulele and the love affair was born! That first song, sweet peas on the vine, was key. Over time, I began teaching others. My love for this versatile instrument blooms on.
What is one of your most memorable experiences as a performer?
In 2023, I played a benefit concert adjacent to an olive grove in a tiny village in Portugal. I travelled from the USA with a baritone ukulele. I used a small cooler as a ukulele stand. It was magic.
Do you have any good practice tips for music students or musicians in general?
Tune up! Trim nails short for best contact. Try to pick up the ukulele each day, even for just ten minutes. Make music a regular part of your life. Your skills and confidence will grow exponentially. Play with friends! Starting with a decent quality ukulele (that stays in tune) will take you far.
Ukulele and Tenor Guitar (DGBE tuning)
A late-blooming musician, jean discovered guitar at the age of thirty-five. Instantly smitten with the feel of playing music, she taught herself basic guitar chords, eventually writing and performing songs at cafes and songwriter showcases around Seattle. Later came touring, adding ukulele and harmonica to her cache of beloved instruments.
“I teach each to the best of their individualized learning method for the best success. Above all else, my goal for students playing the ukulele should be to have fun with this engaging instrument. Bonus is the brain support offered by multi-tasking and learning/employing a combination of strum patterns.”
“ My love for this versatile instrument blooms on.”
When were you first introduced to music and what got you “hooked”?
In 2009, I was in flux with music. I took on a songwriting challenge and when I couldn’t find the “voice” in my guitars, I grabbed a friend’s ukulele and the love affair was born! That first song, sweet peas on the vine, was key. Over time, I began teaching others. My love for this versatile instrument blooms on.
What is one of your most memorable experiences as a performer?
In 2023, I played a benefit concert adjacent to an olive grove in a tiny village in Portugal. I travelled from the USA with a baritone ukulele. I used a small cooler as a ukulele stand. It was magic.
Do you have any good practice tips for music students or musicians in general?
Tune up! Trim nails short for best contact. Try to pick up the ukulele each day, even for just ten minutes. Make music a regular part of your life. Your skills and confidence will grow exponentially. Play with friends! Starting with a decent quality ukulele (that stays in tune) will take you far.
