UKALALIENS®

UKULELE LESSONS & CLASSES

Please Register for Classes & Lessons 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

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.

~ BUY LESSONS ~

Please schedule lessons

at folks@qualityfolk.com or 503-331-1994.

Print your receipt and redeem it at your lesson.

T h a n k  y o u .

 

~ Purchase Single Lessons Here ~

60-Minute Private Lesson

 

Would You Like to Rent a Uke?

We rent ukuleles by the month!

Rent it here and pick up your uke in class!

(rentals are limited to ukalalien students)

Uke Rental $10 per month

~~~ Introductory Uke Class ~~~

 

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

 

Pre-Register Below for WEEKLY ONGOING CLASSES / REGISTER BY THE MONTH / 4 CLASSES PER MONTH

 

UKALALIENS UKE CLASSES

Please Pre-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

4 Tuesdays - Ukalaliens I 5:30-6:15PM

April 2012    May 2012    June 2012    July 2012    Uke Rental $10/month

Add Uke Rental

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ukalaliens II (Advanced Beginners) 6:30 - 8 ($25 per Session/$100 per Month)

Ukalaliens®  II

Level 2

Tuesday Ukalaliens II

April 2012 $100.00 USD    May 2012 $100.00 USD    June 2012 $100.00 USD    July 2012 $100.00 USD

4 Tuesdays 6:30-8PM at Yenney

 

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.

... the Ukalaliens Songbook & CD FITS EASILY IN YOUR UKE CASE!

The NEW 2nd Edition of the Ukalaliens Songbook & CD is here!

  

Ukalaliens® Songbook & Companion CD

A Beginner's Guide to Ukulele Fun

by Kate Power & Steve Einhorn

(NEW IMPROVED 2nd Edition)

RETAIL:  $19.95 (plus shipping)

ORDER ONLINE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHOLESALE: Exclusive Distribution by Hal Leonard

Hal Leonard Online website.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Ukalaliens are musician-teachers, Kate Power & Steve Einhorn, who travel in Johnny Appleseed fashion to practice ukes-without-borders from town to town, to introduce non-musicians to their musical sides by bringing ukes-to-share and showing them how in a friendly, fun way to play the uke and sing along. Kate & Steve bring the joy of singing and making music alone and together. The Ukalaliens harmonize community by sharing ukes to try and songs to sing.  Ukalaliens® are popular in schools, libraries, music and community centers of all kinds. The Ukalaliens Workshop and Ukalaliens Uke&Sing! Gatherings bring people together to grow budding musicians from scratch through ukulele.

"The Ukalaliens Songbook (A Beginner's Guide To Ukulele Fun) by Kate Power and Steve Einhorn is a charmer. Handcrafted by the authors, the book/CD boasts delightful illustrations by Steve and performances by both Steve and Kate. The songs are a blend of well-known traditional tunes and the author's originals all taught via the text and patient encouragements on the CD. A small and happy book for a small and happy instrument." - Jumpin' Jim Beloff, Flea Market Music

"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, Ukalaliens!" - Carter Brey, Principal Cellist, New York Philharmonic

Ukalaliens® is a registered trademark of Quality Folk Inc. All rights reserved. ©2011

• Recommended by Teachers for Teachers and for Students from 10 to 100 years old.

• "We had such a good time with you and your ukuleles.  I noticed a big leap
  forward in the students' ability to navigate the strings after their session
  with the Ukalaliens method.  We are playing every day in 6th grade!" - Susan Lundquist, Music Teacher - Montesano School, WA

• "I learned more in one Ukalaliens Workshop than I learned in three years of music lessons!"
  - Fred Thurman, Aberdeen, WA

It all started with the book...

"The Ukalaliens Songbook (A Beginner's Guide To Ukulele Fun) by Kate Power and Steve Einhorn is a charmer. Handcrafted by the authors, the book/CD boasts delightful illustrations by Steve and performances by both Steve and Kate. The songs are a blend of well-known traditional tunes and the author's originals all taught via the text and patient encouragements on the CD. A small and happy book for a small and happy instrument." - Jumpin' Jim Beloff, Flea Market Music

Twenty-five years at Artichoke Music in Portland, Oregon showed artist-musicians, Steve Einhorn and Kate Power how to teach people to make music. Together they created a fun, stress-free method using colorful illustrations and a simple number system and dubbed it the Ukalaliens® method. Imbued with Einhorn's whimsical illustrations and a playalong CD to follow, the Ukalaliens Songbook gives the absolute beginner a hands-on start using familiar songs and easy-to-follow instruction. The Ukalaliens® have traveled with dozens of ukes-to-lend from Kala Brand Ukulele and converted thousands of people into new musicians on ukulele.

The Ukalaliens® Songbook (featuring folding FLIP-FLAP chord charts) will teach you how to play, sing and make music on songs you love to sing using the ukulele.  Using a fun, stress-free method and simple number system, you will learn how to play the ukulele and change keys to fit your voice with ease. Become a new musician with the Ukalaliens® Songbook!

... Then came the Ukalaliens® DVDs from Homespun...

Homespun DVDs "You Can Play the Uke!" 1&2

 

Happy & Jane Traum of Homespun in Woodstock, New York invited Steve & Kate to create two instructional DVDs for a visual guide to accompany the Ukalaliens Songbook & CD.  The two-DVD set of "You Can Play the Uke!" brought Steve and Kate's Ukalaliens® method to the screen and includes downloadable transcriptions and tablature for every song and technique.  By itself of with the book, the Ukalaliens® method is fun and easy to follow.

---

Want to do more?

If you wish to contribute by providing the growing Ukalaliens® movement with extra support, you are most welcome to contribute here by clicking the button in any amount. We intentionally keep our services affordable so that no one is excluded from learning to play, sing and harmonize with us. Your support is most welcome and will be used exclusively to pay for the expenses of the work we do to bring communities into harmony with ukuleles.  It's meaningful to the people we teach and the communities we reach and makes a difference by opening the world of music to all, one by one. We are thankful for your support and participation in building community harmony in the world today and every day. Thank you!   - Kate & Steve

 

Media & Quotes...

"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

The Ukalaliens Songbook (A Beginner's Guide To Ukulele Fun) by Kate Power and Steve Einhorn is a charmer. Handcrafted by the authors, the book/CD boasts delightful illustrations by Steve and performances by both Steve and Kate.  The songs are a blend of well-known traditional tunes and the author's originals all taught via the text and patient encouragements on the CD. A small and happy book for a small and happy instrument. - Jumpin' Jim Beloff

 

THE UKALALIENS ARE COMING!

Music Trades Magazine - January 2010

THE UKALALIENS® is brought to you by folk duo Kate Power and Steve Einhorn from the Pacific Northwest.  They have been conducting retail clinics coast-to-coast sponsored by Kala brand ukuleles.  Authors of the book "The Ukalaliens Songbook, A Beginner's Guide to Ukulele Fun" and companion CD, Kate and Steve have shared the stage with folk luminaries such as Pete Seeger and have performed on Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion. 

In their clinics, the Ukalaliens® effectively demonstrate how easy it is to turn non-players into ukulele strumming enthusiasts within a few minutes.  After sitting through the hour-long session, many attendees have gone on to create their own ukulele communities or clubs that frequently get together to jam and play songs.  Dan Ross of Columbia River Music, The Dalles, Oregon, stated, “the Ukalaliens helped to build the ukulele community here and to sell instruments.  We have a uke group that now meets to jam at a winery two or three times a months.  They usually come back to buy more than one ukulele.  They buy them for their friends, grandkids.”

According to Jimmy Dougherty, manager of George's Music in Jacksonville, Florida, “The Ukalaliens are a fun and interactive duo who provided some unique entertainment to our customers.  We would love to have them back in the future!”  The workshops provide excellent opportunities for stores to reach new customers and non-musicians.  Attendees often invite their friends and family to join in the fun, creating a community atmosphere.”  The book & CD is the next best thing to being there.  - January 2010

---

Kate & Steve "bring us to that place that can only be reached at the hands of journeyman artists.  The power and precision of their performance gives me the complete trust to lean into the music, to get lost in it." - NW Examiner, 2009

---

"Ukalaliens®" book review

by Jim D'Ville, musician, author &  music teacher

Folk troubadours, Kate Power and Steve Einhorn, have created a magical introduction to the wonderful world of ukulele playing with their book and CD project Ukalaiens Songbook: A Beginner’s Guide to Ukulele Fun.  And that’s just what this delightful little book and CD are, fun!  From the whimsical original illustrations by Steve to the diverse collection of simple folk tunes the book will immediately have the aspiring ukuleleist strumming and singing right from the get-go.

For the more adventurous players the book also includes a number of beginning finger-picking patterns and left hand techniques. Another feature unique to the book is handy “flip-flap chord charts" that pop up from the book to demonstrate how to play the tunes in a variety of keys. Steve’s pleasant voice guides you patiently through uke basics and the 19 tunes contained on the CD, which include folk classics Careless Love, Crawdad Hole and Shady Grove, in addition to, the lovely original tunes Annebelle, Under The Moon and Pretty Little Girl.

As an added bonus, the CD contains the glorious harmony singing of Kate and Steve which have made them Northwest folk icons. Kate and Steve project a nurturing spirit that warmly welcomes all to the experience of playing and singing with others. Their relaxed, no hurry, presentation is the perfect welcome to beginning musicians of all ages.

I would recommend the Ukalaliens Songbook to anyone wishing a throughly enjoyable musical introduction to playing the sweetest of stringed instruments, the ukulele.  - Jim D'Ville, Author of The Natural Way to Music

    

Ukalaliens® FAQ...   

Can I host a Ukalaliens Songbook Workshop?

Yes! Ukalaliens Workshops have been hosted by all kinds of people; Kala Ukulele dealers, music stores, libraries, senior centers, schools and private parties.

The Ukalaliens Workshop is a perfect way to bring people together & introduce them to making music with ukuleles in a fun and accessible way.

We provide two dozen Kala tenor ukes to lend to participants and a free handout based on the Ukalaliens Songbook method and songs.

Where do the Ukalaliens Workshops happen?

Music stores, Kala dealers, Community Centers, Senior Centers, Libraries, Classrooms, Art Galleries, Music Venues, Living Rooms, Wine Bars, Churches, Kitchens, Front Porch, Back Porches, Patios, State Parks, Offices, Grange Halls, Coffeehouses - you name it!  Have ukes will travel!

 

What's the age group?

Ukalaliens are from 10 to 100 years old. The Ukalaliens Workshop is an entry level method for absolute beginners.  It is designed to work for anybody who wants to learn the ukulele and is old enough to try.

What does it cost to host a workshop and how many students do we need?

Our fees are reasonable, affordable and vary based on the setting and location.  If you are within 100 miles of the 98502 zip code the price gets even better!  Contact us for fees and availability.

Contact Kala Ukulele for more information about, support and marketing options for your uke workshop.  If you are a Kala dealer, contact your Kala rep for more information or Rick Carlson at the Kala headquarters by email to rick@kalaukulele.com or 877-853-3853.

How do we get the "Ukalaliens Songbook"?

The "Ukalaliens Songbook" & CD is available online through www.qualityfolk.com and in select music stores.

Kala uke dealers may order the Ukalaliens Songbook wholesale from Kala or on our website at www.qualityfolk.com. 

How long does the workshop last?  1-Hour!

We can teach anything from a one-hour workshop to an extended retreat.  Custom workshops are available that may include other features and time-lengths.  Quality Folk workshops are excellent team builders to develop personal confidence by learning to make music.   Inquiries for all occasions are welcome.  

What kind of space do I need to host a Workshop with Steve & Kate?

Just enough room for people to sit in chairs with their ukulele on their lap.  We teach standing up and use a flip chart.  Kate & Steve alternate teaching and helping individual students in the room throughout the class.  (If PA is available, we use 1 vox mic and 1 instrument mic each or 2 vox mics & 2 DI's).

What does the Kala dealer or Host need to do to have a good turnout?

Download "Ukalalien Songbook Workshop" poster and fill in the details (on your computer or handwrite with a marker).  Put the poster where people will see it.  Strike up a conversation about the uke class with everybody you talk to about taking the class for the pure fun of it.  Make sure your contact info is on the poster for people to get more information and sign up. 

You can sell tickets in advance or take reservations.  If they pay in advance, they are likely show up.  If they don't they might forget so try to get the ticket paid for when they register.

Send out an invitation, flyer or email newsletter to your mailing list.  Email is wonderful for networking for a turnout.  Send an "Evite" to your email list.  You can use the Ukalaliens Poster download in your Evite for your image.  Ask the people in your network to send it to their email lists.  Twitter & Facebook.  Treat it like a "happening" and that's what it'll turn into!  

Some folks like to have a potluck or a little party to spice it up.  Some host the workshop in the afternoon, have a potluck and then a house concert with us (with ALL of our instruments in the menagerie) in the evening.  It can be set up like a class or a salon, the flavor is up to you.  The Ukalalien Songbook Workshop is a good time for your friends & customers to enjoy.

What materials are needed for the Ukalaliens Songbook Workshop?

Nothing but a ukulele! Bring your own or borrow one from us to try.  We have two dozen Kala ukuleles to lend to participants in our workshops.

Hear what Ukalalien workshop participants are saying ...

-  I'm classically trained on violin but never played a folk instrument.  My friend has never touched an instrument of any kind.  We went through the Ukalaliens Songbook & CD one page at a time together and have learned from the absolute beginning.  It has been SO MUCH FUN and now we are playing together all the time!  She's playing beautifully and we love the fun nature of the Ukalaliens method. It's been a great experience. Thank you!

-  “I liked the fun easy spirit you have. It was great!”
-  “My mind feels tingly. (that’s a good thing!)”

-  “Such personable, funny teachers. It was so easy to learn because I was not intimidated.”

-  “....fun, took away anxiety about difficulty; can have fun knowing only a few chords.”

-  “Fun, fun, fun!”

-  “Loved the picking techniques; very cool!”

-  “I like being in a group of people singing. I like having you two as leaders. I like learning new songs.”

-  “You are very responsive to each of our interests and needs. It is so wonderful! You have provided a unique opportunity for us.  Thank You!”

-  “Love singing in a group.”

-  “I like how accessible & personable you are - happy, fun atmosphere.”

-  “I got in touch with a lot of songs that I haven’t remembered for a while and learned some really great new ones. Knowledgeable.”

-  “I loved gathering with new folks and feeling comfortable with all.”

-  “I like the easy atmosphere, low pressure, friendly ambience, the generosity of Kate & Steve - please keep this up!”

-  “I like the energy of the group, your energy and enthusiasm. You are both very accepting and allowing and that is very important in music,  it allows exploration and creativity.”

-  “Gracias! I love the instant camaraderie and the way you make everybody feel at home and comfortable.”

-  “It was eye-opening for me to learn something about music structure; keys and chords.”

-  “I really enjoy your senses of humor.  You make singing fun.”

-  “Joyful harmony.  I take home a sense of wellbeing and a better understanding.”

-  “I like the fun atmosphere you create to encourage trying new things.”

-  “I really like the upbeat and inclusive nature of the class.  I want to come and adventure.”

-  “Fun, easy style.” “Swell all round!”

-  “Fun atmosphere. Very encouraging. Light mood.”

-  “Just a beginning for me. Thank you for my musical start!”

-  “I like the group singing fellowship with ukuleles.”

-  “I got a lot of ‘hey, I can do this’!  I am standing at this threshold of musical growth and I can now adventure with my ukulele and music.”

-  “I enjoyed the easy-going, fun atmosphere - not scary at all!”

-  “The pleasure of singing as a group learning first chords together was fun.  Great community!  It inspires me to keep singing and playing.”

-  “Personable, funny teachers.  It’s easy to learn and I wasn’t intimidated.”

-  “It was fun.  It took away my anxiety about difficulty.  I can have fun knowing only a few chords!”

-  “I loved the picking techniques, very cool!”

-  “I liked the fun easy spirit you have.  It was great.”

-  “I like the book, thank you!  I like the instructions.  Four stars!  Great class!”


-  “Fun class.  Thanks.

Ukalaliens Songbook is a registered trademark and may not be reproduced in any way without written permission.

All Rights Reserved ©2010