If you have an interest in developing your skills in fingerstyle playing within an ensemble, there are two special opportunities to “spread your wings” starting this fall and winter.
You will need to know how to read music or musical tablature. While there are parts for chords, you will get more out of it if you can read notation. You will not be given “song sheets” or chord charts.
The first opportunity builds on the success of Uke Heads; James Hill’s album that included close to 200 hundred of his fans, followers, and students accompanying him on every song. It was a huge thrill for those of us that got to participate in over 2 years of monthly rehearsals.
His next group project is called “12 Multitudes” and is almost entirely instrumental. The first rehearsal starts Friday November 21st, with the target for completing the entire album by December 2026. It’s a terrific learning experience and a chance to play with people from all over the world.
“Imagine the sweeping textures of Penguin Cafe Orchestra meeting the ambient beauty of Brian Eno, all on ukulele.”
Rehearsals are every month on a Friday and are recorded if you can’t make it. Learn more at ukeheads.com. Feel free to ask me (Magda) questions about the project. You can still join if you miss the first rehearsal. They are all recorded.
The second opportunity is to learn ensemble music with Kevin Carroll on the first Monday of every month on Zoom. The music includes parts for High G, Low G, Baritone, and Bass. There are 3 tiers to get in on if you don’t want to pay for a full year. Private Zoom sessions are included for some of the tiers.
Early Bid Pricing extended to December 15, 2025.
Ukestra Collective Membership Includes:
Zoom Classes are on the last Monday of the month 6:30-8pmcentral time starting on 1/26/2026. Recordings available to watch and re-watch.
World-class arrangements and materials that include PDFs with standard music notation & tablature, MP3s and Soundslice access for each song.
Differentiated parts that include Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced parts and High-G friendly, Low-G, baritone and bass parts. There is no limit to how many parts a player could choose to play.
Monthly Zoom sessions that will provide insightful teaching to highlight the depth and definition of the parts, how they connect together and the skills necessary to bring them to life. Q&A time allotted for challenging sections. Each session will be recorded and accessible to members to watch and re-watch.
Quality Instruction with tips & tricks to make sure the technical details and the emotional core of the music are unlocked to provide maximum growth and expression.
Individuals who want to connect with a larger community and already established ukulele groups can benefit from being a part of this one-of-a-kind program.
Discounts for Groups of 5 or more players: Inquire here
The focus is on single-note playing, though there will be chordal options available for most pieces.
3-5 Ensemble Pieces per Semester that draw from Classical, Folk, Blues, Hawaiian, Pop, Jazz and Rock traditions.
Opportunities to perform live with the Austin Ukestra.
The Symphonic and 1st Chair Plans (see below) include the opportunity for students to receive feedback on recordings of their playing. Focused one-on-one Zoom sessions are also included in these two plans.
More information can be found here:
I have joined both projects let me know if you have questions.