Pa Mele ‘O Hokulea ‘Ukulele Academy

I wanted to learn to play the ukulele before my 50^th birthday. Never played any instrument before and kids are learning ukuleles in school. I found Michelle Kiba’s website and signed up. The beginner classes were fun, informative and I was playing by the end up the first class! Now, a year later, I’m still taking lessons from Michelle and am having a blast! The intermediate class is very friendly and very helpful. Someone is always willing to help you. Michelle has a beautiful voice and can definitely play the ukulele. I’m even performing at events with other students! Each 6 week session has a theme, Hawaiian, Contemporary, British Invasion. She also teaches students how to start and end together as a group, jam session etiquette, and just to have fun while playing. Some students have been with her for over 10 years. That says a lot about how well she teaches.

a good place for meetings

Michelle also offers ukulele classes at the Art League in Santa Cruz. Michelle’s love and enthusiasm for both the ukulele and for teaching shine through. Each 6 week session covers a different musical style – rock, Hawaiian, folk, etc. She keeps it achievable for the newbies (like me) and yet engaging for those participants who have been playing for years. She also shows you how to do «shortcuts» –easier ways to do fingering, or how to fudge until you have enough finger strength to play correctly.
I highly recommend Michelle Kiba for anyone who wants to learn the ukulele!

After purchasing my Ukulele last year, I was eager to start learning. I started on a few lessons via Youtube and learned the basic set of chords. After a few weeks I then realized that I needed to find a teacher to help answer my questions and provide the discipline to actually practice.
SO ENTER: Michelle Kiba!
After viewing her profile online I emailed her about my interest in the Ukulele and my ultimate goal of being able to strum and sing songs with my students. With an exuberant reply she welcomed me to join her beginning session at the Yu Ai Kai Senior Center in Japan town.
Michelle is a talented musician and instructor and truly has the patience and spirit to make class engaging and fun! For a six week session you will meet once a week for one hour lessons, and the tuition is very affordable. At each lesson you will receive about half a dozen songs to add to your repertoire and you’ll end the six weeks with a fun rehearsal/​jam-​a-​long. On other note…
–Classes are for all ages
–Michelle holds various classes for different levels
–Join the December session and participate in a fun Holiday rehearsal
–Many students are long time participants and are very helpful and kind
–Michelle also holds classes in Santa Cruz
Yes, with Michelle, YOU Too can play the U-​kulele!