I had been playing ukulele in my band, Dirty Dishes for over 16 years. Eventually, people began to ask me to teach their kids how to play! I found the best training there is, and I am so proud that I have my level 3 certification from James Hill’s Ukulele Initiative. I now teach at my home studio as well as for the incredible Melanie Doane and her Doane Music School program. I am so thrilled to be teaching ukulele and sharing my love of singing and playing with kids and adults alike.
Kids Classes – Monday – 4:00 or Wednesday – 5:00
Adult Classes – Wednesday – 6:30
Fall Term – $222
These classes are magic. The connection and bond that grows between baby and parent/caregiver is so beautiful to watch. The joy in the baby/toddler’s face when they feel and hear their own musical growth is just astounding to me. This pre-Suzuki baby music class is perhaps my favorite class to witness. Dr. Suzuki believed that music was for all children and that we are all musical beings.
I started my own kids in the class, formally known as Lovenotes when they were babies and I am deeply indebted to Alison Porter for bringing such rich musical pedagogy to our community. My kids have been playing violin for a number of years with the rudiments laid all the way back at 6 months old. I am so delighted to be continuing on with these classes under my own name.
Wednesday – 9:45
Saturday – 9:30 or 10:30
The Redwood Theatre
10 week session – $185
Space is limited
Kids love to sing; it’s how we share stories, learn rhythm, rhyme, counting, math and it’s just plain fun!
As my own kids were growing, I realized that there was a missing spot musically for children between the baby music classes and when it’s time to start kids on instruments. So, I started a Kindie Choir! We focus on singing as well as basic music theory, note recognition, solfege and rhythm games. We perform a minimum of two concerts per year.
Kindie Choir – Join any time!
Wednesday 3:20 – 3:50 (pick up from Roden/Equinox)
Primary Choir – Full School Year $200
Friday lunch time in the school library at Roden/Equinox for kids grades 1 to 3.
Hi! My name is Lisa Olafson. I am a musician, an actor, a clown and a mom of two musicians! I have been happily living and making music in the Greenwood and Gerrard area for 15 years. Eleven years ago, I ‘hung up my sign’, Redwood Ukes and started out with 2 classes a week. My school and my teaching have grown in so many exciting directions. I could never have imagined that I would be enjoying this incredible life of music that I have.
I love teaching music for babies and toddlers or to join in the chorus with the Kindie’s and Primary kids and I am thrilled to be teaching, young and old, the beautiful, Ukulele, the happiest instrument of all!