Here’s another “who knew?” for you. It turns out that Mike DaSilva, one of the most respected luthiers in the world, loves to teach absolutely, first-time, never-played-an-instrument-before beginners the joys of uke. Not only that, he has turned his workshop at the DaSilva Ukulele Company in Berkeley into the happening place for ukulele enthusiasts from all over the greater Bay Area. There you are as likely to find a gathering of 50-plus members of the Berkeley Ukulele Club (or a workshop led by a noted instructor….or a concert by a world class ukuleleist) as you are of finding Mike, alone, working intently, on his latest creation. He is a willing contributor to ukulele festivals state-wide and extremely generous with his time and talent. His ukuleles are very highly regarded and often quite imaginative. But most important to us, he is a generous and patient instructor.
Workshops
Very Beginning ‘Ukulele
This workshop is designed to get you hooked. Perhaps you have a friend or loved one who is impassioned by the ukulele, but you just don’t get it. You don’t know a C-chord from a vocal cord, a fretboard from an ironing board, but you are just the teensiest bit curious. Besides, you need a way to while away an hour or so while the aforementioned friend or loved one participates in the festival. Even if you were dragged here kicking and screaming, after this workshop with Mike, you will leave with a better understanding of what the fuss is all about and have a few songs under your belt, to boot. (Level 1-minus)
