Gentle Music Theory for 'Ukulele Players
learn. play. smile.
This site began as a way to share information with the people who came to the 'ukulele jam sessions I held on the campus of Bridgewater State University and grew to include the beginner and advanced beginner classes I taught in BSU's Senior College program, and it now includes the North Country (NH) 'Ukulele Group.
I will be teaching a course on the History of the 'Ukuklele in American Popular Culture through the BSU Senior College in the spring of 2026 on Wednesdays, 11:00am-12:20 pm in the Bridgewater Public Library. Enrollment is capped so sign up soon!
But the big news is that the Senior College is sponsoring a 'Ukulele Mini Festival on January 24! We have two amazing workshop leaders joining us and we'll end the day with a jam session. Click here to learn more.
If you are in northern New Hampshire (Franconia area), I host jam sessions for all skill levels. Even if you don't know how to play or own a 'ukulele, join us! I have loaner instruments and will teach you what you need to know to be playing with us by the end of your first jam. You can drop in anytime--no committment to be at all of them. Other instruments are welcome to join us to round out our sound.
We meet almost every other Thursday at 5:30 for beginner lessons and 6:00 for an hour-long jam session. Winter/mud season sessions start 1/15/26. Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date.
Find out more about what we've been doing here or by clicking NoCo Ukulele Group in the menu bar above.
This winter I will be offering a short course on music theory for ukulele players (scales, chords, transposing, etc.). This course will be best suited to curious advanced beginners and above. I'm still working out the details, but the course will be on Zoom for 4 weeks, 1 hour/week. I am not charging for the course, but tips are appreciated. You can learn more here and sign up for the mailing list.
Click here to send us your questions, comments, or suggestions.
About me - Paula Bishop
I taught music history and theory at Bridgewater State University for 14 years and facilitated the BSU 'Ukulele Ensemble with the help of the students, faculty, and community members who love to play. I teach a ukulele course through the Bridgewater Senior College as well as provide private lessons in 'ukulele and piano. I have led workshops teaching people of all ages and skills to play the 'ukulele in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and elsewhere.