There's a lot of music in a ukulele.
We believe that learning an instrument should be fun...not frustrating. The ukulele is an affordable and simple to learn introduction to the world of music. Students can actually hear their progress after just a class or two, which propels them to learn more. Also, learning and playing with friends makes it all the more interactive and relaxed.
Ken Jones: Chief Uker
Ukulele Kids is a family owned, Toronto-based company. Ken Jones, co-founder of Ukulele Kids, has over 30 years of expertise teaching instrumental music and theory to both children and adults. As Head of Music at Earl Haig/Claude Watson School for the Arts in North York, Ken led many award winning ensembles at Provincial and National competitions. As well, he composed and arranged music for over 65 software titles for elementary schools produced by Discis Knowledge Research. In addition to adjudicating for many provincial music festivals, Ken is also Music Director at Kilcoo Camp for boys in Minden. He regularly performs both with his band and as a solo pianist on concert stages at many venues across the GTA including corporate events, private functions and clubs. As an ‘edu-tainer’ Ken shows students that learning to play an instrument is a fun and creative experience leading to a life enriching love of music.
Denise Levia: Ed-UKE-ator
Former Toronto and Vancouver elementary school teacher, Denise is a professional singer, artist and world traveller. Included in her various teaching credentials is an Ontario Department of Education Music Specialist certificate. Her love for the ukulele began in her childhood and she found it to be a great teaching tool for her students from kindergarten to grade 8. Well known for her vocalizing, she has conducted award winning children's choirs and performed for years with big bands and small ensembles. She brings to her lessons a joie de vivre, a broad culturally diverse repertoire, and loads of experience teaching children and adults. Denise wants everyone to experience the ease and fun of playing this user-friendly versatile little instrument along with the sheer joy of accompanying their own singing. She is a true believer that "music self played is happiness self made".
Al Scobie: Ed-UKE-ator
Al Scobie hails from the Ottawa Valley where he earned a degree in child psychology during the political era of Pierre Elliot Trudeau. He and his wife moved to Toronto to operate a group home for children a few years later. On graduating from The Ontario Teacher Education College, Al spent the next portion of his life teaching elementary school for the Toronto Board of Education. During this period he conducted choirs and bands, and taught recorder and ukulele groups as extra curricular activities. He retired from the Public School System in June 2010. In addition to teaching Ukulele, he teaches guitar privately and tutors individual students in math and English.
Karl Beitlberger: Ed-UKE-ator
Karl pursued a diploma in jazz guitar performance from Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario, graduating with honours. During college he taught guitar at several reputable studios in the Hamilton area. Karl prepared his students for a variety of examinations and auditions where they all attained a high level of achievement. Many of his pupils won awards at competitions and festivals, and several went on to pursue their own musical careers at various schools, colleges and universities.
In addition to studying jazz at the University of North Texas, Karl holds an honours degree from York University in music and music pedagogy. Karl traveled the world for years as a show band guitarist with Carnival Cruise Lines, honing his skills in many musical genres. He is also the author of Method 1: A Serious Approach to Playing Guitar, a refreshing guitar method book. Karl has a bachelors degree in music education from the University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Karl Beitlberger is thrilled to be a Ukulele Kids instructor and he looks forward to bringing his talent and passion for music to your students.
In addition to studying jazz at the University of North Texas, Karl holds an honours degree from York University in music and music pedagogy. Karl traveled the world for years as a show band guitarist with Carnival Cruise Lines, honing his skills in many musical genres. He is also the author of Method 1: A Serious Approach to Playing Guitar, a refreshing guitar method book. Karl has a bachelors degree in music education from the University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Karl Beitlberger is thrilled to be a Ukulele Kids instructor and he looks forward to bringing his talent and passion for music to your students.
Terry Yau: Ed-UKE-ator
Terry Yau is a graduate from Berklee College of Music in Boston majored in Performance and Arranging. Upon graduation, he moved to Toronto and began to work as a professional musician and music teacher. Terry is experienced in teaching music to both children and adults in group and individual settings. In his Ukulele Kids classes, Terry not only teaches songs for students to sing along with, but also teaches students how to play melody and chords on the ukulele. Terry emphasizes singing, clapping and listening as much as playing the instrument to help students internalize music. Apart from teaching for Ukulele Kids, Terry also offers private guitar and bass lessons. As an active performer, Terry has played at various restaurants, recital halls, galleries, and has appeared on TV shows. He plays in different groups that feature music of various musical styles.
Douglas Zimmerman: Program CHORD-inator & Ed-UKE-ator
Doug has been a marketing consultant and York University lecturer for 35 years as a vocation. Doug’s great avocational love has always been music.
As a band leader, trumpet player, vocalist and private music teacher, Doug is well qualified and inspired to be a teacher for Ukulele Kids.
As a band leader, trumpet player, vocalist and private music teacher, Doug is well qualified and inspired to be a teacher for Ukulele Kids.
