Inouye teaches ukulele basics

Learn basic techniques, chords, strums and songs with experienced ukulele instructor Patrick Inouye at classes beginning in April in Hilo and under way in Volcano.

Inouye, who has been playing ukulele for more than half a century, got his start by jamming with friends and neighbors on the porch of his family home. Classes for adults start Thursday, April 5, at the Hilo Armory for the county Parks and Recreation Department Cultural and Education Division at 28 Shipman St. Beginning Ukulele I is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Beginning Ukulele II from 11 a.m. to noon. Each series of eight lessons costs $40. A personal ukulele and tuner are required. Call 961-8706 for more details.

Inouye also is teaching these two classes at the Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

The first class is for students with little to no prior ukulele playing experience. During these sessions, Inouye teaches each student how to properly handle the instrument and the most basic chords and strumming techniques. The following session is for those who have completed the ground-level course or already have a basic knowledge of ukulele playing and are ready to add on more chords, strums and songs.

“My life is about teaching people to play music,” says Inouye. Not only does he teach and play ukulele, he also builds them, and his custom-made instruments can be seen on display in the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Eight one-hour sessions cost $80, or $72 for VAC members. Call 967-8222 to reserve a space in the Volcano Village classes, which have ukuleles to loan to students.

For the intermediate player, the VAC is hosting ukulele master Wes Awana in hands-on lessons and freeform, experimental jam sessions every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., followed by a weekly Kanikapila Jam Session at Niaulani at 6:30 p.m. Bring your ukulele, guitar, harmonica or percussion instruments such as bongos, maracas or tambourines, etc. All are welcome. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.