By Derek Schlennstedt
Imagine a teddy bears’ picnic at Woodstock, hosted by the Muppets and Dr Seuss – welcome to Woody’s World – now you can have a chance to be part of it all.
Woody, from the highly popular Woody’s World is undertaking a new project and offering free ukulele sessions at various libraries located around the Yarra Ranges.
The multi-talented musician is running free ‘Come and Play Days’ in July for the whole family to enjoy and is also running an eight-week course for children and parents to learn together in Healesville and Yarra Junction.
Woody has often performed with his own children/family/friends, and draws on his experiences as a musician and teacher.
“The philosophy of music making is derived from my 15 years of playing music, teaching in the classroom and collaborating with my own kids who have often come on tour.”
The Come and Play Days are free 45-minute sessions running at local libraries where children can learn the basic of playing a ukulele.
But these sessions aren’t just restricted to children – parents are encouraged to come along too.
“The ukulele is a great starting instrument,” he said.
“It has a bright happy sound, four strings so there’s not too much effort and concentration and you can come up with a variety of songs.”
“I really want it to be for kids and parents and the idea is that parents are learning with their kids, so they can take the idea home and create a culture around music playing at home.”
The come and play days are only a taster though, and Woody is also running an eight-week long paid course that will further develop ukulele skills and teach melody, rhythm, chord progressions and more.
The first Come and Play Days will be held in Montrose, 3 July, at 11am, followed by Yarra Junction on 4 July, at 2pm, followed by Lilydale on 5 July, at 11am, and Healesville on 10 July, at 1pm.
To find out more and to book visit http://www.woodysworld.com.au/?q=woodysukuleleschool
