I am a Glastonbury dermatologist and musician who, for the last several years, has become quite passionate about playing, and teaching others to play, the ukulele. It is the easiest instrument to learn to accompany oneself singing. It is also quite small and therefore “kid friendly.”

I teach ukulele to fifth and sixth grade students at the Gideon Welles School in Glastonbury. I have also led teacher workshops in Glastonbury and Hebron, presented a ukulele workshop at the 2003 CMEA conference in Hartford, and given two eight-week adult ed courses per year in Glastonbury. For ten years, my two daughters and I performed as the musical group Pride and Joy and Dad. In recent years my accompaniment for the group has been, almost exclusively, on the (electric) ukulele. I lead the Glastonbury Ukulele Band and the Glastonbury Ukulele Club.

Because I would like the younger generations to become acquainted with this instrument, and, hopefully, learn to play, I give presentations to student assemblies, and hands-on workshops to teachers, especially music teachers.

The lecture/demonstration/singalongs have been quite well received by the students, who are intrigued by this small instrument that can play folk, pop, rock and jazz music. Teachers have enjoyed learning to play so that they can incorporate it into their classroom musical activities.

Please contact me if you are interested in a presentation to elementary school students, or in a teacher workshop.