New program, Uke Can Do It For Adults, launching at KFPL
Many people have found relief from the stresses of lockdown by taking up new hobbies or rediscovering old ones, like breadmaking, handwork, or playing a musical instrument. Kingston Frontenac Public Library offers a number of creative ideas for entertainment during the long winter, not to mention our current lockdown situation.
Exercising creativity while doing something with your hands can also help improve focus and mental clarity, not to mention hand-eye coordination, according to a release from KFPL, dated Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2021. “If you’ve always wanted to learn to play music but don’t have an instrument, consider the humble ukulele. Lightweight and portable, developed when Madeira Islanders brought small, Portuguese guitar-like instruments to Hawaii, it has a Canadian connection, too – Nova Scotian John Chalmers Doane introduced it to generations of school kids in his music programs. It’s a great gateway instrument for musical novices,” the library stated in the release.
KFPL is launching a six-week online course for adults. Uke Can Do It For Adults is launching later this month, after the success of the Uke Can Do It course for kids.
“KFPL staffer Meredith Westcott led a very popular online ukulele instruction program for kids last year, where each child borrowed a library ukulele and met weekly over Zoom with other kids to learn chords, strumming, and to play in a group setting,” said KFPL in the release.
Inspired by their enthusiasm, KFPL says grownups have been asking how they can share the fun, so Meredith is now offering a six-week online course called Uke Can Do It For Adults. “People are exploring new learning opportunities while in isolation, ukulele becoming one of the more popular pursuits,” says Meredith. “The ukulele community is known for being a positive, supportive, and all-round fun group. The ukulele is often referred to as the “happy” instrument, we could all use a little extra joy!”
Uke Can Do It For Adults will run online from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays, from January 14 through February 18, 2021. Register online at calendar.kfpl.ca or by phone at (613) 549-8888.
A Zoom link will be emailed upon registration. Both right- and left-handed ukuleles will be available at the Isabel Turner Branch from January 6th through the 13th, for curbside pickup only.