We’ve selected the workshops for Las Cruces UkeFest 2026 and we hope you’re as excited about them as we are! The schedule will be posted soon, but for now, these are the classes that will be on it.

Amy Kucharik

Making the Song Work for You (and Uke!) (All levels)

Playing solo, working with a small ensemble, or leading a local uke group, most uke musicians encounter songs they’d like to play but feel limited by some element, whether it’s challenging chords, difficult vocal ranges, or needing a particular riff to make the song sound good. In this workshop, we’ll tackle many of those elements with the goal of empowering you to arrange songs and make them work for you!

You’ll learn:
– How to figure out the “best” key
– What to do with tricky chords  
– How to transpose a song 
– Basic song forms and sections, and what to do with instrumentals, intros, outros, etc.
– Considerations for arranging songs for various performance scenarios

Stepping Up to the (Open) Mic (All levels)

Once you’ve been playing your uke for a just little while, you might get the chance to perform at a recital or open mic. Whether you’re going on stage solo or with a group, it can feel intimidating — or invigorating! In this workshop, you’ll get plenty of performance tips and tricks including channeling your stage fright, what to do if you mess up, and how to wow your audience even as a beginner. You’ll have the opportunity for this to be your safe space to step up to an actual microphone and strum a few chords in front of the group, breaking the ice and paving your way to onstage success!

How to Play Waltzes on Ukulele (Advanced beginner)

With roots in folk and ballroom dances, waltzes are popular worldwide and fun to play on ukulele — but how do you strum them? Using examples from several different 3/4 and 6/8 songs, we’ll explore very basic and more complex strum rhythms (and picking patterns) that can work well for almost any triple meter song you’d like to play. We’ll play a couple classic country waltzes and, as time allows, contrast those with a Beatles hit.

Kung Fu Pinkie! (Advanced beginner)

You’re probably pretty good at using fingers 1-3 to form chords. But don’t neglect that pinkie! Your little finger is essential to playing 4-finger chords, and useful for embellishment with “sus” chords or playing chord melody. In this workshop, we’ll do a couple of exercises to get your pinkie finger in shape, and then play songs with chords that require all 4 fretting fingers for different purposes.

Sho Humphries

Five Levels of Strumming (Beginner friendly, advanced beginner)

Taking a simple strumming pattern, breaking it down into five levels of complexity, and turning it into a full arrangement 

The Art of Groove (Advanced beginner, intermediate)

Based around the classic song Stand By Me, this workshop starts with a simple island style strum and sing, then vamps it up by modifying the strumming pattern to that of the original song’s bass line.

Introduction to the Whole Fretboard (Intermediate)

Taking a simple strum and singing and rearranging different chords up and down the neck, with the chorus having strong open chords and the verse having smaller sounding chords higher up.

Intro to Reharmonization (Beginner, advanced beginner; not very technical but more theory based)

I will walk participants through the basics of functional harmony and how to substitute diatonic chords (and a few choice non-diatonic chords!) for greater emotional effect.

Stu Fuchs

Ukulele Zen with Stu Fuchs  (All levels; some basic experience recommended)

Discover a more relaxed, joyful way to make music with your ukulele. In this uplifting workshop, Stu blends yoga, breathwork, mindfulness — and a healthy dose of playfulness — to help you connect more deeply with your music and your inner rhythm.

You’ll be guided through gentle songs and nourishing practices designed to relax the hands, focus the mind, and open the heart. Stu will share techniques refined over 30 years of performing and teaching around the world, helping you cultivate ease, flow, and musical confidence.

We’ll explore ergonomic strumming, mindful picking, and simple ways to “get off the page” to make music more intuitively. Beginners will find a welcoming atmosphere to grow in, and experienced players will rediscover the joy of Beginner’s Mind.

“Uke-a-Billy” — Rock n’ Roll for Ukulele  (All levels)

Get ready to rock your uke! In this high-energy workshop, we’ll play classic hits from Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and The Beatles — all with Stu’s signature Uke-a-billy style. You’ll learn catchy “boogie woogie” rhythms, sizzling licks, and tricks to help you strum, sing, and groove all at once.

Along the way, we’ll explore ways to add attitude, timing, and showmanship to your playing so your ukulele can really swing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this session will get your fingers moving, your voice rocking, and your feet tapping.

Open to all levels — a little basic experience recommended. Get ready to bring some classic rock ‘n’ roll flair to your four-string adventures! 

Ergonomic Ukulele Fingerpicking (All levels)

Discover the art and joy of fingerstyle ukulele! In this workshop, Stu will demystify fingerpicking, sharing tips and secret techniques honed over a lifetime of classical and fingerstyle guitar study.

You’ll learn practical picking patterns to accompany songs or form the foundation for solo arrangements, all while playing fun, easy-to-learn music. Stu will also share decades of tried-and-true exercises, shortcuts, and practice strategies to help you develop effortless technique, improve finger dexterity, and craft a beautiful, expressive tone.

Open to all levels — whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your fingerstyle skills, you’ll leave inspired and ready to make your ukulele sing.

Vaudevillian ukulele stunts & four string circus tricks! (All levels)

Step right up and join the four-string circus! In this joyful, laughter-filled workshop, you’ll learn playful “ukulele stunts” inspired by vaudeville legend Roy Smeck, The Wizard of the Strings. With a dash of timing and a sprinkle of showmanship, these tricks will add sparkle and fun to your music-making.

You’ll be spinning, tossing, “rowing your boat” with your uke, and even playing with your teeth (safely!) — all while keeping the rhythm and the music rolling! Along the way, you’ll dream up your own creative tricks and enjoy plenty of lighthearted musical mischief.

Open to all levels (beginners especially welcome!). And rest assured — no ukuleles will be harmed in this workshop!

Victoria “Viggy” Kolasinski

Strum, Two, Three! (Beginners)

Still getting started on your ukulele journey? Let’s take things nice ‘n slow and learn how to sync up our fretting and strumming hands with some simple strummers that only need one, two, or three chords each.

Barre Chord Bootcamp (Intermediate)

Ten-hut! Time to tackle barre chords and four-finger chords of all shapes and sizes! We’ll learn some small adjustments to eliminate chord shape buzz and learn movable chord shapes.

Blues Basics with The Beatles! (Beginner, Intermediate)

Learn your Is, Fab IVs, and Vs with this beginner blues workshop. We’ll learn the blues in five different keys through five classic Beatles tunes, and talk about soloing within the blues scale.

Strum & Drum (Intermediate, Advanced)

Want to be your own one-man-band? Let’s learn how to turn your ukulele into a drum set with Strum & Drum. We’ll learn the basics of percussive ukulele and how to incorporate kicks and snares into our strumming technique.