Learn to play the Ukulele whilst having fun! Experienced singer & performer teaching ONLINE

Learn more about Sylvia

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  I have always loved music and singing. When I was younger my Dad tried to get me to play all sorts of instruments, but none of them stuck. I tried playing the violin, keyboard, drums, bass and guitar… but I wasn't motivated enough to keep going. Then one Christmas, (I was about 20) I bought a ukulele for my Dad, and he liked it so much, he bought himself a new one and gave me back my present! That's when I started playing around on the Uke and discovered a passion for playing and singing my favourite songs.

• Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  At some point I usually change the genre to keep things fresh. It depends on my mood, I have such versatile taste! But I love old classical Jazz and Funky numbers, and more modern Alternative Pop/Indie music, as well as Electronica!

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  I love working out modern covers of songs and seeing how we can represent the different instruments in different ways, with a variety of techniques or maybe several parts playing at once! Usually, songs that have been requested by students are the most interesting because it's something they're familiar with, that we can work on together.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Tricky question! I think every instrument has it's unique challenges, and depending on your skills (perhaps you have great rhythm or a good ear) some are obviously harder for some people than others. I think the Piano is incredibly versatile and amazing to master. There are even incredible things I've seen on the ukulele that look super complicated, but it's just about breaking it down and practise, practise practise!

• What are your keys to success?

  Aha! See above :p It's all about slowing down, breaking things into phrases, or parts, practising and practising, until eventually you can put it all together. Also for me, success isn't just about perfecting a piece of music, but really enjoying it and having fun!

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Ohhh if only I could rewind the clock and meet David Bowie! I'm sure lots of people say that. I would also love to have met Nina Simone, what an incredible force of nature. Hey it would also be great to meet Jake Shimabukuro, he's a real ukulele master. I bet I could learn a few things from him!

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  I always used to hang out in the music department at school, those were the days. Music provided such a solace for me, especially since I had moved from London to Yorkshire in my teens, halfway through the school year, and found that transition quite difficult. Our music teacher would help us with writing music and preparing for the talent show. I debuted a couple of really embarrassing songs about L o v e (what does a 13 year old know about love?!) at our talent show, which was so awkward but also made me kind of famous at school… What did I learn in those days? Don't worry about what people think, do what makes you happy.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I always take the extra care to find songs or material that my student is genuinely interested in. I've worked out a couple of songs they've requested and that's always fun. I enjoy learning new songs myself!
  I try to adapt the pace of the class to the student as well, some people are speedy learners, whilst others need a bit more patience and encouragement and I'm happy to provide a pace that suits the individual.