Are you new here? The next row is for you.
a regular? click your day/time below.
What is a Zookestra?
A Zookestra is a ukestra (or a choir), using Zoom and other online video computer programs. We can teach you in the safety of your own home, you can hear our instructions, play and sing along with us, ask questions, and talk to each other.
Each Zookestra will feature:
- Mark and Jane playing the music and singing from their lounge room
- You joining in from home as we play. You will not be heard (simultaneous just doesn't work, the internet just isn't fast enough)
- We will give some instruction prior to playing each song.
- If you are positioned right in relation to your camera, we can watch your fingers and see if we can help.
- We will have other online assistants to give you some extra help.
- We will occasionally break the group into smaller groups so that together we can work on more detailed techiques, melodies and harmonies.
- We'll have a half time break to allow you to socialise.
Stay connected to your local ukulele community. Keep playing and learning. Be a part of a Zookestra.
For about the cost of a cinema ticket (remember those?) you get something more productive than watching a movie, more connected than social isolation, more music-making than a mobile phone, and more learning than a llama.
Which Zookestra is for you?
Join the Zookestra that keeps you connected to your community and that will keep you playing and learning at your skill level. If you wish to visit our music-making community from afar, you are more than welcome (Hello Philadelphia, USA! Bonn, Germany! Milton Keynes, UK).
We are based in Newcastle NSW. This is our community, and it is our time zone!
Or just choose the one that suits your time-zone / skill-challenge.
1. Monday Mornings - Easy/Mixed - 10am-midday
New people please go here to register
If you have already organised payment with us, CLICK HERE (that'd be mostly for our regulars!)
This is an Easy/Mixed Zookestra for those who can play about a dozen chords and can play the C scale (or aspire to). More challenging material may be introduced at times. Mark will be leading this session (with Jane on bass) and John assisting from home.
2. Monday Evenings - Intermediate - 6-8pm
New people please go here to register for Monday evening
If you have already registered payment with us, CLICK HERE (our regulars!)
Intermediate - generally for those who have been playing for over 2-3 years and know their notes, numerous chords and want to learn more. Jane will be leading this session with Mark accompanying on bass.
3. Wednesday Mornings - Easy/Mixed - 10am - 12pm
New people please go here to register for Wednesday morning
If you have already registered payment with us, CLICK HERE (our regulars)
Easy/Mixed for those who can play at least 15 chords and the C scale. More challenging material may be introduced at times. Jane will be leading this session (with Mark on bass) and Kathy assisting from home.
4. Thursday Nights - Easy/Mixed - 7-9pm
New people go here to register
If you have already registered with us, CLICK HERE (our regulars)
Easy/Mixed for those who can play at least 15 chords and the C scale. More challenging material may be introduced at times. Mark will be leading this session (with Jane on bass) and John assisting from home.
5. Saturday Afternoons - Easy Newkestra - 1-3pm
New people go here to register
If you have already registered payment with us, CLICK HERE (our regulars)
Easy Newkestra for new players who have just started out (under a year of playing). Mark and Jane will be leading this session with John assisting from home.
What is it?
Zoom is an online teaching platform. You'll need a computer, tablet or a smart phone and an internet connection to be able to participate. Most computers/laptops and phones have microphones and cameras built in, so the assumption is that you have that too.