MasterClass Announces New Class on Ukulele with Virtuoso and Composer Jake Shimabukuro

Teaches ukulele basics, advanced skills, and original compositions and reinterpretations

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Aug 20, 2020, 09:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MasterClass, the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to learn from the best, today announced that ukulele virtuoso and composer Jake Shimabukuro will teach a class on how to play the ukulele. Through a series of easy-to-follow lessons, MasterClass members will learn the basics of playing the ukulele, from the proper way to hold the instrument and strumming techniques to more advanced skills like mastering vibrato and achieving harmonics. Now available at MasterClass.com, members can subscribe for unlimited access to all new and existing 85+ classes through the All-Access Pass. MasterClass categories include business, culinary arts, film & television, music & entertainment, photography, sports and more.

"Jake is a musical genius," said David Rogier, co-founder and CEO of MasterClass. "Watching his dynamic finger work and hearing him play his iconic covers will leave MasterClass members feeling inspired and confident to learn the ukulele and make their own music."

Throughout his career, Jake Shimabukuro has challenged notions of what was possible with a ukulele through his fast and complex finger work, which has made him an internationally recognized ukulele virtuoso and composer. His professional career began when a video of him playing a rendition of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" was posted on YouTube without his knowledge, immediately going viral. He was soon dubbed the "Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele," and his career skyrocketed, leading him to release multiple albums and tour all over the world. Shimabukuro's music combines elements of various genres including jazz, blues, rock, blue grass, classical, folk, funk, Hawaiian and flamenco. A pioneer for the "true underdog of instruments," Shimabukuro has helped to propel the ukulele's presence in the musical world.

"Music has the power to truly shape who we are," said Jake Shimabukuro. "I hope that through my MasterClass people will discover that the ukulele is not just a tool to make music, but also something that can be life changing."

Shimabukuro's MasterClass will teach members the fundamentals of how to play the ukulele with tips, insights and stories from years spent developing his skills. With an inclusive and engaging teaching method, Shimabukuro breaks down ukulele basics for beginners step-by-step, showing members how to hold a ukulele, navigate the fretboard, strum effectively, achieve desired notes and develop unique sounds. He showcases his lessons in action through dynamic performances of his most iconic covers, including a breakdown of "Hallelujah" and a demonstration of how he arranges his rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody." More experienced members will learn advanced skills, from advanced chord groupings and techniques to achieving vibrato and harmonics. Shimabukuro will also take members on a song creation journey from start to finish, sharing his process, tricks and inspiration to create an original composition.

Jake Shimabukuro's class joins the 85+ classes taught by world-renowned instructors on culinary arts, photography, writing, performance, and much more. Each MasterClass has digestible video lessons sized to fit into any part of your day and cinematic visuals with close-up, hands-on demonstrations that make you feel one-on-one with the instructor. The All-Access Pass gives you access to every MasterClass and new ones as they launch. Learn on the go with mobile apps or in the comfort of your home with Apple TV®, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Roku® devices. Subscribe to greatness at MasterClass.com.

Embed & view the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/rnAKA4FMc6c

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Credit: Courtesy of MasterClass

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SOURCE MasterClass