Workshop: Auld Lang Syne

It’s THAT time of the year when everyone bursts out singing “Auld Lang Syne.” This popular tune is also sung on Burns’ Night. Here’s an opportunity to explore different ways to make this song interesting, a useful skill applicable to any song. First mentioned in my earlier blog post, I’ve since discovered many different ways to play this song.

If you are not attending in-person but wish to join in Zoom, please register to get the Zoom link. Note: you do NOT need to participate in 3 Chord Thursday to join this workshop.

Say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024. Sing “Auld Lang Syne” on Burns Night – 25th January 2024. Learn the different ways to play this song in preparation for 3 Chord Thursday 18th January National Thesaurus Day.

Dress Code: plaid

Workshop Schedule

All instructional content will be shared on screen in these one-hour workshops. You can request the instructional material used in the last two workshops by ordering it in advance US$25. The workshop on Tuesday 16th January 2024 in Zoom is FREE for anyone to attend in Zoom.

1. WORKSHOP I * Thursday 4th January 2024 at 4:30 PM EST (hybrid)
2. WORKSHOP II * Thursday 11th January 2024 at NOON EDT (in Zoom only)
3. FREE WORKSHOP III ** Tuesday 16th January 2024 at 7:30 PM EST (Zoom only) No handouts in advance but you can order the contents after the workshop for US$25.
4. WORKSHOP IV *** Thursday 18th January 2024 at 4:30 PM EST (hybrid) (Handouts in advance).

* free entry for owners of Fun with Uke Book
** free for everyone (22 participated in Zoom)
*** free entry for owners of Fun with Uke Book and/or holders of 3 Chord Thursday Annual Pass

Click HERE for information on the location and testimonials of previous workshops.

Sign up for the exclusive Ukulele Enthusiast e-BLAST (E-mail Blast) (newsletter) to be the first to hear about new workshops, impromptu pop-up song sessions, and related ukulele events and meet-ups. 

Different ways to play a song

Testimonials

Feedback from the first workshop (4th January 2024)

It is always wonderful zooming into Anne’s meetings. The few ukers with her in person add harmony with their voices and intelligence with their questions. (Participant from Texas, in Zoom)

This was an energizing and fast paced workshop with good homework material.
(Participant from Massachusetts in Zoom)

This workshop was excellent. I learned more about this song even if I knew this song. It was fun to have this workshop hybrid because it was nice to see those that were there in person learning as well. (Participant from Hawaii in Zoom)

Such a talented teacher, I learned a lot and felt encouraged by the process. other students were bringing positive energy from their own positions, that was also helpful to me. Giving me space to effort to learn then stop an witness someone else’s learning process.
(Participant in person)

We applied the Circle of Fifths to a three chord song to make it engaging. It finally made sense!
(Participant in person)

I was taught the 2.0 version of the typical chords used in any given Song Key. That was the internal relationships of those chords, but also beyond that to the amazing patterns connecting other Keys. Anne was clear, patient and managed to address this in a hybrid context. I can’t wait to go deeper into this!
(Participant in person)

Feedback from the 11th January workshop in Zoom

A professional workshop on a classic tune that will last the learner a life-time. (Participant from Canada)

Feedback from the 16th January workshop in Zoom

A nice chance to experience a workshop and learn more tools to help increase the fun I have playing the ukulele. (Participant from Oregon)

A full range of 1) breaking down the song into functional chordal analysis, 2) using this to transpose the song into several different keys, 3) trying them all to find best for personal vocal range, 4) seeing how picking patterns with various chord voicings can lead to a natural chord solo arrangement. In short, something for everyone. (Participant from California)

Do you WANT to play an instrument, but not sure that you can? Anyone can play at any level with a ukulele! This workshop presenter makes it fun and easy to ENJOY making music for yourself or with others. I really love Anne’s style and format of the workshops. Additional participation by some attendees and group chats make it interactive for everyone. It should be called a FUNShop instead of a workshop! (Participant from the Philippines)

Feedback from the 18th January workshop in Zoom

This wonderful workshop was about putting your own stamp on a standard piece to make it wonderful! (Zoom participant from Pennsylvania)

This workshop covered how to use the “Circle of Fifths” to change keys in songs, modulate between keys, add additional chords to a simple song for more ‘color’ or personalization, and some basic finger picking techniques. Lots of good options to enhance your enjoyment playing the ukulele! All of them are at your own pace – work on what you like. (Zoom participant from the Philippines)

This was a great workshop on picking and learning new chord shapes up the fretboard at the same time. I enjoyed the music theory as well as the hybrid nature of the course as we all picked different strings. (Zoom participant from California)