Ukulele Kids CHORD-inators
Ken Jones: CHORD-inator,
Ed-UKE-ator & Co-Founder
GTA
Ukulele Kids is a family owned, Toronto-based company. Ken Jones, co-founder of Ukulele Kids, has over 30 years of expertise teaching instrumental music and theory to both children and adults. As Head of Music at Earl Haig/Claude Watson School for the Arts in North York, Ontario, Canada, Ken led many award winning ensembles at Provincial and National competitions. As well, he composed and arranged music for over 65 software titles for elementary schools produced by Discis Knowledge Research. In addition to adjudicating for many provincial music festivals, Ken is also Music Director at Kilcoo Camp for boys in Minden, Ontario. He regularly performs both with his band and as a solo pianist on concert stages at many venues across the GTA including corporate events, private functions and clubs. As an ‘edu-tainer’ Ken shows students that learning to play an instrument is a fun and creative experience leading to a life enriching love of music
CHORD-inator & Ed-UKE-ator Toronto Central East Geoff trained formally on the violin from an early age, took up guitar in his teens and was later a vocalist with a professional dance band, appearing on CTV’s Canadian Talent Showcase. Moving on to a career in advertising, Geoff ultimately started his own marketing communications firm, but not before taking a break to make his living playing all over Ontario as a singer/guitarist.
CHORD-inator & Ed-UKE-ATOR Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Susan’s passion is to share with as many kids and adults alike the sheer joy of playing the ukulele and making music. She started her musical journey at a young age learning to play ukulele with her Grandma. She continued to advance her musical talents playing piano achieving her Grade 8 with Royal Conservatory of Music and also plays guitar. Susan’s business background stems from working over 30 years in the travel industry as agency owner manager and travel consultant. She is enjoying putting her organizational, entrepreneurial and musical skills to use and growing Ukulele Kids Saskatoon.
CHORD-inator & Ed-UKE-ator Gatineau, Quebec There has been music in my life as long as I can remember. There has always been someone playing music in my home. As a child, I studied piano in the Royal Conservatory of Music and sang in various choral groups. I sang lead vocals, played guitar and piano in a few bands as a teenager, and young adult. I discovered the ukulele about 5 years ago, and instantly fell in love with its versatility. Now-a-days, I enjoy performing country tunes in and around Ottawa with my husband, and otherwise playing casually in our kitchen, with our kids. I have been teaching my own children everything that I know about music, for many years. And now, I am going to dedicate my life to sharing my musical knowledge with my community as well. Playing music can be a powerful, and enriching part of anyone's life. It is a language we all understand. And, as I have always said, anyone can play the ukulele! Chris Oster: Performing and studying music all of his life, Chris has over 30 years of experience playing trumpet, guitar and singing in orchestras and choirs of all sizes. He majored in trumpet and musical theatre at the Etobicoke Academy for the Arts, studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and studied Intervention for Individuals who are Deafblind at George Brown College. For the last six years, Chris has been a private guitar and ukulele instructor as well as worked as a freelance music therapist with groups and individuals with disabilities. He is also a “one-man band” for groups of all ages. Performing and teaching music is his passion and his life. “Ukulele Kids has provided me an awesome vehicle to fulfill my need to give the gift of music.” |
April Lavine: April recently graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Education and a Honours Bachelor of Arts. Sandy Lubert: Sandy is a former teacher and home schooler. She writes memoirs and, so far, has published the life stories of six "ordinary, extraordinary" people. Sandy is the proud mom of three amazing young men - Kevin, Patrick and Charlie - and the servant to two cats, one furrever dog and one foster dog who is on his way to becoming a dog guide. She plays guitar, sings, writes songs and is learning uke with her partner Deb, who loves String Along in Dundas! Sandy chairs the May March Foundation for Mental Health and is also an active volunteer with the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, where she is envoy to the UU UNO.
Craig is a retired teacher having taught 33 years in elementary and high schools in the Winnipeg area. He has a Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Studies and English) from the University of Winnipeg. He also has a Masters of Education degree from the University of Manitoba specializing in arts education. Craig is a singer and actor. He has been on stage with Rainbow Stage and the Manitoba Opera in numerous productions. He has performed widely with choirs, community stage productions, a celtic band, and as a solo performer. Craig also plays guitar and he especially enjoys performing with a family group called "Highland Heart and Soul". He enjoys meeting ukulele enthusiasts in Winnipeg and looks forward to sharing the ukulele to all ages through Ukulele Kids.
Dennis Smithers: Julia Chang: Mark Goodney: |