Join us for the 5th annual ukulele zen retreat! Click image below for more details & registration - Ukulele Zen is a joyful and transformational journey into yoga, mindfulness practice and music
"I Feel Good" - Ukulele Zen Participants Playing Live at Omega Institute
Scenes from past Ukulele Zen retreats - Click each pic to enlarge
Enjoy Omega Institute's relaxing and nourishing land, great food and great times with fellow music lovers. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED...BECOME "ONE WITH THE STRUM"!
Testimonials from past Ukulele Zen Participants
"This was my second year attending the amazing and inspiring Ukulele Zen retreat and I'm already planning to go again next year. Stuart and Sarah never cease to amaze me in their ability to make learning fun and easy. They create a safe place to musically explore and play without fear of being 'wrong'. It's like being a kid again! Even though I've been playing ukulele for 4 years now, I came home with a fresh perspective on music making and my practice."
Jeni Bannoura, Watervliet, NY
"A big THANK YOU to Stu and Sarah for the extraordinary experience of Ukulele Zen 2017. These two master musicians nurtured and supported me as a first time uke player to discover delight in learning something new. In just a few days, these fine instructors created a community of musicians of all levels to play, sing, share, laugh and find peace in our connection. They taught us how to be aware of and find joy in each moment and that the best learning takes place at a turtle’s pace. My creative life going forward has been deeply touched by their reminders to smile at ourselves, greet the universe with awe and delight and learn and share with kindness and respect."
Kim Irwin, New York City
"Ukulele Zen transformed my relationship with my ukulele. Through learning to listen and connect, Stuart and Sarah provide a backdrop to explore the range of the instrument. The safe learning environment that they create provides the opportunity to suspend judgement around being “good” and instead find the moment to embrace play. Stuart's enthusiasm contributes to the joy in the room and he connects the group to aspects of music beyond the ukulele as we enjoy both space and connection. Sarah’s teaching makes complicated theories approachable and her bass contributes greatly to the creative expression of the class.
Ukulele Zen was exactly what I was looking for as an approach to learning more about making music and playing my ukulele. I had no idea I could solo until I became ‘One with the strum’!"
Leigh Van Swall, Preston Hollow, NY
"The July 2017 Ukulele Zen workshop was held at the beautiful campus of Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York. Multi-instrumentalist and virtuoso Stuart Fuchs led the class with enthusiasm, encouragement, and joy. Bass and mandolin player Sarah Carlisle’s graceful co-facilitation of the workshop added a peaceful and supportive energy. The teachings and exercises were explained simply, as Stu shared tips for becoming “One with the Strum…” and we quickly found ourselves playing uplifting songs. We were encouraged to embrace and renew our relationships to our instruments and music. Time was always provided for questions, jokes, and community bonding/sharing. The highlight of the week for me was the group’s performance of Stuart’s original composition “I Have Arrived” from his new CD, After All This Time. The song begins with soulful didgeridoo, played magnificently by Stu, and ends with a three-part mantra. It was a thrill to be performing such gorgeous music on stage at Omega! Throughout the week, participants were invited to share special skills - two attendees contributed horn and viola to create a glorious sound; another attendee offered a wonderful teaching on Walking Meditation. I left camp with a heart full of music. Stuart and Sarah, thank you for Ukulele Zen!"
Maureen Gelfo Vero Beach, FL