Workshops

All workshops take place at Chiostro di San Martino — our workshop venue this year, following the temporary closure of Chiesa di San Pietro for restoration works. Sessions last one hour. Admission: €10 per participant, €5 for auditors. Please note that the workshop room is located on the first floor and is not accessible to wheelchair users. To register for a workshop, visit monopolele.com/booking.

On Saturday and Sunday morning at 12:00, two workshops are designed for those who are just starting out — self-taught players looking to take their first steps forward, or anyone who has already attended the free introductory sessions at Chiesa di Santa Maria Amalfitana. A perfect next step before diving into the main programme.

Friday 29 May

14:00 — Ska & Reggae Ukulele

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Join the Ukulele Ska Collective for a session of rhythm and classic tunes. This workshop covers the essential techniques of reggae and ska strumming — including the iconic “skank” rhythm — and shows you how to get your right hand moving in a whole new way. You’ll leave with tools you can apply to countless songs in your repertoire.

15:00 — Swingin’ Singin’: A Jazz Ukulele Workshop

Level: All levels

Sing and swing a beloved tune from the golden jazz era. Alongside learning the vocal part to a classic from nearly a century ago, you’ll walk away with a complete ukulele accompaniment arrangement — perfect for framing your singing. Expect fun techniques, genuine swing feel, and a boost to your repertoire.

16:00 — Norwegian Rhythm and Groove

Level: Intermediate

The distinct feeling, rhythm and phrasing of Norwegian folk traditions take centre stage in this workshop. Experience the groove firsthand through pulsating drones, characteristic trills and steady foot stomps, and learn tunes from different subgenres of the Norwegian folk repertoire — a musical world rarely heard at ukulele festivals.

Saturday 30 May

12:00 — Beginner Ukulele: Where Your Chords Start to Groove

Level: Beginner

In this workshop, Vincenzo helps you take the next step after the basics. Starting with simple warm-up and technique exercises to build control and confidence, you’ll explore the foundations of rhythm and learn how to apply them to your strumming — playing along with a drum beat so you can feel the groove, not just count it. By the end, you’ll know how to turn simple chords into solid, musical rhythm playing with better timing, feel, and flow.

14:00 — Creating Melodic Fingerstyle

Level: Beginner-friendly — no music theory required

In this workshop Sammy teaches his various fingerstyle techniques on the ukulele, along with the theory behind adding melody and life to regular chord playing. The final step is combining both ideas, giving you the tools to improvise and create your own instrumental fingerstyle pieces. No previous music theory knowledge needed.

15:00 — Strumming Techniques with Ukulele Uff

Level: All levels

Strumming technique is fundamental to ukulele playing — and this workshop will change the way you think about it. Chris deconstructs a wide range of traditional strums, explaining how and where to apply each one. Some techniques can be mastered in the hour; others will take time — but you’ll leave with a clear understanding of what makes playing come alive.

16:00 — Caribbean Vibe: Calypso Rhythm

Level: Intermediate

Working on the track Chaque Seconde, this session explores harmonies, calypso strumming and singing simultaneously with two ukuleles. An immersive, rhythmic experience that expands both your technical vocabulary and your sense of groove.

Sunday 31 May

12:00 — Play and Sing

Level: Beginner

Never sure whether to sing or play — or both at once? This workshop explores the connection between voice and ukulele, showing how each one supports and improves the other. Simple, accessible techniques for everyone — no prior singing experience required.

14:00 — Strum Magic! Colour Your Rhythm

Level: Beginner / Intermediate

Know a few chords but feel like every song sounds the same? This workshop opens up the rhythmic toolkit and shows you how to bring colour, groove and personality to your playing. You’ll leave with five immediately usable techniques to transform your favourite songs into confident, expressive performances.

15:00 — Ukulele and Looping

Level: All levels — no ukulele or loop station required

Gain a creative insight into using a loop station with ukulele, covering everything from the basics to unique approaches. You’ll learn to loop, take it to the next level, and even take part in a human loop station experiment. No equipment needed — just come as you are.

16:00 — Contemporary Hawaiian Ukulele: Arrangement and Soul

Level: Intermediate

Using his original Hawaiian love song Aloha Pumehana as a reference, Daniel shares how to build interesting layers of arrangement — color tones, counterpoint, fingerstyle and strumming. Topics include open string color tones, fingerstyle tone production, the Hawaiian language and hula, and how to create arrangements with movement and feeling.

Monday 1 June

12:00 — Ukulele con classe

Want to share the ukulele with others? This hands-on session draws on Ukulele con classe, Vincenzo’s method for group ukulele learning, and shows you how to teach the first chords, lead a small ensemble, and get everyone playing from the very first minute. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent or simply someone who wants to bring people together through music, you’ll leave with a concrete toolkit — ready to use. And just in time for Cartolina dall’Italia. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED: just meet at the Mezzopieno Cafè.

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