Make Your Own Tahitian Ukelele
Students will learn the skills and techniques to make their own traditional Tahitian Ukelele.
These instruments were initially crafted by the islanders of Tahiti, but are now widely made and used on many Polynesian and South Pacific islands.
Topics covered will include equipment use and safety, selection of raw materials and a range of techniques such as cutting, shaping, finishing and final instrument set-up. There is the opportunity to personalise your instrument in both its shape and how it looks.
At the end of the week students will have a "keepsake" instrument that is equally at home being played around the camp fire or hanging on the wall as a decorative piece. They sound sensational when two or three are playing together or when accompanied by a guitar.
AGE: Suitable for ages 16 to adult
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced - Suited to those who have some experience, but are looking to learn new techniques and explore more complex projects. Also suited to those who have been practicing in this area for an extended period of time and are confident with techniques and self-directed projects.
SCHEDULE: Full Days - Monday 13 to Friday 17 January 2025 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
VENUE: Bellingen High School
Students will learn the skills and techniques to make their own traditional Tahitian Ukelele.
These instruments were initially crafted by the islanders of Tahiti, but are now widely made and used on many Polynesian and South Pacific islands.
Topics covered will include equipment use and safety, selection of raw materials and a range of techniques such as cutting, shaping, finishing and final instrument set-up. There is the opportunity to personalise your instrument in both its shape and how it looks.
At the end of the week students will have a "keepsake" instrument that is equally at home being played around the camp fire or hanging on the wall as a decorative piece. They sound sensational when two or three are playing together or when accompanied by a guitar.
AGE: Suitable for ages 16 to adult
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced - Suited to those who have some experience, but are looking to learn new techniques and explore more complex projects. Also suited to those who have been practicing in this area for an extended period of time and are confident with techniques and self-directed projects.
SCHEDULE: Full Days - Monday 13 to Friday 17 January 2025 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
VENUE: Bellingen High School
Students will learn the skills and techniques to make their own traditional Tahitian Ukelele.
These instruments were initially crafted by the islanders of Tahiti, but are now widely made and used on many Polynesian and South Pacific islands.
Topics covered will include equipment use and safety, selection of raw materials and a range of techniques such as cutting, shaping, finishing and final instrument set-up. There is the opportunity to personalise your instrument in both its shape and how it looks.
At the end of the week students will have a "keepsake" instrument that is equally at home being played around the camp fire or hanging on the wall as a decorative piece. They sound sensational when two or three are playing together or when accompanied by a guitar.
AGE: Suitable for ages 16 to adult
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate to Advanced - Suited to those who have some experience, but are looking to learn new techniques and explore more complex projects. Also suited to those who have been practicing in this area for an extended period of time and are confident with techniques and self-directed projects.
SCHEDULE: Full Days - Monday 13 to Friday 17 January 2025 - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
VENUE: Bellingen High School
course info
Please read all course information below before purchasing tickets for this event.
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Students will take home a completed, functioning Tahitian Ukelele of their design.
Students will also be taught some chords so they can use their project straight after completion.
DAY ONE
Orientation to the tools and equipment used.
Selection of raw materials to maximise neck strength and function of the ukelele.
Shaping the profile of the instrument body.
DAY TWO
Laminating the back of the uke.
Creating the sound hole.
Using the bandsaw to shape the neck and head profile.
DAY THREE
Attaching the sound board.
Shaping and sanding the neck and body of the instrument to suit personal feel and design.
Designing and making the bridge (to support the strings).
DAY FOUR
Glueing down the fret board.
Final sanding and applying a shellac and wax finish.
DAY FIVE
Drilling holes for the tuning pegs.
Attaching hardware such as the nut, machine tuners.
Stringing the instrument, adjusting the set up.
Tuning the instrument and learning some chords!
Students who work quickly can make their own ukelele stand as a side/extension project
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Please bring the following on your first day of class:
Apron to protect their clothing
Alternatively you can wear comfortable, older clothes that can get a bit dirty
This class has an extra materials cost of $100, which is payable directly to the tutor.
Once you book your ticket, the tutor will be in touch to arrange payment.
Cost of $100 includes:
Timber slab for the ukelele
Timber adhesive
Finishes
A ukelele hardware kit (fretboard, machine tuning pegs and other ukelele hardware)
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Course is not suitable for students who may have allergies to wood dust.
Suited to those who have some experience working with basic woodworking hand tools but are looking to learn new techniques and explore more complex projects.
The project can be modified to suit all skill levels as there is scope to increase or decrease the degree of difficulty to suit the learner.
YOUR COURSE TUTOR
David Mayo
David has been teaching wood work in NSW Public schools for over 30 years, including a 5 year tenure at Norfolk Island Central School.
Norfolk Island has a rich connection with Tahiti extending back to the mutineers of the HMS Bounty. It was on Norfolk that he connected with artisans of the island and locals who made and played traditonal Tahitian Ukeleles.
Since then, he has made his own ukeles for personal use and completed them as class projects for students at schools he has taught at.
