Workshops and Classes
ZOOM Ukulele Classes with Kate Ferris
Registrations for our ZOOM Adult Group Winter Classes, with instructor Kate Ferris are now open.
Four levels are offered (Beginner, Beginner Plus, Intermediate and Advanced). Each session includes 10 instruction classes. Classes are 1 hour in length, and students must be able to receive and print study materials, via e-mail, prior to each class. Please note: these classes are for C6 tuned `ukuleles, not baritone ukes.
For any further information regarding classes, student requirements, waitlists etc. please contact kateferrismusic@gmail.com
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About Kate Ferris
Manitoba musician Kate Ferris has been performing since – at the age of 5 – the bus she and her Ma were traveling in got stuck in a snowstorm and Kate proceeded to entertain the passengers (including 3 very nice Nuns) with her own songs and stories. (She would like to think that her material has improved greatly since then, but she DID get a chocolate bar from one of the Nuns, so who knows . . .)
After teaching Elementary Music in Thompson, MB for 11 years, Kate held her breath and quit her job to pursue her dream of performing. She’s been chasing that dream ever since – at concerts and festivals across Canada, on lanais in Hawai`i, in pubs in the UK, and for an appreciative crowd in Puerto Rico (although none of them understood English!)
She’s performed with groups as diverse as the Blarney Band, Critter Family, Rodeo Riders, Canadian Content Theatre, and folk trio Small Rooms. She’s played gigs that range from being the act right after the local fair’s pet contest to twice being guest storyteller with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra,to opening for Valdy, Ritchie Havens, and performing for the Prime Minister of Iceland!
Discovering the mighty `ukulele in 2003, Kate fell in love with this wonderful instrument and and starting in 2012 became the ukulele instructor for the Winnipeg Folk Festival’s Folk School. Then in 2018 Kate joined Home Routes and has taught ukulele workshops since then, switching to the ZOOM format in 2020.
Before retiring from almost 30 years with the Manitoba “Artists in the Schools” program, Kate conducted workshops in over 200 Manitoba schools, has appeared nationally on television, CBC Radio and as a guest artist on various recordings. As well, she is a popular MC for conferences and public events, using humour and songs written specifically for the occasion.
Kate spent time in the studio working with award-winning producer Dan Donahue, and in September of 2015 was thrilled to release her first solo CD, “Marie’s Forest” to a sold-out crowd at The Park Theatre. (It only took thirty years . . .)
Now, one of the songs – “Prairie Girl’s Song” – has been illustrated by artist Mary Ann Tully and published by Friesen Printing as a children’s picture book.
Testimonials
I just finished Kate’s Beginner 1A Ukulele course and can’t wait for the next one to start! Kate and Fred’s passion for the Ukulele was contagious and the classes went by quickly every week, even though they weren’t in person. It was great to be able to take the class from anywhere via Zoom, and having the sessions recorded was an added bonus in case I couldn’t attend. The pre-class practice materials were really helpful and it was great to have a variety of types of music to learn. After 2 years of my Uke basically sitting in the case, I am now able to play simple songs in a few different keys with just 10 weeks of lessons!
I feel Kate has been so instrumental in me becoming addicted to ukulele. If we ask for a close-up, on a riff or anything, she always immediately makes one after the class. I also just love Kate’s joyful and kind personality. She really makes you feel good about yourself when finishing a class every time. I would highly recommend Kate’s ukulele lessons.
I love venturing virtually to Canada where I’ve been studying with wonderful Kate since the online option became available. Kate teaches all things ‘ukulele – strums, tab, plus I get to harmonize (on mute) with her lovely voice. And let’s not forget the bonus – two for the price of one, husband and talented musician / musicologist in his own right, punster Fred Casey.
Kate is the best, drawing her classes together until it feels like we are all under one roof and under her spell.
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Home Routes / Chemin Chez Nous
137 rue Walnut Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3G 1P2
Phone: (204) 480-3380
Toll-free: 1 (866) 925-6889
Fax: (204) 786-6259
Winnipeg Crankie Festival
137 rue Walnut Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3G 1P2
Toll-free: 1 (866) 925-6889
Home Routes / Chemin Chez Nous acknowledges that we operate on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Ininew and Dakota peoples, and on the homeland of the Metis nation. We have produced thousands of concerts across Canada, a land home to well over 600 First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.