New programme for 2026
​We are offering a variety of new and different workshops with some very exciting content to ​enhance your enjoyment of music. Our one and a half hour workshops are designed to give you a taste of something new or to help improve a skill you already have.
Don't forget to cruise around the local Cafe's and check out what Te Anau has to offer while being entertained by some awesome bands from all around the country. 
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Franchelle Ofsoské-Wyber
Good UKE Medicine
Music Is Medicine
​Discover the Healing Power Within Your Ukulele
This experiential workshop explores how music has always been used across cultures to heal, uplift, and restore the human spirit. Participants will discover how simple notes, chords, rhythms, chants, gospel-like call and response and blues patterns can shift mood, energy, and connection. Through playing, singing, and listening, the ukulele becomes a joyful yet powerful instrument of wellbeing.
Sponsored by 
Kathryn Jones
Offbeat Percussive Rhythm
​Discover a whole new world of rhythm and challenges as Kathryn guides you through new and exciting techniques . Open up your creativity and experience even more pleasure from your playing as together we explore offbeat percussive rhythms and alternate finger picking. Learning fresh ways to play creates colour in your repertoire giving you access to playing many more genres of music. This workshop is a valuable tool to add to your kit. Suitable for confident beginners and intermediate to advanced  .
Sponsored by
Paul Jonson
1. Build a Cigar Box Ukulele
2.Play a Cigar Bow Ukulele
1. Building an electric Cigarbox Uke is like stepping back in time, and in no time at all you'll make the coolest old time instrument ever.
Paul Jonson of Sing'n Uke,  Red Beach will provide the cigarbox kit sets for 12 lucky people, who will assemble them in the space of a workshop!  
2. Whether you built your own cigarbox uke, or bought one, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to play. Paul will teach you the basic tuning, two simple techniques for playing slide, a few new chord shapes and how to play your new instrument in less time than you'd think.
Sponsored by
 Sonia & Nigel Duo
Improvising and soloing 
Curious about improvising but not sure where to start? This workshop breaks it down in a simple, playful way — exploring how to create melodies and solos using just one string, then gradually expanding to two, three, and four.
Designed for beginner to intermediate ukulele players, we’ll work with both high and low G tuning, focusing on listening, rhythm, musical intuition, and finding your way around the instrument without needing lots of theory.
Sponsored by
Tracey Hutchison
Musical Mindfulness & Meditation Workshop

Get ready to tune in, breathe out, and transform your musical experience with Tracey Hutchison at the Te Anau Ukulele Festival 2026! 
A lifelong musician and dedicated Shamballa Reiki Master/Teacher, Tracey blends her passion for music with fifteen years of Reiki healing and meditation expertise. Her holistic approach brings together creativity, calm, and connection — helping players of all levels feel more grounded, confident, and inspired.
 
In her Musical Mindfulness and Meditation workshop, Tracey will guide you through simple, powerful practices designed to centre your mind, relax your body, and open you up to learning and musical flow. Whether you're preparing for your next jam session or wanting a deeper connection to your ukulele journey, this session will leave you refreshed, focused, and ready to absorb new skills with ease.
 
Whether you’re new to mindfulness and meditation, or simply wanting to deepen your musical connection, this workshop will support you in bringing your best self to your ukulele playing.
 
✨ Reconnect. Rebalance. Rediscover your musical spark.  And don’t forget to bring your ukulele!
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Sponsored by
“Sophisticateandbetty”
Getting into Gillian and Dave
A deep dive into two or three Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings songs. Let’s find out why they are so great. Simple chords made more interesting.
Their sparse and dark musical style combines elements of Appalachian music, bluegrass, country and Americana.
We’ve played many of their songs and there is a lot of scope for adding notes even if they sound a bit weird. They like it that way and so do we. We’ll look at different shapes on the fretboard and explore adding notes to give the song interest and excitement.
Sponsored by
David Chen
Two-Finger Style
David is known for his unique “Hawaiian Two-Finger Style,” which has attracted significant attention in the ukulele community. This style of music is delivering emotionally rich and technically refined performances.
What is Two-Finger Style?
Two-finger style is a traditional Hawaiian ukulele technique.
​It is also a chord-melody approach in which the index finger plays the melody while the thumb plays the harmony, creating a rich, beautiful wave-like rhythm.

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 Mary-Anne Tamati
Waiata on Strings
 Join this lively ukulele workshop exploring waiata Māori (Māori songs). Designed for players of all levels, with a practical, easy-to-follow fun approach and in a relaxed enjoyable space.
  Participants will be guided to:
 strum and sing Māori songs with ease
 explore the history and meaning behind each waiata
 build confidence using correct pronunciation
 grow their repertoire of Māori songs
 experience the unique beauty of waiata Māori
Nau mai, haere mai (welcome, welcome), join us for good vibes, great waiata and a
culturally rich musical experience.
What Attendees Need to Know
Skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
What to bring (e.g. ukulele, tuner, capo, notebook)
No preparation required​
Sponsored by
Nigel Gavin
Introduction to Mandolin
Curious about the mandolin but not sure where to begin? This workshop offers a relaxed and practical introduction to the instrument — from how it’s tuned and held, to basic chords, picking patterns, and simple melodies.
Open to complete beginners, the session focuses on building confidence and getting you playing quickly in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Led by renowned NZ multi-instrumentalist Nigel Gavin, this is a welcoming space to explore a new instrument and start making music from the very first notes.
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Sponsored by
Anna van Riel
TUF SUPER-CHOIR
Have you always wanted to hear the vocal harmony and sing with others? Here’s the chance you’ve been waiting for. Join vocal practitioner and award-winning performer Anna van Riel in a fun, all-out workshop that allows you to let go of inhibitions and be a part of creating quality sound with others. Learning tools that help participants to lock in vocally, we’ll build our very own Te Anau Uke Fest Super Choir! This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for singers and non-singers alike.
Sponsored by
Andrew Molina
“Kanikapila” 
Step into a true Hawaiian-style “Kanikapila” — where music is learned by ear, by feel, and by playing together.
No tabs. No pressure. Just a circle of players, a groove to follow, and your turn to jump in.
In Andrew’s workshop, you’ll build confidence as you improvise over simple patterns, learning the way it’s been passed down for generations — by listening, watching, and doing. It might feel daunting at first… but by the end, don’t be surprised if you’re saying, “I didn’t know I could do that.”
Jay Molina
Bass for Intermediate to advanced players
Designed for intermediate to advanced players, Jay Molina’s bass workshop dives into the techniques, styles, and musical approaches that bring bass lines to life. Rather than focusing on reading tabs, Jay emphasizes feel, groove, and understanding the “why” behind what you play. Using his 5-string electric bass, he explores a range of genres and practical techniques you can apply immediately. The session is interactive and open, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, refine your approach, and pick up fresh practice ideas.​​
Sponsored by
Renee McGinnis
1 . TAP, SWIPE, PLAY: GETTING STARTED WITH SONGBOOK PRO
2. THE SONGWRITING PLAYGROUND
Renee is a passionate community music facilitator based in Waihopai/Invercargill. With a strong background in ukulele teaching, folk music, and group music making, she enjoys working alongside others to create music in a way that is inclusive, supportive, and most importantly - enjoyable.
Renee is currently undertaking Postgraduate study in Wellbeing, with a focus on using the arts such as music, creative arts, creative writing, and songwriting as tools to support community wellbeing and connection. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of creativity to bring people together and enhance overall wellness.
​She works with musicians of all ages and abilities, supporting individuals and groups to build confidence, develop skills, and experience the joy of playing music together. Through leading jam sessions, workshops, and community music events, Renee brings a practical, down to earth approach that encourages participation and connection.
John Howlett
The Mookulele Magic Workshop! 
.Turn One Chord Into Two… and Two Chords Into a Whole Lot of Fun!
 Hosted by Ukulele John — Morrinsville’s own musical mischief-maker and fearless leader of the Mookuleles
Are you stuck playing the same three chords over and over until even the cat rolls its eyes?
Do you secretly wish you could level up your ukulele without having to grow extra fingers?
Have you ever wondered how some players make ONE chord sound like FIVE?
Well saddle up, Cowtown — Ukulele John is about to open the gate and let the magic cows run free.
What You’ll Learn (without breaking your brain):
 The “One-Chord Trickery” System — sneaky ways to turn a single chord into multiple flavours, moods, and musical colours.
 The Cowtown Cheat Codes — micro-moves, shape slides, and rhythmic hacks that instantly make you sound cooler than you feel.
 The Mookulele Groove Method — how to turn your simple chords into toe-tapping, smile-making, “wow-are-you-a-professional?” magic.
 Play-Along Sessions that keep everything light, easy, and ridiculously fun.
Who It’s For ?
 Absolute beginners!
 Players stuck in the “C–F–G loop of doom”
 Anyone who wants more fun in their playing without extra practice
 People who enjoy laughing while accidentally learning things
Who’s Teaching You ?
Ukulele John, straight from the bustling metropolis of Morrinsville (population: cows).
Creator of the Mookuleles, breaker of musical rules, and firm believer that music should never feel like homework.
If you can hold a ukulele and smile at the same time — you’re in.
Warning:
 This workshop may cause sudden bursts of confidence, toe-tapping, grinning, and the unshakable belief that you can actually play this thing.
Sponsored by
Mountain Sound 
 
“The songs of mountain sound’ 
Come and join us with your instrument and your voice and learn to play and sing the songs of mountain sound…
We will take you through all the parts that make a great catchy tune. no matter what level you are at, there is a part for you!
From the extreme beginner right through to the ukulele maestros… we will have you all playing and singing along to our silly songs and having just as much fun too.
Sponsored by
Katie Wilson​

Kids Crafts with Katie Wilson
(Variety or ages 3 - 12 Years)
Kia ora,
My name is Katie Wilson. I’m a fully qualified teacher who has always been passionate about music and drama. I have been working as a teacher for over 25 years from early childhood to intermediate level. I feel music can be incorporated into all curriculum areas, creating fun experiences for all learners.
I can’t wait to create some awesome memories with your tamariki at TUF 2026. 
I thoroughly enjoy playing the Ukulele and watching the camaraderie that comes from people joining together to have a jam session. It has a positive impact on well being and brings people closer together.
Our workshop will be jam packed with fun activities for children of all ages. We will have face painting, colouring competitions, biscuit decorating, lolly necklaces, bracelet making, tattoos and games to play. 
Sponsored by
Jackson Peak Heli-Strum
Join Jackie for a once in a lifetime experience , hop in a helicopter and fly to one of Fiordlands amazing landing spots and play a tune or two, or just soak up the views. Sure to be a great event with very limited seats.