Starting December 2019, I will be teaching beginner ukulele lessons! I’m taking students from 5 years old to 105 years old. Prior music experience not necessary – only a desire to learn and have fun!
If you are interested, please contact me at (306) 717-4476 or at [email protected]
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s my first love and something that always seemed to come
While I was never really able to take private lessons for any substantial length of time, I’m very lucky and proud to have learned music through the school system. From grades 4 to 6, I had the opportunity to learn the ukulele. Then in grade 6, I was given the tenor saxophone to play and continue to play to this day. I also picked up the trombone in grade 9 and guitar in grade 10.
When I moved back to Saskatoon permanently in 2006, I started playing music a lot more in various groups and learning new instruments like the recorder. Today, I play with the Toon Town Big Band (www.toontownbigband.com) and I’m also the coordinator of the Saskatoon Ukulele Players (www.saskatoonukulele.com). Hopefully, I’ll be able to add more to this list as I’m always looking for more opportunities to create amazing music!
Please check out my new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Patricia-Gakis-Music-104245028207524
**********************************************************************
Saskatoon shut down in the middle of March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a way to keep the music alive, I started doing ukulele jams online. The first was on March 23rd. It was scary to essentially perform for people though the computer but it’s really helped me grow as a musician and I’m grateful!
On November 5, 2019, a few members of the Saskatoon Ukulele Players performed for the second time at McClure Place. We were so well received in 2018 that they asked us back and once again, I’m proud to say that we knocked their socks off! We even had people up dancing this time! I can’t wait to play for them again next year!
On August 14, 2019, the Saskatoon Ukulele Players had a Ukulele BBQ. We did this last year and it was so much fun that we did it again. Great food, great company, and of course, great music!
I’ve always wanted to try busking but I’ve been too afraid to try. I love music and performing but I also knew that busking would force me to learn to be a better performer. By placing myself in the spotlight, I would have to be solid on my own instead of leaning on everyone around me.
So, on August 10th, 2019, I finally headed down to River Landing to do a little busking. I was really nervous but luckily, I had my friend, June, to support me and cheer me on. No, I didn’t make any money but that’s not what this was about. I did have a couple come sit closer to listen and a number of people stopped for a moment to clap. It’s a good start and I can’t wait to get back out!
I’ve been spending a lot more time with my ukulele lately specifically, learning some jazz ukulele. Here’s my rendition of Fly Me To The Moon
Some people might remember that when I was in high school, I took up the trombone. I was interested in learning a brass instrument and our band desperately needed trombone players. It’s been nice having an alternate instrument for times when there are way too many saxophonists but I really haven’t played my trombone in years. I’ve always wanted to try playing in a brass band so this summer, I pulled out my bone. Brass bands apparently use treble trombone which I knew nothing about. It’s a steep learning curve but it’s slowly – very slowly – coming together!
On June 9, 2019, Mike Kurpjuweit held a few ukulele jam sessions at the Word On The Street festival. I snuck into the Teen/Adult Jam and had an absolute blast! Such a great little instrument!
