A word from some our schools!
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I have had the privilege of working with Ukulele Jake the last three years in the capacity of his Ukulele teaching residencies all across New York City’s five boroughs. His enthusiasm for the instrument and teaching has been unwavering. His performance and teaching skills have only sharpened. Together we have inspired hundreds—nay thousands— of people with heartfelt, passionate performances & teaching residencies.
Executive Director — Midori & Friends
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Ukulele Jake’s after-school guitar classes are an absolute gem! Jake brings boundless energy, patience, and passion to every session, making learning music feel like a joyful adventure. Whether your child is a total beginner or already strumming, Jake’s personalized approach helps every student build confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for playing. The progress is real—and the smiles are even bigger. Highly recommended for any young aspiring musician!
Assistant Principal — PS 207
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Ukulele Jake and the Ukulele School of NYC offer after-school ukulele classes that are nothing short of magical! Jake’s warmth, humor, and musical talent turn every class into a fun, confidence-boosting experience. Kids not only learn to play the ukulele—they fall in love with music. The program strikes the perfect balance of structure and creativity, making it a standout choice for families across the city. A true NYC treasure!
Assistant Principal — PS 84
What the Critics are Saying...
Maya C.
Youth Review
Zoom Lessons/ Virtual Summer Camp
“I have really enjoyed my ukulele lessons! I love how you can learn your favorite song and play it! I also love that you are able to be creative and make your own songs, too! My favorite song I learned is Riptide! My family really enjoys when I play the ukulele.”
“I have really enjoyed Ukulele with Jake! He is so sweet and always happy! When I started I knew nothing and now I am so much better! He taught me so many songs that I now love including La Vie En Rose! He takes kids on the subway to make money and have fun playing the Uke! He does not put pressure on you and sometimes he makes learning a new song into a fun game! My family loves hearing me playing the Uke! Thank you Jake, you are the BEST UKE TEACHER EVER!!!!!! 10 out of 5 stars. Really, Thank You.”
Alessia D.
Youth Review
Private Lessons
“Ukulele Jake is such an awesome teacher! I've only done zoom lessons with him and I'm very impressed with the way he makes students feel comfortable even virtually which can definitely be challenging sometimes. Jake is very patient and makes sure to always let you know that you are doing very well even when you get discouraged. He always asks for your opinions of songs and listens to what you like so you aren't playing songs that you aren't interested in. I love learning the ukulele with Jake and he has taught me so much in such a short period of time.”
Abby S.
Youth Review
Private Lessons
“Jake! He’s so much fun! He helped me accomplish my dream of playing uke outside and making $$$! We have so much fun! One of my favorite songs that I learned with him was Buttercup. I love to play that song with him. He taught me one of my favorite songs: LOVE. He taught it to me when I first started with him at age 7. I liked it so much that I decided to play it at a school concert, which he came to. I am so proud that he has taught me so many different chords and strumming patterns 😊 You’re the best, Jake!”
Amina J.
Youth Review
Zoom Lessons/ Virtual Summer Camp
“I have really enjoyed ukulele with Jake because he is so sweet and he makes it really fun and easy to learn. There's so many songs I enjoy playing with him especially because he lets me play some songs that I listen to, and has introduced me to so many more. The lessons are something I look forward to each week and I would highly recommend it!
Chiara N. G.
Adult Student
Zoom Lessons
“I love doing the ukulele lessons with Jacob. He’s a really nice person and a great teacher too. When I first joined, I didn’t know a single thing about a ukulele. I practically didn’t know what a ukulele was. But now I can play many different songs, and I can even read music!! My favorite songs to play are The Gambler by Kenny Rodgers and This Land is Your Land by Woody Guthrie.”
Vayden B.
Youth Review
Zoom Lessons/ Virtual Summer Camp
“I have learned how to play amazing chords and songs while singing. This is great because I want to be a singer and Jake is a great teacher. My favorite three songs to play and sing are Old Town Road, Cheap Thrills, and last but not least This Land. You should have Jake as your teacher because he is very nice and sweet.”
Mak P.
Youth Review
Zoom Lessons/ Virtual Summer Camp
Jim L.
Parent of Child Student
Private Lessons
"Ukulele Jake is a great human being and an amazing teacher. My 8 year old daughter has been studying with him for about 7 months now and her progress has been great. She’s changing chords fluently, strumming confidently, singing and playing at the same time, and performed solo at Jake’s annual recital in Prospect Park. Above all she is having fun and being creative. She looks forward to her lessons and her time within Jake. He has an incredible ability to connect with kids and adults alike. He’s the best."
Jeffery R.
Adult Student
Private Lessons
"Working with Jacob was better than I could've ever expected. He was super supportive and responsive. We hit the ground running with songs I had only dreamed of being able to play. On top of that, he gave me the confidence to perform for friends and family. I would 100% recommend him as a teacher."
Lauren W.
Adult Student
Private Lessons
"I had never played the ukulele, or any instrument for that matter, before meeting Jacob. I remember on our first lesson I learned three songs, which is three more than I ever expected to learn. From there, we would go back and forth each lesson learning a collection of songs from Beatles to Kinks to Stevie Wonder. My favorite thing about working with him is how patient, nurturing, funny, and supportive he is!"
“Jacob has a great disposition for teaching and a clear passion for the ukulele, which makes him the perfect teacher for this instrument! His lessons are fun and engaging, and he boosts his students with the confidence and the know-how needed to be successful. Thank you, Jacob!”
Elaine E.
Adult Student
Group Lessons
