Browsing category: Ukulele Stories

  • July 31, 2025

    Ukulele Stories: Sam Muir

    In this episode, Sam reveals how a guitar student’s curiosity sparked her own exploration of the ukulele and its enormous musical potential.

    She went on to become the first person in the world to do a PhD on the uke and is now one of the leading lights on the classical scene, both at home in the UK and internationally.

    We also chat about Sam’s love of the Madeiran machete, ukulele techniques she recommends to players of all levels, and some surprising Aussie connections!

    Happy listening,

    Cameron Murray

    samanthamuir.com

    iloveclassicalukulele.com

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  • June 30, 2025

    Ukulele Stories: Shawn Yacavone

    To most people, the ukulele is simply an easy-to-play social instrument. But to Shawn Yacavone, it’s much more important than that. To him, it’s a powerful cultural icon and a vital link to the Kingdom of Hawaii.

    Shawn spends a lot of time finding and acquiring historic and significant instruments, with a view to one day opening a ukulele museum and research library.

    “My contribution is in the area of repatriating – bringing the instruments back to Hawaii, restoring them, and then sharing the sound,” he explains.

    We had a fantastic chat and I highly recommend you stick around until the end for a very special surprise!

    Happy listening,

    Cameron Murray

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