Some questions you may have …
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All levels of experience.
The workshops and material will be geared towards confident beginners to Intermediate and Advanced players.
Confident beginners are players that know most of their first position chords and are comfortable with a handful of picking and strumming patterns. Though you do not need to read tablature, it will be beneficial to have basic understanding of it.
We will not have specific baritone instruction, but you are most welcome to bring your baritone for the jam sessions.
Standard tuning for ukuleles will be C6, and left handed players are welcome to attend.
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A Ukulele retreat is like a holiday where you get to step away from everyday life and immerse yourself in your passion. Unlike a festival the focus is on your personal development by creating specially crafted lesson plans that aim to enhance and add inspiration to your musical journey as well as offering time out for connection, exploration and rejuvenation.
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Your day will start with breakfast (if you’re staying at the Q Station) with a little time for a stroll around the historic venue. Mornings and early afternoons will be filled with small group workshops with our international tutors. Afternoons will have ensemble rehearsals, some free time and optional extra activities. In the evenings all our guests will share our dinner in a variety of venues over the course of the retreat which will be enhanced by mini concerts, group play a-longs and other exciting activities.
Non-playing partners will be welcome to join in as many activities as they wish
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We understand each participant is on their own ukulele journey. Sessions will be tailored to suit different levels and no matter which level you are at currently there is always room to expand and improve your knowledge and musicianship.
You will:
Explore different strum patterns and techniques for a range of genres including, but not limited to Hawaiian, classical and popular music This will spice up your rhythm and improve tonal qualities
Learn tips and tricks to add embellishments and interest to your sound through small breakout sessions
Gain solid foundations for playing riffs, finger picking styles and chord melodies. You will become more expressive in your playing and receive guidance on improving solo ukulele techniques
Experience the joy of playing in a ukulele orchestra. This will give you a deeper understanding of music theory and how musical groups can better work together
Above all you will be with like-minded enthusiasts, rubbing shoulders with world-class mentors and most importantly, having fun.
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Yes Absolutely! they are most welcome . This retreat doubles as a unique holiday getaway .We have designed a package add on for that very reason. You both dine together for all meals and join in social gatherings, concerts and Jam sessions - everything excluding the workshops . The Q Station venue provides regular shuttle services to and from Manly Beach - which is a fabulous place to explore. From Manly it is also easy to access the city and other Sydney attractions via the Harbour Ferry system or public transport.
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The Q Station is located in Manly, Sydney and is approximately a half hour from the city Centre. It is easily accessed from Sydney Airport (SYD) both domestic and international (about 30km). Free outdoor parking is provided for all guests and a complimentary shuttle service to and from Manly.
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Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full product details. Except to the extent required by law as a short cooling off period (7 days) , after December 1st there is no refund available for registrations and all registrations live at that time and thereafter that date are committing to pay the full balances as and when they fall due in March and August 2027. We recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover yourself for unforeseen circumstances after the Non-refundable period.
Should we cancel due to unforeseen circumstances on our side, we will refund any payments made (minus any transaction fees).
Payment plans can be arranged upon request.
PLEASE NOTE BALANCE PAYMENTS ARE ENFORCEABLE
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Absolutely. We will be sending all guests a questionnaire relating to dietary restrictions & preferences.
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The Retreat is all-inclusive package and encourages progressive learning. The Retreat is for guests who wish to participate in the entire event and we do not offer single day entry.
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Unfortunately no. Those wishing to opt for a twin share are responsible for finding their own room mate . Each participant is required to pay a deposit . Should one of those participants cancel, then the remaining guest can a) find a replacement room mate, or b) upgrade to a king Single.
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Kirkton Park is ramped with easy access to the main dining bar/restaurant and conference rooms. There is one room (Queen double) that provides complete wheelchair access . Please let us know if you have any specific requirements and we will do our best to accommodate you .
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Yes - this Retreat will have two attendance options. The first is to Stay n Play with bed, all meals, tuition and all activities included. The second option Day n Play is for Sydney residents who wish to attend all activities (including evening dinners, activities etc) but wish to sleep at home. See our Packages page for the pricing options. Single day options are not available.
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Whilst we don’t offer a travel agency service, there is soooo much to see in NSW. Start by looking at this web site for ideas. Sydney has many famous attractions (Bondi, Harbour Bridge climb, Opera House, Taronga Zoo etc) and accomodation is plentiful in either hotels or AirBnB etc https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do
Further afield you can take a flight to see the Great Barrier Reef in QLD, or jump down to Hobart in Tasmania to visit the MONA gallery. If you are really adventurous why not consider Margaret River in Western Australia, ( its a 4 hour flight so be prepared)
Still have questions?